Can we have a forum for "older" people with bc?
Comments
-
Cindy, Do you suppose GP's get a reward for not sending people with dementia to further treatment? DH's GP doesn't see anything wrong either, which makes me think he had no older relatives that weren't demented. I know the difference because I had lots of great grandparents and even a great great grandmother who had all her marbles at 96. I wrote him a letter with examples and told him I wanted him referred to a neurologist. She put him on an alz drug.
Great suggestion to contact Chevy. Thanks.
0 -
Wren, the number my sister calls is 1-800-272-3900. If I’m not mistaken when she calls back she gets the same person so she doesn’t have to repeat the whole story again. I think the person shares with her the times he will be in if she wants to talk again. Best of luck.
0 -
petite1
I am doing a happy dance 💃 it may not be rhythmic but it is celebration
0 -
Wren44, if you're asking about "reverse capitation" (a portion of the cost of a patient's specialty treatment being deducted from an HMO primary care doc's compensation), I don't think that's the case here. There is very little that can be done treatment-wise for dementia--just diagnostic and perhaps some drugs (which are still controversial as to their effectiveness). You might want to ask whether your DH can get a consult for the MOCA test (a test involving vocabulary, memory, and spatial relationship acuity) to determine if he has what's known as "mild cognitive impairment," which may or may not progress to dementia. If the cognitive impairment is more advanced, sometimes a brain MRI is done to see if there's been some atrophy of the hippocampus. No blood tests available yet. Hugs.
Petite, fantastic!!!!
0 -
CindyNY: Two workers returned this afternoon to do a scrubbing of the floor with brushes, vacuuming up the excess water from the rinse, application of a biologic disinfectant and then an application of an odor suppressor. They had me inspect it before they did the last step and it was a 360 degree shift from what the floor looked like when they removed the old underlayment. I had given each of the guys some money to have a sandwich on us because carrying in 85 packs of heavy flooring (they could only carry 1 at a time) after lugging out large garbage bags of old wet, smelly flooring was a lot of work.
After Mark and Chris returned from lunch they told me they had overheard their supervisor repeating what I had said to him to his boss. Seems they had agreed with what I had said but I know their boss (curmudgeon) and he probably was trying to cut costs. When I finally said "my house and my way" the supervisor knew he was losing and then when he saw the state of the underlayment he could not deny I was right. He did offer a half-assed apology before he left.
I told Chris and Mark they did a topnotch job cleaning up and they said they will ask to return when they have to do phase 2. I will offer lunch to them again because there is no way I am willing to clean up after the workers anymore. Told me about their lunch, etc so it seems this is not something that happens often to them. They installed the blowers and said it will need to dry out for several days.
So the concrete is so clean we can see where the original 12 x 12 Armstrong peel and stick tiles used to be. They were here when we moved in, survived my children's abuse from bikes, etc and on the 2 occasions that we got water in the basement (before water mitigation system installed) those tiles never even loosened. My DB removed them with an assortment of tools plus multiple days to do so.
Loved the floor they removed but it is no longer available so necessitated a change. So when it is done, it will be a whole new look. I am so over this prolonged restoration project and my recent health challenges are also stressful so I am not taking any crap from the restoration company. I want my home back in its original order, and to walk into an intact, nicely decorated room rather than a room that looks like an extension of a storage locker. Thank you for the kind words. This forum helps to preserve my sanity though I am sure some of you wish the project was completed so I could just shut up.
0 -
Betrayal, We'll have an online party when the restoration is finally complete. I think you've been incredibly patient. Far beyond when I could be. You so deserve to walk into a fully restored house and feel like everything is in its place.
Cindy, Thanks for the number.
Sandy, What really makes me mad is that our senior center has an extensive program for memory loss along with support groups for caretakers within each stage. The neurologist prescribed Exelon which needs to be refilled, but he's too messed up to manage to do the refill. Can't get into his online portal or his email at the moment. Not willing or able, evidently, to make a phone call.
0 -
((Wren)) Praying for both of you.
0 -
Betrayal, I don't tire of your restorations rants or issues but do feel tons of frustration for you. You do have a magnificent patience. I have on many occasions said that it is amazing what someone can do when they have no choice. While you may have had some choice at times, it sounds overall like you have been left holding the bag so to speak many, many times. I so hope you are on the home stretch here for sure. It is far past time and I think you wouldn't find anyone here disagreeing with that statement. I am sending out supplications to the powers that be on your behalf. Hugs.
0 -
Wren44 - Here our dementia/alzheimer's patients get a "patient advocate". My friend finds hers very helpful with advice, referrals, and just an ear. I also went to a family support group when my mom was alive. It was run through her care center but I think it was open to others. I know my niece went for several months before she offered to have Mom with her for the summer. If DH won't let you go with him to appointments, I suggest you call or write the doctor before the visit and let him/her know your concerns. After DH's heart issues this summer, I just got bossy and said I was coming. I certainly know I was glad when I had another set of ears after my BC diagnosis. Holding you close. It's a hard road.
0 -
HI WREN,
I now have dementia....at 74 years old saw a neurologist last week at Valley -Medical center, hubby went along because I wanted him with me and add EVERYTHING I may have forget to mention, I am on a medication now, but I am aware that my forgetfulness is more than just forgetfulness...it makes me very sad and depressed. The neurologist also gave me orders to see a Physical Therapist for my memory loss..they said they were all booked up....no appointments available
DiHubby DX prostate cancer stage 2..recently......having rads every morning (except weekends) so I try to be his "rock" as he has been for me.
0 -
Di2012- my heart goes out to you. You’ve got a lot on your plate. Call another PT place if there are more near to you, to get in. And you’re correct in bringing your husband with you to your appointment. HUGS
My sisters husband went to see his dr today. He came home and yelled at her, saying you must have called him again because he asked me a lot of questions. Then he had to go lay down because he has an ear ache - which he’s had for over a week, but forgot to tell the Dr today.
Totally another topic, I watched a YouTube video last night on how fix a light pull for a ceiling fan. So today I asked my cousin, who is as handy as they come, if he thought I could do it;he said yes. I went to local big box Home Depot and spent $3.38 on a new chain pull switch. I needed my partner to hold the light assembly while I pulled the plastic pieces apart (no idea what it’s really called but it’s a plug I’d guess). Took out the old, put in the new (electric wire connector & some electric tape), and it works! Some times I amaze myself. I saw a tee shirt in Signals, “I’m not a professional, but I have watched several YouTube videos.”
0 -
(((Di)))
0 -
Wow! I miss a few days of reading posts on this thread and there are pages to catch up on! Hugs to everyone dealing with health issues and other life's issues.
We arrived home yesterday afternoon. The next couple of days will be occupied with unloading the cargo trailer and settling back in.
0 -
Tears in my eyes. Dementia is sad. Both MIL#1 and MIL#2 had Alzheimer's. It is so hard for the caregiver. MIL#1 didn't wander, but was totally confused. MIL#2 would wander and had her days and nights mixed up. Both lived about 2 years after diagnosis. MIL#1 was before they have the medications we do now. It was back when people first began talking about Alzheimer's (1980's). MIL#2 was on medication and did pretty well living in an Assisted Living facility with a Memory unit (2013).
The results from my ultrasound came in. The area under my scar is a seroma. Hopefully will just go away on it's own.
0 -
We are finally getting some cooler mornings but still heating up during the day.
Hearing lots of hammering this morning as neighbor is getting roof replaced. Think this is the last one near us. Almost everyone had serious damage from an early spring hailstorm; reports were that the storm was basically focused right around our area. Ours was done a good while back.
Carol, glad you are safely home. Don't envy you the job of unloading the trailer!
Hoping ball will have a good day.
0 -
Di: ((Hugs)) for all you are dealing with right now. We are here for you.
Wrenn: My FIL was dx with Alzheimer's and acted quite lucid when he visited his MD so there was a long delay before dx. He lost ground because of this and we had to convince my MIL that she had to go to the MD with him to explain what she was observing. She was impatient with him and tried desperately to reorient him to no avail. It was better to just go with the flow in conversations which he lost track, etc. Sadly, he would say "I lost track" so we would then try another topic. I saw something yesterday that was online about dementias, etc. and will try to find it and post for you. We are here for you and hugs to you as well.
0 -
I am sending hugs and care Di. Hate hearing you have had your and your Dh's issues on the plate. You are loved, appreciated and so cared about here. I am indeed glad there are medications today and I'm hoping that you have a really good result from them.
Beaverntx I will celebrate with you that you may be hearing the las roof repair and quiet will prevail in your neighborhood. I guess most of us are still singing Gilda Radner's old refrain: " It's Always Something ". Betrayal has constant work ( often delayed ) at her home, and so many health challenges going on. I will continue asking for the universe to intercede when possible to assist all of us.
Carole, so glad you are safely back. Have you decided yet if you will sell your summer retreat or go again next yr? I thought I remembered your mentioning possibilities earlier, or maybe it is still an open question for now.
Some rain tody but should have lots of dry periods too. My cousin came down with a UTI so not staying with my favorite little friend for right now. If cuz' feels better by Friday she might fly out to Fla. then, but I'm hoping she won't. Friday is a rough day for me, but I will follow through and help her ( stay with Muffin ) if that is how it goes.
Work continues in our garage. It is just nearly un-believable to me that we survived so many yrs. with clutter and strewn about materials for so many years and now it is all ending up where it always belonged. I actually think SIL is finding a lot of satisfaction in "making" things right.
Hope we all have a good Wenesday.
0 -
Di, I'm so sorry to hear this. I hope yours progresses very slowly. A fellow art class student said she was diagnosed a couple of years ago. She wasn't driving anymore, but was able to lead a few demo lessons this past summer. You would never guess talking to her. I've heard that the radiation is pretty successful. Wishing you both the best. At our ages, all we can do is be each other's rock.
0 -
My HK and her family could use some prayers this week. Her DH has to have a new PICC line implanted tomorrow for his dialysis. And last night her younger sister--who was on home hospice for NSCLC and with whom she's extremely close--went into the hospital, coded, was found to be in sepsis and is on a ventilator. My HK and her sibs are converging on Birmingham to be by her bedside (only two at a time). My HK will be away at least through next week. I had been planning to do an online rant about my ongoing saga with DirecTV's Customer (Dis)Service, but all my problems utterly pale in comparison. So I'm not gonna complain about having to make do without her for the next 10 days. (I had 7 such weeks at the shutdown's start, but managed--with her on the "where do we keep the..." and "how does this work?" hotline.
Gordy's fiancee Leslie had surgery yesterday to remove & biopsy an abdominal cyst. Benign! But she did have to lose a Fallopian tube. (I've had friends able to conceive with only one tube & ovary--and in one of them, on opposite sides; but I'm not asking anything about plans for childbearing).
0 -
Yes, all my eggs were in a rush to live longer. It was so easy to get pregnant with one egg and one ovary. Wish they had told me that fertility is not impaired in such situations.
I have my electric bicycle. It is going to take a while to get used to it.
0 -
Di,
What a full plate. Holding you close.
0 -
Sandy, your HK has her hands full. And many a pregnancy occurs with 1 tube, but I would ask about future plans either!
Mary - zoom zoom zoom! Be careful, take your time, be safe.
0 -
My HK's sister passed away early this evening. She also had leukemia (CML) and meningitis, and lived long enough to be discharged from home hospice per guidelines (after 6 months they decide you're not dying soon enough). Which explains why she was resuscitated after she coded, and was placed on a vent. At least her brother and another sister, who live in Birmingham, could be there with her at the end.
0 -
We are all connected to everyone and everything in the universe.
Therefore, everything one does as an individual affects the whole.
All thoughts, words, images, prayers, blessings, and deeds
are listened to by all that is.
- Serge Kahili King0 -
SIGH! Sandy, reminds me of when my sister died, but in a horrible auto crash. It still strikes deep. Praying for her and all of her family.
0 -
Sandy, so sorry to hear about your HK. While there were likely expectations by her other family members this is always something you can't really be ready for. You can be thankful that any suffering is now over, but there is a hole in the world where that person's spirit and presence were. Hoping for healing to come as soon as it can for HK and family.
More rain overnight here. We are back to 'night' rains though we likely could have some showers today. I'm crossing my fingers that Wily C who did not make an appearance while I was at the store yesterday may be gone. The night rains keep the ground wet which means I can't pick up left-over food after the cats eat. Yesterday a couple who live on the street nearest the store ( the home of one of my bill's is there too, but he is in assisted living right now ) drove over to complain to me that there were cats in their yard implying I presume it was my fault. I explained that I had been feeding cats at the same spot for well over 15 yrs. I hoped they realized I was wondering why I had waited for over 15 yrs. to now hear from them.
I explained that cats were considered wild animals and told Dh I suspected they were more upset by the coyote hanging around which they had mentioned at the same time. Why they think I have much to do with who or what animals may show up anywhere ( including their yards ) is a bit beyond me. Why they think I can influence where wild animals may decide to go also sort of amazes me. I am doing all I can up to and including removing any food source I'm able since I do tend to think it is the appearance of the coyote that all find upsetting -- including me. Perhaps I should have told them my response and asked them what they were doing to alleviate the issue. I presume the animal control has been notified and is not to date interested in the coyote and is waiting himself to see if it will go find a more suitable area.
Hope you are all going to have a good day.
0 -
We were walking with a dog-walking friend and she told me a story of feral cats. In a nearby wooded park, there were a lot of rabbits. Feral cats moved in, and the rabbit population decreased quickly. Then the cat population became troublesome. But a coyote moved in, and then the cat population decreased quickly.
0 -
I have read that ranchers teach coyotes to leave sheep alone by leaving a carcass laced with lithium. It makes them very ill and they leave sheep alone after that.
0 -
I had my mammogram and ultrasound this afternoon. It seemed to go fine they said all pictures were readable, but did not say much more. I’ll await the letter.
Of new is no changing room, you change in the mammogram room, and carry your clothes with you. Should be interesting come winter! They’ll have to give you a tote bag. It gets cold here in upstate NY - hat, gloves, scarf, winter coat, bulky sweater cold. I digress.Sandy so sorry for your HK loss. Like others said, even when you’re expecting the loss,it hurts.
0 -
Jackie - animal control can't do anything about the coyote unless it is believed it's rabid. At least here they are protected.
0
