Can we have a forum for "older" people with bc?
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Carole, those little shallow steps & threshholds are sneaky devils, aren't they? One of my worst back strains happened as I stepped off a curb in Seattle--it was steeper than it looked. For the knee? Ice, ice, baby--and elevate (toes above nose, as the English orthopedic surgery nurse who founded Bonesmart.org says).
Judy, I hadn't realized you have dense breasts (but stands to reason, since you're slender). For at least the past couple of years, ultrasound after mammogram has been standard-of-care for women with dense breasts. Dr. W. was wise to order one for you. My BS (his partner) discharged me a couple of years ago, but says if I ever want my L breast reduced, she's willing. My mammo is coming up in a bit over 2 weeks. I'm back to "annual bilateral screening" mammos.
I envy those who can have "Calgon moments." I haven't been able to sit down & climb out of a tub in years (not even with the heavy-duty rail along the wall above my bathtub). Strictly showers for me---the only hot tubs I can use are those at spas, with steps & side rails. Bob is considering ditching the tub for a walk-in, but I think we have more pressing home-improvement projects: new windows; shore up or replace the creaking risers on our interior staircase; re-plaster several cracked ceilings (and replace a sagging suspended one) upstairs; interior re-paint most rooms; weatherproof the front room where I spend most of my time (so I wouldn't have to bundle up indoors in sub-freezing winters); re-wire a circuit in the front room; new GFCI outlets in the bsthrooms; exterior trim re-paint; shore up the (detached) garage's back wall, etc. And before we do most of the interior work, clear out tons & tons of accumulated stuff--especially obsolete books, peripheral cables & software. Not a hoarder, but still a pack rat.
Warmed up to 52F today--good thing, as it was my mani-pedi day and I had to wear flip-flops. The blackened nail on the toe I'd apparently fractured when I stubbed it on the rear wheel of my Rollator (which I needed to get around the house last month for a bad back strain) limited my choice of toenail polish colors. My nail salon doesn't carry Chanel's iconic "Cerise Noir" (more of an aubergine), but I'm now sporting an iridescent deep purple.
I was reading the NYT's quiz "We're Having a Holiday Gathering: Are We Nuts?" last night and was flabbergasted to read how many fully-vaxed and boostered people, even masked, are avoiding chatting with friends on walks outdoors, dining out or shopping; and still getting everything delivered. The "Well" columnist authoring the quiz says she doesn't eat inside restaurants and keeps her shopping to a minimum. Perhaps she lives in a COVID hot spot (NYC certainly isn't, but since the advent of online journalism reporters & columnists no longer have to reside where their newspapers are headquartered) or where outdoor dining is possible year-round. She suggests everyone keep a boatload of rapid tests on hand and thinks that for indoor gatherings, daily testing (literally, between the car and the front door) is more important than indoor masking. Agree to disagree. (Of course, Chicago's case counts have been rising but nowhere near as much as downstate). We dine in restaurants that require masking (limits us to "liberal" neighborhoods & suburbs, which is fine by me).
Last year at this time we were getting only takeout, and didn't dine in a restaurant till my 70th birthday in late January (when Bob was fully-vaxed and I was about to get my first shot), and in a ventilated heated tent at that. What a difference a year makes! It's heated-tent "outdoor" dining season again, but we don't find that any safer than being indoors--with good ventilation, more distance between tables, and everyone masked except while actively eating & drinking. There is no such thing as a completely risk-free social experience, but we do need to weigh risks and decide which ones are worth it and how best to mitigate them.
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Karen: I make chicken or turkey ala King with leftovers and freeze it. It's real simple since I use Campbell's Cream of Mushroom soup (dilute with only 3/4 can of water), precook carrots and peas and fold all together. We eat it on toast or mashed potatoes if I have them. My children's Italian babysitter used to make escarole soup with the turkey carcass and if I gave her mine, I would get some soup as well. She made tiny meatballs for the soup and it was delicious.
I was referred to my PCP today by surgeon's PA about continuing leg numbess and tenderness and while I don't know what she will offer, I do think it is nerve pain so perhaps a referral to a neurologist. It is uncomfortable when I walk and if anything contacts it. So I think I got blown off and they consider it collateral damage which they are washing their hands of. Kind of annoys me that this happened; I just want answers and am not looking to assign blame.
Happy Thanksgiving to all and may we all gobble until we waddle. Just us, our DD and DSIL for dinner that is being catered. I still do not have the stamina to tackle this dinner.
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I hear you, Betrayal. I have intermittent (and utterly unpredictable) pain along the inside of my R knee when walking weightbearing, accompanied by clicking and a painful knot on my hamstring (or popliteal tendon?) behind the knee. Not big enough to be a Baker's cyst, and it comes & goes. I have no cartilage nor cruciate ligaments, thanks to my knees being "bionic." Last time this happened was 2014, after overdoing some hiking in CO--but it was constant, not intermittent. Had the walk-in orthopedic clinic's docs on duty stumped--but my OS (now retired) who did my knee replacements said it was a strained gastrocnemius head. The gastroc is the calf muscle, but extends all the way up to the bottom of the back of the thigh. These days, if you can't die from something, be maimed by it, or transmit it to anyone else, you are a low priority as an urgent-care patient.
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In Kohler Wisconsin, home of all the bathroom fancy practical heated toilets stuff . At the historic American Club where this morning I almost drowned in the shower. The water poured from the ceiling, sides, front underneath the faucets and up from the floor. Insane. But more insane was we went to Sheboygan, to Trattoria Stephanos which is the equal of any Italian restaurant I've eaten in except for gone Spiaggias. Except that it was not fancy, no glitz.
I know this is Wisconsin but was still taken aback. Not the hostess, not one server, not one busser, not one cook was wearing a mask. Nor were any of the people who entered the crowded restaurant. Nor was one person of the maybe fifty seated at the bar. It felt frightening and unbelievable, as if the last almost two years hadn't happened. We kept our N95s on, but the servers, bussers, guests were always passing closely by. The food was marvelous, though not worth getting sick for. We probably should have left after having ordered, but waited too long, til we realized no one was going to be masked.
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My parts showed up today for the washer. I took off old part & replaced it with new part. I sent prayers up to the gods, and deceased relatives, to send me a prayer. We’ll, they must have all taken a half day off due to the holiday because the washing machine still won’t spin out all the water! No water in the drum but plenty of water in the clothes. So much for my skills and YouTube.
We went to a local shop and what they have was too small. Larger tower of washer & dryer is back ordered. I even asked could I take the floor model, no. Then we went to a scratch and dent place. They had 1 used unit, same exact as what we have so no thank you. But they repair washers and for $59, which I think is reasonable, they’ll come out to my house on Saturday. If they can’t fix it you can apply $59 towards a future purchase.
So tonight I took up a neighbor on her offer to use her washer. I stuffed it all in and she set the cycle. After an hour I went back over, it still had another 30 minutes! She put it on sanitize. Nothing ventured nothing gained, it’s all clean and I’m using my dryer. It’s awkward using someone else’s washer, so I was thankful at least my dryer works.
It was a beautiful sunny day here today, it hit 80. Partner is under the weather with either a head cold or allergies running amuck. For Thanksgiving we were going out to dinner with a group. One couple, female, has been sick for 3+ weeks so they’re not going. My partner said for me to go, but he doesn’t want to be hacking away in a restaurant while people try to eat. In the end it was cancelled. Our meal will be a reheated roaster chicken, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, French green beans, cranberry sauce, rolls and pecan pie for dessert. We knew we weren’t cooking a frozen turkey tomorrow, so it works. I will watch Macy’s beautiful parade, I worked for Macy’s about 35 years ago, and then some football. Maybe even get out for a slow hike. Wishing you all a happy & healthy Thanksgiving!
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Q to the very intelligent group of women here. 37 yr old gf in FL has no health insurance. She paid out of pocket for mammogram. She wants an ultrasound - her mother had breast cancer (cause of death) and she’s experiencing a burning sensation. Dr who ordered mammogram told her she doesn’t need an ultrasound. Is there any group she can reach out to that may provide an ultrasound? I’m not sure any place would do it without a doctors order, and the Dr she saw won’t order one. Thank you for any ideas
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Cindy,
Have your friend try Planned Parenthood. They will do sliding scale.
Happy Thanksgiving,
Jane
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Carole, I am sorry to hear about the fall. Ouch.
Hope everyone has a pleasant Thanksgiving. We may go out or eat at home. We usually do a mini vacation, but we are undecided this year.
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Gee Cindy, I don't really know of a place without a doctors order. Would the emergency room give her one if she went in complaining about burning sensation?
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My first thought was Planned Parenthood too. Might also out reach to Susan Kolmen (sp?). What about the moderators? I won't get on my insurance rant but.... Good luck to her.
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Cindy, I have been retired a long time, but 8 years ago the Health Department would provide free mamo and assistance through certain provider hospitals in my area. I think they used a voucher system.
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IllinoisLady, are you okay? It's been a while since you have posted and I miss you.
Many breast centers offer free mammograms without a doctor's order.
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Jackie - Betrayal said what I've been thinking. Miss you & hope you are OK.
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Jackie, me too. Have been missing you and hoping all is as well as it can be!
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Me too. This morning I was just wondering about this. I hope all is well.
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My fall was on Tuesday and my knee is gradually improving but still sore. I may venture for a walk outside today. Not my usual 45 minutes but a shorter walk.
I hope Jackie checks in soon. She’s the “heart” of this discussion group
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I miss her, too. My lower back seized up last night. Was able to get some sleep. I have some prescription pain cream that is helping. Dug some parsnips this morning for a neighbor who gardens. He was very disappointed with his garden this year. Thinking of planting more root-crops next year. I will, too, because parsnips and carrots go so well together, either roasted or mashed.
I am going to leave once I get this posted. Town's e-bike mechanic is going to switch out my grips to something for a woman's hands. When I get that done I will do the laundry. I watched my money carefully this month, but probably should have been more careful. Hopefully I will have enough quarters left for the rest of the month.
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Mary, I hope those grips work better for you.
I'm thinking of getting one of the phone watches to wear just in case of accidents. I'm not one of those people attached to my cell phone. I even forget to take it occasionally when I go somewhere. My younger sister has started wearing her phone watch because she does tractor work on their ranch and other outdoor work when no one is around to notice if she has an accident
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My wife (75) in otherwise excellent health diagnosed recently with DCIS, er+ pr+. Lumpectomy scheduled next month. Surgeon already mentioned regular frequent mammograms, no mention of US though her breasts are dense.
We are trying to investigate everything we can to develop questions for the followup after pathology from the lump.
Is there a scientific study somewhere about the added BC risk just from radiation caused by frequent mammography as follow-on to DCIS diagnosis? Wouldn't ultrasound avoid the risk from mammogram radiation? The CDC has a chart saying that screening mammograms aren't appropriate in women over 74. And that diagnostic testing isn't appropriate either. Of course in wife's case that ship has sailed.
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I would advocate for an ultrasound along with the mammograms. The CDC needs to stuff it. Lots of women live to late 80's and early 90's. There's no reason they shouldn't get mammograms with 20 years of life ahead. We're all going to die of something eventually, but BC is now how I chose to go. I'm 82 and still get mammos each year.
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I'm with Wren44 on this one. Basically the CDC is wrong on the individual level. I was diagnosed at age 77 (will be 81 in three weeks) only because I had annual screening mammograms. At diagnosis the lump was not palpable so who knows how long it would have been before it could be felt (and it was already 2.1 cm) and how much damage would have been done? My mother died at age 87 after years of dealing with severe peripheral vascular disease and my father was a month short of 98 when his body wore out so I should have longevity on my side. Stopping mammograms at 75 would likely have been a fatal move for me. Do advocate for the ultrasounds.
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I'm 77. I agree with Wrenn & Beaver. We're not just older - we're better!!! Although, since I had a BMX and implants, no way could I deal with a mammogram. I have an ULS every two years with an MRI as indicated. Mind - I had to fight for this & my MO doesn't agree. But the radiologist who diagnosed my original cancer in 2008 said that's what I need - and is willing to back up the necessity of the imaging.
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Jackie, where are you? Hope you're just chillaxing for the holidays!
We were quite disappointed by Thanksgiving dinner at the Signature Room: the portions were much smaller than they used to be, the prices much higher (for only 3 courses), the complimentary drink was, instead of a glass of the house Napa brut, a cloying and not-very-bubbly pear mimosa. No buffet; and no complimentary turkey & stuffing leftovers to take home (they'd always done that in years past). And for a side, we had to choose between veg, potatoes & stuffing--no cranberry sauce, either. To add insult to injury, we tried to redeem a $15 gift card they gave us at our last visit--but they refused due to it being a holiday. >$1K check, 25% tip pre-added to that, and they were pikers over a lousy fifteen bucks? Puh-leeze. And even with SpotHero, parking was $30. I had disciplined myself that afternoon and so had a very small amount of leftover turkey & veg., which was my supper that night. We so missed our traditional Black Friday turkey dinner leftovers that we ordered out from Boston Market last night! (One-tenth the price, BTW). Having those leftovers tonight, plus some homemade keto stuffing & sugar-free cranberry relish.
Judy, I loved the Kohler resort! Was really tough going home to just my plain showerhead & handheld. I miss Spiaggia--haven't been there since a pop-up Israeli wine-pairing dinner in early 2016. But your experience with the restaurant in Sheboygan strengthens my resolve to avoid WI for the time being. (I will insist my singing partner come down here to rehearse if ever we resume doing live shows--even if Madison itself is "enlightened," I don't trust that state as far as I can throw it--especially with the Omicron variant about to pop up in the U.S.).
Chiming in to agree with Wren & Beaver. At least one BCO sister was diagnosed in her 80s. I intend to get an annual screening mammo until I'm dying of something else. And for those with dense breasts, ultrasound is indicated--not because mammograms pose a radiation hazard (they don't) but because they can't differentiate between dense breast tissue and "focal" densities (tumors or cysts). I thank my lucky stars I have Medicare, a good supplement and live in IL.
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Jackie - I too hope you’re relaxing after thanksgiving.
I’ve passed along the mammo/ultrasound info provided to gf here in FL. I’ll see if she wants me to call for her and/or go with her.
We went out today and purchased a new Whirlpool washer & dryer tower. Delivery set for Wednesday. Repairman this morning confirmed the exterior drum had rusted apart. There were pieces of rusted metal in the wash drum. We ended up at a laundromat which was as good as expected - ate my quarters, no one working there. But dryer still works at home so we were out of there quickly.
We also had a new Broyhill sofa delivered today. Not sure I’ve ever mentioned, Lazy Boy sold us a sofa as leather and it was actually bonded leather, that pealed. Mess is an understatement.
Being we’re on a spending spree, hohoho merry Christmas to us, I ordered a new 8x10 area rug. We have 2 different 5x7 ones that are just to the edges of where I’d like them. Hoping to like the 8x10 coverage. The full house of tile is hard on the feet and on acoustics too.
Hope to hear from IllinoisLady and wish all to enjoy the day Sunday.0 -
Jackie, It has been since the 18th (I think) since you posted. Hope all is well.
Cindy, I had to turn on the heater. You are probably wearing shorts. LOL I think I am 3 or so hours north of you.
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Petite- one look at a local vs a seasonal resident and you can tell we’re from up north. I’m in shorts and a tank top. Neighbor is in long pants and long sleeve shirt. It was 76 or so and I was out front reading a book, I had to move to the edge of the garage, I was too hot. Upstate NY friends tell me to shut up. Cold is a relative word
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I assume no one has Jackie's phone number. Certainly is troubling to not hear from her.
Yes, what feels warm or cool certainly is relative. We've changed the temperature we set in the house - both in the winter and summer - by several degrees over the 23 years we have been here. In the desert we can also have temperature changes of 30-40 degrees in a day. Takes "layering" to a whole new level. I left for golf Sat. in a jacket, sweater, vest and long sleeve shirt. By the time I finished 9 holes, I was down to the shirt and the vest. By afternoon, the long sleeve shirt felt like too much.
Made soup with the last of the turkey tonight. Perfect for a Sunday night. We froze a little. Four days of turkey is enough. Garbage men come tomorrow and I wanted to get the carcass out too.
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I'm really worried that something has happened to Jackie.
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As am I Cowgirl. I've thought for awhile that it would be good if BCO registration included an outside email that only the MODS can use in case of emergency. Or at least an address. I can't remember - is Jackie on Facebook & if so, are any of you Facebook friends?
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Here are Jackie's last couple of posts. Hopefully she got her valve replacement done & is resting comfortably - just with out access to a computer.
11/12 - I actually have another scope coming up end of Nov. and first week of Dec. I was hoping this valve replacement would be done before then but not sure of anything right now.
11/16 - More good news I think. Got a call this morning to go into Marion and see the Cardiologist. 10 a.m. this coming Tues. 23rd. I am anxious. I feel okay, but am a mite tired of having to take such care with all I do.
11/17 - My Cardio appt. is two days before Thanksgiving and my family is wondering if I'll even be here. Who knows. Right now I seem to be holding my own with my medical issues, but that could change and may depend on what the Cardio Dr. thinks. We will have to see.
11/18 – She posted a short paragraph on another thread, but her last post here was only a quote.
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