Me and Bugsy

[Barbteeth]

Although I’m a bit down in the dumps recently as I have progression and need radiotherapy

I got on my horse this morning and rode out with vanessa...felt a million dollars after but a bit sore but it was worth it

Barb xx

[Wintervt]

Hi Barb,

Love this picture, you look really happy! When are you scheduled for your radiotheraphy? My radiation oncologist suggested SABR radiation for the two new spots on my bones, thinking I may take her up on it.

xo Jade

[Barbteeth in reply to Wintervt]

Thanks Jade

I’m always happy on a horse....it’s muddy and cold though

The sabre got rid of my liver met in July so hopefully it’ll get rid of the other two mets as well

Good luck with your treatment...I’d go for it...side effects don’t last forever and you might be lucky and not have any

Barb xx

[Godbeforme in reply to Barbteeth]

I was just thinking how there is just SOMETHING about a horse and how much our Father in heaven must adore them, it's a spiritual experience interacting with a horse, is it not? You are blessed to have such a joy in your life! xo

[Barbteeth in reply to Wintervt]

Hi Jade

I start radiotherapy on January 6th....ugh what a start to 2020 but at least I’m telling myself I might be normal for spring/summer

Barb xx

[Red1246 in reply to Barbteeth]

I never had discomfort or pain with radiation - both times I had it. The only side effect was being tired towards the end of treatment. I think you’ll do just fine. ❤️

[Barbteeth in reply to Red1246]

I hope I do better than last time it was awful...exhausted

Barb xx

[Red1246 in reply to Barbteeth]

Yes really tired, but I’d take that over lots of other potential and nasty side effects.

Hoping the best for you! 🙏🏻

[nstonerocks]

Barb

I’m right there with how you are feeling. But you have grit! You look radiant. I love the trend on this board with sharing photos. Really makes our posts and stories more personal. Good luck with treatment and may it kick this damn cancer in the derrière. As we say here, you go, girl!

[Barbteeth in reply to nstonerocks]

Aww thanks Nancy

I know some ladies don’t like the photo thing but I love to see other people’s pics...makes me feel like we’re human...not just cancer patients

Barb xx

[nstonerocks in reply to Barbteeth]

Exactly. Since I’ve spent the last month with plus doing almost nothing but cancer, I’m really going stir crazy. I feel like I should have a sign around my neck, “cancer patient.” Maybe a little histrionic, but I cannot wait till next Tuesday when I can come home and be a person

[Godbeforme in reply to nstonerocks]

maybe you'll like this, I think you will! <3 Cheering you on to get better and get home soon! xo

funkypotato.com/scrabble-on...

[Barbteeth in reply to nstonerocks]

As Dorothy said ‘There’s no place like home’

Roll on Tuesday!!... I admire you for coping with being away from home....it’s bad enough without doing that

You’re a supergirl

Barb xx

[nstonerocks in reply to Barbteeth]

Not really. I’m a wimp at heart

[Sunnydrinking in reply to nstonerocks]

Hi

I hope all your treatment has been successful. Not long now until you get home. Make sure you take it easy & don’t overdo things ....

You’re a very brave lady & bring humour into your writing despite the big C! Thank you

Jo xx

[nstonerocks in reply to Sunnydrinking]

Thank you. Don’t feel brave. Just stubborn and this is what I have to do to keep going. Although the side affects of radiation and chemo are affecting me, I have thru the 23 rd. Then I am so out of there. I have that dark Irish humor. Guess it can be a gift. Yesterday had a Reiki session and then went for a 2 mile walk. Pretty good compared to how I spent my week. My poor husband is doing all the tasks of daily living like shopping, cleaning, errands. One more week, Ladies. Let’s hope the results will be spectacular. 💕

[Hidden in reply to nstonerocks]

I'm also hoping your results are spectacular!

[mariootsi in reply to nstonerocks]

So glad you are going home Tuesday! Take care Nancy! You are amazing.

Love,

Marianne

[SeattleMom in reply to nstonerocks]

Love and prayers coming your way! ❤️🙏🏻

[Gwennie123 in reply to Barbteeth]

I agree

[diamags in reply to Barbteeth]

...just to put in my 2 cents... I like the photos!

[Godbeforme]

Beautiful! so glad your spirits were lifted! ty for sharing and oh, YOU GOT THIS! <3 xo God bless you and Merry Christmas!

[Barbteeth in reply to Godbeforme]

Thank you...I love my horses and it’s something vanessa can share with me...we have a good ride and a gossip!!!.. and the other ladies at the stables are so sweet to me...we’re a nice bunch...horse mad and always scruffy and dirty this time of the year!

Merry Christmas

Barb XX

[Hidden]

Hi Barb,

You and Vanessa look great on your horses. I'm glad you got out and rode. It's important to keep doing things that mean something to you. I hope that the radiotherapy goes well.

Take care,

Sophie x

[DinNorCal]

Those are smiles of pure joy. Glad you got out and got to enjoy the ride.

God Bless,

Debbie

[Andersl]

Hi barb

Your hobby makes you happy its clear to see.

I admire your positive thinking about being over the radiotherapy by spring. That will be a great time to be riding and i look forward to seeing an updated photo of you out riding then

Best wishes

Lou x

[Barbteeth]

Oh well that’s my plan anyway but who knows with this hideous disease

All the best to you

Barb xx

[Pbsoup]

Love it! SO glad you were able to hack out. He looks like quite a solid, handsome boy. Looks like you're having very English weather though...

My daughter is home from university (year abroad in London actually) and we had riding lessons yesterday and are just back from our barn's Christmas brunch, so quite a lot of horsey fun.

[Barbteeth in reply to Pbsoup]

Bugsy is a British Warnblood so he can be silly and spooky sometimes but that’s part of his charm...good dressage horse...I hate that I’ve had to stop competing but as you said at least I’ve hacked out so glad I can manage that

My other daughter (not the one in the pic) now lives in London...Crystal palace...she misses riding so much but can ride over Christmas when she’s home

You must have really missed your daughter and how brilliant to have a lesson...horsey girls are the best!!

Barb xx

[Hidden]

You look like you are having fun. I’m glad you can still get on your horse. Looks like fun.

[Barbteeth in reply to Hidden]

It is when Bugsy behaves himself!!

Barb xx

[Hidden in reply to Barbteeth]

😂

[Teddielottie]

A lovely pic ! Glad you continue to enjoy your riding ! xx

[Hidden]

Oh Barb I’m so happy to see you riding. I know this gives you great joy. Than you for sharing.

[Sunnydrinking]

Hi Barb

A beautiful picture and thanks so much for sharing it with us. Well done you, brave lady.

Hope your soreness is easing.

Jo xx

[Evaf]

Great pic! Glad you are out and about and enjoying yourself. xx

[NShaft]

Doing what we love is a good reminder that we aren't just the cancer. I feel like cancer is my "job" but it isn't who I am. Besides, horse people are the best people! There is nothing like the smell of a barn and leather to chase the blues away.

[Lovemylakie]

What a great picture. So happy you were riding. I am jealous. Glad you are feeling better.😊🐴

[Justme153]

You look so happy !!! I have a dear friend who loves horses also. I told you about her and her fall. She is really struggling cause she loves her horse but everyone ( including herself deep down) is telling her the horse is too skittish for her to ride. She smashed her hip on the last fall and can't take a chance on another. She was in tears knowing she may need to sell her horse and get one that is more calm. So glad to see you out and enjoying life doing what you love . You go girl!!!!

[Barbteeth in reply to Justme153]

I know how she must feel but self preservation is more important!!!

Once a horse knows you’re wary they will take the upper hand...she’ll find a nice new one

Hard though when you love them

Barb xx

[hopenowandtomorrow]

So happy 😃 to see you happy 😃 Barb! ❤️🙏❤️🌈

[Barbteeth in reply to hopenowandtomorrow]

Thank you so much

Barb xx

[Hidden]

Wow, what a great pic for me to see first thing this morning! It's been so long since I've done any of those things that give you that great feeling of motion...riding, skiing, ice skating! Not that I was great at any of them (!) but even as a novice could get that physical thrill! Good for you!!

I actually think pretty often about ice skating, but I'm afraid for the bones. I'll ask my doc and then decide whether or not to take her advice. I figure I can hire a coach (babysitter?) to like hold my hand (I'm really not skilled). Before I was diagnosed, my colleague/friend and I hired a coach to teach us to skate at lunchtime. In our early 40's, we'd decided that we just wanted to have that sensation of twirling! It was great fun and exercise! Do you do anything to protect your bones? My largest lesion is in my tailbone, which feels especially vulnerable on the ice....I wonder if there's some sort of cushioning I can use?

Enjoy!

Lynn

[Barbteeth in reply to Hidden]

Hi Lynn

I wear an air vest which is attached to my saddle so if I part company with my horse it inflates by the time I hit the ground...it’s fitted with an air canister ...it’s very light and comfortable...won’t stop me breaking a limb but protects my spine and major organs...have to remember to unclip it when I jump off or it’ll go off and probably give Bugsy a heart attack!!!

You can buy body protectors...I have one but it’s not very comfortable that’s why I bought the air vest ( after a nasty fall pre mbc)

Barb xx

[Barbteeth in reply to Hidden]

I think you should go skating!!

Barb xx

[mariootsi]

Oh good, Barb! You look just wonderful on Bugsy! YOU both look happy! So nice to share with Vanessa.

When are you scheduled for SABR?

Let us know how it goes.

[Barbteeth in reply to mariootsi]

SABR first week of January...going to Birmingham on Thursday for a 4D scan...bit of a palaver but necessary

Barb xx

[mariootsi in reply to Barbteeth]

I wish you well! Take care.

Love,Marianne

[Barbteeth in reply to mariootsi]

Sweet of you

Barb xx

[SeattleMom]

What a GREAT PHOTO!! Beautiful! ❤️👍❤️

[Barbteeth in reply to SeattleMom]

Thank you...those woods where we ride are very ancient...there’s a lodge there where Nell Gwynn lived when she was Charles 2nd mistress... lots of history...can be spooky at twilight and supposed to be haunted!!

Barb xx

[SeattleMom in reply to Barbteeth]

Ironic! My twin sister and I boarded in a B & B in Denver this past weekend. Apparently stories that this big mansion is haunted (The Lumber Baron Inn), but we didn't hear a board creak the entire time (although there was that shadow in the corner). LOL!

Love to you, Barb!

Linda XXOO

[hdhonda]

Barb,

You two look beautiful. I am glad you got a nice ride. Good luck with the radiotherapy. Blessings Hannah

[Barbteeth in reply to hdhonda]

So kind Hannah

Thank you

Barb xx

[8576]

Lovely looking pair of steeds! Do you keep your horse for pleasure riding or did you do some shows? I never was a rider per se but my sister has a grandaughter who did eventing with her horse, Ed. (Flying Tiger) He is up for sale now as Jaime is off to University but he is very talented and they did quite well together.

Cheers, June S.

[Barbteeth in reply to 8576]

Hi June

I used to go hunting until about 6 years ago as Monty ( the chestnut in the pic) was getting too old and I was scared we would have an accident or he would be injured

I did dressage competitions with Bugsy and loved that...it’s 2 years since I competed due to back pain...which was due to bone mets ugh!!

I just hack out now as best I can but I’m always in pain and my energy is low but I ride when I’m having a good day...not as confident as I used to be

Barb xx

[8576 in reply to Barbteeth]

I really admire the dressage exercises. It is the ultimate connection between horse and rider. 'Ed' was progressing wonderfully in dressage in a short time. We were all amazed because he came off the racetrack and then took to Eventing with no problem. Of course Jaime was a very talented rider and they were wonderful to watch in action. The great thing about Ed was he was 'bomb proof' as the saying goes. He just loved being out there. My sister and I loved to watch them perform. Such a treat.

I hope your confidence comes back and they can find some relief for you. Pain is so debilitating. Wishing you all the best and a great holiday season.

Cheers, June S.

[Barbteeth in reply to 8576]

Thank you June for your lovely post

I wish you all the best and a lovely merry Christmas

Barb xx

[8576]

Just reading some of the replies. Sounds like you did some showing. Great picture. Thanks for sharing.

June S.

[SunshineBoss]

So glad you were able to ride your horse! It helps you mentally. ❤️

[Barbteeth in reply to SunshineBoss]

That is so true....my thighs hurt though!!

Barb xx