Can we have a forum for "older" people with bc?
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Mary I don’t know how I missed the dog attack, but I went back and reread the rest of your post. That’s so sad on all accounts.
Sandy I’m going to try the 1,000 Tylenol, with the ibuprofen. I think she should have prescribed me something. But onward I go. I did call the oral surgeon office this morning to lay out my issues - pain, swelling spot from Novocain under my tongue, sore to touch swollen chin & jawbone. All normal. She said first 72 hours are the worst and I should start to notice it getting better by the weekend. I don’t remember a pulled tooth causing so much discomfort, so it’s either due to it being infected or my age -where you forget how bad it was 30 years ago.
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Yeah, Sandi, with a glove and washcloth wipe his bum. Take him to the groomer to have the hair shaved off so it does not collect stuff.
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Cindy, hope you get relief from pain tooth pain soon!!!
Mary and others probably wondered about my lines "those who have money can afford to ......another step backwards in health care system," when I was writing to Mary in my last post. That was not supposed to part of what I wrote to Mary, but was for another paragraph! I don't know what happened. Prior to that, my comment that was lost was about my sadness, for young women in particular, but also for all women who will no longer be offered DIEP reconstruction after mastectomy due to the change in coding! Insurance companies are no longer paying for DIEP! Many PS are only taking cash, at a tune of $50,000 or more, if a patient wants DIEP reconstruction. I had DIEP with my first mastectomy. The outcome, while difficult to recover from since there were three surgery sites, resulted in the most natural looking (and feeling) breast! I feel so bad for all those who won't have that option any more. I read about it on the front page of BCO. I am having an implant in March for my other breast due to my third new breast cancer because DIEP can only be done once. Had I had both breasts removed in 2019, both could have reconstructed with DIEP but it would have made the surgery much longer. At that time my doctors thought my chance of ever getting caner in my opposite breast was extremely small. Turns out it wasn't. Hindsight is always 20/20.
Jackie, wishing you the very best with your visit to see your PCP next week. I hope your blood work comes back better than you expect!
Carole, "used too" is common in my life these days too! Exactly what is "dryer cleaning?" Is that using the dry-cleaning-products sold in stores that use a special zipper bag and special dryer sheets? I used them a long time ago on blouses that were dry clean only and they did a great job.
Sandy, wishing you a long time of petting and cuddling with your little furbaby, Happy. As long as a pet isn't in pain and has some quality of life, why not allow them to live longer? Happy is lucky to have you and your DH to care for him!
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Here are some more photos from the cruise:
Little dots on iceberg are penguins in Antarctica
Views from the Antarctic fjords
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And a few more:
King Penguins in Bluff Cove, Falklands
Gentoo penguins with chicks in Bluff Cove, Falklands
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Penguin in foreground to the right is in the process of moulting. It takes 3 weeks to complete and during this time they lack ability to swim so they are unable to feed. They live off body fat and those close to finish were quite lean.
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The pictures are fantastic and I'm the iceberg with the penguins. I feel like vacation this time of yr. for me is going so well. Thank you so much for sharing. I'm not sure how I'd feel about huge ships, as I'm not at all a fan of crowds (at any time) but there is a beautiful, interesting world out there. I'm thrilled that I'm getting to have the experience.
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Just wow -- wrote the first entry above (had to stop and go to the bathroom) and hit send when I got back. Imagine my delight at seeing those gorgeous penguins close up and personal. I'm especially fond of penguins and seals. Don't know where y affinity comes from, but I've always adored them.
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Beautiful photos, Betrayal. I am pleased as punch at my new partial prosthesis and bras. I wear it every day. It is heavy, so equalizes breast weight against the foob.
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To answer the question about cruise ships, we don't cruise on any ship that holds more than 2,200 people so they are considered smaller ships. Yes, there are ones that only carry 800-900 but the cost is prohibitive. We met a couple prior to boarding and played cards with them for over an hour. We never saw them again and yes, they were on our ship. They were traveling with a company called Travels with Alan and the group was over 150 people and had their own tours. I met an Aussie on one of our tours and saw her quite frequently since she seemed to take the same tours but we were only on the same bus once. Never felt overwhelmed by fellow passengers and the most I saw was either in the dining room or the theater for shows. Saw the Carnival cruise ships and did not envy them due to the number of passengers numbering 5,000.
The one small ship that sailed to Antarctica about 2 weeks before us was hit broadside by a large swell which ended in the death of one passenger. The wave crashed her stateroom window and she was killed by shattering glass. We did see similar small ships (related to the ship that was hit) and they do get much closer to the ice shelf than we did. I was content to be where we were. Binoculars helped us to see more detail of the ice shelf. Even saw a National Geographic ship.
Cindy: hope you can get control of pain soon. It is worse at night and I would want something stronger for nights only.
Sandy: Sorry to hear of Happy's issues. I am one who favors avoiding the inevitable as long as they have quality of life and aren't suffering. We had a diabetic cat for over 3 years and he did well with his insulin and diet. He was large with long hair, so I had to bathe him in the sink to keep his butt clean. He loved the bath and my using the blow dryer to dry him. At the end, he lost use of his back legs so that made the decision for us. Loved him and still miss him. So enjoy these days with Happy.
I still have more photos and I will post a few at a time. I must say the days spent touring the Antarctic fjords were so calming and eerily beautiful. Those mountains looked higher than the Rockies.
Have a good day.
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Betrayal - spectacular scenery. Love the penguins. Thank you for sharing your photos. Karen - scanning is a lot of work. DH did most of it, which is why I still have a shoe box of photos to get to. Mary - so sad about the dogs in your neighborhood. I hope Tippy is adapting to his temporary foster.I hope your day improves. Jackie - glad the animal warden is following up with your neighbor. Sounds like things are moving along for your implant. Cindy - I know when I had my tooth extracted, I used a warm tea bag to help with pain. Maybe my oral surgeon was old school? Antibiotics and pain meds for the first couple of days helped too. Hope you feel better. Glad to hear your back is better Sandy. Sorry Happy is having IBD issues. Carole - you reminded me that I need to clean my blinds and dust my ceilings. A chore I dislike doing.
We’ve have warmer weather lately. Been able to walk outside. Crocuses and daffodils are just starting to peak out of the ground in our front yard. But they have a ways to go.Of course, we’re expecting a dusting of snow tomorrow. Have a wonderful afternoon.
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I forget who asked about "dryer cleaning." I run the dusty curtains through the air dry cycle on my home clothes dryer. No need to wash them since they aren't dirty, just dusty. Ironing isn't necessary afterwards, thank goodness.
Love the penguin photos, too. And the other photos as well.
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Forgot to mention that the King penguins were either sitting on an egg or a chick. I did manage to get a photo of a chick butt and a chick head but seems I did not upload those yet. I took so many photos it is hard to decide what to share.
Mary, so glad to hear you are happy with your new prosthesis. You've had your share of challenges lately so a positive is good. Sorry to hear about the dog issue and do feel for the poor woman who ended up losing 2 dogs in a row as well as the poor woman who had her dog attacked. Tippy will adjust and it may be a help to you if others can assist with his care now and if needed in the future. Regan did well staying with my DD and DSIL (she adores him and this is from a dog who was afraid of men).
Jackie, glad to hear that the neighbor will be addressed by the game warden. Lose dogs are trouble and having your poor cat savaged is deplorable.
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I only have the one walker. All anyone has to do to get him to walk is to give him treats for walking. But it seems that none of my friends knows anything about basic behavior modification.
And when I try to show them how, they give up when he digs his paws into the sidewalk.0 -
Betrayal - I love the pictures! The more the better.
Tooth - We noticed today my face is bruised on my chin and below my jawbone. I took the 1,000 Tylenol and the 800 ibuprofen and slept for an hour and a half. Must have needed it. Tonight I iced 2x and just took ibuprofen. They said after the first 24 hours the icing will not reduce the swelling, but may feel good and it does. Good nite
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Cindy, hope you were able to have a good night sleep!
Jackie, I too am glad you called in the authorities to deal with the dog issue. We had a neighbor who had a dog that bit my DH in the thigh and we called the authorities too as he was not the only one bit by this nasty dog. (actually nasty owner!)
Betrayal, the pictures are amazing! Thank you so much for sharing!
I woke up at 3:30 and couldn't go back to sleep. Got out of bed at 4:45 and typed in my "diary." I don't know why but when I am stressed, as I am with retiring, I get waves of fear in the night and even when I try hard to focus on something calming and relaxing, my mind won't stop spinning. Thankfully it usually doesn't occur multiple nights.
Have a great day everyone!
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MM - Retirement is a big life change even when it is wanted/desired. give yourself grace.
I've been waking up at 4:00am again and don't want to get up that early - so I lay in bed and every 10 minutes check the clock - got up a little before 5 - 5 - 6 max hours is all my body sleeps and that includes waking up to go to the bathroom once.
My foot is healing, but not fast enough for me - I'm tired of the boot after 4 weeks - and 6 weeks since I hurt it. I go back to podiatrist on the 14th and hope to be rid of the boot, but not feeling optimistic. I miss walking terribly and especially the time outdoors. I walked at least a little and sometimes more during chemo. Hope to get a good report on Tuesday.
Cindy - hope your mouth is better today and you slept last night.
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Cindy: Use Arnica on the facial bruises and they will disappear quicker.
I saw my MO yesterday and had the conversation about remaining on AI after 7 years which will end in late June. With ILC in the mix, the initial recommendation was 10 years but recent info said 7 is fine. I am quite tired of the body changes provoked by AI's including thinning hair, beer belly without the benefit of the beer, inability to lose weight no matter what I do, joint aches (minimal with exemestane) and facial hair. So I opted to stop in June. She told me it will take several months before I see any reversal of side effects and to be aware, they might not occur. With my luck, nothing will change but I am hopeful.
Here are some more photos from our trip. Enjoy.
Mural made from sheeps wool in Bluff Cove Sea Cabbage Cafe. Had wonderful scones with clotted cream and Diddle Dee berry jam here.
Beach at Bluff Cove, Falklands
Sea Lions with cormorants nesting on cliffs in Puerto Madryn, Argentina
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Guanaco, Puerto Madryn, Argentina
The Hand, Punta del Este, Uruguay. One of 5 in the world.
Man using scuttle of hot wood embers to cook meat. The steaks here were so tender you could cut them with your fork.
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Farm carts at Estancia Santa Susana, Argentina. We rode around farm on these.
Gaucho show where 3 separate teams of horses led by gaucho and lead horse with bell. They rode full steam ahead and interweaved. It was breathtaking.
Strings hanging from bar had small silver rings suspended on end. Gauchos used cone shaped wooden object to retrieve the rings. They rode full steam ahead to do this. I got one of the rings as a souvenir.
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Bretrayal, All I can say that was a trip of a life time. The pictures are amazing! Thank you for sharing.
Cindy, I hope the dental issue improves.
MC, You certainly have a lot going on. That was a sad story about your neighbor and the dogs.
Jackie, glad the PCP went well. I go in about an hour.
Sandy, My heart goes out to you. I remember when Miss Felix was so ill and I had to get her a special cat pot. I miss her.
Mistyeyes, the grief program at the "Wings" Friends of Citrus, is doing a little better for me. It is in the day time, which is good for me. I hate night driving.
I thank everyone for the thought, prayers and cyber hugs. I stay busy with projects, appointment, friends and family. I still don't like grocery shopping for one. I keep over buying and food expires. Plus, everyone is trying to feed me. I am burnt out on Publix fried chicken, slaw and potato salad. I ate so much slaw, that is caused gastric discomfort. I am just having Campbell's Soup for lunch. I have been going to the gym everyday, but the one I go to is discontinuing Silver Sneakers. There is one about 10 minutes further that does take it. After the PCP appointment I will go sign up. My brain is not 100% at this time. Sorry if I forgot anyone.
maverick, I know you have stuff going on ((hug))
Carol, Karen, taco, I don't remember what I was going to comment on, but I did read your posts. I should write everything down.
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Many a humble soul will be amazed to find that the seed it sowed in weakness, in the dust of daily life, has blossomed into immortal flowers under the eye of the Lord. - Harriet Beecher Stowe
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So windy today, so despite the fact that it is in the 40's it doesn't feel all that great outside. I have indoor work so not an issue for me, bur I'm faithfully doing my duty of being the cat's doorperson. Sometimes I just say to Buddy " this is Carleton, your doorman", in a disgusted voice but he is not bothered or concerned. The door must open and that is all. At least I find out what it is like outside.
Petite, glad to hear you have found a grief program that you can relate to a bit. Don't recall if I mentioned it to you, but when I lost my sweet and beautiful mother I thought I was doing great but at about 3 months realized I had not been in good confront of the loss at all. After that I went to the meadow by our house everyday just for some alone minutes. The first day I was there and smiled about a special memory I knew I was o the way to acceptance. It was a relief.
I'm loving the pictures, enjoying successes and pulling for any negative issues to come right.
Maverick -- listen to Zamfir. For me it is the most soothing music I know.
I go to Marion on Monday for the echogram of bladder and kidney and then the next day to PCP in Mt. Vernon.
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I've been trying to use those pet-wipes on Happy, but he runs away. There is no visible poop on his rear--he simply smells like it. I talked to the vet this morning, and she prescribed metronidazole (Flagyl) twice a day, which tastes so nasty that I'd have to wrap him in a towel and squirt it into his mouth. She also prescribed a transdermal appetite stimulant, BUT my HK noticed this afternoon that his appetite is fine--but he can take only a few bites or even laps of food (even those "Senior Bisques") before turning away. We think he probably has an abscessed tooth or two, which can also affect his entire system. (And I've decided not to give him the steroid now because it might be making him less able to fight off the infection if there is one). Problem is, his kidneys may not be strong enough to process the anesthesia necessary for dentistry--he might not survive it. But it would be crueler to let him keep suffering from mouth pain when he so much wants to eat. The vet will see him tomorrow, and we will discuss the pros & cons of dentistry. If he doesn't survive the anesthesia, he won't be in pain--and we would be spared having to actively euthanize him. If he makes it, he may be able to have a few comfortable months to a year.
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Sandy -- from on pet lover to another. I'm pulling for Happy and potential anesthesia strength. Sending lots of hope for a good outcome discussion.
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Sandy, before I have any surgery I always remind my DH that if anything happens to me in surgery, not to feel bad because I would definitely have passed away in peace. I totally agree with you about the dentistry for Happy! Hopefully the dentistry can be done and he will live without pain for as long as possible! (((Hugs)))
Jackie, wishing you well with your bladder/Kidney tests next week and you PCP visit! I will try listening to Zamfir. Thanks for the suggestion!
Ok, got to get to bed. LAST day of work tomorrow! Will definitely be bitter-sweet!
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Gordy reminded me that when Matthew (our white/gray patch bicolor) suffered a spinal stroke at 16, his kidneys were so far gone that he'd been on daily sub-cu hydration for several months, and then needed dentistry. He made it through and lived to almost 20. So I think taking care of Happy's dental woes is the right thing to do--whether or not he survives the anesthesia he will no longer be in pain. Meanwhile, we came home from dinner to find him ravenous--we gave him Stella & Chewy's freeze-dried raw "Duck Duck Goose" chunks crushed & rehydrated, and he wolfed them down (Heidi, having missed her 6:30 dinner, had doubtless lapped up his Senior Bisque in our absence). He then proceeded to polish off her 10 pm ProPlan leftovers. Perhaps the vet's theory that he might have had a norovirus was correct--Heidi didn't catch it despite being 18, but maybe her immune system is stronger. We will still have the vet look at his teeth tomorrow. I will hold off on the meds till then: maybe the yucky-tasting Flagyl will be unnecessary, as is (apparently) the appetite stimulant gel; and it could be that the prednisolone immunocompromised him to the point where he couldn't fight off the tummy bug or the tooth abscess.
Even if I have to keep cleaning up his poop from outside the litterbox, it's less onerous than our HK having to clean up her DH's fecal incontinence several times a day.
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MM - enjoy your last day before retirement. I'm sure it will be bittersweet. Hugs
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Enjoying the vacation photos. They give an insight into the great variety of experiences the trip offered.
You seem to be doing well in dealing with a difficult life change, Petite. I talk to my mother quite often in my mind. At times I speak aloud. She was 96 when she passed but it was still unexpected. Not the same as a life partner or a child. Those two seem like the worst losses.
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MM: Hope your last day of work is pleasant and that your first day of freedom, tomorrow, is even more pleasant. Sleeping in was the best part of being retired because those 4:45 am Mondays were killers. You will miss some aspects of your job but it doesn't last forever. I love my freedom from the demands of administration and the students.
La Recoleta, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Grave marker for Evita Peron. She is buried in her family's mausoleum, the Duarte Family.
If you are a fan of the film Evita, the balcony that Madonna sang "Don't Cry for Me Argentina" is below the dome on the Palacio Rosada. Temps here were in the 80's.
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