Can we have a forum for "older" people with bc?
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So after some wrangling, I found a new primary, who used to be my (short-term) "new" primary's partner at the Lincolnwood office. My old primary (1989-2004) is not part of the N.Shore system after all--she sees patients only at Amita St. Francis. Nope. There's a hitch, though: the new primary shows up as part of my "Care Team," but not for patient portal messaging until I see him in person...no sooner than March 9. Sigh. So if I have to get in touch with him before then, I either have to call the office and sit on hold or ask one of my specialists to pass along a message.
He's soooooo young--finished his fellowship in 2015. But the other two in the office are even "wetter behind the ears" (one's a DO and the other has been in practice only since 2017). I guess at some point, almost every doctor I get will be significantly younger than me...and the ones close to my age are also close to retirement.
Temp is up to 99.2 now--that's more like it. (I was afraid that having inadvertently taken Zyrtec & Singulair on Tues. night might dampen the immune response). I'll see how high it goes before I decide to take anything,
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Sandy, so lucky to have a temp and thus immune response. I still don't know whether I had one or not with second Pfizer shot. I had worried, despite reassurances, that I had dampened any response to the first shot by premedicating with 1 Xtra Strength Tylenol. I had a sore arm, but that was it. For the second, I took zilch, not even a morning Vitamin C. But I didn't sleep well at all the night before and went tired into the shot at 1pm. By 5 and on, I was exhausted, chilled, foggy, everything ached, but all this can happen if I'm very tired. So, can't really attribute these good symptoms to an immune response. Will just let the worry go and carry on.
I think in the early 80's there were a number of Greek Town restaurants which moved north forming a small Greek Town. Believe Psistaria was one and that it was on Lawrence, possibly Devon. I remember going there on a romantic Saturday night. There was joyful Greek dancing- I just watched.
Glad you have a new PCP. I adore mine, who I call The Divine Patrick Logan. He is 72, but a younger husband and wife are in the practice and I don't think Dr. Logan will retire before I do. It's boutique on Winnetka Avenue in an old house and comforting with its old living room- waiting room. Pat Logan says, “ I will be there for you”and I believe him.
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There used to be a branch of the Parthenon on a stretch of Devon east of West Ridge (Pekin House, of the awesome egg rolls and Villa Palermo were all on those blocks--only Palermo survives). The Devon branch of Parthenon was very small--they claimed to have invented saganaki and made gyros mainstream. You could see the "autodoner" vertical spits rotating in the window. Psistaria was on Lawrence a block or two w. of Western. That part of Lawrence was sort of Greektown North (just as "Asia on Argyle" is more commonly known as Chinatown North).
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Good morning, ladies. My MO appointment went well. I met with the MO and the ARNP. Mamo was good and bone scan no changes. I did get a referral for an Ortho that specializes in hands. It is 54 degrees and foggy. Everyone have a pleasant day and those of you that do stock investment, don't look at it and just hope it will go up by close.
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The past is a bucket of ashes, so live not in your yesterdays, nor just for tomorrow, but in the here and now. Keep moving and forget the post-mortems. -Carl Sandburg
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My long Friday at work, but at least I'm able to go again. All our snow is gone -- almost everywhere but in parking lots that made huge piles. It is slightly cooler but still what I now think of as quite warm. 50 is just fine. I got home after 2 p.m. today so just had a 10 minute rest and then cooked dinner -- hot dogs and Bavarian sauerkraut plus some mashed potatoes and a helping of left over mac and cheese to get it out of the fridge. We will snack later if we get hungry.
It rained a little a while ago but I think it may be done. Our good temps will remain so it is not an issue. I'm hoping that this will be the final snow for the year.
I hope you all had a wonderful day.
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Good morning. It is actually hot down here in Florida. I took a long walk yesterday and actually got sunburned on my freshly exposed neck. That is what happens with short hair. Everything else had sunscreen.
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When children learn that giving is more rewarding than taking; when they learn that they can't control everything, but they are masters of their own souls; when they learn to accept people whose difference they fear, and that pleasure is found in the power in helping others; when they learn that the value of one's life is best measured not by possession acquired, but by wisdom shared, hope inspired, tears wiped, and hearts touched; when they learn that happiness and lasting contentment are not to be found in what a person has, but in what he or she is; when they learn to withhold judgment of people, knowing that everyone is blessed with good and bad qualities; when they learn that every person has been given the gift of a unique self and the purpose of life is to share the very best of that gift with the world. . . . When children learn these ideals, they will no longer be children--they will be blessings to those who know them, and worthy models for all the world's children. -David L. Weatherford
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Going to be okay here for the day. We had rain last night and sounds like we will have more tonight. Sunny during the day though. Hmm. We seem to be going into more of the 'night' rains again. Still, for now it sounds like the next week and more will be in the 50's and 60's. It is hard to be disappointed about that. It does harbor the anticipation of Spring and the beginning anew of all that starts in Spring to give us our summer. I'm always anxious to see Spring. It is like New Yrs. to me -- way more than Jan 1st. It is when all the good emotions hit me at once. Inspiration, hope, dedication, energy and always feeling gratitude for another beginning right along with Spring.
I hope you all have a beautiful sunny day.
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Mindfulness is being aware of yourself, others, and your surroundings in the moment. When consciously and kindly focusing awareness on life as it unfolds minute by precious minute, you are better able to savor each experience. Also, being closely attentive gives you the opportunity to change unwise or painful feelings and responses quickly. In fact, being truly present in a mindful way is an excellent stress reducer and, because of that, can be seen as consciousness conditioning, a strengthening workout for body, mind, heart, and spirit. Sue Patton Thoel
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Rained overnight again. Hmmm. It will let up for a while here but come back later. The good news is that I think today is it for the next three or four days. I'll be happy about that since we go to Marion, Ill on Tues. for our final Moderna shots. Looking so forward to that. Especially as I listened to a program ( not sure whether channel 4 or 5 ) this morning about people ( not all by far ) who have lingering negative effects from covid that continue to interfere more than is good. These people are bothered by long term breathing issues as well as having some interference in special deep X-ray studies of their hearts. It is important to stay as well as possible.
That said, I will say my cousin's Dh had it and he has been disabled for yrs. but the other family members in the household didn't fall ill. There is just no way to know what will happen to any one I guess.
Hoping you all stay well and are able to get your vaccine as soon as is possible.
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1st Moderna shot done on Friday (2/26), and all good. Arm not sore at all, and no other noticeable effects. 2nd one will be on 3/30. Senior Center where I am a member through Silver Sneakers emailed on 2/19 in re: Vaccination Clinic with appointment available to all members, even if not yet time for their group. I am group 1c, slated to open for appointments starting 3/1. What a godsend, as it was so easy to obtain an appointment and the center is only a 15 min. drive! Husband (1b) receives 2nd Moderna on Weds. 3/3. (PS - We are in Kentucky).
Looking forward to having the peace of mind the vaccines offer. Hope everyone can get theirs as soon as possible. Be well and be safe!
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Yay CeliaC. Always good to hear that others are progressing with the shots. I'm like you. I will be glad to not have to feel deeply concerned all the time after the second shot has had a week or two to settle in.
Most of my worry was due to the number of people who still won't wear a mask and if they are un-concerned about that -- I have doubt that they observe the other guidelines either. I wear my mask any time I'm out in a store for anything and my two little jobs ( both older ladies ) I wear my mask all the time I'm at their houses. If they get their shots I may skip the mask when I'm in their homes -- but until it is safe any other place outside of my home I'm sure I'll have it on.
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Good morning, ladies. It is bright and sunny, but some rain over night. I have a couple projects I want to work on. My craft area, where I use to repair the costume jewelry, is a mess. I think I will sell some of the stones and parts, since I can't fix things any more. Decluttering feels good. LOL
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What we are talking about is learning how to live in the present moment, in the now. When you aren't distracted by your own negative thinking, when you don't allow yourself to get lost in moments that are gone or yet to come, you are left with this moment. This moment—now—truly is the only moment you have. It is beautiful and special. Life is simply a series of such moments to be experienced one right after another. If you attend to the moment you are in and stay connected to your soul and remain happy, you will find that your heart is filled with positive feelings. -Sydney Banks
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Going to be a good day. Some sun and it will get warm again and no rain in the forecast. In fact, we will have 50's all week and a couple of days at least of high 50's. I'm hoping this will slip us into some good Spring weather. I'm sure ready after our late winter surprise. I really did think we would go thru this yr. w/o any winter. So onward....this is one of my harder days -- but it sets me up for the few days off in-between where I can do more around home here. I do have plenty to stay busy with.
I hope you all have a really good day and that everything is positive for you.
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A dreary rainy morning but the bonus is cooler air. The a/c went off yesterday and this morning we're using a little heat from the furnace. Zig Zag. Louisiana weather.
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Peace comes from living a measured life. Peace comes from attending to every part of my world in a sacramental way. My relationships are not what I do when I have time left over from my work. . . . Reading is not something I do when life calms down. Prayer is not something I do when I feel like it. They are all channels of hope and growth for me. They must all be given their due. -Joan D. Chittister
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Sunny today and should get up to 55. I hope a little more but a lot of the time we will be either in the car or in a building -- so it won't matter a lot. I am just grateful for the sun. We are in the midst of drying out from the last big rainstorm or two. Both of which happened mainly during the late night hours. So, I have to leave early today for Marion and get some gas and a car wash before leaving town.
Carole -- we have done the same thing here almost with the a/c and heat, but not too often. I think partly because we no longer are willing to tough it out all the time and will urn on whatever it takes ( heat or a/c ) to be cozy.
I hope you all have a good day.
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All went well today with our trip to Marion, Illinois. Arrived a few minutes early which was okay since we had a couple of things to do afterwards. No problems at all.
On the way home we stopped at Culver's ( some day I'll be tired of it but it will be a good long while ) and got Double Cheeseburger Baskets. I so enjoy their French fries. I don't know how it is done, but the big crinkle fries stay hot all thru your meal. That is not at all the case with most places and they never seem pre-cooked and sitting in a tray waiting for someone to order. Good thing I live 18 miles away -- I could regain some of my 28# wt. loss. I'm hoping I'm fortunate and have minimal se's from the shot -- hopefully Dh will have it the same way.
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I've written long updates on here, using my phone, only to hit submit and "bam" it's gone. This has happened at least three times, you'd think I'd learn to use Kindle or laptop. Ugh!
Covid shot saga, had appt in Utica for 2/28; booked through county for local shot on 3/1; cancelled Utica shot; CVS called Saturday 2/27 near 6 pm, I was on their standby list, they had unused vaccine, did I want the shot? YES I did! My arm on Sunday felt like I'd been punched (anyone remember as a kid if you saw a VW bug you'd punch your sibling in the arm as you yelled Punch Buggy!). Dose 2 scheduled for 3/27.
Partner was booked for a 3/18 covid shot locally, but with all the variants showing up he was anxious to get it sooner. I got him into a pharmacy for his first dose on 3/1, which was also his birthday. His 2nd shot is 3/29.
Both of us will be 18+ days out from our second shot so we'll feel much safer heading to our Florida home on 4/18.
On a cautious note, step son who is a Dr in PA had his 2nd shot - I think I've mentioned in here before - his bp dropped and heart rate increased, needed a lot of fluids before they'd let him leave. Well, even feeling crappy he went back to work the next day, and caught covid. He ate lunch with a nurse he was working with, and she tested positive by end of that day. He's been out of work since then, sleeping 12+ hours a day, fluid build up in his legs - bought compression pants, running a fever. Today was his first day back to work. So my cautionary tale is when (if) you're run down after the 2nd shot as your body is trying to create your immunity, you're vulnerable. Give yourself time to bounce back. As a young man/Dr in a fellowship he felt compelled to be working.
On a good note 3/1 was partners 65th bday, and we did get small celebration with family. Pizza, wings, cake, and ice cream fed 7 of us at my house. AND 3/1 marked 3 years of anastrozole use for me, with "only" 2 more years to go.
Had my hearing test today for the tinnitus in my left ear. Hearing hasn't changed much at all in 5 years, so that's good. Dr said it could be stress that caused it. I said the stress to get covid shots, like a "Beat the Clock' game, for myself, partner and two of my girlfriends, and then to try and change those appointments, it had given me the shakes I was spilling so much adrenaline, that stress?? Here's to hoping the ringing goes away as I get the shot and were done for this year trying to get any more appointments.
I'm hoping you're all doing well. It seems like a lot of you are being quiet and I hope just busy with life. Be safe.
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Cindy - glad you got your first shot. Sorry to hear about your son. Glad he seems to be on the mend.
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The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely, or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quite alone with the heavens, nature, and God. Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be and that God wishes to see people happy, amidst the simple beauty of nature. As long as this exists, and it certainly always will, I know then there will always be comfort for every sorrow, whatever the circumstances may be. -Anne Frank
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Cindy, good job on getting your first shot, and I too am sorry that your son ended up with getting the covid. I hope he continues to improve and has few lingering effects if any.
We did get those second shots yesterday. Wow !! I didn't expect some of the se's so soon. Shortly after getting home we felt a lot of exhaustion. I had some head pain off and on -- along with discomfort around my ears and neck. All sort of okay but it woke me up about 1:30 to 2 a.m. I got up with a constant headache then and neck and ear pain that was constant as well. Arm hurt at injection site too. So, finally this morning after having dry heaves in the early morning hours, and actually throwing up a sm. amt. ( I think from the hours mainly of head pains ) I took a couple of Excedrin. I am feeling pretty good right now and hopefully ( fingers crossed heavily ) I won't have much more to deal with. Sure hope so as I want to go to work on Friday .
I'm excited about being hopefully fully protected by about the 15th. or 16th. of March. Still will observe all the same rules, but I will feel way less stress about not only the disease itself, but the variants.
Also hoping that should we in the future have to have boosters or anything that having these reactions ( for those who have them ) will not occur. Maybe Sandy might have some insight on that.
There is sun outside ( making me very delighted ) and we will have a fair amt. the next few days. We are also going to get some temps. in the 60 degree range. It is not unusual to get good temps this time of yr. but they can be in-consistent. Hoping you all have a beautiful day.
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Good morning, ladies. We had rain in the wee hours of the morning and the temperatures are going down to the 40's. I have been doing a lot of hiking. I did 3.4 miles on a nice trail yesterday and planning to do another trail today.
Cindy, There are so many NY cars down here, I wonder if there are any left in NY. LOL I have lived in FL since 1958 and have never seen anything like it.
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I had my second shot yesterday and moved my arm a lot all day. Felt good all day and even walked 3 miles. This am I woke up early because I felt fluish. Ugh. Have now taken a ibuprofen although I can remember if its better to take tylenol. Cyndy, thanks so much for your post about the 3 week time frame after the second shot.
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Cowgirl, I think I read/heard as well that Tylenol was good to take for the se's from the injection. You didn't say which drug you got but likely if it is the 2 shot it could only be Moderna or Pfizer. Likely the same meds would be used. We did not have any plain Tylenol here, but Dh had some Excedrin which is basically half Aspirin and half Tylenol in a buffered tablet. I'm still mildly achy here and there but the headache and nausea went away. Had 2 Excedrin about 6 a.m. this morning and haven't had to take any more. Not sure how I'll be feeling after being up all day.
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IllinoisLady, I had the Pfizer. I slept all morning, was still feeling fluish, and now I am fine. Haven't had the flu in years so I forgot what it feels like. Going to take it easy and watch movies and get back into the world tomorrow. So glad I've had the shots and I'm now going to be very careful for the next 3 weeks.
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Had my first dose on Sat. and Ken has his second Friday. I've been assuming at least 2 weeks after the second dose before a return to some things. We have regularly had a Wednesday date lunch at our CC and noticed more people there today than usual. They require mask wearing for moving around and tables are well spaced. Since it's in an age restricted community, It feels like more people are getting comfortable interacting as vaccines are distributed. Don't know when I will feel comfortable in any other indoor dining though. I did schedule an in-person meeting with other seniors and a dentist appointment for late April.
Cindy, congratulations on your 3 years on AI's. Have to admit I quit a year ago and I'm good with that decision but it is a milestone worth celebrating.
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True learning is not about facts,
but about conscious appreciation of the experience of living.
Let each day be a time to learn new appreciation for life.
To learn more about ourselves and the nature of life.
To learn what brings happiness to ourselves and to those around us.
- Jonathan Lockwood Huie
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