Best Of
Re: Can we have a forum for "older" people with bc?
Chris, "Waiting in the Wing-Tips?" "You're My Sole and My Instep-ration?"
Well, when it rais, it pours. Bob went to work today (covering for his colleague who with 6 kids is always on vacation to Disney World). He came home, I was tired from sorting through stuff and cat care. I fell asleep in front of the TV about 6pm; he awakened me at 6:45 from the little brewpub/bakery next to Walgreen's up the street—he asked me what I wanted him to bring home and I told him.
Not half an hour later the phone rang—his name on the caller ID. But it wasn't him—it was a neighbor in front of whose house he'd fallen. He was bleeding pretty badly. so I ran out (in my PJs & a hoodie) and the neighbors were walking him toward me.. I called 911. He'd been pulling his house keys out of his pocket but the car key fob fell out. When he bent down to pick it up, his legs got weak and he face-planted. He insisted he was okay (he is stubbornly stoic), but his nose was streaming blood, he had abrasions all over his cheekbone and a growing "goose egg" on his upper forehead. The paramedics & I convinced him to go to the ER to rule out fractures, a concussion or a brain bleed. I followed about 10 minutes behind (had to make sure the cats hadn't escaped. When I got to the hospital. they were backed up outrageously—even though I arrived after they did, they still hadn't assigned him a room. It looked a lot worse than it was: nose laceration didn't need suturing, abrasions & contusions weren't bleeding, and imaging was normal. He was cleared to drive to work tomorrow (covering for that colleague) and panicked at the suggestion that if he didn't have a colleague to cover him, had he taken tomorrow off he would (at 76) be forced into retirement. And with all the non-covered fire-aftermath expenses and having to help Gordy through the split, cashflow would be threatened. Besides, he loves his job.
Speaking of Gordy, we co-signed his lease on a below-market rate 1 BR in a midrise luxury remtal apt. in a new building that ocupies what had been the parking lot of a moribund hospital. Unassisted, he could afford only a studio—and a 41-rear old with a dog and a large collection of music & books would look in a studio like Andre the Giant in a Smart Car.
No fractures or sutures necessary. X-ray Negative for everything but cervical spine OA (he knew that). And CT scan negative for concussion. I will stop tempting God by saying "well, it could be worse…"
chisandy
Re: My Husband, My Life, My Love, My Family, My Cancer
Oh how wonderful we get another hour of sleep. Haha, bet everyone is up and at it same time. Poor dogs wouldn't understand not going for walk and pee if we changed schedules. Not to mention @mara51506 kitties. They will certainly meow up a storm if you try to take advantage of that extra hour sleep. Personally I dislike daylight savings time.
I caught up on what's going on with my sweet friends. Oh how I love that @tanya_djamila had the thrill of visiting Japan. Wishing you great memories to keep for a lifetime.
Results on nuclear bone scan from portal today. SKULL: faint osteoblastic focus left posterior calvarium likely reflecting a metastatic focus. Patchy sclerosis seen in region on prior ct of head. RESPONSE: Well last trip to MO he was studying that prior ct of head and patchy b.s. I asked straight out if it could be the occipital bone from when I was first diagnosed with MBC. He said possibly. So I'm not too upset about this, plus I did read differential diagnosis could be Multiple Sclerosis. It's running rampant thru my body as I am not on any meds for it. Neuro said Ibrance will do a fine job, only problem is I've been off Ibrance since Oct. 6. Also mentioned prior childhood trauma that could have been found incidentally. I fit that profile to a T.
Next was Multifocal osseous blastic metastatic disease involving proximal femurs and pelvis. Response: Yeah I know, been diagnosed since MBC of 2023. I just complained that my right femur is very painful. Maybe time to radiate it?? No big surprises here, just more pain. Any guesses if I stay on Ibrance or no?? I'm not sure any of this is considered major progression or not. @eleanora It sounds like we both are dealing with skull mets here. In your pocket for a quick resolution.
What beautiful memories you all shared about your Mama's. It warmed my heart greatly. I lost my Mama in 1992 to breast cancer. She was 55. I recall lying in a fetal position crying that I needed her one last time. Then I was able to regain that strength that we all need to carry on.
Here's to a cool, crisp November. Loving tea and biscuits and pumpkin pie and bright red apples.
In pockets my dear friends, for all your needs.
Irishlove
Re: My Husband, My Life, My Love, My Family, My Cancer
@tanya_djamila Japan certainly sounds amazing, glad you enjoyed your trip, hoping for some cool pictures if you have them.
@cookie54 You are right, talking to him felt good. SIL has never been a chatty Cathy when it comes to phone convos anyway, more of a texting gal. I did enjoy our conversation. Glad the DEXA worked for you.
I must say, I will be subbing in black beans here and there as the main meal the way I made it today using chopper with cheese and frying up the ground beef like mix. It is still in my mind and still delicious. The second meal or snack as it were was the peanut butter mixed with honey nut cheerios, new addiction to that.
My birthday is on the 11th this month and coincides with a restaurant here called Swiss Chalet, they offer a festive special which includes rotisserie chicken, can get white or dark meats, a salad or fries, scoop of stuffing and dessert added. It is good and a step up from the regular. I will see as the day approaches.
Re: My Husband, My Life, My Love, My Family, My Cancer
@tanya_djamila Wow Japan sounds fabulous! So glad you truly enjoyed your trip. Im sure it was well worth the Tylenol and heating pad remedy! Hope you’re home safely.
@mara51506 Glad to hear you and DB had a nice heart warming conversation. Sometimes we just need to speak from our hearts. Thanks for the well wishes on my Dexa, it worked! My numbers improved so should be able to stay on Prolia.
@chicagoan @eleanora @intolight Thinking of you ladies and your recent struggles sending strength and positivity your way. Hugs
Oh how we all miss our mom’s it’s a whole in our heart that never closes.😔
cookie54
Re: My Husband, My Life, My Love, My Family, My Cancer
@irishlove In your pocket, I am sorry about the pneumonia but glad you finished the antibiotics. I am sorry for the whackamole sort of treatment for you and empathize with the unease of a low doses of a drug that still give SE for you to deal with. In pocket as well for the PET scan, hope the epdural is at least dealing with any pain for now.
Honoring Beckie Child
We are deeply saddened to share that Beckie Child has passed away.
Although her breast cancer remained in full remission, her metastatic colon cancer progressed. Beckie was an extraordinary member of our community—always offering thoughtful support, sharing her knowledge generously, and uplifting others through every stage of treatment and beyond.
She was a passionate advocate, an inspiring educator, and a truly remarkable person. Her warmth, wisdom, and genuine care touched so many lives here.
We are profoundly grateful for all that she gave to this community. Her spirit and compassion will continue to guide and inspire us.
Here is a place to honor Beckie and share your memories with our community.
Re: My Husband, My Life, My Love, My Family, My Cancer
Mara……loving you from a far. I’m so sorry cancer is so annoying. Hugs for my friend….
Goldens~did I read your brother has passed? I am dearly sorry. I can even imagine. When my sister got cancer also. I got so afraid, both of our parents are gone.
Hello to Shana. Elenanora progression just plain sucks. One day at a time with that. I am in all pockets.
i understand how difficult things are sometimes, that is not lost on me at all. I know that my family isn’t the only one in the trenches. Love to all that need it.
Mara, serious hug your way. Squeeze you like a tomato!
micmel
Re: My Husband, My Life, My Love, My Family, My Cancer
Tanya! Japan??? I’m impressed you go girl. That’s exciting. Pics?? Glad your back safely . Wow!
micmel
Re: How long have you been Stage IV?
I was wondering if you wonderful ladies on here who have had mastectomies could tell me what to expect before and after and tips on anything I might need beforehand. I go see my oncologist on Tuesday Nov 4th. The results of PET haven’t changed and she mentioned surgery to me. So I’m just trying to get prepared. Thank you should also mention that I would have double mastectomy.
ssales13
Re: Who's starting Radiation in November 2025? Let's gather here to share!
Hi all, I just finished partial breast (5 treatments) yesterday. Just wanted to share some tips if you’re getting started this month. I would add too every person and situation is different, so knowing yourself and what you need will hopefully make things run smoother.
I work full time in the medical field, so having afternoon appts worked well for me. After treatment I was able to go home, lotion up, keep my bra off and relax. I also had a 30 mile drive from work to treatment, and then from treatment home. Having a snack and water for the drive home made me feel better.
Use whatever lotion your RO recommends but also what works for your skin type. I’m very fair skinned and started skin reddening after the first treatment. Basic Eucerin lotion, which has a thin consistency so easy to apply, is working best for me.
I was told I wouldn’t have fatigue until AFTER treatment was done. But I’ve had fatigue since I started radiation. It may be because I am still working full time, but I had an expectation I’d been ok during treatment and that has not been the case for me.
Sending good vibes to anyone starting rad treatment this month! ❤️
nope123