how about drinking?
Comments
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Jazzy, insurance didn't pay for Zostavax before age 60, because that was the minimum age for which CDC found it appropriate. (I was 61, and my insurer purportedly didn't pay for it but I went out of pocket anyway. Apparently, it did because a couple of months later I got a rebate check for the full amount from Merck).
Shingrix is recommended for all adults over 50, whether or not they've had shingles, received Zostavax, or remember having had chickenpox. The varicella (chickenpox) vaccine was not available before the mid-1990s, so it's a safe bet that almost nobody over age 40 received it. But 99% of adults over 40 either had chickenpox itself or were exposed and carry the virus, which when it emerges from dormancy in adulthood manifests as shingles unless an effective shingles vaccine had been administered. (Both diseases are caused by the varicella zoster--a type of herpes--virus, but for some reason the chickenpox vaccine is ineffective in adults who've previously been exposed to varicella and will therefore not protect against shingles).
Many insurers cover at least part of the Shingrix vaccine, and Medicare Part D plans cover half. ($80 per shot co-pay, two shots 2-6 months apart). It is considered a "drug" rather than a "treatment," which is why Part B (and private supplements) don't cover it.
May I ask what meds your doctor prescribed for your pre-diabetes?
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Hi girls, long time no see! I'm going to jump in and tell ya'll what's going on with me, post and then go back and read. I've tried so many times doing it the other way around and I always get interrupted, save the post and never get back and then it's all outdated. I've missed you all and think of you girls all the time. So here goes, Nora is 4 years old now, can you believe it?? How the heck did that happen? She's cute as can be and still a bundle of energy. We just adopted a new puppy, we weren't looking, I guess it's more like he found us. He's a Havanese which I think translates to little ball of fur. Also a little ball of energy, I will post pics, have a new computer, Microsoft instead of Apple and I'm still trying to figure it out since I've been an Apple user for over a decade and this is pretty foreign to me, I may have to post pics from my phone. I'm still working in the retirement home doing hair 3 days a week. I have the flu right now, day number 3 so I missed work for the first time in as long as I can remember. So now for the BC chit. Some of you may remember that I started going to Heidi's onc on the east side of Cleveland, (I live on the west side so he's about 40 minutes away). I can hear Lori saying, "yea, big deal, the point of that?" Anywho, he's been doing the TM's and all have been normal with the exception of my CEA. Normal is 0-2.5, six months ago mine was 3.1. Not really anything to give much thought to, he just said we'd repeat like normal in six months. So about a week before my last appointment I noticed a lump just above my mastectomy scar, I thought it was probably scar tissue and I pointed it out to him during my regular six month check-up. He did not think it felt like scar tissue and since my BS moved out of state he told my to go to my PS and see what he thought. He didn't like it either and sent me for an ultrasound which came back abnormal. They tried to do a mammogram but my foob is hard as a rock from all the rads and it just wouldn't work. So they decided I needed a biopsy but because I take baby aspirin every day they said I'd have to be off it for 5 days before they could do it. So I came back after 5 days and the radiologist says she's not comfortable doing a biopsy because the mass is sitting right on the implant and she's afraid she could rupture it. So she decides to order a breast MRI but it take 7 days to get pre-certed by insurance company. PHEW..... so that's where I am! I made an appointment with a new breast surgeon and I see her today at 3. I'm having the MRI on Wednesday, my latest CEA came back and it's 4.8. Now to top this all off, I am having a total knee replacement on February 14th, which coincidentally enough is 4 years to the day since my original BC dx. For the 5 days I was off the aspirin... waiting I was a bundle of nerves and hovering around the wabbit hole but now I'm fine. Whatever happens I can't change and I'd rather stay focused on the knee surgery. So there you have it, missed you girls, going to read today while I'm sitting here with my flu bug and catch up on your lives... have a good day, love ya!
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Ill, good for you on the run. Like Jazzy said, keep us in the know!
Sandy, lol at the senior ladies not wanting another woman around! Sorry about the vaccine site, and hoping it doesn't become a problem.
Oh wow Jazzy, shingles during treatment!
Off to town this morning!
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Hi friends- happy Groundhog Day. I hear that we have more winter coming. Here in NM, we are desperate for moisture and okay with that. Some of you may not be though?
Chi- I take a couple drugs for my blood sugar issues. I started on metformin with my PCP in 2013 and did that for several years, and did okay with it. Then when I went to see the endocrinologist in 2015 to work on the weight issues, she put me on a daily injectable called Victoza. The Victoza really helped my cholesterol and trigylercides, but nothing really changed with the blood sugar daily readings or AIC results. I initially lost about 5 lbs on the Victoza that fall. Then she changed me to Trulicity shots that compliment the metformin. That started to really drop my weight and dropped another 20 on that in six months last year. Then she changed one more thing to a drug called Xigduo early last year too. Xigduo is a new combo drug, something called Farxiga and 1000 mg of metformin. The Farxiga helps blood pressure & protects the kidneys too. I was able to lower my dose of licinopril for BP issues as a result of the benefits of the Farxiga. So now it is the Xigduo (daily) and the Trulicity (weekly) for my sugar issues. My Xigduo is not covered by insurance, but get it through a coupon. Trulicity is covered with a $25 co-pay.
My doctor sister thinks I have been somewhat over treated for diabetes, but does understand the endocrin has done this to help ensure my blood sugar did not go sky high on the AI drugs as it was trending, and to also get some balance in my system that has allowed me to loose weight. I put on 30 lbs in 6 months on the AIs in 2013 (ugh). There is a hope that after I come off the hormone suppression drugs, I may be able to come off or at least reduce some of these blood sugar meds. My fasting glucose is down in the 70's now, and after meals, barely goes above 100. The endocrin says my diabetes is likely secondary to the AIs, but we won't know until I really come off the drugs and see how change or not? There is a chance I may just move to a low dose of metformin with time. If my blood sugar starts really dropping after I come off the AIs in March, I may go in for a check in and med adjustment before my next check in planned for June. Hope this is helpful to you?
Genny- good to hear from you sister, but sorry to hear of your troubles. I hope you can get your MRI done and that this is nothing of concern. I think they are smart to not needle biopsy and cause another issue for you. And your knee replacement surgery is on the horizon. Sending you much love for good outcomes here sister.
So glad to hear Nora is still a joy for you! Is she still a little fashionista too?
Goldie- I took a walk late yesterday and it felt more like April here than February. I bet you know what I mean. I would like to see more winter and snow here (sigh).
Hope everyone has a good slide into the weekend!
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Good Morning, Loungettes!Happy TGIF day! Sadie and I had a lovely sleep in, got up to an inch and a half of new snow, still coming down, very, very pretty. Apparently causing problems on the roads, though. Finished up my first class yesterday, the students seemed pretty happy with everything. I really think they will do well on their licensing exam. I've got a whole list of things to do to make the next class go better. Got one of those items checked off already, stopped at a Dollar Tree and picked up a small container and filled it with "Comfort Pack" items--a few tylenol, lip balm, couple of band aides, small tube of hand lotion, small pack of tissues. Still need to put in some vending machine money and cough drops in, then drop it into my big class stuff bag.Can't wait for the next class!
Illi--Are you watching the original X- Files?I heard there were plans for a remake, didn't know if it was showing yet or if it ever got past the planning stage. That Wicked Wine Run looks like fun! How long is 5K in miles? About 3? Ending a run with a donut sounds like good incentive to me!
Chi--Based on my observations while in nursing homes the little old ladies do like the male performers, especially if he flirts with them a bit. Or a lot. Actually, the more the better! I hope the A1c stays out of the diabetic range. I suppose I need to be thinking about that at my age, too. My last fasting blood sugar was just a hair over the top limit, like by one point. Interesting about Zostavax. Funny I didn't hear anything about that while I was working with Immunization Clinic.Boy, that Shingrix is expensive!
Genny!!! Holy, Schmoly, how did Nora get to be FOUR YEARS OLD?????? I've been following your pics on FB, she is still absolutely Anorable. But all the back and forth about the bump and the biopsy, what the hey? And a total knee replacement? You are busy!! Staying focused on the knee replacement sounds like a good strategy for getting through. But please be sure to come back after you get the biopsy results and let us know what is going on! I'll be worrying about (and praying for) you!
Jazzy--yup, Phil says 6 more weeks of winter. We're certainly not behind in the moisture area, and have even has some early season flooding from the ice jams that the alternating above and below freezing temps are causing.
NM's DOTD:
Friday Cocktail
3/4 oz rum (white)
- 3/4 oz mango syrup
- 1/4 mango
- 1/4 oz lime juice
Prepare mango fruit with rum and syrup in a blender with crushed ice. Strain into a large highball glass, and fill with crushed ice. Squeeze in a lime wedge, and serve.
Serve in "Highball Glass"
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1-24-18
Hello DahhhLinks,
It is 7p here, am having my 'nite-nite' dwink. 'Stoli on rocks w/Spanish olives n a smidge of olive juice. Otherwise known as a 'dirty vodka martini'. Usually my Dwink is taKilYa, but I found these olives in my pantry and well, rest is history.
I have been thinking of all my breasties and of our BCO. I am finally sending in my pledge to be a sustaining member, as without them and you all, I'd b a gonner.
Don't kno really why I'm sitting here typing as I don't know what to say. Perhaps something will 'pop up' in this weary mind of mine.
I used to b such a constant and kinda funny sumtimes too on the thread,….hello Sue, where r u?? I think this often, like I'm lost. I feel lost but act thru it, put on airs. Am sure most, if not all, of you understand. At the same time, I kno who,what,where,why.(heavy sigh) and I c me rite there, in the thick of it, pretending, acting.
Any of you ever feel this way? I hope ya'll don't think ill of me as I stumble thru this. And, NO, I am not drunk, depressed-maybe, but not drunk.
Hey….MELONCOLY, that's the best word that describes my bs right now.
I think my DD and DS are taking turns coming out here to Mesq to see me 1 day a week (Sat or Sun). So once every 2-weeks, 1 kid comes to check up on mama? Tis sweet actually and am happy to have them around me. I am Blest and will not ever forget it, just as I feel about all of u.
2-2-18
I'm finished with most of my pre-op tests. Have not heard results yet so maybe all OK.
Going to meet my new MO (1 I was seeing retired, boohoo) and PS this month. Also going to meet with the BS on 2-13. She will be pleased to hear that I have finally quit smoking. My last cig was 1-12 (my mom wud be 87 on this day) and I do feel better already. I still miss them and almost bumbed OP from a gal at the dog park this morn.
BUT I DIDN'T…yay yay.
Need to get my shower…will try and poop in more often.
Lubslubslubslubs and lots of prayers to all of you.
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Hey Memasue, nice to see you. I’m sure no one thinks ill of you in any way at any time. We’re human, we’ve got ups and downs and we’re stumbling through a pile of bc crap. Congrats on the not smoking, it’s super tough, I know.
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Glad you've checked in with us, Sue, but sorry to hear you're despondent. Circumstances can certainly throw us down into the dumps. (If it's actually depression, which is biochemical, maybe you can discuss medication with your care team).
Mary, fingers crossed that you get the MRI approved and it shows only something harmless.
Jazzy, Kim, just got my labs back. Iron & iron binding capacity still below normal, ferritin & reticulocytes very low-normal but better than in July. But my a1c? With all my dietary misdeeds, it's down to 5.9--the best it's been in over two years. So it looks like daily iron will be an OTC maintenance-med for me. Feosol Complete is much pricier than either ferrous sulfate (which plugs me up worse than an opioid and gives me stomach pangs) and about twice the price of ferrous gluconate (constipating w/o belly pain, but a true PITA to time in relation to meals, needs Vit. C, and needs to be taken twice a day). But the heme-iron that is part of the Feosol Complete is readily-absorbed and the ferrous polysaccharide which is the other part is gentle on my gut. Waiting to hear if any further anti-anemia testing will be necessary, given that my hemoglobin is back "above the line" at 12.2 (still unacceptable to donate blood, but they won't take donations until you've been off all cancer treatments--even AIs--for five years).
Unfortunately, the red patch is spreading downward, about 1-1/2" below the bottom marks the nurse made yesterday. Still warm, but doesn't look swollen. Last night it had extended 1/2" downward, but my PCP messaged me back that the timeline is too soon post-injection to be cellulitis, and if it were cellulitis, the injection point would be at its center--not 2" "north" of the upper edge of the redness. My temp is still below 98. And it feels a tad bit itchy, but not enough to scratch. I have permission to take an NSAID (one Aleve at bedtime, and Celebrex at noon) plus 2 bedtime Tylenol till it fades away. He's done some reading (as have I) about very similar reactions to DTaP, TDaP, and Prevnar 13 shots that were erroneously treated as cellulitis, with antibiotics having no effect (well, duh). He says it sounds like a reaction, and a not-uncommon one at that (which may be reported more often as more patients receive Shingrix--which didn't hit drugstores till last week); and to keep him posted. If it gets too itchy I might pop a Benadryl at bedtime, instead of my Xanax.
Not sure what to drink tonight because I'm not sure what to cook. Was going to attend the First Friday songwriter circle at the Old Town School of Folk Music, but it's just too cold out there. (Also, parking is a bee-yotch). Were I to do that, I'd probably have to take an Uber and have a snack before I go and a light bite & a small drink (maybe a N.A. beer) with others in the circle afterward. If I stay home, I will probably defrost and cook some salmon and have Morgon with it. (Ordered in pizza last night but drank just decaf).
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Tonights music choice is the Temptations, all the way back to 1972 (when i was in junior high school). Dennis Edwards who was the lead singer on this song passed today.
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Mary, looks like we bumped each other into the pool! I'm glad to hear that you are trying to keep the worrying at bay. As you are so right, it changes NOTHING! You have no idea how many times I have to tell myself that. My doctor says he really doesn't look at the CEA TM, as it doesn't necessarily relate to breast cancer. And maybe it went up because you were sick? LOL at having to drive 40 minutes to the doctors. I can't even get to a grocery store that fast! So we are waiting to have MRI on Wednesday, right? We shall be right there with you.
Jazzy, looks like you are getting that sugar down. I too gained a bunch of weight when on AI's. I am perfectly fine with our weather, my thermometer on Thursday actually got up to 77. I don't care on bit about colder weather or seeing any snow. However YES, we do NEED it!
LDB, what a great way to use up those olives girl. Das some smart tinkin! I know EXACTLY what you mean about "acting" through it. Cuz I do it! I guess it makes me feel like I'm being "strong". This place and you girls, well it's like this is my safe haven. Congrats on the no smoking. Like I said before, I'm sure it helps that DH quit as well.
Sandy, glad your blood work was ok. I'm surprised they would take blood at all from a cancer patient. I wouldn't even donate. Hoping that redness and itching go away soon.
NM, glad you got to stay home with the weather being a bit iffy. Again, I can sense the excitement in your voice about teaching. As for Mary, I don't believe there is going to be a biopsy, as it would be too close to her implant. Instead, they are doing an MRI.
Talking about meds. Fortunately I don't have to pay anything, but….. My monthly shot of Xgeva is $2000.00 and the same for 2 weeks of FU pills. So About $5000.00 a month! Went to the movies yesterday, saw "Hostiles". It was sad, but good, based on a true story. Transplanting tomatoes into solo cups today, as they are getting too big for the little 8 packs.
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Good morning friends- on my way to my sat am yoga class and hope the teacher shows up today. Last week, she was a no show and the folks at the community center had no idea what was going on? Well, that is what you get with free, right? I did swim yesterday and back to my 70 laps (regular routine) and plan to swim tomorrow again while everyone is watching football.
Chi- congrats on your blood work. That A1C is really at a good place, and don't think you will need anything. They start paying more attention to it when it is in the 6's and heading to the borderline. I am on the opposite side of you with hemoglobin, was higher the last blood work in January for the MO visit with hemoglobin & hemocrit right over the upper end of the range. So I started playing Dr. Jazzy and researching things on line and got worried it could be a sign of some organ cancers? MO's visit indicated not to be worried. I get my next blood draw for the endocrin before my June visit. I will see if it is still up. Time of day can make the difference from what she said and had my blood drawn in the afternoon vs. morning like I normally do.
I hope the red spot does not get worse friend. Keep taking super good care of yourself as you have been.
Goldie- I have a friend here who also had bc a couple years ago, and donated blood recently and thought the same thing, that it is not allowed? So I decided to see what the on line stuff says and here is what the ACS says about it:
https://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-si...
I never have donated blood anyways as the one time I did, I felt really sick the day after. My father was a big donater, as he has a rarer blood time (A negative) so they were always calling him for blood. Following in dad's footsteps, I tried but, did not do well. I also have sort of wondered the same thing about organ donation too, since I am listed as such on my license and with a history of cancer?
Like you, I am enjoying the mild weather but hoping the trees don't come out too soon. The fruit trees tend to bloom end of February here and that to me is the very beginning of spring. It finishes in May, it's a long cycle of unfolding in the high desert. I know you know this too....
Mema- sometimes being present with stuff allows it to move through. You are more than entitled to your melancholy with all that is going on friend. I used to be a "feeling stuffer" in my younger days as that was everyone did in my household growing up. As someone dealing with a new occurrence/progression, you are processing a lot friend.
We are here with you as you go forward day by day sister
NM- congrats on finishing your first class you taught and coming away feeling good with the students. So proud of you for all the cool new directions your work is taking you! I love the comfort pack concept too, I have things like that in my cars, pool bag, and more.
Going to the spa today after yoga for some work on my tired old bod and feet. Got a nice gift cert for Xmas I will use today too. Whoot!
Have a good day and enjoy getting your snacks ready for Superbowl tomorrow if you are doing such things!
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Good Morning, Loungettes! Happy Saturday! I went through yesterday thinking it was Saturday, and only really realized it was Friday until mid afternoon! Makes me wonder about myself, sometimes. Especially since I figured it was Friday long enough to look up a DOTD yesterday! Ah, well, such is life, right?
Mema--you know perfectly well you can poop in and not say anything more than "Hi" or "Im here, where's my dwinkie?" I imagine it is a pretty hard time right now. Good for you for quitting smoking!! That is a big accomplishment! I hear you about the acting, I think we've all done it at one time or another, and probably still do. Sometimes it's just nobody else's business how we feel. Except here in the HTL, where we understand everything. Nice the kids are coming out regularly to see you.
Morning, Illi!
Chi--Good trend in the iron number and hemoglobin! Even if you can't donate blood, you may still get there by the time treatment is over. And A1c being DOWN is GREAT! It is a pain when the drug that works is more expensive, but sometimes we just have to tells ourselves we are worth a little more $ on a drug and not have the side effects to contend with. That redness and swelling from the injection is kind of crazy, isn't it? Certainly not cellulitis, that would spread from the injection site.I just put in an order for several bottles of Eponina Brut California NV, both by Wayne Donaldson, formerly of Domaine Chandonand Rose Lodi 2017 by F. Stephen Millier. Beginning to build up a nice little collection for myself!
Jazzy--that's a familiar sound!
Goldie--I hope Mary gets her answer soon, the worry must be driving her nuts. It would me! I am excited about the teaching, I so love it. I never thought I would have to semi-retire to get to really play into my passion.The cost of drugs is just insane these days. And the shenanigans the companies go through to keep the price up is just sickening.
NM's DOTD:
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Morning DahhhhLinKs
Yes it's I...heeding all your kind words and I thank you all. Hope everyone has a GR8 Football weekend.
Lubslubslubs
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Holy Jeez, I'm so sorry I don't get ere often enough, I'm saying I'm sorry for me cuz I miss everyone so much. Every time I try, this damn phone goes and I get tied up with craziness. Anyway---
Oh Susy!Q it's good to see you, I wish I could help u, I think, but don't know, it's hard to understand why we go thru such lows but so understandable--this disease is not predictable and what all the crap u've been thru takes a toll on body and mind and all of us are right with you and always sending good vibes ur way. I do know when I'm not here much I feel the difference tho. It's not that can vent only, its my connection to all of u which I care about so much---so I know that feeling of not being here, except my reason is so different from urs but I feel that hurt and a loneliness .
Mary I can't believe Anorable is that old now, she was just a tiny baby.
My prayers go out to everyone who's struggling right now because of this crap,,,I think it just gets all thru the body a little at a time---even if it's not cancer but because of cancer. Certainly not a medical opinion just being around it so much.
The moon pics. are fantastic. Sandy I could see the moon but not very well so I didn't see any difference, it was all fuzzy.
I was certainly glad to see Dara in, even tho it was just a note, at least we know she's all right.
I read everyone's post but in bits and pieces , so my memory of all of them is not there. U gals now I don't have a clue about numbers for tests, I never pay any attention to my own and never ask, I guess when they say not good I take whatever they tell me to and just go back for another test later on. I wish I could be more diligent like u gals I know this sounds disgusting but I wash with all those non rinsing cleaners all this time. But I took my first shower yesterday with Jodie <my DD> she made me LOL cuz she kept on saying OMG mom I'm so proud of u, cuz I don't move very well---so that made my girls very happy---oh of course I had the chair and Jodie never left me for a minute. But she did get all wet too outside th shower and we all had a good laugh, after I felt very shakey and weak but I was fine. But I did throw up ahaha, I always have to make things dramatic.
Ki, from what I remember now u r really into teaching. Like I have said anyone in ur classis awfully lucky to have you, I'm sure they don't realize it yet, but they will for sure.
Lori no matter what is happening to you, u r always so positive with ur attitude, U don''t even complain about how far u have to drive for all Dr. things--mine are just blocks away and I don't go. U know everyone should come on this thread to just read it, oh not about the drinking but about attitudes nd friendships that have come from well I guess drinking LOL
Leslie is really coming around now, her sense of humor is back so we laugh a lot now, really missed that, I think she did too. Now Monday we'll find out te next step and get thru that whatever it is.
I'msorry I didn't get to everyone, but I don't remember much else.
LUBS U ALL
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The Red Cross' donation eligibility criteria are much laxer than those of our area blood bank LifeSource. I asked why I would have to have been 5 yrs. out from the end of treatment (and they confirmed AIs count as "treatment") and they said it's not about fears of recipients getting cancer--their concerns are for the donor's health & strength; and also to make sure the donated blood doesn't contain any traces of an AI, Tamox. or chemo drug, which could endanger recipients who don't need cells killed or estrogen suppressed. And although "normal" hemoglobin is >12, they will reject blood from any woman whose hemoglobin is <12.5 and hematocrit is <40, and any man with values of <13 and <42, respectively. Perhaps in cases of emergency or disaster they might be a bit less picky.
The red patch, which began as a slightly sore (but not red) knot at the injection point and a sore arm I couldn't lift by the evening of the shot, then a swollen sore red patch about the diameter of a golf ball a couple inches below the injection point the next morning (with range of motion regained w/in 36 hrs.) grew to the diameter of a pink rubber playground ball (slightly smaller than a tennis ball) two days after the shot. That's when the NP delineated its perimeter with Sharpie marks. (By the morning after the shot, had I not removed the Band-Aid, I wouldn't even have been able to pinpoint the injection point).
Today--4 days post-shot--it's spread about 1cm from the markings at the top and the upper sides of the perimeter, and 3" below and behind the lower marks. It's about 3" wide at the top & sides and 6" long, creeping down toward the elbow. It's tender to the touch, and the swelling migrates each day to the extended area, while the earlier area is flat. And it's all very warm. Yesterday my PCP said it was too soon to be a cellulitis (I wasn't able to send a pic); Bob said it looked more like a reaction--he says when his patients get cardiac caths (for which the needle goes into the groin), the reactions often start further down the leg at the lower tibia or even ankle.
Messaged my PCP last night with its dimensions, and this a.m. he replied that it still sounds like a reaction, and not to go to the Urgent Care clinic around the block just yet. Updated him again, and he said to give it one more day and report back tomorrow morning. (His ofc. doesn't reopen till Mon.). Not sure if he will tell me to go to Urgent Care or will just phone in an antibiotic Rx. (He and I are both reluctant about antibiotics because I'm already allergic to three types, get palpitations from another, and we're both worried about becoming allergic to yet another...or creating a resistant strain. The "arsenal" of effective antibiotics I can take is shrinking).
I read the handout I got at the pharmacy, and it gave a phone # & url for reporting adverse effects to the CDC. (I went to the GlaxoSmithKline Shingrix prescribing-info site. Of the 17,000 patients in the trial, only nine reported swelling or rash >10cm, and none lasting more than 3 days). Guess I'm an outlier...or am I? The limited real-world experience with this vax is why the CDC is encouraging patients to self-report.
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Just submitted the VAERS (Vaccine Adverse Events Reporting System) form to the CDC.
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Oh my I miss you girls so much but I'm much to dwunk now see yas tomorrow
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Good early morning ladies, think I finally am getting over this nasty bug, been banished to the upstairs since Thursday by my hubby. He's been carrying around a can of Lysol and had total charge of the pooches since Wednesday night. Other than going to the breast surgeon Friday I have not been out of the house but I believe I will be ready to join the living today. The bright side is that I got it over with and I'll be all better in time for my surgery, it's a week from Wednesday, I'm getting a bit nervous. The BS ordered an MRI, I'll get that Wednesday and then go back to her Friday. She was not very concerned and thinks the lump is maybe a bit of alloderm that formed scar tissue around, sure hope she's right since the ultrasound report says, "suspicious for malignancy". I told her I want my knee done regardless, I told her I'd rather have cancer and a good knee than cancer and a bad knee if those are my only 2 choices.
NM, I'm really not overly worried at this point, I was for the 5 days before the US and thien it's like a switch turned off when I realized I had to wait yet again and I got a more say la vie attitude. Love the picture of Sadie snuggled in the covers. You sound so much more relaxed since you started teaching. Are you still doing hospice PRN? How's your mom and Dick, I've been away for so long I don't know if I missed anything in regards to them.
Sue, I hear ya about trying to commit to popping in more often, there were plenty of times a few years back I would never have gotten thru w/o you girls. I was feeling the blues too last week. What surgery are you having? Nice to hear your kids will be coming for a visit, that should help perk you up a bit. I love dirty martinis, one of my favs but I drink them too fast an it always seem that 1 in not enough and 2 are too many, same with manhattans. I can have 2 or 3 glasses of wine and not get all chit-faced. I hope you like your new MO and hope you get feeling better soon, the old fun Sue is still there, I'm sure, we love ya no matter which version you bring. Nice thing about this thread is it's the one place that you don't have to put on airs, so if you need to go down that rabbit hole for a bit, you're allowed around here. Congrats on giving up the smokes, huge accomplishment, try eating lots of apples, supposed to help with the cravings.
Lori, Love the pic of the moon, we didn't get any of it here, was too cloudy, not that I've been up past 8 since I got this wicked bug. I am so sorry about your mom, it's got to be just awful being so far away. What does the her dogs chip have to do with your aunt and uncle taking him? I mean even if the license stays in your son's name, can't they just take him? If the MRI comes back clean I'll probably have the MO repeat the CEA in a couple of months, if it continues to rise he'll probably order a PET but whether the ins co will go for that I have no idea. I donate blood all the time, once you are a year or 2 out of tx and no longer "have cancer" you become eligible again. I'm O neg which is the most needed so they hound me about it. Can't do it now tho cause of my upcoming surgery, need to keep all I can.
I'm going to post this then come back to the rest of you cause this new puter and me are not best friends yet and I don't want to lose this, Harvey the puppy just came bounding up the stairs and jumped on me and for a second I thought I lost this.
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Ok, I'm back.
Sandy, I had the shingles vaccine a few years ago, I think I was 58 but my PCP thought the chemo made me more likely to get a bad case if I got the shingles. So sorry to hear you are having such a reaction, hope it subsides on it's own. Don't think I could ever drink coffee with pizza, sounds like having wine with cereal to me but I really only drink coffee in the morning. Salmon sounds good, I usually eat it at least once a week but haven't had any in awhile, think that'll have to be on the menu tomorrow, DH is making wings for the game tonight.
Jazzy, I wish I could get myself back to working out. I joined this fabulous fitness center with a pool and yoga classes and I just can't get my lazy butt up there. I think I will go and get in the therapy pool today and sit in the sauna and see if I can get the rest of this chit out of my chest. Congrats on sticking with the exercise, you've inspired me. Wow you got some beautiful pics of the moon!
Cami, I am so sorry to hear about Leslie, oh that just sucks beyond any words I can come up with. Glad she has you to talk to, how is Joey doing with all this? Is he in high school this year? You all have had enough shit, just not fair.
illema, I so miss the 5k's running was the only exercise that I didn't have to force myself to do, trying to get hooked on something else but I just can't seem to find it. Doctor says I can't run ever again, even after I get a new knee, ah well, such is life, I can walk right?
I see all these names I'm going to have to go back a few pages and see what mine is.
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Ok, found it... Snowy Cowplop signing out, have a good superbowl Sunday, hugs and kisses to all!
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Good morning friends- hoping everyone is having a good Superbowl weekend. No partay's this way, but do plan to do some cooking today, run an errand later and then do an end of the day walk. I have a nagging sore throat again (ugh) and it feels related to post nasal drip but keeping an eye on it.
The winter crud goes on and on. Sigh.
The spa treatment yesterday was SO good, and think I NEEDED that! Some soaking in the hot tub and then a nice massage, with work on the feet too. I made my next apt for the weekend after Easter to have something called Field to Table which is a 90 min treatment including an hour massage, plus hand and foot treatment from a local lavender grower. A gift to myself for my birthday this spring as well as for my cancerversary.
The yoga teacher also showed up yesterday, but told us it would be our last class with her as she is finishing some training in physical therapy and moving on to study for her boards to get working in her field. The community center did not seem to know again about any of this (what?) but did say to check back. It may be they need to just find someone new to take over the class? I plan to check out the other bc class next Friday anyways, so I have some new resources. Lots of other yoga options too.
Genny- I think that new gym will be ready for you when you are ready for it. It is hard to think about exercising with all you have going on, test on the breast, knee replacement surgery, etc. The water stuff is sometimes the easiest way to ease back. If you can, get a personal trainer after your surgery to have them help you put together a routine after your knee surgery to help strengthen the muscles around the knee and to ensure you don't hurt yourself. When I went back to the gym after all my surgeries in 2012, I was very afraid I might hurt myself. Finding a trainer to explain my situation and get a few starter exercises really helped.
Also, so many women here who have had the scares in the breast have found that it is often scar tissue. But they take it all quite seriously and hopefully this is just something you need to check out and can go on to your knee surgery and focus on that next. Let us know what you hear this week as you wish to share?
With my new fitness regime I have spent the last year on, I have become a super strong swimmer and now swim anywhere between 2-4 miles a week on average. I am thinking of doing the senior Olympics here this summer and need to start looking into what I will compete it. I am more about endurance than speed at this point?
Cami- it sounds like Leslie is turning the corner on things. Do you think the drains might be coming out this week?
Chi- real bummer about the reaction to the shot. Always a risk with anything like this right? I hope this does not get worse and in fact is just a local reaction. And also, good thought about not wanting to have people donating blood when they have the cancer meds in their system. I hope things improve friend.
NM- what are you and Sadie doing today?
Wishing everyone a good funday sunday no matter what you do!
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Junior, Harvey and Louie
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Harvey looks so innocent, doesn't he? HA!! He's a bold little terror!
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And my big girl, miss ANorable
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Jazzy, enjoy your super bowl swim today. As for trees blooming early, then we still have a chance for a frost or freeze. Hence trees don't grow well out here. Same with the fruit trees. Ok, so donating blood is out for me. No getting sick, you just got better!
NM, what a nice refreshing looking cocktail. Haven't heard much about mom and Dick. How are they doing? My mom has not been home since the very beginning of January. She is in rehab now and I might have her talked into going into a nursing home. But she keeps saying, whatever you guys want me to do. And I'm like NOOOOO, it's what you want. So crossing my fingers she means it. I may call one of her friends to see what she's been telling them. No party here either.
LDB, you know we love you sweetie.
Cami, we know how busy you can get, especially when the weather goes bonkers. You poor dear, throwing up after your shower. My mom uses the same things and I don't think she's had a real shower in probably close to 2 months, if not more. So happy to hear Leslie is doing better. And wishing her much luck at her appt. tomorrow. Like we said, this is temporary.
Gosh Sandy, I hope your arm is ok!
Genny, sure hope you are among the land of the living now. You poor thing, but how nice hubby is taking care of everything and I can't blame him with the Lysol. I cringe every time we go to town. LOL, choosing the good knee over cancer! I don't have any aunts or uncles, and there is no one to take the dog. My thing about the chip was if we wanted to have him put down, that they wouldn't do it because he's chipped in my son's name. They want to do a double MX on Sue. Snowy Cowplop….lol! Just love your fur babies, they are so darned cute!
Spent most of the day cleaning my grill, oh my was it bad! DH transplanted the maters. Peppers are still too small. Cooking ribs today, having a bon fire and will cook taters on that.
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Genny- those dogs are adorable but then ANORAable? She is just so pretty and that blonde hair is long now! What a doll!
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Karen- where are you friend and are you doing okay? I know you were feeling blue too. How is your little one doing too?
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Good Morning, Loungettes!Happy Sunday Funday! Snowin' and Blowin' up a gale here, and the temp is right on the freezing mark, so it can't decide if it wants to be snow or rain. Really is drifting up in places, too, still being mostly snow. Glad I don't have to go anywhere today. I imagine there are a whole lot of football fans who really don't care as long as power and cable connections stay on! I'm thinking a nice nap is in order today, or at least a nice session with agood book and cup of tea or cocoa and listening to the wind blow. The wind is blowing enough to make Sadie kind of antsy today. She keeps coming over beside me and looking at me as if to say "Is everything ok?" after particularly loud howls of wind or thumps of branches hitting the house. I tell her It's ok and she goes back to whatever she was doing.
Mema--I take it you are a football fan?
Cammy--nothing wrong with washing up with cleaners or out of a sink. Wasn't that long ago showers weren't even available unless one found a waterfall and people managed to stay clean! The no-rinse cleaners are really good for preventing dry skin, especially in the winter. But a good shower does feel good, doesn't it? Even if you do get shaky and dramatic! I really, really do love teaching. Soglad to hear that Leslie's sense of humor is coming back! Hopefully she's been through the worst of it, emotionally. And physically.
Chi--Wow, 4 days later and the reaction is still going on? Seems like a lot, but as you say, it's a new vaccine and we are still gathering data on it. It does still sound like a reaction and not cellulitis, the swelling with cellulitis generally does not go down while the area is still reddened. Don't blame you for not wanting to go the antibiotic road, especially after a viral vaccine, not likely to be very helpful and may cause more trouble in the long run. It really sounds like some of the vaccine either didn't get into the muscle, or worked its way out of the muscle and is traveling down your arm through the subcutaneous tissue. Have you tried warm packs or cool packs to see if one or the other make any difference? I'd opt for warm packs first to increase the circulation and help flush out whatever is causing the reaction.
Genny--It sounds really logical that the lump is scar tissue around some alloderm. Seeing the"suspicious for malignancy" phrase in a report would make anyone get uptight for a while! Glad your worry switch turned off. I still am doing Hospice PRN, about 2 days a week, need to keep the lights on and food in the fridge. The teaching will be seasonal, when nursing schools graduate classes in January and in thespring, but there are opportunities to expand over time and do online teaching as well. Mom is doing well, Dick's memory and cognition is troublesome. He has not been diagnosed with Alzheimer's or any other form of dementia, but I think that's because the only doc he's asked about that is his eye doctor, who told him he's fine. But it's not "fine" when a man who used to run his own insurance business can no longer handle the monthly bills or use a Jitterbug phone without help. Sadie says "Woof" to Harvey the puppy!
Jazzy--Sadie and I are mostly watching the wind blow the snow around and listening to the wind howl and the stuff knock against the house. Gonna be a low key day today.
Oh my goodness, what lovely pics!!!!!
Goldie--I get together with Mom and Dick most Saturdays at bean suppahs. I do need to take Sadie down for a visit sometime soon, though. Dick likes to have her around and Mom won't let him get a dog--too much work and too much fur on the floor and can't just pick up and go somewhere (like they've done any of that for the past year or so anyway). Dick's kids are getting used to their mother being gone. One of his grandchildren has had a couple of odd spells of weakness and decreased responsiveness (she's 2) and they are still trying to find out what is causing all that. Next time your Mom pulls the "whatever you guys want me to do" line, call her on it and say "I want you to go into (fill in the name)nursing home where you will get the careyou need to stay out of the hospital. " Then stop talking and see what she says/does.
Cool Dungerson's DOTD:
Gale Warning
2 oz vodka
1/3 oz lemon juice
2 oz Sprite® soda
Pour ingredients over ice in a collins glass. Garnish with a lemon slice.
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Jumping Floozy Foot, here!
Sadie is Wasted Hammock Hanger
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NM- Sunny Green Flash here (yes I have seen the green flash too). I think Sadie's name is the best tho.
I am definitely coming down with a cold now. The fun continues......
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