Can we have a forum for "older" people with bc?
Comments
-
You have the wrong person Sandy, but that is okay. I do have major plans to get the vaccine although I did hand out a wrong date apparently. I will get the vaccine Feb 2nd. and on Mar 3rd. Hoping nothing gets upset but no reason for me to think it would right now. We are going through the V.A. in Marion, Illinois
0 -
Sandy, Your plan to X-C around your neighborhood made me think about a snow in Seattle on Capitol Hill. I looked out our front window and only ski tracks were visible. No one had tried to drive. For those who are not familiar with Seattle, when they say hill they are not kidding. The street up the hill by our house was always closed off. We would gather to see cars drive around the closure and try to get up the hill, then slowly slide right back to where they started.
0 -
Mea culpa, Jackie--I meant Carole. What's your blood type? An aggregate analysis of several (about a dozen) studies concluded that Type A is a serious risk factor--both for getting COVID and having severe disease. Types B and AB are nearly as risky; and being Rh-positive (which is the most common) raises the risk as well. The most protective blood type is O-neg., with O-positive close behind. I'm A-positive, but both Bob & Gordy are O-positive.
Wren, when we lived in Seattle we'd take X-C ski lessons (and rent equipment) from REI on Capitol Hill, and the classes were held at Stevens Pass. This was back in the days of hickory-bottomed touring skis with harder wood ("lignostone") edges and cable bindings that went around a groove in the heel of the boot. I then bought what I'd rented when REI held its "garage sale." And we had to wax, wax, wax depending on air temp & snow type--not just the little color-coded rub-on canisters but the icky tubes of sticky "klister" that had to be troweled on for icy or melting snow. Ugh. (Not to mention that at the beginning or end of the season we had to brush on a base of pine tar and then heat-cure it with a butane torch. It had to be done outside not just for safety but also because it stank to high heaven--for years I couldn't drink retsina at Greek restaurants because of the memories of that royal pain). The only injury I ever had X-C skiing was when I pinched my thumb in the release clamp of a cable binding. I had them replaced with 3-pin "rat-trap" step-in bindings to match the 3 holes in the boot's toe piece. The tip of the ski pole on a little lever tab was the release.
Those were the skis I used (sans klister) during our first Chicago winter: the Blizzard of '79. Gave it up for almost a decade--then bought fishscale-bottom no-wax skis with newer-type bindings. But there were few winters here that had enough good-quality snow (to avoid chewing up my ski bottoms on pavement) and above-zero temps. About 6 yrs. ago I bought new boots, because my feet had grown from size 37 to 39. But only now am I thin enough to try again. Only hope my bunions are not a dealbreaker for my boots.
And the snow is definitely flying right now, but it's too windy out and it's not deep enough yet to preserve my skis. Maybe tomorrow.
0 -
Keywest - DH and I got our second Pfizer vaccine yesterday - my arm was sore but no other reaction - DH was achy and fluish (sp) but not as bad as a reaction as he had with Shingrix. Tonight he is feeling fine - been hearing that most people have a reaction with second shot, so it worries me a little that I didn't but then again we are all different. We will continue to social distance, hand wash and wear masks.
0 -
Interesting to read all you flu shot stories. I still can't even get an appointment. Have the fantasy that when I go with Ken on the 12th, they will give me one but...I plan to get up early Monday so see if they have opened up any March slots.
0 -
Sandy, I am A negative. Maybe a good thing that I'm starting the shots so soon after all. I had been thinking mid-summer ,about July, but Feb/Mar is well ahead. Off the top of my head -- I only know one person who recovered from Covid ( except for the couple here ) and that was my pcp in Mt. Vernon. The other person I know that had it died from it. All which makes me rather nervous with my risk factors.
0 -
It has rained all day today. It is going to be really soggy out tomorrow. Most of our snow has washed away in the rain and I think the slightly warmer temps. will last for at least a couple more days.
0 -
0 -
There's nothing like a walk in the forest to clear my mind and get my spirit to calm down and slow down. Any time I get away from the mass of people and find a quiet, solitary spot in nature, be it in the middle of the desert, in the forest, on a beach, or even along a lonely country road, I feel myself being refreshed, revived, renewed. It's a wonderful feeling that I don't search out nearly enough. -tom walsh
0 -
No rain this morning -- oh how sweet, but maybe some more this afternoon. Not over til' its over as is said. Nothing special planned today. Just hoping to accomplish a few things. Worrisome of hear of some covid variants and I am so hoping that we can stay safe until we are able to get both of our vaccine doses. I know there will still be some risk -- and maybe as Sandy has mentioned there will be a need for boosters of some kind later -- but I will feel somewhat protected with the vaccine.
I hope you all have a good Sunday.
0 -
A foot of snow on the ground thus far (likely more fell, but it's so wet & heavy that it's compacting). Gee thanks, "lake effect." Still snowing at 7pm. Our landscaper's snowblower was no match for it when he tried to make a second pass. We're not going anywhere till at least Tues., when Bob can take public transit to his dental appt. & then Union Health. He got his second Pfizer shot over 3 wks ago, so double-masked & gloved he should be fine (as long as the train's not too crowded and he doesn't face a homeless person). I told him to call an Uber or hail a cab if the train looks too crowded. No idea when it'll be possible for our HK to get here--but we were on our own last March-Apr. for 7 weeks, sooo....
0 -
There is an Indian proverb or axiom that says that everyone is a house with four rooms, a physical, a mental, an emotional, and a spiritual.Most of us tend to live in one room most of the time, but unless we go into every room every day, even if only to keep it aired, we are not a complete person. -Rumer GoddenThere is an Indian proverb or axiom that says that everyone is a house with four rooms, a physical, a mental, an emotional, and a spiritual.Most of us tend to live in one room most of the time, but unless we go into every room every day, even if only to keep it aired, we are not a complete person. -Rumer Godden
0 -
Good afternoon, ladies. It is gray and windy. It rained last night, which was needed. Those of you will all the snow, stay safe and warm.
0 -
It is snowing now and this is after snowing last night with a brief reprieve this morning. DH tried to clear driveway and now it looks like he never ran the snow thrower. Living on a hill has an advantage when it comes to decreasing road noise but not now when it is snow covered and the driveway is steep. My children loved to sled on it when they were younger and my grandchildren have also tried it. So PT was canceled today because my dodgy knee will not navigate the driveway and if I could get down (upright), chances are I would not be able to climb up. So I am enjoying the birds who are flocking to the bird feeder. It is only 32 degrees F. and the snow is finer than what was falling last night which was large, heavy flakes. Stay warm and safe if you are in snow territory.
0 -
Partly sunny here. I think we won't have moisture of any kind. I sure hope not anyway. I got so tired of the hours of rain the past two days so I'll take the partly sunny and a mite windy and cold. I can hang in there with a little sun to prop me up.
Stay safe and warm and dry if at all possible.
0 -
Lots of sunshine & 35 for a high today. Our snow guy was able to clear enough out of the driveway for Bob to borrow my Outback tomorrow to get to the Loop (dentist) & Medical Dist. (Union Health), so he won't have to take the train. Our HK was able to get her car dug out, and her alley plowed enough to get here tomorrow, but would rather try to find an on-street parking space blocks away rather than get stuck in our alley. (She drives a Chrysler sedan).
0 -
DH called me to the window today and showed me a beautiful cooper or red tailed hawk sitting on our open porch. A few moments later he flew off holding a dear little black junko that he apparently had snatched. We've seen such beauties at the feeders lately including cardinals, downy woodpeckers, Carolina wrens, even bluebirds. This made me sad. DH apologized for calling me over as he knows I'm sensitive like that. The hawk was beautiful though. I know it's nature but still makes me a little sad. 🐦
We got a modest amount of snow. Just enough to look pretty, particularly if you don't have to drive in it. ❄❄
0 -
Good morning, ladies. It is cool and sunny. I watched a beautiful sunrise through the woods. The cats did not want to join me on the patio. They wanted to stay in the nice warm bed. I hope everyone has a pleasant day.
0 -
School was cancelled for the day, they notified us last evening. So I got to sleep in. Apparently when we had 25" of snow and nothing was cancelled, just went entirely virtual, the district got a lot of flack. Let the kids enjoy a snow day instead of another forced day in front of a computer. Guessing at least a foot of snow fell. I shoveled the front walkway in my robe, looking for the newspaper. None found.
I have a dermatologist appt at 3:45 for my 4th laser treatment on radiation tattoo. They haven't cancelled, so I'll be out in the elements for it. The main road looks clear, I should have no problem. Bundle up & go.
Stay warm, stay safe, and enjoy the day.
0 -
Compassion is the basis of all truthful relationships: it means being present with love—for ourselves and for all life, including animals, fish, birds, and trees. Compassion is bringing our deepest truth into our actions, no matter how much the world seems to resist, because that is ultimately what we have to give this world and one another. -Ram Dass
0 -
Sun today and though cold it was an okay day. I'm here late as I had my last chemo this morning. Here's hoping ( it will be awhile before testing is done ) that all the cancer was eliminated and I'll be back to my NED days once more.
I checked today to make sure that there would be no reason why I can't go tomorrow to the Marion V.A. for my first covid ( Moderna ) vaccine injection. I really thought we were looking at nearly summer but our PCP had put us on the V.A. list and I jumped at the chance when they called this past Friday. I looked at some web sites to see what they might say about cancer, treatments, especially current ones, but thought all along I would be okay. My chemo has always gone directly into the bladder and after the two hour treatment is done -- starts coming out -- before I even leave the facility. So, nothing would likely even be left by injection time tomorrow.
I think for the same reason I've felt a degree of safety here, we likely will do fine once we have both injections done. Despite seeing many people who don't wear masks, I just think there has been overall less people infected around here. Not a reason at all to let the guard down -- and we plan to continue with the masks, hand washing etc. Even if I did not have to worry that I would even spend one day ill -- the thought that I could carry it to others is a very un-happy thought. I always think of the non-mask wearers as people who look on you as saving them and negating their need to be responsible. Irritating to a degree but it happens everywhere and we all have to do the best we can.
I hope you have all had a good day and hopefully sunshine was a part of your day.
0 -
So thank you all who tried to reassure, almost hysterical me, that I didn’t ruin the first Pfizer shot last Wednesday by stupidly following the advice of a nurse friend and premedicating with an Xtra strength Tylenol.Was convinced that that plus my already compromised immune system because of a 1999 splenectomy had rendered any possibility of an immune response hopeless. Messaged my usually, but not this time very loquacious PCP to ask him how worried I should be. He replied, “No worry. Period. Cheers.” So I suppose I can relax and await the onslaught,I hope, of the second shot reaction in two weeks.
Cold, slushy, icy, slippery, but managed, most carefully, to get in my 10,000 steps, which I’ve managed to do everyday since all this began last March. Clears my head as I listen to Audiobooks.
0 -
Keywest -- good for you. Here's the good part of your possible error -- we all learn together this way. I had questions about my chemo as well -- but not even concerning myself I went ahead and made the appt. Glad I did -- so I'm glad that all should be well and I most certainly hope you will remain just fine with your second shot.
As an after-thought -- it did sound like good advice and at the same time -- I've met a couple of nurses that were as smart as Dr.'s so don't feel bad that you took her advice.
0 -
Congratulations on getting through your last chemo. Celebration is in order.
Rained all night on our noisy skylight right over our bed. I'm sleep this afternoon but afraid if I take a nap I won't be able to sleep tonight.
0 -
Judy, so few stores carry "regular strength" (325mg) Tylenol that Extra Strength (500mg) is the default--two at a time, at that. Practically the only way you're even going to see 325mg is as part of an opioid like Norco.
I will definitely be stuck inside my house probably through next Tuesday--most of the time alone but for the cats (who are as demanding as toddlers except they don't need diapers). Our alley is impassable to any cars but SUVs & trucks, so Bob took my Outback (so he could go to his hospitals after Union Health, to make sure he and not his colleagues would get the consults). When he got to Union Health, he found that all his patients had cancelled because they couldn't get there--so he napped until it was time to go to Oak Lawn. My HK was able to limp her car down her own alley, but had to park down the end of our double block--and dig out a parking space. He won't give me my car back until his Fusion can negotiate our alley--and it's gonna snow again Thurs. He will stay down in Oak Lawn Thurs. night, because Friday is an early-morning echo-reading day at Christ (why he can't do that via home computer is beyond me)--and then the bottom drops out and we'll be in Chiberia Fri-Tues.
I hope our HK didn't hurt herself shoveling her car. Anyway, will have to cancel my Thurs. mani, because she likely won't be able to take me (it'd require "dibbing" a spot on our block, because the salon can't let her wait there for me) or pick me up--and there's no way I can drive myself in the Fusion if her Chrysler 200 can't get through the alley. And until a week past my second shot, it just won't be safe for me to take a cab, rideshare or bus (the latter would mean sitting in a Petri dish for 45 min, and it's unsafe riding in a stranger's car). My only forays outdoors will be to dump garbage. Can't even go get my letrozole refill, because that'd require driving (the pharmacy doesn't deliver). At least I have some leftover Femara--it's past expiration date but Bob assures me it's still effective (the hospital sends all its expired meds--except aspirin & antibiotics--to Poland & Lithuania).
Thanks for letting me vent.
0 -
Illinoislady- so glad you've gotten through with your chemo treatments! Something to be celebrating. And also good news getting that vaccine scheduled. I've read nothing prohibiting it during cancer treatments, and now it will be after yours.
Sandy - you're stating facts, didn't seem like too much of a vent to me.
I had sad news today. A woman I used to bowl with has died from breast cancer at 54. Her mother had passed away a few months ago, also from breast cancer - I had bowled with her too. We had a mixed league where a good portion of them were family. I can't imagine her dad having to lose his wife and daughter to BC in such a short time. The daughter didn't want anyone to know she was ill, let alone dying. The wake is Thursday, 5-7 and I plan on going. I'll wear a double mask, and get there early so I can be in and out.
We shoveled out. I made it to my dermatology appt without a problem. Weather should warm up Thursday and Friday before taking a nose dive again. Now I vividly recall why I always vacationed to Puerto Rico in February, and why we bought the house in FL - so we wouldn't be here! If there wasn't covid we could be out & about; but if no covid, I'd be in FL. It's a lose lose ....lol I have to laugh, it's what keeps me sane.
School again tomorrow. Enjoy the day, stay safe & warm!
0 -
Good morning. It is cold even in sunny Florida, but no snow.
IllinosisLady, that is wonderful the chemo is finished.
0 -
Cindy -my condolences on the loss of your friend and her mother. It plain old s****!
Yesterday we broke a record high - 65 but that is changing tonight to cold and snow - probably not a lot of snow for me but for the mountains.
15 years ago today, I heard those dreaded words no one wants to hear. At the time 15 years seems unimaginable. Now I look to the next 15 years.
Feeling emotional this morning.
0 -
Try to be mindful, and let things take their natural course. Then your mind will become still in any surroundings, like a clear forest pool. All kinds of wonderful, rare animals will come to drink at the pool, and you will clearly see the nature of all things. You will see many strange and wonderful things come and go, but you will be still. -Ajahn Chah
0 -
Cindy, my sympathy for your loss. No attempt at explanation helps in these situations.
I had my second shot yesterday and feel achy this morning. Nothing severe enough so far to make me cancel my dermatologist appointment for the excision of a cancer on my right arm. The arm that is "protected." But the cancer has to come out. It sprouted and grew fast next to the scar of a cancer that got the burn and scrape treatment several weeks ago. This is the first skin cancer that is sore to the touch. I don't know if this is a case of cause and effect or coincidence.
Friday the counter top installers are scheduled to come to remove the old and install the new. I have already begun to empty the bottom cabinets as instructed. Amazing how much "stuff" I have. I guess a good time to cull out items.
Congratulations, Jackie, on finishing the chemo.
0
