Can we have a forum for "older" people with bc?
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Great quote today, IllinoisLady. BC has me much better at "No."
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Petite, hate to say it but DH leaving his nose exposed is opening the door to the virus. Usual route of transmission is in through the nose, out through the mouth. He needs as large a mask as possible and to breathe slowly & deeply. Takes some getting used to, but it's doable. If need be, a double-folded neck gaiter is sufficient. Ask your or his doctor if s/he has any extra surgical masks, size L. Hardware, drug & beauty/barber supply stores have them too.
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I am optimistic and confident in all that I do. I affirm only the best for myself and others. I am the creator of my life and my world. I meet daily challenges gracefully and with complete confidence. I fill my mind with positive, nurturing, and healing thoughts. -Alice Potter
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Looks like we have another gray day on the horizon. I hope the rain holds off. I went to my clearance appt. with my Dr. yesterday. Cleared for the scope on the 5th. in our local hospital. The week before I had blood tests and EKG. All VERY normal. Blood sugar normal which had me worried but it was great -- so I seem to be in adequate shape for almost anything.
Sure will be glad when we have the election done with. No one needs the stress so try to stay relaxed ladies. I know -- not always easy, but we need to de-stress often just as much for wellness as possible. I think the thing is we are going to have aggravations from any number of things -- like work at our homes, etc. I find just coming here and talking to others works a lot of the time for me. I do admit living in a highly wooded area with lots of trees ( sentinels ) and wildlife also help to take a lot of the life's edges down a notch or two. Thinking of you all and hoping you have a good day and tolerable weather.
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hello cowgirl, this is in regard to the RSPC which doctors can run for their patients. I am still waiting for my doctor to get back to me. I called oncotype in California and they were adamant that that is not part of their company. She made it sound like it’s a software that some doctors have on their computers. So how do I explain it to my doctor? I am 67 my nine year recurrence is 12% which I feel like is high. I know my recurrent score which is 25 won’t change but if that 12 could come down I would be happy. I’ve read about three or four women on this website that have had their doctors run it and it made a difference in their nine year percentage. It’s very hard getting an answer on this so far anyway. And who knows when my doctor will get back to me. Does anybody know the name of the company that provides software and what if my doctor doesn’t have it? Mine is lobular and no node involvement, grade 2 and Her2negative and positive on both estrogen and progesterone. Tumor was 1.1 CM.
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Cindy, In his situation there is more to it than that, but it is a good thing he doesn't do much that requires him to wear one. I do the shopping, errands, etc.
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Springdaisy, your dx sounds like mine, except mine was ductal. There is a site called cancermath.uk where you can plug in your numbers (size, node status, grade, age, and planned treatments) and get a more specific recurrence-risk and survival-risk prediction. Don't know where you live, nor the sophistication of your local cancer treatment facility (or hospital or just medical office).
Cellars has decided to take down the tents and end patio dining for the season. It'll be open for takeout/delivery 6 nights a week for as long as they can stay afloat, starting next week. But they will be doing curbside wine pickup starting 2:30 pm tomorrow, so I'll swing by and pop the trunk for the 6 bottles we ordered last week. We will order from them every night they're open from next week on, even if it means we have to cram the fridge & freezer with leftovers (or eat dinner for breakfast). Bob & I were considering staking them to the cost of those semi-outdoor "igloos," which are still allowed under the city's new restrictions (which start Fri.), but they have too little available sidewalk space for enough of them (no more than 6 people per, and they must all be in the same party) to be able to make them viable to pay for the necessary servers.
The city and state went directly from Tier 3 of Phase 4 reopening (which had allowed 40% capacity indoor dining & drinking) to Tier 1 (no indoor service, period), w/o Tier 2 (25% capacity indoor service). Only 3 regions of the state are still in Tier 3, and two of them will probably join the other 8 this weekend if metrics don't improve. I have a mani-pedi scheduled tomorrow--and I have the sinking feeling it'll be the last one permitted after next week, because we're likely headed back to Phase 3 (no outdoor dining nor personal-care services). So much for finding a more "compliant" salon to get my ends trimmed and roots done too.
Went outside on my deck this afternoon with my cappuccino--and watched a big fat rabbit sit on my lawn wrinkling its nose. (Obvious as to why my little baby zucchinis disappeared). The rabbit's girth seems to be a clue that a colder-than-usual winter may be in the offing.
Judy, have you been able to find an alternative to moving back into the Mather? Are there units available on the first or second floor so you wouldn't be elevator-dependent?
I've decided to stop getting those keratin hair-straightening treatments (aka Brazilian Blowout or Keratin Complex) after reading a NYTimes article that in 2018 the FDA wanted to ban them because even the ones that no longer have formaldehyde still have methylene chloride, which releases formaldehyde when heated (blowdryers & flatirons) to the very high temperatures necessary to make them "take." (Beauty industry lobbyists slammed the brakes on the ban). I've started using Elvive "8 Second Miracle" lamellar water instead of conditioner after shampooing--it seals the cuticle without any chemicals that release fumes even when heated. (You can even let your hair towel-or-air-dry). I realize that I may be sealing my salon (and stylist's) economic doom, but I suspect the city or state will shut down hair salons & barbershops again soon anyway. My gray roots aren't as awful as my dark brown ones used to be.
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Whether one is twenty, forty, or sixty; whether
one has succeeded, failed, or just muddled along;
whether yesterday was full of sun or storm,
or one of those dull days with no weather at
all, life begins each morning!
Leigh Mitchell Hodges0 -
Good morning. Had more rain and some wind overnight. Well, this was forecast that we would have a week of it plus real coolish temps. I hope tomorrow is, even if gray, dry. Have to go to Marion for my 3 month pedicure and maybe an Echogram. No big deal on the Echogram. Just checking on the heart murmur I've had since a long bout with Rheumatic Fever when I was 8 yrs. old. I had no trouble enlisting in the WAC in the early 60's at 18 -- so it is just a check so that I'm up to date in my V.A. medical records. Our Dr. at the satellite ofc. likes to be thoroughly informed about anything -- so as to make things less complicated for the needs of older patients. We all have more confidence then.
Hope you are all going to have a good day. You are all on my mind and I'm sending a wave and hello to all those who don't post a lot.
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I'm thankful to report that Zeta wasn't a major happening for us. We had some rain and wind but no trees were blown down and our power stayed on. A number of people are without power this morning in other areas but a front has brought cooler air so that the lack of power won't be a big heat issue. I haven't heard about any loss of lives.
I plan to go to a Chair Yoga class today. DH is headed to the gym now for his exercise.
Wishing everyone a good Thursday.
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Carole, you were on my mind. I am glad you are OK.
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Carole, so glad you had just a storm and not a disaster!
We are still cold and very windy. Had to turn the furnace on.
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I got a special order of antidepressants from the library. She chose surprises for me; they have a computer program that runs through checkout history and present preferences and gives recommendations. "Joy Luck Club" and :"At Home in Mitford". Mysteries can be so gloomy.
I think I will take down my manifesto, those who would read it have probably already read it. I hate polarization and false assumptions based on religious and political affiliation. And I am not politically affiliated, which breaks another affiliation. I need more light in apt. Putting film on the window on my front door helps, but I need all the light I can get. Beginning to wonder.....
I got my https://www.amazon.com/Wholesale-Layers-Womens-Ind...=sr_1_16?crid=XLYAJWB25XH&dchild=1&keywords=sari+wrap+skirts+for+women&qid=1603984184&sprefix=sari+wrap%2Caps%2C211&sr=8-16 It was much more expensive than these. But I am still happy with it.
I also got some wool with a spindle so I can learn to spin, and be able to spin Tippy's clippings.
Then I am beginning to review my writing project.
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Carole, so glad you were spared! I was just thinking of you.
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Another gloomy day here and after nearly a week of this, it is wearing thin. The west coast could use this rain and we have had our fare share. Dampness and dreariness doesn't improve my mood nor my joint pain.
Insulation guys are coming back today to install baffles in attic today and I cannot understand why they did not do this when they put in the insulation. A/C guys also have to come back because they were unable to do hookups from attic to dampers in MBR due to an issue with angles? We need the siding guys to complete the siding and to install exit portals for the bathroom exhaust systems. The electrician still has a lot to do and we are in a holding pattern for all of this completion work. The painter wants to come but the areas he needs to paint are filthy with drywall dust, wood dust, etc. and no one seems to be doing the prep. I will not let them paint until the walls and wood work are clean; the first rule of painting is start with a clean surface. Still need shutters installed, etc. So the list is still miles too long and the first year anniversary of initial damage will be this weekend.
Saw an audiologist about tinnitus today and learned a lot. She explained hearing test results far better than MD. Hearing loss in dog whistle range is gone and is really only relevant if I am 1. 21 years old, not and 2. I am a dog, not. They offer a 2 month test of hearing aids with a "notch" in them that should knock back tinnitus if they will work for me. If I buy the hearing aids the trial fee is applied to cost, if I decided they are not for me, then I am out the trial fee which is much less than cost of hearing aids I won't use or ones that don't work. I have difficulty with ear buds especially sizing and fit since most are too large, and she explained that this is not an issue with today's hearing aids. So this also gives me time to explore other options before I see her again.
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MC: Glad you were able to find good things at the library. I hear you about the light. I also need a lot as well .Carole, always good to hear about storms that by-pass you.
Betrayal, ooh, we are gray again today as well. Some mist on the way to work, but so far I can't call it rain. Still, I so need the sun to bloom so I an not a happy camper. The forecast was for a week so that means a couple more days I think. Just ick, if I may say so.
I'm sorry to hear that you still have all that work that is hanging out un-done. Even though it sounds like a lot of the work is sort of minimal, still to have it outstanding after all this time and the minimal things are not what you think of as work still needing to be done. Here's hoping someone DESPERATELY wants to end their relationship with you and just grabs the bull by the horns and goes for it.
Hope you have smooth sailing for whatever you choose for your ears. Hugs.
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Betrayal, I too have small ear canals, one with an unusual curve. Early efforts with hearing aids were not very successful ( I would take them out due to discomfort, left a pair on an end table, the dog found them and I found only the pieces!) Have finally gotten some that will stay in place. As with so many other things, there have been major strides in hearing aids in more recent times. Anyone else remember the old time aids with the battery pack in a shirt pocket?
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I remember the old fashioned aids. My dad had the thingy like a very abbreviated camisole sort of with the pocket in the middle of the upper chest area. It was sort of wild in a way -- and only one ear and earpiece. Likely all that was possible in those days. It was a Beltone Hearing Aid. Seemed always to whistle and he would have to adjust the earpiece or turn it down and then back up. He wore it all of my life ( I was born in 1945 ) until he passed on in 1996. The Army provided it since he was a disabled vet. Mine which are very nice come from the Army as well. They give me new ones ( apparently a calculated shelf life ) every four yrs. and provide all the batteries I use.
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Betrayal - my heart goes out to you. Holidays are around the corner and the stress just keeps coming.
Our covid rates are increasing again, nothing drastic but a slow tic up. Our state universities are testing all kids going home for Thanksgiving so they don't take the virus home with them.
Weather, I'm glad Zeta missed you. We've had rain all night and day. As strange as it sounds, I swear they said result from Zeta. Snow to start tonight as the rain hits a cold front coming down from Canada.
I think we have a roof leak on the front porch, it's a finished enclosed porch. I dread calling a contractor but it can't wait long. Plumber, Friday of last week said I was on the schedule for snaking the roof vent. Then rain, wind, and more rain. I haven't heard back from them. I'll call them tomorrow too.
Everyone have a good night.
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Sandy, A real conundrum about moving back to the Mather. No other available rentals in Glencoe and the thought and effort and expense of moving to some other suburb, being disoriented, etc. is disheartening, as is the chance of possibly getting the virus in long term independent living. But we did go there for delivery of an elliptical I bought and seeing our beautiful lake view apartment felt like being home for the first time in 6 months- although have loved being back in Glencoe and the long mask-less walks because no one is on the streets at 6:30 am or,hardly, at any other time. But being in the building itself with those elevators, corridors, maintenance men, waiters, concierges, felt much less safe than being in our rental house, even though I double masked. There is a 3 year wait for apartments, so nada available. Will just be very attentively on guard. Of course, the elliptical, because I won’t use the gym, was not assembled correctly and makes a hideous grating noise and isn’t usable til fixed. Mather made an exception letting a delivery man come in the building, but I doubt they’ll let him back in to fix it. We are moving about 45 bankers boxes back on Nov 7 and final move on Friday the 13th.
So strange that I won’t, haven’t goneto beauty shop, have had hair cut in back yard, no manicure, nails look horrible, even with Nailtiques, but that I’m moving back into what might become a hot bed of the virus.
Went to derm today for full body check. Go back in 6 weeks, to recheck tiny dot that she’s pretty sure is a pimple on my leg. Mohs surgery, 5 weeks ago, scars have healed beautifully on my forehead, but still, masked, wrinkled,scarred, makes me realize, once againS, that I’m 19 no more.
j
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Carole - glad you were spared Zeda. What is your course doing about Covid precautions? Ours, which went to four carts allowed in March has now decided to go back to two "to save the grass." Needless to say, I'm not happy. My foursome seems to have decided how we want to handle it, with 4 carts alternating who walks from the cart path and who drives on the course. All 4 of us have husbands at high risk and we don't want to share carts. We have been really careful and played all summer, even masking for the brief time we were in the locker room to post our scores.
I used to participate in league play once a week but don't think I will right now. On "opening day" they plan a two cart/four person scramble and then lunch inside seated at tables for 6 with someone other than those you played golf with earlier. Being inside over there feels less and less comfortable. They are skirting the guidelines by doing things like booking two separate events that really is one. The holiday bizarre is being held in 4 sessions with the same vendors both days.
Ken, age 77, had an impacted wisdom tooth removed yesterday. He feels better than he expected to but we are overwhelmed with his dietary restrictions for 4 weeks. Not even sure he should eat his Thanksgiving turkey. We've had a weekly dinner with friends for years and even though we feel safe with them, I don't what we will eat. Mashed potatoes and cottage cheese will only make it for so many dinners. Tonight he had an Arby's large milkshake and I had a sub. Oh well, "it is what it is." We won't starve.
Stay safe everyone.
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Mary, "Joy Luck Club" made me a huge Amy Tan fan. I've read every one of her novels.
Carole, so glad Zeta decided not to hang around NOLA very long. I hear it did go right through the Quarter, though; but this time the new floodgates and sea-wall held up.
Jackie, I agree that echocardiograms are no big deal. Kinda cool watching the screen, especially the color ones. Turned extremely windy today. Had my mani-pedi (normally get manis every other week and pedis every four, but I missed the last mani due to quarantining). Nail tech remarked today how well my fingernails are holding up--probably due at least in part to going four weeks between acetone soak-and-scrape-offs. Had the left hand ones clipped down to the quick so I can pick up my guitar and start rebuilding calluses. Ingrown toenails weren't too bad today--I bring along a can of lidocaine spray, which helps a lot. I suspect this may be my last mani-pedi till spring, if IL keeps setting daily COVID case records.
The kids decided to cancel their "igloo" reservation at Sapori for tomorrow night, after reading that unless they're open on one side, limited to one table, and aired out for at least 10 min. and disinfected between parties igloos & plastic "cabins" are really not much safer than indoor dining. Tents are safer, so long as 50% open on the sides. But most of the risk either way is to the servers. They will be going to Houston to visit her family for Christmas, renting a large house on a half-acre so nobody has to share a bedroom (except with their significant others) and everyone can still distance. As far as Thanksgiving, Gordy doesn't know about his work schedule yet. Bob & I will work around him. We're considering having an outlet put on the outside back walll to plug in an electric heater, and perhaps look at home outdoor dining tents for the deck. (Propane is too much of a fire hazard). We still won't have friends over, nor go to their homes, no matter how strictly they've sheltered-in-place--so long as Bob goes to work, he still poses a risk.
Judy, I think so long as you are super-prudent about masking whenever outside your apt. door you should be okay at the Mather. Hope you can get the elliptical fixed, though. Evanston sidewalks in the very early morning can be just as deserted (and safe for walking) as those in Glencoe. Will the Mather allow restaurant meal and grocery deliveries?
I ordered out from a French bistro in Ravenswood tonight--didn't want to risk eating there for tonight's "last hurrah" of indoor dining. Wonder if The Barn will put more heaters in its tent--even enlarge it--for the winter. We've really come to enjoy dining there, chilly though it may be. Cellars wiil be doing curbside pickup all weekend of the wines we ordered a week ago; and they plan to reopen Tuesday night for takeout & delivery.
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Youth is not a time of life, it is a state of mind. You are as old as your doubt, your fear, your despair. The way to keep young is to keep your faith young. Keep your self-confidence young. Keep your hope young. -Luella F. Phean
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Well thank goodness it looks to be coolish but a sunny day at last and I won't mind so much driving to Marion today. Was afraid that it would be raining. I am wishing success for all endeavors today. Hint: Knowing I am going to see sun all day helps me be hopeful and feeling a huge desire to be positive.
Hope you all have a wonderful day.
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Thanks so much for the comments that indicate concern for me during the storm. It means a lot, especially during this time of relative isolation.
Keywest, your apartment to which you're returning sounds like a wonderful place, with a view of the lake. I, too, hope you can get the elliptical working properly. An elliptical is great exercise, much more vigorous than a treadmill.
Wearing a mask has eliminated much of my use of makeup. Before Covid I used a tinted sunscreen on my face every day. Now there's no point in using sunscreen. A mask covers my face. I do use a little mascara but rarely bother with additional eye makeup since I began to wear glasses the last couple of years. I feel like I'm invisible behind my mask and glasses.
The Chair Yoga class at the Y is not as popular as the other Silver Sneakers classes, which are call Chair Exercise. I enjoyed the yoga class yesterday, attended by about 10 people. The stretches are very relaxing. I hope our Covid cases don't increase to the point that I will need to stop going to the gym. I plan to go to a Chair Exercise class today. We actually do the majority of the exercise standing, but people with limitations have the option of sitting.
Dh has used Zoom quite a bit since Covid hit. He attends meeting and classes featuring wood turning. He mentioned last night that he hopes to set up a Zoom session with his family at Thanksgiving. This will be the first Thanksgiving in many years that we haven't travelled north to IL or IN to have Thanksgiving with his family. It will also be the first big holiday for his family without dh's sister, who died this year. She was the Thanksgiving dinner hostess for numerous years when she was healthy.
Happy Friday to all.
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Hi, Ladies. It has been a little cooler today and I opened up the house, no a/c, and aired it out. I love the fresh air smell or lack of smells. LOL
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Good morning, ladies. It is cool, in the 50's. I wore a hoodie while enjoying a pleasant walk. Hope everyone has a pleasant weekend.
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In real life I have qualms, a moral code, a sense of duty. I live within confines. In books, I am free to soar and to explore. There are no limits to my being.
Books, with their secret knowledge, free me from myself. I'm never alone. The greatest minds in history wait by my bed, sit patiently in bookcases, respond to my touch. I reach out and they are there, waiting to transport me to another realm. -Linda Weltner0 -
Another sunny day on the roster. I'm loving it. I was sinking fast after a whole week of gray and much to my surprise got to go to Marion in full sunshine with my sun-glasses on. I hope all of you are having nice weather as well. In much agreement with the latest entries on here. Sometimes I forget to respond to entries ( get so focused on the quote ) and if so I apologize.
A busy week coming up and one I will be glad to have over. Lots and lots of work -- but idle hands as they say so I should stay out of trouble. Just hope I recognize myself if I meet me.
Have a wonderful day, ladies.
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Taco, forgive me for not replying sooner to your query about precautions at our golf club. We are still allowed to take a cart without someone else riding with us. But I learned that the cart barn employees have stopped sanitizing the carts. The women's events luncheons have taken place outside on a patio. I have not attended any of those. Masks are required of those entering the clubhouse because of the governor's mandate.
If the club changes its cart policy, I will not rent a cart and will not play with the Tuesday/Friday group to which I belong. As in all other shopping and socializing considerations, I figure it's up to me to look out for myself.
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