Can we have a forum for "older" people with bc?
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My hair originally had enough natural curl to do things with it. Then came chemo, and I had a wild head of hair. Now, it is growing out straighter then ever. After fighting to keep some curl, including a perm that didn't do much, I have been growing it out as a bob. I have been told that once it gets to chin length I will probably have to use a curling iron to get a bit of a bend in it. With my thumb problems that might be difficult. But managing a dryer with a brush is too many things to hold at once.
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Mary, there are all-in-one brush-dryer combos. The best are from Drybar (Single Shot for short-to-medium hair, Double Shot for long hair), but the much cheaper (drugstore) Revlon styler has had great reviews. I bought a Conair rotating version back in 2018 when I had only one usable hand for six weeks post-op, but it rotated too quickly and my hair often got caught. I got a Dyson Air Wrap a few years ago, but it's too fussy--too many attachments and a pain to fit it back into its case. I've come to accept the labor-intensiveness of sectioning my hair and using a blow-dryer & brush--then following up with a flatiron. It's a good thing my stylist is on board with my washing & styling my hair no oftener than every 5-7 days. (It's fine, thinning and wavy/frizz-prone).
Jackie, you might want to try a curling iron, or a flatiron with curved edges that can give you some curl or bend. (If you want tight curls, drugstores also have small-barrel irons). Perm solutions contain lye to soften the polymers in the hair shaft and then a "fixer" to lock in the curls before you take the curlers out. It can't be good for your hair or scalp (and the fumes aren't such a good idea either). You are likely to find a curling iron for pennies on the dollar in resale shops like Goodwill, Sally Ann, or Value Village.
My scanxiety was unwarranted: my eye tumor has shrunk a little; and the L post-cataract-surgery capsular clouding hasn't intruded on my field of vision yet. The tech was impressed with my new glasses Rx, which has brought me to 20/20 in both eyes. Longer appt. than usual, as the clinic was heavily booked today and it seemed as if the Ophthalmology fellows were coming out of the woodwork. Usually, I get my vision checked & pupils dilated by a tech or nurse, then retinal photos & ultrasound, and finally see my ocular oncologist. Today it was all bass-ackwards: had the imaging first, and then the vision test & dilation. Not just that, but UIC now requires patients double-mask (two surgicals or surgical under cloth) when interacting with the doctors, unless you have a KN95, KF94, or N95 mask. I recently bought some really good KN95s in several colors, and they fit very well (they have a flat front panel that gives a bit more breathing room inside). So they let me use my KN95. One upside of lousy rainy weather was that on the drive home, it wasn't so sunny that I needed those cataract over-shades--but oncoming headlights were still a challenge. Was able to pick up my re-made computer progressives at Warby Parker on the way home. But it took about 6 hrs. before my pupils began to react normally again.
Tomorrow is part 3 of this week's "doctor trifecta:" Happy's vet appt.
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We’re still on the road heading from TX to FL. My request to go to Laurel, Mississippi on the way came to fruition today. If you’re not familiar, it’s on HGTV as Home Town with Erin & Ben Napier. We spent about two hours, which included bbq at the Smokehouse. Pulled pork sandwich, brisket sandwich fries and a root beer, all melt in your mouth food, $12. At Sweet Somethings we each had a slice of peanut butter pie, less than $7 total and oh so good.
The main streets are being replaced and they’re all tore up. But that didn’t stop us from walking around and shopping. We even made it to the General Store and got to see Ben working while they were filming. I totally enjoyed myself! It was 80 & a tad humid.
I also like taking our time to check out things along the way. Tomorrow we’re off to Gulf Breeze, south of Pensacola. I think we’ll be looking out on the water after so much wide open land expanses, I can’t wait.
Knock on wood our computers have been working good. But I know the feeling of having to get repairs and not really knowing if you’re being taken advantage of.
Hair - I like the $29 Revlon brush dryer tool. I need a product in my hair but that makes it style nice. A regular blow dryer turns my dyed hair into a fuzzy mess. I can only go 3 days max before shampooing but every other day is best, oily scalp doesn’t help.
Hoping you’re all going to have a great day tomorrow. IllinoisLady take care of yourself.
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Good morning. My hair is short and I just do the pixie look. It is warmer and sunny. I am heading out of area with my BFF to do some early gift shopping. I am rural and stores are limited to Walmart, Dollar General and Bealls. We will do lunch while we are out. She is driving and I am buying.
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Cindy, we watch Home Town. Your stop in Laurel sounds like fun.
Petite, lucky you to have short hair in a pixie style. My hair is thick and unruly. It would never cooperate for a pixie cut.
I called the computer repairman. The replacement fan is ordered and he thinks my laptop may be ready for pickup by Monday. I was looking at Android tablets at Amazon but will not buy one now. They’re not expensive like the IPads. I doubt I would buy another laptop since it looks like a tablet would serve my purpose.
Jackie, we’re all concerned about your health. You’ve always been such a robust person. Keep us updated
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Our hometown Sally Beauty Supply is permanently closed. I have a trip to Goodwill scheduled, so I'll stop in to see my stylist and see what she recommends for getting that magic bend. I have made the necessary adjustments to my life to cool off this flare of arthritis, and have already been dismissed from OT. Eager to ride my bike to Goodwill, and Walmart is not much further. I think I will include my collection of knitting needles in the Goodwill package, but I will not include my collection of tiny sock-needles. They are nice for many uses. My plan to knit leg-warmers for Tippy was scotched. She suggested baby socks with the foot cut off. I have a balaclava arriving today, but the temp looks like it will be 32deg for most of the day. I'll take a look at the feasibility of wearing a mask with a small scarf. I need warmth across my forehead with all the frontal headaches I get. Tomorrow I will get my sewing out.
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"Wholeness is a state of being. It is your true nature and core essence.
The world would convince you of the separateness of everything you see.
See the world through my eyes, and you will see the union
that encompasses all of creation--the loving essence of God
that is the glue that binds all of creation into wholeness."Voice For Love.
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Sandy, Wonderful relief from scananxiety with the great news that ocular melanoma has shrunk a bit. When MO said a year or so ago that he was quite certain I wouldn't die from BC- I knew he was saying it because I'm so old- I still felt the weight roll off my shoulders or wherever. But tomorrow I see the cute BS and some of it is back. PTSD et al.
I ordered dinner tonight from Andries tonight- they deliver to Evanston. Just sautéed spinach with garbanzos, feta and dill rice, salad with feta, cucumber, dill, hummus and harissa too. Haven't been to Eataly in years. Would if it were not downtown.
Off to Kohler on Tuesday for Thanksgiving. We, too, go to movies now, though carefully, early in the afternoon when there is no crowd. Saw Belfast and was very informed and moved by it.
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Keywestfan, your dinner sounds delicious. Good luck with your appointment
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Good morning. It is pleasant, with some showers expected. My wonderful lady, that helps me, is on vacation. I will get as much done as I can. If I wear mittens or yard work gloves, I can probably sweeper the house. The hands are already complaining and I have trigger fingers with both middle fingers. I have been doing my hand and finger exercises and hope to get some relief. I will just do the best I can. Luckily we have wood, tile and vinyl planking through out the house. The laundry is going and I will start with the easy stuff. What takes my wonderful lady 4 hours will take me 2 or 3 days. I have Erythromelalgia caused by Lupus. I think I have talked about that before. That is why my wonderful lady assist me. Onward, while I have the energy.
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Mary, I love your new avatar--your hairdo is much more flattering!
Judy, I hope your visit with Dr. Eye-Candy Surgeon went well today. Happy had a great vet visit yesterday--he has gained >1 lb. since early Oct. and behaved beautifully on the exam table (he's usually a panting hellion). The new vet has cut his prednisolone down to once a day--in the six weeks he's been on it his liver enzymes have fallen dramatically, albeit still way too high. All his other bloodwork is normal, albeit his T3 is still borderline high. We'll see in a month if he still does ok on once-daily steroid, and probably do an abdominal ultrasound (which wouldn't require anesthesia). Hoping he doesn't resume upchucking more than the occasional hairball (not gonna talk about the litter box because it's too gross to discuss before dinner).
Petite, don't push yourself. Have you discussed cortisone shots or even tendon-release surgery for your trigger fingers? Both worked for my thumbs (shots for both, surgery for the L).
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Sandy, I had shots on my thumb and it worked very well. If the middle fingers continue to be a problem I will do it again. I got everything done, but 2 bedrooms. I was proud of myself, though every muscle in my body was complaining.
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Saw surgeon for post-op follow-up on Wed. and she has ordered a right leg ultrasound for DVT since I am having pain and numbness right below the knee from inner aspect of leg to about midcalf. I think it is more a nerve issue than DVT but will go for U/S on Tuesday. She approved adding back some fiber to diet though my GI tract is still under transition for any food. Not much of an appetitie anyhow. Still on restrictions for lifting and some aspects of housework such as vacuuming, etc. Feeling better and pain has been controlled with just Tylenol.
Made me stop exemestane (for 3 days) while hospitalized (which I cannot understand) and now the back pain I had before starting it has returned with a vengeance. I was put on exemestane during the hospitalization but will relate how an oncology resident came to visit me and made me sign a permit for the drug administration before they would let me take the exemestane I had to bring from home (since they do not stock it in pharmacy, really?). She said it was a chemo agent so that was the reason for the permit; she argued that I should not take the drug because the half life was "long" and I would be covered. Then why do I take it daily?
A nurse was 11 weeks pregnant and she insisted on getting a chemo bucket for me yet I was the one who removed the med from the bottle which she brought me. She wore chemo gloves as well, yet only took care of me for one day; all the other nurses ignored the gloves and bucket. I can understand the pregnant nurse's concerns so I am not criticizing her. I see my MO next week so I will ask her whether these measures were necessary or warranted.
Petite1: great that you were able to accomplish so much on your own. Hope your muscles will give you a break today.
I am looking at dust and realizing that as much as I try to eradicate it, it comes back so I will try to displace it slowly. That which annoys me the most will be the first to go. Have a good weekend.
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Well, Sandy, per my visit with “Dr. eye candy surgeon," turned out to be a bit scary for me- the PTSD probably contributing, though I actually thought he would examine and send me on my way to reward myself with a diet coke- the only time I drink it is after a hospital doctor appointment where I buy it in the cafe. So, I asked him about scheduling the next mammogram- last one was end of September- and mentioned that each time an ultrasound is scheduled right after but I've never had one because mammographer, per radiologist, says it's all fine and I can just leave. Well, BS was shocked which spooked me. . Said US is necessary because of dense breasts and I did have a touch of LVI- if a touch is possible. Reason for second lumpectomy to get wider margins, though first lumpectomy had close, but clear,margins. MO, at the time, thought it might be safer for me to have radiation, though he is against it for women over 70. So I did, 16 partial. Am now scheduled for breast US , February 23, day after we return from a week in Palm Springs. Left BS, who smilingly said he would see me in 6 months, unless sooner because of US. Clinically everything felt fine to him. Left feeling nervous. Ran for diet Coke. Also nervous about results of Zio monitor I wore for a week to rule out a- fib. It's been 11 days since monitor was turned in. Doctor usually gets results in 3-4 days. He hasn't called- no news good news? I'm afraid to call, even though I really believe all is fine on that score. Hate waiting for all test results
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I know what you mean. Have they not called because everything is ok? Or did it get lost somewhere?
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Cloudy day but mild temperatures, in the 60’s. We’re meeting my younger sister and her dh for lunch at Ponchartrain Poboys. Her birthday was Saturday, when she turned 62. It’s our treat. I’m hoping to have my first oysters since returning home in October
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My heart goes out to those affected by the tragedy in Wisconsin. So sad.
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Does anyone think that the breast cancer team minimizes breast cancer in older women? I had a lumpectomy for a 1.8 mm ER positive tumor-- lymph node removal not recommended.. then afterward, radiation and/or anastrozole-- basically my choice. Since I'm 74 they bring out the statistics of being alive in 10 years-- the treatments only increases your chances a few percentage points. So why bother.
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Does anyone think that the breast cancer team minimizes breast cancer in older women? I had a lumpectomy for a 1.8 mm ER positive tumor-- lymph node removal not recommended.. then afterward, radiation and/or anastrozole-- basically my choice. Since I'm 74 they bring out the statistics of being alive in 10 years-- the treatments only increase your chances a few percentage points. So why bother.
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1.8 mm is microscopic. I think they did just fine. Being alive in ten years? That in my mind is discrimination. One of my grandmothers had a slow-growing breast cancer, but her quality of life was already poor. Chances of reoccurrence should be the preferred metric, which takes age into consideration, bot not overly so.
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Interesting question, Florence. I hadn't seen it as age discrimination. For me quality of life definitely entered into my decision to stop Taxol after 8 infusions and to stop AI's after 30 months. I think as we age, QOL becomes more important than "throw everything at it" even if I'm miserable in the meantime. But it was my decision.
There is a chart (Special K probably has the link at her fingertips or maybe the moderators can help you find it) which doesn't factor in age when treatment factors are added or subtracted. It still made sense for me to stop the femora! The other thing you may want to consider is your family history, both of cancer and of other diseases. I do not want to die like my mother did from dementia at age 96. She begged to die but because she was living in a memory care facility, she couldn't have gotten help even in a "right to die" state.
When you have your lumpectomy, they will biopsy a couple lymph nodes to see if they need to be taken but node removal isn't standard of practice like it was 25 years ago when my husband was doing cancer surgery.
I am having 5 year flash-backs, especially when I go to the TP page. I will be glad when that milestone is passed in Dec.
Did no one post on the 21st or is my computer screwed up?
Marge
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Looks like no posts on 21st. We must have all been living life. ❤️
We’ve made it to Florida home, arrived Saturday. Took 2 days to unpack and I’m still not sure I feel settled. I couldn’t get our front lanai hurricane shutter remote to work. Thankfully a neighbor has the same brand and it was a matter of keep clicking until you’re at correct spot and it worked.
On the flip side, I got one load of laundry washed & dried. The second wash load was so wet I had to use the spin cycle 3x and it was still sopping. It won’t spin. Neighbor and I took it apart today to get the part number on the lid lock mechanism. It’s ordered from Amazon, expecting it here Wednesday. And while we had it apart we could see the water hoses. One is so rusted it’s an accident waiting to happen. Ordered stainless steel replacements. Here’s to hoping we can fix it! I don’t really like the newest sensor type washers and dryers. My experience is the wash takes longer and so does the dry. 🤷♀️
Calgon take me away! Or my other favorite is, this too shall pass
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Had mammo today and it was NED, tomorrow is US for ruling out DVT in right lower leg and then MO visit on Wednesday. That's it for MD visits this month. I do think leg problem is more nerve damage than DVT but we'll see what the surgeon says once she gets the results.
I would love a Calgon moment but cannot immerse in a bath for another 4 weeks. We have to replace the motor on our one Kohler jetted tub and it will take about 8 weeks to get the part and while still cheaper than replacing the tub, it is a small fortune. I love soaking in the tub with a good book and a cup of tea and miss it. In the interim, once I am able, I will use the other jetted tub. Looks like closer to Christmas before that happens though.
We just had our dryer repaired (belt and bearings) and the tech advised us that replacement will be in the cards for the washer due to cracks in the door and age. Asked what brand we should consider and he told us to purchase what we currently have again. We have the stainless steel water hoses and they are well worth the investment.
Yesterday was a quiet day for this forum it seems. Have a good Tuesday.
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Betrayal, I have a jetted tub that I dust, but have only used a couple of times. I am petite and float when I get it deep enough to turn jets on. LOL
Cindy, You are an amazing person. I would not have a clue how to fix the washer.
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Petite- I’m the last of 6 kids, an oops. My parents raised me to be independent and not to spend money on things we can do ourselves. So nowadays I use YouTube to see if it’s even in my wheelhouse to try. Or I’ll ask my handyman cousin in NY if he thinks I can do it and not hurt myself. Some electrical things I’ll never do, and plumbing for me is impossible. But this doesn’t look too hard, if this is truly the part that needs replacing. Part was about $20, and should be here tomorrow. I’ll know then!
Our soaking tub here in FL, no jets, hasn’t been used since we bought the place. Only person who really eyes it is my nieces daughter whose been looking at it since she was 6. She’d take a swim in it in a heart beat.
70 here and absolutely beautiful. Neighbors arein jeans & sweatshirts but we’re fine with it.
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Our Kohler jetted tubs are not the huge ones of the past where you had to fully drain your hot water heater to fill them like my DB has (and never used for that reason). Ours are regular sized bath tubs with 6 jets and a built-in heater so the water never gets cold. My DGS loves to take a bath here but I have to convince him he cannot use bubbles in the tub or the bathroom looks like a laundry room where someone has used too much detergent. Does he listen, well no, so I make sure there is no body wash or shampoo left in there.
Cindy, you truly are gifted. My DF made sure I could change a tire, gave me a tool box (that I knew how to use) when I entered nurses' training much to the chagrin of my classmates and gave me some basic skill sets like installing curtain rods that did not fall off the wall, etc. But fix a washer, nope, lack that skill so kudos to you.
DVT US tech told me there was no clot in right leg so I'll wait to see what happens next to find out what is causing leg numbness and pain. I think it is nerve damage incurred during surgery but know that MD will continue to deny it. I just know it was not present pre-op, they restrained my legs below the knees before I was put under anesthesia and this was noted right before discharge but not reported until I got home. I felt it during hospitalization but with all else that was happening did not attach much importance to it; I had more pressing issues. I did report it right after discharge though.
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I always joked that I would trust Ken with my gall bladder but not my light bulbs and I am worse. I don't what his problem is other than his father also wasn't inclined so he didn't learn early. Mine is that I'm not good at following directions - want to skip from point A to point D right away so uTube wouldn't do me much good. My daughter, on the other hand, is very handy. Good for you!
I am feeling like all our appliances will go soon. We've replaced the dishwasher but everything else is 17 years old. They haven't been replaced since the house was built.
The turkey is thawing for our dinner for 4. I love all the Thanksgiving carbs and leftovers but am VERY glad not to be traveling. Even with our boosters, we're not feeling real brave.
Happy Thanksgiving Everyone.
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Yesterday was 70 - I think it broke a record. Not as hot today. A little cooler tomorrow then back to the 60s. We've broken a record for the latest snow fall - so far none this season in Denver. The mountains have gotten a little.
Planned to dust today but managed to avoid it. Maybe tomorrow - when you can see the dust on the dresser its time!
Thanksgiving is just 3 - DH, me and DS. Turkey, cranberries, yams, stuffing, pecan and pumpkin pie (my son wants both). I like green bean casserole, but it would just be me eating it so decided not to make. Already planning what I'll do with the leftover turkey. We will eat Friday night the same as Thanksgiving, then will make turkey soup, or split pea and barley soup with turkey (using the carcass), make turkey pie, and then not sure......It's a 12 1/2# bird.
Betrayal - good news on no blood clot, but hope you get some answers.
Cindy - my DH and 2 older kids are quite handy. Son uses u-tube to make repairs on his car - 1999. Younger daughter is also handy but doesn't have the time with school.
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Good morning. It was 39 degrees when I woke up. Brrrr. I set the heater to turn on if the house temperature dropped to 58, but it stayed about 63 in the house. I am heading to the Dermatologist this morning.
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I took a tumble yesterday as I was going out the front door in my bathrobe and gown. Happened so fast I was stunned as I lay on the pavement and took stock of any injuries. I hit my left knee on the way down.
Cars were passing out on the street. Dh was at the gym. I got up without much problem, came back inside and sat in my chair until the sensation that I was going to pass out calmed. Today the knee is very sore and I am limping but I’m very thankful that I didn’t mess myself up worse than this.
I was going out to make sure I had turned off a faucet and didn’t take into account a shallow step down. The darned faucet was turned off.
We were going to be home, just the two of us, tomorrow but we got an off handed invitation to join a small gathering at my younger sister’s house. We will go for a noon meal. I’m a little concerned about going because I doubt everyone will be vaccinated
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