Can we have a forum for "older" people with bc?
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So much happening today. Well first off -- along with the others I'm wishing for you, Mavericksmom, all good things only, before, during and after surgery and that things dovetail at home for you.
Wt. One way or the other it takes such precedence in our lives. I did Wt. Watchers once and South Beach once. I liked the South Beach a bit better as on it I was able to break my sugar/salt habits. I lost about the same amt. on each -- approx. 33 pounds. Of course, the minute I gave myself permission on a holiday to go all out I could not return to the previous good habits. Short circuit to brain I couldn't seem to repair. I waited all these yrs. and had to get really, really in a bad way with heart issues to finally get my wt. in control. I don't have any good tips since I lost my wt. in a rather negative way. What I will say is that I do seem to do better with things when I nibble more all day -- and eat lighter at actual mealtimes. I have stayed within a pound or two, losing or gaining daily so consider my wt. to be 148 now. At my highest I weighed in at 220. Most people couldn't believe it since I am/was considered tall at 5'8". with long bones but I could feel all the time carrying that much poundage around. When I broke my arm, I went to 177 and stayed there and only lost again during the heart issues.
Rained sometime during the night and it is cloudy and may rain off and on all day. That is okay, but we could use a bit more of actual shower rain. Really super slow right now and like it would take all day to have any effect on our dry ground Maybe almost the same forecast for tomorrow. It will get a bit cooler on Thursday which will be welcome although it hasn't been 'hot' lately. Nothing special today -- just the normal catch up and try to make headway in some of my sorting of what goes to storage and what goes to Goodwill or finally the trash. Things come and go for most people as life changes so usually there isn't a time when we couldn't be making the decision about the things we have around the house. I'm trying to see how minimal I can't get because warehousing no longer feels like something I want or need.
Hope you all have a fantastic day.
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Mavericksmom, thinking of you going into surgery. I hope everything goes smoothly and you have a quick recovery.
Petite, sometimes there is no better place to be than in Mom's arms. I hope Miss Felix has a few more lives left.
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(((((Ms. Felix)))))
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petite1: Glad to hear that Miss Felix is holding her own. Her longevity is reflective of the good care and love she gets from you.
Mavericksmom: Good luck with the surgery and your recovery. Taking care of yourself is part of the post-op recovery period so don't rush to return to what you feel is normal. Give yourself some time to heal.
I am also a product of the WW's failure group and while I do retain some of what I learned it is inconsistently applied. I do try to monitor what I am eating and when but find my routine needs some tweaking because I seem to be in a rut food-wise. Lunch is usually a large salad which I really enjoy and breakfast is carb controlled so somewhat boring at times. Need to figure out which tweaks will give me the food choices I want and be satisfying. WW's initial goal was totally unreachable and unrealistic given age so I would be happy to just lose another 20 lbs and be satisfied. Like taco, I do not want to replace my entire wardrobe. I just do my best each day and if I screw up one day, I adjust the next. Not going to add that stressor to my life.
Nice day today, sunny and in the 60's. Will take more because I hate how the days are getting shorter and it gets dark earlier. Not a fan of early darkness.
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Mutz and I just got back from our after dinner walk. It's 7:20 and still 86 degrees. At least it gets cool enough to finally open the house at night. On the other hand, I will be in for a shock when we go to Maine the end of the month. Can't wait to see DD. With Covid and Ken's health, it's been almost 3 years. I want a real hug!
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Taco, congratulations on the return to long-distance travel. Take good care of Ken.
Petite, Miss Felix is a very lucky cat!
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I got the flu shot and the latest Covid booster yesterday after attending chair yoga with a lot of stretching. Last night I didn't sleep well and today I feel like I have flu. A familiar reaction to the Covid vaccinations. DH has no reactions at all.
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Miss Felix has been good so far. We are heading to the vet for follow up thyroid labs. This time she goes in the carrier.
Marver'smom. Cyber hugs
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There is sacredness in tears. They are not the mark of weakness but of power. They speak more eloquently than ten thousand tongues. They are messengers of overwhelming grief, of deep contrition, and of unspeakable love.
Henry Irving0 -
Rained thru the night as we thought would happen and has been a moisture type of day. Gray and inconsistent times of very small showers. A little bit of sun and then back to gray. Grrr.
Carole, I think your "flu" just means your shot is giving you what you need (proof so to speak) but those who don't react should be getting just as much. This last shot all I got was a sore arm for three days.
Again, good to hear Miss Felix is good enough to NEED the carrier for going to the vet. Just sorry that she got so ill as to have made it un-necessary the first time she saw a vet. Being an animal person, I do think cats and dogs too, since their systems (bodies) are so small, can when healing or meds take hold, get better very quickly. At least, that has been the experience here.
Late today. Got up late and turned into something of a slow-pole getting things done.
Hope you all are having a good day.
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Mavericksmom hoping all went well today and your resting comfortably.
I had my annual mammogram and ultrasound yesterday. All clear. But the mammogram hurt that left BC breast again. Then the ultrasound tech was spending so much time on my right breast, I spoke up and said “Marker?” She said yes she was trying to get a good picture of it. I’m just glad that an all good was given.
Today was my dermatologist appt for a full body check. I had a call to say my dr left early because he wasn’t feeling well. Reschedule w him was out in November as I leave for FL. So she fit me in today with a female PA. She had a student PA w her, and the nurse had a student with her too. At one point there were 5 of us in the tiny exam room. Very comfortable with a woman as I’m standing in my underwear, so my next years full body check is set up with her. She froze some spots on my chest, sun damaged areas, but everything else is good.
Roof- neighbor called me just as I was starting my walk w gf but I took the call. She spoke of the landscapers taking out the damaged hibiscus tree and putting in a palm. I loved seeing that tree bloom but I’ll get over it. Their adjuster came by last Friday. So I mentioned I’m hoping we both get a new roof - she’s in the other side of our villa/duplex. She said she’s sure we will but we need to factor in depreciation. I that’s where we’ll be left with a large bill, and I’m guessing that’s what Sandy’s DH retired nurse was stuck with. I’m not sure when I’ll know more, but the roofer has my claim number, and insurance carrier info to start negotiations.
Beautiful day here today, tomorrow looks similar for half the day. Big rain and storm expected as the sun sets though. Tomorrow is PT at 10:45, then i javea free afternoon. So much to do and so little time. Have a great evening!
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Getting my Prolia shot this afternoon and on Sunday getting Covid booster and flu shot. 6 month medical oncologist appointment tomorrow. No reaction for past Covid shots so hoping for the same. Monday is DH's birthday so would not like to be sick. Just don't want to keep putting it off.
Have a great Thursday.
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I wonder why I have the same reaction to every Covid shot. All my muscles and joints ached. I slept well last night and feel more normal today. I should probably adopt Jackie's attitude and feel grateful that "normal" is pretty good. I got angry at dh because he didn't show much concern and made no provisions for dinner.
Today I have an appointment to have my hair styled and colored. Hoping I look better.
I enjoy the association with younger women on this forum. Your energy reminds me of another time when I had more zest for life.
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Good morning. It is overcast and rain will be starting a few minutes (per my phone). I am still waiting on Miss Felix lab results. Her regular vet disagrees with the urgent care vet, but the labs will tell. Cats are so funny. Everytime they leave for a vet visit, they have to check out the entire house after they return. Miss Felix even sniffed Midnight Louie when got back. She hates him.
I am going to get my flu shot and booster, if I can get them at the same time. If not I will do the flu shot first.
Maverick'smom. ((((hug))))
Cindy, hoping the best for you!
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The knowledge that another has felt as we have felt, and seen things not much otherwise than we have seen them, will continue to the end to be one of life's choicest blessings.
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petite1: Perhaps Miss Felix sniffing Midnight Louie was her way of saying, "oh, you're still here?" Had to laugh when you said she hates him. Agree with the environment check on return home, don;t know why they do it but it seems to be universal.
cindyny: hoping your roofing claim goes through with no hitch and minimal cost to you. Our roof and gutter system had to be replaced after tree damage and other than insurance deductible (for entire house damage) we paid nothing and our roof was about 15 years old.
mavericksmom: hope you are feeling better today and discomfort is minimal.
Mary: you are always so busy and productive with your sewing and canning. Admire that skill set.
Weather today is predicted to be very nasty with severe thunderstorms this afternoon and high winds. High winds are a trigger for me since they are the reason, after several days of heavy rain, that our trees fell on the house. The 3 year anniversary of this is looming and we have other trees that we are evaluating for removal. Not something we had in the budget but due to past experience, not sure I could survive another tree strike. Our trees are all mature and in excess of 30 feet tall so they can do significant damage if uprooted. Those not within close proximity to house are safer and damage would only be to lawn.
Yesterday my DGD turned 7. Her family party will be this weekend. Need to get out today to get a card and some wrapping paper. She loved a blanket I have and that she used while staying here over the summer. So I bought her the same blanket in pink for her bed. It's from a company called Bare and while lightweight is very warm and soft. Got the same for her brothers as Christmas gifts. I will look for some clothing for her that her mother mentioned she needed. I leave buying toys to her parents. Hard to believe how quickly those years have flown. Just remember I had just had BC surgery and wasn't able to hold her unless I was seated and even then, not for long. She was a flyweight but still felt like a ton. Fond memories of her early days, but not BC surgery.
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I copied things down I wanted to remember as I thought I was going to next page. I was wrong again, but that's okay. I won't have to scroll up and down like I usually do.
First off -- good for you Karen. I'm glad you are getting your 'shots'. I don't know why, but this yr. it seems even more important to me. Not sure why other than it seems so many people have stopped using precautions like masks and attempting to avoid at least some big crowds. I just feel like we need all the help we can get if people are tired of the caution needed.
Cindy, yay for good test results on mamo and ultrasound. It's always a relief to have your health security enhanced. Also, great that your full body check produced good results as well. Hope things end up turning out as well for your 'roof' issues too. Hoping you're on a roll.
Petite, I think Miss Felix seems to want to make sure no one did anything behind her back while she was 'away' from home. To the point of even making sure her nemesis is still the same, so she still has someone to despise. I guess it is a form of habitual comfort to have things in place like they were before the trauma of being 'snatched' out of her comfort zone and so un-ceremoniously hauled off to the vet.
I think it may have let loose with a little moisture last night but I'm not sure. It is dry this morning. We will definitely have sweatshirt weather all day despite the fact that the sun will be out. Will stay in the high 60's. For me that is definite sweatshirt.
Hope you all have a fine day today. Hugs to Mavericksmom.
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Didn't read all the new posts, I will catch up, but just to let you all know that if there is such a thing as a great surgical experience, I had one! Can't say enough good things about my doctors, PA's nurses, office staff, they were all wonderful. I went home same day about 5 pm having had a mastectomy with expander. I have two drains but recovering at home is so much better than in the hospital. I am living in my comfy pj's vs gown, no one woke me up from sleep for blood pressure or temp. I am fine, so far pain management is going well.
My doctor office called to check on me today, I never had that before! I do find myself forgetting things more than normal, I had something I wanted to add here and that fast, I forgot! I guess that is normal after surgery.
Many thanks for all the well wishes. I am most thankful that now, I am free of breast cancer forever! Will need pathology report, but only took two nodes so hopeful no spreading anywhere else!
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Went to CVS I normally use to get flu shot and was told that I could not be a "walk-in" because today was an appointment only day. No signage anywhere to show this is the store policy and tried to make an appointment online but their system is not user friendly. So I call another CVS and am told they do take "walk-ins" for vaccines. I go there, get the shot in right arm due to limb restriction only to find the form they sent me reads "left arm". I call and nicely explain why I need this document corrected, to then be told that in order for her to do this I would have to return to the pharmacy and complete the forms all over again. I was flabbergasted that her error in documentation means another round trip to the pharmacy and refused to return. I asked her to do what she can to fix the error and left it at that. I am so annoyed with the person who administered the vaccine and know now not to allow them to send me documentation via email if I want it to be correct.
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Maverick -- wishing you all the continued success in the world. Nice to hear that your experience was a positive one. Actually, I think it is fairly possible to have more that are positive then negative, but then we tend to sit and up and take notice much more when things DON'T go right. I'm so glad you reported things as being mainly a breeze and as comfortable for you as those things can be.
ON the other hand, Betrayal -- but I sure understand the frustration. Sort of like being pushed off a chair after you have plainly said not necessary because you are getting up. Still, I'm glad you were able to get the shot. It is really needed this yr. I think.
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Betrayal I too had email from CVS saying my booster was in my left arm. That’s my BC side w 5 nodes removed. All my shots are in my right arm. I had the flu shot on Friday at CVS. The email for that one was correct, stated in my right arm.
IllinoisLady I wish I was on a good roll! Today I had to run to PT at 10:45. I had some clothing to drop at a cousins house and would pass it on my way. So I pull up to her house, she needs a new driveway. Slight hill, driveway has the hump in the middle of it. I avoid it by driving right of it. I was afraid I’d hit my undercarriage. I jump out, place a bag on her porch, and hop back in the car. Backing out I’m avoiding the hump and promptly hit a stringer wire to the pole. Two wires I saw, with bright yellow vinyl covers on them. The one I hit, plain old gray twisted wire bundle. Damage to the bumper but thankfully it didn’t crack the bumper. What’s the old saying - no good deed goes unpunished. I saved my cousin a trip to my house and added a trip to the body shop for me. I know I’ll get it repaired w/o insurance but I YI YI LUCY!
We’re getting quite the rain storm here for the past few hours. I was able to grill steak outside with the use of an umbrella. Tomorrow night I’m taking a ghost walking tour w some friends and grandniece so I hope the rains drop it all tonight.
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Have to chime in to say "left deltoid" was noted as the location of my flu shot. I too emailed to advise I NEVER get left-side anything. Have not rechecked the record yet. The technology professional in me says " they pre-fill that sucker to save time..."
Glad surgery went well MM!
Hi to everyone else and hope you're staying healthy. Two friends whom I've seen recently just got sick. Glad I'm as inoculated as I can be at this point.
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Mavericksmom, glad your surgery went well and you're recovering comfortably at home. If you need to shower while you still have drains, you can put each one in a plastic baggie: punch holes in the top of each bag, run a ribbon or string through the holes to make a sling that is shorter than the drain tubing, and hang the slings over each shoulder. That way the drains stay in place. (My friend had a neighbor make little bags out of kids' washcloth mitts, and each mitt had a grosgrain ribbon sling).
Petite, amazing that Miss Felix is 25! You really are a great cat mom. I took Heidi (17) to the vet today for her 6-month checkup, mani-pedi, and a new monoclonal arthritis shot that is supposed to work better than glucosamine (the only other painkiller that's feline-safe). If the shot works, then she has to get it monthly--along with a nail trim because her claws tend to ingrow.When we got home, Happy (15) met us at the door. When I opened the carrier, he reached out to her and she hissed at and swatted him. She still resents that she stopped being the "baby" 15 years ago. He likes her, she hates him. Happy's checkup Monday went well--his liver enzymes, courtesy of steroids, normalized; but his kidney values are slightly elevated. Not unusual for a "super-senior" male cat, but it could also be due partly to the prednisolone. So we're going from an every-other to an every-third-day schedule (2.5 mg); and switched him to prescription (k/d) food, both wet & kibble. Fortunately, he loves the wet food (unlike the previous "selected protein" and "senior consult" formulas for hypersensitive guts) and is getting used to the kibble. Unfortunately, Heidi keeps stealing the kibble. (But at 17, with a history of kidney stones back when she was 11, it won't hurt her).
Last night Gordy & I went to see the Who at United Center. It was my first indoor concert (well, my first as a spectator) since before lockdown. (Ravinia's pavilion doesn't really count, because it was technically outdoors). We missed the opener--Steven Page, the former co-leader of Barenaked Ladies--because Gordy couldn't clock out of work before 7:30. We had absolutely no traffic getting there (and back)--it was only a 20-minute trip from & to his house. The Who (Pete Townshend is 77, Roger Daltry 78) were amazing, energetic and in great voice. They use a local orchestra in each city (but tour with a violinist & cellist from Chicago). They played 2-1/2 hours without an intermission--highlights from Tommy & Quadrophenia, as well as various & sundry greatest hits (including a couple of deep album cuts and a new song about to be released). Tonight, Gordy froze in vain at Soldier Field--the Bears lost yet again. (I hope he was able to score a club-level seat so he could watch part of the game from indoors).
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Sandy - the concert sounds great. We have't been to any concerts since well before Covid. The Who are playing Denver on Monday
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Karen, you should be totally fine if you're masked. (I didn't have any refreshments, so I wore my mask from the gate to back at the parking lot). Not sure about the arena in Denver where they're playing, but the United Center was serious about ventilation--we could feel the breeze even though the arena is fully-enclosed.
Speaking of performances, I did get cast in the Bar Show after all. I have the lead in a scene (a duet with a guy my age, plus an octet as backup); and a role (presumably speaking) in a political parody of Celebrity Family Feud. The good news is that those scenes (as well as the major production numbers we're all in) will not be rehearsing till 10/22, so Bob arranged to get the weekend off. We're going to Eataly tomorrow night for their Barolo & truffle fest; over the weekend we might go leaf-peeping or bundle up and take the architecture river cruise. (I last took it >20 years ago, and the skyline has changed dramatically since then).
Special, happy extended birthday!
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Sandy- not worried about safety in regards to the concert venues - just there haven't been many since before Covid. Not going to the Who play at Ball Arena (formerly the Pepsi Center) - large basket ball/hockey arena as it is Simchat Torah night. You got a great deal on tickets.
Can't seem to shed these 3-4#s. Had hoped to have it off by today 6 month check up. I know its not a lot and I'm thin, but my issue is more that I don't want it to keep creeping up. I'm at my high of where I want to be. I've been good not snacking at night, but need to get better at work.
46F at 5 a.m and going into the high 70s. Cooling off. little over the week-end into 60s with cooler nights then back to low 70s next week. I don't mind this weather. Still not quite ready to give my sandals, though at night, needing to switch for our after dinner walk.
Working today for Monday and again next Friday for Tuesday (flexing my days) so I probably won't be back till Saturday night or Sunday. Have a great week-end.
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Surprisingly, after I told the CVS person to solve the issue of submitting an incorrect documentation of my Flu shot, I did get a corrected document! So with effort she was able to correct her error and my return to the pharmacy to complete additional paper work was not necessary after all. If they do preload the info then shame on them because how hard would it be to allow them the choice of right versus left. Plus some with risk of bilateral lymphedema need to use their thighs/hips for shots. Of course, I am sure CVS will not do them in other than the arms but there are other usable sites for vaccine administration. Never did check what they documented for site for Covid #5 but had to ask for a second vaccine record card since my dance card was already full. Pharmacist wanted to write on the back of the card but I told her there were no slots for documenting and I never carry the original card, just a photocopy. Begrudgingly, I got a second card.
Dalmatian rescue reached out to ask if I could foster a small, 1 year old male Dalmatian that is scared to death in the kennel. Wish I could but Regan needs to be spayed and first appointment available was Halloween. Not sure if her reactivity to other dogs, as reported to us, is true and not sure I want to test it. She has a really strong prey drive and I need to make sure even the doves are out of the yard before we leave the house. She did manage to pull me totally off my feet in pursuit of whatever and I landed hard on my left hip. No physical bruise, just one to my dignity. She is only 42 lb but is very strong. I carry a plastic bottle loaded with stones that I shake to discourage critters but that darn chipmunk has a death wish. She is slowly (glacial speed) warming to DH who feeds and treats her. She will let him walk her up and down the driveway to retrieve mail or newspaper but he still cannot hitch her to lead.
Found the 2 boxes of estate information I had for my Dad and Mom yesterday. I finally sorted through his and kept only those papers that have genealogical value and will shred all others. Will postpone action on mom's because she has only been dead for 3 years but can discard any non-tax documents so that will reduce bulk. Will save that sorting for a boring TV evening.
After a dismal day yesterday with rain but no severe weather, the sun will be out today. Yeah! Weekend is to be nice as well. Good news since DGD birthday party is tomorrow. Looking forward to being with the family again. Have a good weekend.
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Mavericksmom - so glad surgery went well. I hope you’re recovery goes well and is pain free.
Petite - I hope Miss Felix is OK. 25 years old is amazing for a cat.
Chisandy - The Who sounds amazing. DH and I had tickets to see them in Las Vegas in 2020, but Covid cancelled the concert. We didn’t make it out to see them this time around. Saw them years ago in DC.
Busy seeing the grandbaby. Helping DD and SIL by running errands for them (Costco, grocery). SIL has been on paternity leave which ends next week.
Hope everyone has a healthy day.
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Cardplayer, what card games do you play? Our summer neighbors in MN at Pine Hollow Resort, which is actually a small seasonal campground, are "fanatical" card players. They play card games with which I am not familiar and which involve money, quarters. We played some card games in my family but never with money, always for fun and bragging rights.
I took bridge lessons some years back and was very interested in playing and becoming a competent player but I stopped when I needed to become a caregiver for my mother. I sometimes play on my phone at a site with "robots" as partners.
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Carol - I play a couple of card games: poker, hearts, spades, canasta, hand and foot, bridge, and gin rummy (and Rummikub). There's probably a couple of drinking card games my kids taught me at the beach but I can't remember the names. We use to play poker with a group for years before we retired and moved. Before the pandemic, we played canasta, hand and foot or Rummikub with somefriends inthe neighborhood every week. But covid and a few people moving ended that. We played bridge with some friends for a while, but they wanted to play contact bridge and we weren't interested in playing competitive bridge. There's an app called playok.com that's free and has a variety of games. During the pandemic, we played canasta with friends via playok. It has a text feature, so we could text during the game.
I play mostly online apps now. I found a spades and Rummikub app where you play against real people, which makes it interesting.
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