Can we have a forum for "older" people with bc?

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  • illinoislady
    illinoislady Member Posts: 39,546
    edited November 2022

    This time of yr. I think all are bombarded by pleas for votes or funds. I don't give to anyone but am registered locally which likely is enough to get me on 'lists' . I reserve my donating to one place in town. It is a four-way corner that is used a lot but is not directly in mid-town where holding up traffic a bit could affect traffic movement due to stop lights rather than stop signs. Dh who looks at my phone is always letting me know he had to spend five minutes or more just deleting. He insists I have the phone but I don't use it -- so he has to keep it free of demands for things.

    Carole, I think it is easy for us to hit a plateau on wt. loss and seems great patience is required to wait out the plateau. I've never been able to do it. My impatience has gotten better with age, but still catches me on certain things and plateaus are one of those things.

    Carole, I was taking two blood pressure meds daily plus a half a water pill and still seemingly didn't have blood pressure in real control. Beginning to wonder if it is even possible, but maybe is for some people, I wasn't one of them.

    I now have apparently the opposite issue which is blood pressure that is on the low side. Strange phenomena to me to do a complete reversal of the issue after having a heart valve replaced. Maybe the new heart Dr. can give me more clarification on that.

    Catch-up work today, especially since we will drive back to Marion on Friday. It just messes up the day pretty much, so need to be a bit more productive today if possible.

    Happy sunshine everyone. Hope you all have a great day.

  • mcbaker
    mcbaker Member Posts: 1,833
    edited November 2022

    I forgot my meds last night, and my fitbit was out of juice. I had a very long and complicated dream about cleaning my apartment which was very primitive, rough-cut beams for a floor, with holes showing apartment below. Rugs covered some of the floor, especially for the bedroom area. I woke up enjoying my bed but very sweaty from all the work. My "roommate" was very passive about it all. Actually, I tried a different dog shampoo the other day, and he is itching himself like crazy. He has learned to get off the bed when itching himself. He needs another bath with the coal-tar shampoo (like head and shoulders).

    My weight loss has also stalled. I have been pigging out on sweets.


  • petite1
    petite1 Member Posts: 2,292
    edited November 2022

    Carole, I agreement. I will be glad when it is over. I have been getting texts, email and so has DH. He has an old flip phone that they try to send attachments on.

    Illinoislady, Hope you trip to Marion goes well.

    I did get some things purged out and thrown away. I was glad. Today I need to do some grocery shopping and might wash the truck. DH did not do it last time we went to the dump, so the bed has a lot of sand in it.

  • cindyny
    cindyny Member Posts: 1,319
    edited November 2022

    I too am sick of the political ads. No one says what they’ll be doing, just demonize the opponent. Or the ones that say what they’ll do on day one, and legally can’t do it - fire prosecutors, um…they’re elected officials. I fear the outcome of most.

    Powerball quick pick tickets did well for me. I won $100! Invested $4 back in for Saturday’s drawing.

    I’m getting antsy, or I have been and I’m just noticing it more, re packing up to leave. I’ve printed out my Excel spreadsheet, I’ve addressed my Thanksgiving cards to mail as we leave, and even filled 3 Christmas cards with gift cards and cash to leave here w family. It’s over the top but I’d rather have gifts done here than ship them back from FL. I have gifts wrapped and ready for multiple people. I give a gf her family, children and grandchildren gifts now - she puts them in her closet ready to put under the tree. My niece and grand niece, I leave them in my house - they come to check my house about every 2 weeks and I encourage them to open gifts early! They’ll be in FL with us on Christmas. I’m rambling!
    I saw my dentist today and had my teeth cleaned. All good to go for another 6 months.

    It hit 67-68 with full sun today. Such great weather for November. Weekend may be in the 70’s!

    Go Phillies

  • socallisa
    socallisa Member Posts: 10,184
    edited November 2022


    Day is Done...

    image

  • petite1
    petite1 Member Posts: 2,292
    edited November 2022

    Beautiful picture!

    Cindy, Congrats on the win.



  • carolehalston
    carolehalston Member Posts: 8,190
    edited November 2022

    Gosh, Cindy, you're a dynamo! And a well-organized one!

    Love the beautiful photo!

    Yesterday I bagged and boxed up discarded items for a Vietnam Veterans pickup. I haven't scheduled it yet. Still have stacks of books to donate and a big stack of beautiful cooking magazines that are too nice to put in the garbage. Soon I will be going through my closet and getting rid of "if I lose some weight, I can wear these" clothes.

    We reverted back to summer weather. The a/c is on.

  • mavericksmom
    mavericksmom Member Posts: 1,275
    edited November 2022

    I LOVE that picture, and it was just what I needed!

    Cindy, yes, congrats on the lottery win! I won $150 in 2011. That is the most I ever won. I remember the year because I used the money to buy a "mother of the groom" dress for my son's wedding.

    I go in with a group at work on the big lotteries, not because I think we will win, but if by chance they do, I don't want to be the only one left working there!

    Last spring, the Mega Millions or Powerball, I forget which one, was won by someone who bought their ticket at a 7-11 that I can see from the second floor of my house. I always joke that it is as close as I will ever get to wining a big lottery!

    I too am tired of political ads. Both my husband and I sent in our mail in ballots weeks ago and got confirmation that they were received. I wish there was a way to "turn off" all political ads once you have voted. I did write to one candidate that ironically was of the opposite party I am affiliated with, and I couldn't vote for her anyway because of the area she is running in, but she had such a good ad and focused only on what she wants to do, not one bit of negativity to it. I thought she deserved to know her messaging was appreciated. I wish there were more candidates on both sides would avoid the negativity.

    I am going through "limbo depression!" That's what I call it when I have no documented plan of action moving forward with my breast cancer reconstruction. I still have a drain in, three days into my 4th week post-surgery. No idea when it will come out, I was so sure it would be taken out on Wednesday, but that didn't happen. I also saw my MO yesterday and will be back on Letrozole as soon as the drain comes out. See him again in 4 months. I am not a fan of aromatase inhibitors, so this is difficult for me. Also, wasn't happy to see my letrozole comes from the same pharmaceutical company in India, that also makes my blood pressure medication that was recalled. Ugh.

    I am also finding it challenging to deal with my DH. He is a wonderful man and I love him, but he is 82 and acts like he is 92+. I feel as if I am living with my father and not my husband, and to be honest, my dad didn't act as old as my DH does when he was in his mid 80's! Again, I am sure my current physical state is attributing my attitude and things will feel better when I feel more normal again.

    Looks to be another beautiful day! Go Phillies...........too bad they couldn't pull off a win last night.

  • cardplayer
    cardplayer Member Posts: 2,051
    edited November 2022

    Beautiful picture!

    Congratulations on the win cindyny!!

    We don’t watch a lot of network TV and when we do, we mute the political ads. DH and I have already voted by mail. We use to watch some political news but got burned out after the 2020 elections. So we mostly watch ESPN and I read the a couple of different news sources.

    Sorry you still have your drain in mavericksmom. I had my drain in for 3 1/2 weeks with my prophylactic mastectomy. Drove me crazy. And unfortunately, it leaked. I purchased 500 pack of gauze pads and went through 2/3 of the package. Hopefully you’ll get it out soon.

    Spent yesterday with DD and granddaughter. She’s growing so fast, starting to smile. It started out cool today, but will warm up into the low 70s. We still haven’t had a freeze although we expect by mid-November we’ll have one.

    Hope everyone has a healthy and peaceful day.

  • mavericksmom
    mavericksmom Member Posts: 1,275
    edited November 2022

    cardplayer, there is NOTHING like a grandchild to brighten up the day!!! I am so glad you get to see her so often! My DH and I see our daughter's two children often, but our son lives in the Midwest with his family and we haven't seen them in over 3 years! Thank goodness for FaceTime!!!

  • mcbaker
    mcbaker Member Posts: 1,833
    edited November 2022

    I am a great-aunt three times. One is a newborn. I have had some contact with another-- a little one. The other is in high school, and I have barely seen her at all. They all live within 200 miles. My daughter may have difficulty conceiving, and my son doesn't want to marry because he is afraid of becoming like his father.

  • cindyny
    cindyny Member Posts: 1,319
    edited November 2022

    It is a blessing having a baby around to smooch and spoil. Our grands are in Texas, hence the wayward trip to get to FL via TX. I think we drive over 3k miles vs a straight away would be 1,200+ miles.

    It’s beautiful again here today. After my soap opera, Young & the Restless, I’ll head out to the park for a walk. Too nice out not to get out. I’ll go alone, everyone working or committed elsewhere, knowing it’s safe. Enjoy the day!!


  • illinoislady
    illinoislady Member Posts: 39,546
    edited November 2022

    Make it a rule of life never to regret and never to look back. Regret is an appalling waste of energy; you can't build on it; it's only good for wallowing in.

    image
    Katherine Mansfield

  • illinoislady
    illinoislady Member Posts: 39,546
    edited November 2022

    Another late day as I knew it would be. I'll likely (since I'm a mite tired) forget some responses, but I did read your words, and felt them appropriately when I read them.

    Congrats on the lottery ticket win. I love to win, but don't play much because I always feel irritation over losing. Just to set the record straight though, losses in games that don't involve hard-earned money don't have the same effect on me at all. At the same time, it has always seemed when I really needed money, something would come along to see it get presented to me. So, while I avoid playing games too much that could 'lose' money for me, I try to honor the fact that it seems I'm able to get needed funds when there is a TRUE need. I don't want to be 'needy' because of bad decisions on my part. I also don't want to have to go to GA meetings either.

    Maverick, I can't imagine a drain and just the sound of it makes me think of the word discomfort. I sure hope you won't need it much longer. I would be down in the dumps a bit too so hope you aren't too hard on yourself. Most of the things that get me in that sort of mood and feeling do double-time in the rear-view mirror once they are over and I end up wondering why I looked at it in such a dour fashion.

    Carole, I'm with you on the things one keeps because you think you'll be able to use them again. I think the major difference in us is that my whole house needs to be looked at that way. Slow but sure and at some point, when I'm working more in my room, my closet will definitely get down-sized of clothes that are being ware-housed for no particular reason -- some were long dresses I thought I'd wear again, and some were larger or smaller. Now all are basically too big for me or so out of style that getting rid of them will be a blessing.

    Got Dh to his eye appt. Always messes up my pill taking for the day. Have to have something to eat with most pills and keeping any food with us is just too difficult, and more so now since salt is an issue as well. Anyway, he did get about the same medications and advice he has gotten all along with only two changes. Fish oil tablets and a thicker eyedrop. So, long way and long day but maybe he will remember this time that he has a chronic eye condition and rosacea just makes it worse. He is a self-medicator and will sometimes let one thing go and do more of another. Often his Dr.'s have (in my opinion) not cautioned him to let them know and they can help him with adjustments because the more he does, the more he is inclined to just start using all his own adjustments and not following any of the instructions and certainly not in any order. I think this is partly the Virgo in me.

    Glad to see the weekend. Mainly as on Monday I get to go to the Specialist Ear Dr. Seems like a long wait. Tuesday is voting day and then Wed. I go see Dr. Ang for the results of my coloscopy. Nothing should take much time and I'll be back on my correct pill schedule. I (furiously knocking on wood) have had no issues at all switching my dosage of carvedilol to higher. Getting 25 mgs. a day now.

    Hope you all had a good day.

  • chisandy
    chisandy Member Posts: 11,408
    edited November 2022

    Seth Meyers had a hilarious bit last night about the increasingly doom-filled, desperate, guilt-tripping and pleading e-mails & texts being sent by my party. Colbert has been gently roasting POTUS lately. So much for those who claim that late-night comedy is 100% anti-GOP. As for TV ads, all we ever see here are 3/4 political and 1/4 prescription drugs (an inordinate number of dueling HIV treatments, antidepressants and monoclonals for asthma & autoimmune diseases). By the middle of next week, the political ads will stop (there are no runoffs in IL), but we'll be back to the drug ads and teaser spots for wonderful new cars that aren't in production yet (per the fine print at the bottom of the screen).

    Finally (after playing patient-portal-and-phone-tag) saw the "good" podiatrist yesterday. He's the one at nearby Swedish Hosp. who 18 mos. ago simply wrote me a prescription for orthotics and said to have my monthly pedicures take care of my ingrown big toenails. He had said the 3d toe-tip callus (which makes wearing socks in my shoes painful) was overlying a bone spur and due to a weak joint--again, nothing he could do short of surgery, years down the line.

    That sent me a year later to the cut-happy guy up in Mt. Prospect (referred by my PCP who now practices only up there) who looked at my bunion and declared surgery was absolutely necessary, but not unless he can also fuse the big toe joint. He claimed the pain in the 3rd toe had to be from the nail catching on socks--he proceeded to cut it down to near nothing, and when he tried to shave the callus it bled. "Any time you want to do the bunion surgery, let me know and we'll set a date," he said.

    Since then, my ingrowns have been returning within a week or two of my (painful) pedicures, the toe tip callus has gotten worse, the bunion crossing under & over (depending on if I'm putting weight on it) my 2nd toe, which is now a full-fledged hammertoe. Not only that, but I'm getting top-of-foot pain I haven't had since, a Crocs "shoe malfunction" in 2010 which put me in a walking boot and then orthotics (I was >200 lbs. then). This time, the good DPM looked at and manipulated both feet, confirmed everything had indeed gotten worse since June 2021, but gave me a few surprises.

    First, he tried shaving that callus--and it bled profusely with the first cut. "That's not a callus," he said, "it's a wart." He said if he were to shave any more of it or cauterize it, it's so close to the bone spur that I could be looking at a fracture or even bone infection. He advised me that once the scab falls off to use OTC corn-remover pads and wear orthopedic sandals in the house. Next, he looked at my X-rays and said what I had in 2010 was indeed a stress fracture, which though it healed has caused traumatic arthritis in those joints, which will eventually need fusion. Nothing to be done about the hammertoe as long as it isn't painful on its own. The ingrowns are due to abnormally "scrolled" nail-bed sides--but exacerbated by the big toe's angle due to the bunion on one side and contact with the hammertoe on the other.

    Finally, he confirmed I will need bunion surgery--with fusion of the joint...but not yet. Until it becomes too painful to bear I'll have to live with it; but if it does get to that point he'd prefer to try lidocaine, steroid or NSAID shots first, which could give me a couple of surgery-free years.

    The thrill of victory...and the agony of De Feet.



  • chisandy
    chisandy Member Posts: 11,408
    edited November 2022

    Oh, and beginning Tuesday, NorthShore Health System will start charging (billing insurance) for answering patient-portal messages that ask for medical advice &/or make demands on a doctor's (or NP's) time. The alternative would be an office visit or telehealth call...both of which are of course already billable. Examples of "seeking medical advice" even include reporting a new symptom, worsening of existing symptom, prescription changes, review of medical records, request for the (required) referrals for tests & procedures, and any questions about test reports. The bean counters strike again. They claim patients are abusing the portal-messaging system. (Shades of the old HMO or even AAA roadside assistance "overutilization" penalty).

  • illinoislady
    illinoislady Member Posts: 39,546
    edited November 2022

    Well, I'm sure glad you got some answers Sandy. Wish they didn't all basically seem to be surgical in nature, but at least you don't have to wonder about available options and what they MIGHT be.

    Be the way I liked the pun/play on words about DeFeet.

  • petite1
    petite1 Member Posts: 2,292
    edited November 2022

    Sandy, I liked the play on words.

    Maverick, I hated the drain and was so happy to get it out. Hope it will be soon.

    Illinoislady, I like the thought of the day.

  • mcbaker
    mcbaker Member Posts: 1,833
    edited November 2022

    I got my hot-air fryer. Tried to fry tiny potato cubes, but not enough access to the hot air. Today I will try a falafel patty, which is why I bought it, anyway.

    My med schedule has gotten wacky lately, too. Don't know why, other than a busy mind. I have been getting ready for the crafts sale, taking care of Tippy, visiting with neighbors, recording weight and food, exercising. Also I have been making wide-leg pants because my knee is too tender for jeans, leggings show everyone how messed up it is. Did not go to the gym yesterday because it was raining all day.

    The first drain they removed, it hurt! The second came out with no pain. I cannot imagine four drains. They don't use them for knee replacement surgery. I have a little irregularity in my implant, almost like a nipple. I think it originated with the nipple tattoo, but has shifted to about an inch below the tat. Talked with my MO on Zoom yesterday, and we discussed the fact that my prognosis is off-the-charts good, and these visits are done because they are required. I did ask him about nerve damage in my feet for various reasons and my PT saying that I can learn how to balance on my right foot. I say that is unlikely because of reduced neuroplasticity in older people. He smiled and said to keep trying.

    Sandy, Wisconsin has legalized CBD/THC gummies for insomnia etc. Republicans who advocate for natural remedies and rebel against the insurance and pharmaceutical industries made it possible. I bought some, and they work. But my intent is to use them only when having a rough night. And use my regular meds on a regular schedule.


  • carolehalston
    carolehalston Member Posts: 8,190
    edited November 2022

    So far the promised rain is not arriving. It's gloomy outside as if nature is awaiting the rain, too.

  • illinoislady
    illinoislady Member Posts: 39,546
    edited November 2022

    Measure wealth not by the things which you have, but by
    the things you have for which you would not take money.

    anonymous

  • cindyny
    cindyny Member Posts: 1,319
    edited November 2022

    I’m running to a book swap at a gf house. It used to be a yearly event held in February, that time of year when you have just had enough of the cold winter. But covid stopped that, and now we’re meeting up today. It’s already 65 so this may end up a yard party. Usually her fireplace is roaring.

    Sandy, I sympathize with DeFeet. My footwear consists of mostly sneakers. It used to be a plus we were in FL for winter so my toes wouldn’t be in shoes, but lose and free in Clark’s flip flops. I now like the support of the orthotics and notice if I’m in sandals more than I should be. A no win situation.

    Drains, fortunately I’ve never had them. But I do send wishes yours are out ASAP. Mary, you’re fortunate the gummies work for you. Jackie, you’ll get to the clothes when you get to it. No harm, no foul in keeping what’s there. I know I put off all kinds of things until I feel like it’s “getty up and go” time. We got rid of so much, but there is still more…that can sit until May or June, or October 2023. Petite, you seem good, I’m hoping your house sale goes quickly. Wishing the best for all of us, enjoy the weekend

  • mcbaker
    mcbaker Member Posts: 1,833
    edited November 2022

    Carole, I would send you some of ours-- 1.5 inches in the past 24 hours, and another half inch expected today. Hoping this will help the river, though. Never a downpour, but very few periods without rain.

  • illinoislady
    illinoislady Member Posts: 39,546
    edited November 2022

    MC, while I wish it weren't so, I'm relieved to hear someone else messes up on consistent dosing. You get to wondering at times if you are the only household in America that falls apart from time to time.

    It rained during the night, is now cloudy and could rain again but that is a maybe. Unfortunately, we are having a lot of wind. That will bring down most of the rest of our leaves. Some stay on the trees so we will see how it goes. It has been so windy though that the deck didn't fill up and at least I'm happy about that. Our neighbor came for the weekend. Last weekend was a lot nicer, so will see if he stays or goes home early.

    Air fryers, like I guess a lot of other things, takes experimentation to get a feel for that style of cooking. Are they looked at like mini-convection type cookers? My cousin, knowing an air fryer was given to me said not to forget to put the water in -- like there was some little reservoir or basin area. I didn't see one and I didn't see anything in the book that came with it. Consequently, I haven't made anything yet. That may be one of those things I pass onto someone else.

    Still feeling well on my higher med dosage. I'm glad. Seems the Carvedilol was given a lot of importance as I'm not hearing the need to increase the other which is Losartan. I will have to look both of them up again.

    Hope you do get your rain Carole. Things look a bit cleaner around here and a lot less dusty. If the wind stays too long though we'll need more rain for sure.

  • mavericksmom
    mavericksmom Member Posts: 1,275
    edited November 2022

    Sandy, LOL about the patient portals! So true! Also about the "agony of de feet!!! Sometimes humor is all that keeps us sane! I am truly sorry to hear about all your foot issues! I list foot issues in "things I take for granted but shouldn't!"

    Illinoislady, you have the cutest picture! Is that your cat? Wishing you a good ear appointment on Monday!

    I stated earlier that my DH is 82 and acts 92+. Now I may know why. He saw his cardiologist on Friday, which went well. His heart is really good! But, the cardiologist wanted him to see a neurologist because he suspects he may have Parkinsons Disease! Normally that news would make someone upset, but not myself or DH! I thought he might have Parkinsons for a number of years, but every time I ask my DH if his PCP said anything to him about his hand tremors, walking, etc, he said "No!"

    The real clincher in that he called the neurology group and first available appointment is in April!!! So we wait 5 months to even have an evaluation. I just remind myself that at least someone is seeing what I have noticed and is initiating a plan. They did put him on a cancellation list, so if something comes up sooner, they will let him know.

    Another medical issue, our doctors' offices are next to the hospital. There is a very large parking lot and three parking garages. One of the parking garages is just for the building where our doctor offices are, and it just failed an inspection, so it is closed indefinitely. I am glad they error on the side of caution, but now it is almost impossible to find parking, even handicap parking! It came at a bad time because the hospital just changed their patient portal system over to a new system and in addition to causing huge issues in every office on campus, there are about 100 technicians working in the buildings......that means over 100 people also needing to park in an already maxed out lot! Could be worse!

    I get to experience the whole parking fun again on Monday when HOPEFULLY, this annoying drain is finally taken out! It looks as if I might actually get back to work on my original return date of November 28. That would be great.

    I went to the grocery store at 7AM this morning, my normal time, but first time since my surgery that I went by myself. My DH and I stopped at the store one morning last week around 9:00 AM, but only for a few things.

    Today, I will enjoy the beautiful warm weather and sports! First, college football and then the Phillies game! Tomorrow, hopefully a World Series Win for the Phillies! It is nice to be able to watch games and not feel too guilty about sitting doing that.

    Enjoy the weekend everyone!

  • cardplayer
    cardplayer Member Posts: 2,051
    edited November 2022

    I love my air fryer. You might be able to find instructions on the internet. I’ve found a few recipes, but mostly cook potatoes (sweet and baked). DH loves asparagus in the air fryer. With the exception of potatoes, I spray most items lightly with olive oil before cooking. DH likes to grill and I don’t mind cooking some things in the oven that would be messy in the air fryer.

    Mavericksmom - sorry you have to wait so long to see a neurologist. Hopefully you’ll be able to be seen soon via the wait list. I hope you get your drain out next week.

    Illinois - glad you’re able to see the doctor next week.

    Chisandy - I need to get to the podiatrist. I’ve got a callus on my big toe that’s been bothering me. Ugh.

    Been starting to look at beach houses to rent for a week in the Outer Banks next summer. We’ve been going to the beach with our kids (now adults) since they were young. Need to look for something that allows pets since both families have dogs.

    Overcast but warm and breezy today. We don’t expect rain until Tuesday. Rooting for the Phillies tonight.


  • illinoislady
    illinoislady Member Posts: 39,546
    edited November 2022

    If we could but recognize our common humanity, that we do belong together, that our destinies are bound up in one another's, that we can be free only together, that we can be human only together, then a glorious world would come into being where all of us lived harmoniously together as members of one family, the human family. -Desmond Tutu

  • illinoislady
    illinoislady Member Posts: 39,546
    edited November 2022

    It is sunny with a breeze. Should have a good day. Hope I can wash some windows. There is always a whole lot to do and not always as much time as I need or energy either. We started the process yesterday afternoon of changing out the ring on my bathroom commode. It has the old kind with all the wax, and they now have ones that don't require all that mess. I also have a new faucet to install. Yrs. ago when we made the bathroom, we got Moen faucets. Turns out that there is not enough room to clean them properly and over time they have gotten pitted and are usually a bit un-attractive for it. So, I bought one of the single faucet kinds. They had a Moen, but I liked the 'look' of the Delta better and both were the same price.

    In between will be al the usual things.

    Tomorrow is ENT Day for me. So long awaited. Can't believe how long I've been putting up with this, but in part I was just dreading filling up my calendar with appts. with Dr.'s. I will have a couple more this month for sure, and I think will start seeing Dr. Barrientos in December. That will be 6-month check-up for the bladder. Not sure but if it is good, I may be able to go to only yearly checks. That is sure what I'm hoping for.

    I hope you all have a sunny, happy Sunday.


  • 1946taco
    1946taco Member Posts: 300
    edited November 2022

    Wow! Somehow I really got behind. Great visit with our daughter in Maine although getting there was a nightmare. The 8 hour trip took 18! Fine coming back but we felt like we spent the first day getting rested. Didn't do much. Just nice to visit in person after 3 years. DD has resisted knowing anything about our finances although she has all our legal documents but we felt we needed to have that discussion, obviously best done in person. Also got some fun pictures.

    The first week of the month is always busy with extra meetings but this has been a great weekend. Played 9 holes of golf in the morning with a buddy even though it was the last weekend of walking. Restrictions will be lifted tomorrow and the Niners will have their official kick-off on Thursday. We already started partying though. One of the ladies had us all in for cocktails on Halloween. Last night was the Gala for the food bank. Had a sell-out crowd, lots of fun and good food and made a little money and good will.

    This morning I went to see my surrogate granddaughter ice skate. Ella. going on 12, is the granddaughter of BFF and I have been driving her to lessons one afternoon a week since May. It was fun to watch the kids perform. Maureen brought a comfortable seat and I just felt so relaxed as I watched them. Can't say I felt the same way watching the Cardinals after I got home though.

    Sandy, that's the first time I have heard of charges for portal requests or questions. But then, I can't seem to access any of mine so... We have a great supplement with AMA.

    Hope everyone who is struggling with medical issues can find some resolution. The amount of time doctors' visits take up is amazing. MM, when you feel better, you might look for an exercise and balance class for DH. A friend's husband really benefited from one.

    Have a good week, everyone.

    Marge

    aka Taco

  • mavericksmom
    mavericksmom Member Posts: 1,275
    edited November 2022

    Marge, great to hear from you!!! I love Maine! When I was a kid, my family vacationed in Maine. It is a state I thought of moving to, but I probably won't move out of the current area I live in.

    It is awesome that you have a surrogate granddaughter, and you take her to her lessons! I love going to my grandkid's events. So good to be around young people. My two passions in life are kids and animals! I jump at every chance to see my grandkids!

    I am certain I will have my drain taken out today. I am totally dreading the appointment, not the appointment itself, but trying to find parking. I will leave extra early to give myself time to park. I am also using my DH's handicapped parking placard, only because I still get super tired just doing normal things. I would never use it without him being with me otherwise.

    I also feel more confident today, not only about the drain, and future implant surgery, but also about taking the Letrozole again. I decided not to stress over thinking about those things because the anxiety sucks the joy out of my life.

    The sun is shining, and it looks to be another warm and beautiful fall day! That always helps my attitude!

    I need to get gas after my appointment and if I can muster up the energy, I will stop at a grocery store on the way home for a few things. It all depends on how much energy I have after the appointment. I always think I will have plenty to do whatever errand I want to do, but reality is, my energy level is far from normal and it will take time to get back to some resemblance of normal.

    My home office is in dire need of filing, as papers are beginning to stack up on my desk. I still get many paper bills, even though I pay almost entirely online. I still keep a file box, I just can't shake my "old methods" of keeping records.

    I am, however, very much a fan of decluttering and simplifying "stuff" in the house. I have been decluttering for years, at least the past 15 or so, since my kids moved out. I no longer feel guilt over getting rid of any of their things. If they really wanted something, they had years to retrieve it. Things need to be useful, very sentimental, of have a high chance of being needed in the future in order for me to keep it. I do plan to get back on a diet soon, so I can take off the 5 lbs I put on after the surgery and continue to shed my unwanted weight. I put clothes that are now too big in bags labeled with the size, and too be donated if they are still too big by a certain date, usually a year from now.

    My college roommate had a great saying. She would say "we do well in school to be able to get into a great college, so we can get a great job, so we can buy things to dust!" SO TRUE!