Can we have a forum for "older" people with bc?
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Joan, so frustrating about your GI doc--when you're a hammer, everything looks like a nail. Hoping the chemo achieved a permanent remission.
Suddenly feeling like autumn--temp hit only 66 today and will be going downhill fast. 52 by Sat. a.m.--were we away from the lake, I'd be bringing all my plants in because the inland 'burbs may go down into the high 30s! But summer weather returns next week. Sunny & dry.
Neighbor 2 doors to the east had his acoustic band rehearse in his yard again. Bassist has his amp too loud, is a lousy lead singer, the djembe player has no idea how to "swing" or play on the 2 & 4, so everything is in the wrong tempo. Besides, I don't think it's safe to sing without masks when sitting in a circle, even outdoors. Next-door neighbor to the east is having all his trees removed tomorrow, so it'll be noisy; Bob will have to park on the street lest his car be sealed inside our garage all day. If I go anywhere, it'll be on foot. Rosh Hashonah services will be online, of course.
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Good morning, Ladies. Midnight Louie woke me up too early. Husband was already up. Something set off my nose and I had a sneezing spell, couldn't get to the bathroom fast enough (getting old is tough), so now I am showered dressed and doing laundry. Maybe I can get a nap in later.
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I have always disliked the idea that we are being "tested" by God when something awful happens to us. Bad things happen, and none of us are exempt from the possibility that they will come to us as well. I have pondered a different possibility inherent in crisis that in no way changes the fact that it is a genuine disaster: perhaps the events that devastate us carry within them seeds of spiritual "initiation" into a level of knowing we would not otherwise achieve. -Sallirae Henderson
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Petite1- some days the stars are just not aligned!
I took my Anastrozole at midnight. And then with the home schooling chaos and not being awake, I took it again around 8:15 AM.
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Going to be cool ( for us ) at 73. Well, that works for me. I have been fairly busy lately, but that is not bad. It is time for me to take advantage of the cooler temps and get things done. We gave two desks away yesterday. Our next door neighbors reluctantly moved into town about a month ago, but upside was they now have 5 bedrooms. We had given them a desk for their older son, ( they have three children ) and now they have need of more desks and have the room to accommodate them. So the extra came out of storage and everyone is happy.
Petite: With my medical issues as of late I had to start closing my bedroom door -- so no cate or dogs now in my room. I disliked it at first, but have grown to enjoy sleeping alone again. So -- Dh now comes in if I don't appear soon enough and gets me up. You know what that comes to -- sometimes you just can't win. But it is all okay.
I hope you all have a really beautiful day.
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The pre-cancerous polyp that was found in June on a routine colonoscopy had a challenging placement. A biopsy was taken at the time of the initial colonoscopy and it was an aggressive pre-cancer. So I was referred to an interventional gastroenterologist and required a repeat colonoscopy on September 14th. So this time 3 more polyps were identified and I was called by the MD yesterday to discuss the pathology report. The pre-cancerous lesion was no longer evident and may have been completely removed during the initial colonoscopy. Hpwever, two more tubular polyps were found, they are also pre-cancerous and removed. Another area that appeared "iffy" was labeled acute colitis and is of no consequence according to the GI specialist. Initially post-procedure I was told, repeat colonoscopy in 3 years (my Dad had colon ca). However, because there was a discrepancy between the two colonoscopy findings, I now require a repeat in 6 or 12 months. I opted for the 12 months and I cannot return to my GI doc to do this, I need to return to the interventional gastroenterologist. Not happy about having to return to the large medical center for this since it had a tightly packed schedule and rapid turnover meaning I did not even see the GI after the procedure. I was "allowed" 20 minutes in recovery room, which was about 2 hours less than what I had spent in the "holding pattern" before the procedure, and then politely booted out. I did receive a print copy of my procedure and findings but no opportunity to ask questions about them. However, forewarned is forearmed so I will insist on an earlier procedure. This was supposed to be a 10:30 procedure which last minute was changed to the arrival time and never had the procedure until 12:40. Going over 40 hours with no solid food makes one cranky and then the options for a solid were really limited: graham crackers or saltines. Really? So while I am relieved by the results, I am not thrilled with a repeat in 1 year. Should not complain because my Dad had to have them annually as well.0
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That is a bummer Betrayal, but sounds like much safer for you especially since there is some history from your Dad. It may be possible to increase the time between if you can get two really good tests in a row done. Sure hope so. The pre-care/prep is not fun at all. I was always allowed to eat what I wanted afterwards within reason. No super spicy food for a few hrs. but pretty much anything else. White foods are always good since they digest well.
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The saltines and graham crackers were what the endoscopy suite offered after the procedure. Fluids offered were: water, gingerale or apple juice and the juice was room temp so not exactly what one wants after no solids for nearly 40 hours. My ususal endo suite offers Lorna Doones and I only get them then plus they also offer cranberry juice which is chilled.
I had no diet restrictions afterwards. Discharge wasn't until after 2 PM and it was after 3:30 when we finally got home due to heavier traffic. We had left home at 9 AM since medical center is about an hour away if no traffic problems. So it was a long day especially when you are up all night.
We hit Burger King on the way home because I was starving. It tasted so good after the lousy crystal light lemonade/ miralax concoction as a prep. Hate gatorade (and now crystal light lemonade) so that the chocolate shake I had was a real treat. Don't get Burger King often but savored every bite of that small burger.
Yes, I don't mind a repeat in 1 year and if no polyps then I will switch to 3 year cycle. Need to check when last upper endo was done so I could possible get both done at the same time. No prep for that but it's the anesthesia that's the issue there.
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Nice weather here today in SF. Bit of a touch of fall but after we have our first rain, indian summer will start and it is one of the nicest times of the year here. Also making it nice is the fact that the wind stops blowing for about 6 months. Went downtown today for an appointment with my dermatologist. He did a biopsy of something on my face and I have to say he had a big reaction to it. He said that he had seen a lot of patients with eyelid issues in the last week or so. Thank goodness I don't freak out over the word biopsy (I'll wait too hear). I'll hear in about a week. It's not in a good place actually as it is right under my eyelid. I do have to be careful as my sister had melanoma years ago. Is skin cancer a possibility if we have had breast cancer? Have a good weekend!
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Cowgirl, my ocular oncologist told me that if you've had one kind of cancer, you have a 25% risk of developing another kind. My MO never told me that. May your eyelid lesion be merely a wart or mole.
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Sandy, thanks for the information on the 25%. The office visit report indicates "Possible SCC" whatever that means.
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Would that there were an award for people who come to understand the concept of enough. Good enough. Successful enough. Thin enough. Rich enough. Socially responsible enough. When you have self-respect, you have enough.
Gail Sheehy0 -
My bc doctor told me that people who have cancer are more at risk for other cancers. I've seen this unfortunate statistic come true several times.
Fall has definitely arrived here in northern MN. The nights are cold enough that we have been setting the temperature for the heat pump to 50 or 55 degrees so that it cycles on. Otherwise, the camper is as cold inside as the outside temperature. We've had sunshine during the day the last few days. The leaf color is gorgeous.
I extended our gym membership another month. So far I feel fairly safe exercising there since the number of other people has been quite small. We will probably head south around the middle of October. We definitely want to avoid the first snow.
Wishing everyone a good day.
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Cowgirl - I believe SCC is Squamous Cell Carcinoma. I've had 5 or 6 MOHS surgeries on my face, but all were Basal Cell. In one case - both sides of my nose. The derm plastic surgeon did a marvelous job of fixing the holes. Let us know.
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MinusTwo, good to hear you have had the MOHS surgeries and that they turned out really well. i'm pretty sure that will be what's coming up for me. Thank you.
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Carole when I read your post I was thinking brr for the night time temps like ours are warmer. They aren't by much. We haven't turned our a/c off, but then again, it won't come on at the temps we have had the last few days. A a/c reprieve is nice. It is too cool for us to open the windows though. We would have to put on our heat to be cozy inside afterward.
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Cowgirl, DH had SCC on his cheek that was treated topically (guess who got to put on gloves to apply the medication!). That was a number of years ago and there has not been a recurrence.
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Bevernix, thank you. Good to hear.
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Cowgirl, hope your SCC can be treated topically too; but as others here have pointed out, Mohs surgery can be managed with good cosmesis by a plastic surgeon working in concert with the dermatologist. (My BFF's DH had Mohs for a SCC on his temple, and if I didn't know where to look for the scar I wouldn't know it). And "suspected SCC" might turn out to be just an atypical nevus (as was the "suspected melanoma" on my back in 2016). Wait for the biopsy.
I learned today that one of the "fun" things about aging is that drugstore readers might not fill the bill. My prescription readers (and my progressives) have a +2.5 correction in each eye, but even before the brachytherapy it was getting tougher to read. I ordered a pair of +3.0s from Peepers, but they're too strong. And now my R eye needs a stronger distance correction. (I have to hold a page close to read it with my R eye, but further with my L). So a refractive eye exam it will be. Will wait a week more and then schedule one at Warby Parker.
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Cowgirl- I just had Mohs Friday. Terrified going into removal of 2 SCC microinvasive lesions on opposite side of my forehead.And a lot of PTSD from other non skin surgeries. The handsome Mohs surgeon was reassuring and so relaxed, I almost relaxed too. Unhappy, after the first pass with the scalpel, when he said I needed a second, but then then he came back with a thumbs up. Young woman plastic surgeon, who I saw immediately after, was super friendly, talking about it being pizza night with her husband and 8 and 9 year old children.None of this, to my great surprise was an ordeal.Just now took off bandages,applied lots of Aquaphor as directed. Boy, such tiny neat stitches, pretty blue thread. Looks like the plastic surgeon did an amazing job. Stitches out Friday. Facebook Mohs Surgery page was super scary- but it wasn’t like that at all
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Fall temperatures are here too. Yesterday I was freezing in my house, so I was checking the ap on my phone to find the temp. It's a Wi-Fi thermostat. It wouldn't connect, and said the device had lost internet 1:11 AM. I had to get off my butt and go look at it. When I saw it, the screen was blank, and I noticed black "dirt" on it. I'm first to admit I could use the help of a housekeeper but I knew we didn't install it at the end of January with that dirt on it. I took it off the wall, wiped it off w a paper towel, and started to put it back on the wall. As I did that, a puff of smoke came out the top.
I text a cousin, SOS. He said to call Honeywell. I called, automation call said they could call me back. Approx 4 hours later, I received the call back. It's a long convoluted story - comes down to me having to prove it wasn't my low voltage plug, vs faulty thermostat. 9 PM last night my cousin used his voltage meter ($300 piece of equipment), my plug was fine.
Awaiting the next call back from Honeywell. I believe they send me a return mail package to put the defective thermostat in, and provide me a code to go to Home Depot or Lowe's for free replacement.
By the way, Home Depot saw me there 3x w returns (volt meter). Their service desk manager had me go get a replacement thermostat, charged me $1; so when Honeywell gives me the code (if they give me the code) I'll provide it to her, so it would be a wash. She didn't have to do that, and I love her for it! Lowes is where I purchased it; they wouldn't take it back w/o receipt.
PS- I put the heat on at 68 and once it hit that, I dropped it to 65 on hold. I know it's sad, Sept 20 and I have heat on!
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Good morning, ladies. Feeling better, today. I have been able to sleep for 2 nights in a row. Love getting 8 hours. Midnight Louie can open the bedroom door when it is opening in, he can't when opening out. So, he gets to sleep by himself in another bedroom. The problem comes when husband lets him out. Miss Felix will meow at the top of her lungs when she thinks she should be fed. She is loud.
I had MOHS surgery for SCC just before BC. I can't see the scar. I did the topical treatment for precancerous areas on my face and arms. That was after BC. I wrote about that during the time.
It is overcast and 75 degrees.
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There is a serene and settled majesty to woodland scenery
If you go off into a far, far forest and get very quiet,
that enters into the soul and delights and elevates it,
and fills it with noble inclinations.
- Washington Irving
you'll come to understand that you're connected with everything.
- Alan Watts
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It is a beautiful coolish morning here. Our thermostat in the house says 67 which is a lot cooler than we like. During the cool months we have it on 72 or 73. Dh is more cold natured than I am, but no matter what temp. for me if my shoulders get cold I am miserable all over period. Anyway I once heard the perfect temp. ( who knows where I got that info ??? ) was 72 so were it just me I'd likely keep it at 70 I do allow Dh to have the few extra degrees. No matter what as long as I watch and do something about my shoulders I'm ok -- and I do need something a lot of the time even at 72.
Should get a bit warmer today -- maybe 75. It will likely take most of the day and the house will tend to stay cool unless we open the windows or something. A slight breeze comes up so we won't do it now -- too early.
Not a lot going on today so I'll putz at things.
I hope you all have a good day. Stay warm Carole in MN., and you too Cindy.
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I had to turn the heat on Fri. night, as the thermostat read 66. I keep it set to 72, because downstairs in front (where I spend most of my waking hours at home) always seems colder than the rest of the house. But have now gone 2 nights w/o needing the ceiling fan upstairs in the bedroom. Couldn't fall asleep last night so came down at 4:30 am to watch TV and do a puzzle. Disturbingly, when I have insomnia is when I want carbs--but I try to keep them as high-fiber as possible. Unfortunately, you know the side effects several hours later (not to mention the relatively large dinner we had). Slept till 11:30 and fed the cats. It's after 1:30 and I still don't even want my coffee, much less breakfast. Can't even think about dinner reservations. Went to Gibson's Oakbrook's website, but the only availability they have is indoors. Not gonna happen. (One of the docs at Holy Cross is also the mayor of Oakbrook, and told Bob that Gibson's steakhouse has plenty of patio space. If it does, it must have been sold out for days).
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Wow - you northerners are turning on your heat and we are still running AC 24/7. Highs in the 100's again today.
Sorry I didn't speak up sooner - DH has had a number of Moh's procedures and has always been fine - and he hates needles. Glad you had a good experience,
Went out for dinner last night to celebrate Ken's 77 birthday - only feeling comfortable at our private club. They had surf and turf last night and it was great. We usually do carry-out on Sundays. This week it was Arby's. Mutz loves the milkshakes!
Stay safe everyone.
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Bummed out that if I make 70 this Jan., we won't be able to have a party--the virus will certainly have resurged by then. We're hoping that we can do our 50th anniversary in late June outdoors at a restaurant.
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Sandy, ditto for my 80th in December! I had said I would have two celebrations to bracket 2020, 2 years post surgery in January and big b'day in December. So much for planning ahead!
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It is all a bummer. Had reexcision lumpectomy on my 85th and we were in total lockdown in April on my 86th. Here’s hoping something going on for 87. Very disappointing not to be able to go to San Francisco for Thanksgiving to be with family, nor our wonderful trip every January to the Key West Literary Festival, but maybe Palm Springs for a week this spring. So many maybes and mammo and visit with easy on the eyes BS next Monday another.
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The Sufi poet Rumi wrote, "Your criticism polishes my mirror." If you understand who you are and respect yourself, you will not see criticism as a problem but as an opportunity to become a better person. When you feel inadequate or imperfect, the criticism is threatening and makes you feel that you have to defend yourself. When you are secure--not perfect, but secure--you can listen to the criticism and consider its value. You can say, "I'm sorry." And "thank you for polishing my mirror," and when it is appropriate you can learn from the criticism and improve your behavior. I say when it is appropriate because there are some people who love to find fault in others. That is their problem. -Bernie Siegel
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