Can we have a forum for "older" people with bc?
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Karen I have been given Metaclopramide for anti- sickness and it worked for me during various chemos. I hope you find something that suits you and the next lot of medication isn't as debilitating as you think. Hugs if you need them.
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Karen, the Decadron should help with the nausea (now that chemo regimens include steroids, vomiting is no longer a universal given). Perhaps Bonine (meclizine, which works better for motion sickness than Dramamine) might work too--OTC and much cheaper than Zofran.
Speaking of vomiting (not to metion the runs), I don't understand why anyone not a diabetic nor morbidly obese would willingly embrace Ozempic or the other GLP-agonists.
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Karen - not sure if gummies (MMJ) are an option for nausea for you. I know some oncology doctors prescribe it, some don't. Mine didn't offer it, although it's legal in VA. Zorfran worked for me though. When is your surgery scheduled Jackie and Mary? I know they're coming soon. Thinking of you both. Hope your mammogram results come back quickly Petite. Sandy - hope your ankle has improved since your trip. Cindy - enjoy those baseball games. Betrayal- hope Regan is doing well with his final classes. Sounds like he's adjusted well into your home. Carole - enjoy your lovely spring weather. After cooler temperatures returned for a couple of days here, spring has returned. We will see 60 degrees and sun today. Ready for March Madness. Family bracket is setup - 7 of us are playing for bragging rights. Next cataract surgery is a week from today. It's been hard to read as my vision is blurry. Should clear up once both eyes are done. Have a healthy day.
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We may think that happiness is a result of happy circumstances. A more mature view of happiness is that it is a by-product of sharing our good and serving others. It is a sense of doing a job well, honest communication with another, visiting someone who may be ill, or sharing a sense of humor. Happiness is a spiritual principle that we can lay hold of and use, regardless of outer conditions or circumstances.
It isn't necessary to wait for circumstances to bring happiness. When we try to give it to others, it returns to us multiplied. We can make our own joy, and let it act upon circumstances! One of the great paradoxes of truth is that a happy heart draws to itself what it needs for happiness.
John Marks Templeton0 -
Slow gray morning here. I hope the sun is able to find us, but not sure as we remain in our iffy weather cycle.
I haven't heard from Dr. Panda's nurse yet as she is the one who will set up the surgery for me. I hope they will not wait too long. I'm not anxious for ANY surgery but at least this one is a small and generally inconsequential one. Also my goal has been to try and reach the point where I can stay away from what feels to me to be excessive amts. of medical visits. I want to take care of myself, but the last three yrs. have been so full with issues requiring medical interventions that it has seemed like a full time job almost. I'd like to get to the point where it is not the major focus on a daily basis.
We are no farther in our search for a companion for our little Minnie. We really don't know for sure how old she is since she was a rescue without benefit of input on her. We are thinking 10 or 11 but not sure. She is quite spry, but is a small dog so could do well for some time.
Sending hugs to Karen today and also forr petite as well. Hope you all have a great Thursday.
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The sun is out and that makes everything feel better! I was able to find answers to some of my medical insurance questions, and feel much better now. The EOB's are so outrageous that it is hard to understand them, even harder to wait for bills to roll in to be sure what they say I need to pay is actually what I WILL need to pay. I really hate dealing with any insurance company!
My DH had a dental appointment today, the first since I lost my work insurance. I couldn't continue the coverage through my former employer, so I got a plan advertised in my dentists office. It isn't insurance, but the charges are significantly less than without the plan. For less than $300/year for the plan, we both get greatly reduced pricing for procedures. I am feeling very satisfied. His bill today including x-rays, cleaning etc was less than $100. 6 month dental appointments are so important for ones health, I never understood why they aren't automatically part of all medical insurance.
I am continuing to feel so much like my old self, that the hard part is reminding myself that I have restrictions for at least another 4 weeks! I am getting antsy looking at things I want to do in my house. So much major cleaning, de-junking to do. I am much better at getting rid of things now, than I was years ago. Only very sentimental or useful things will stay. I plan to take a long walk this afternoon!
Continued thoughts of you, Karen!
Petite, don't they tell you your mammogram results after your appointment? Mine did, but maybe that only lasted a few years after my breast cancer Dx??? Not to brag, but I am SOOOOO glad to NEVER need another mammogram ever again! That said, I would gladly go for them yearly if not for being diagnosed three times! Ironically both the second and third Dx happened when I was at a point of not being stressed over them. Just when I was sure BC was in my past, it reared it's ugly head.
Cindy, enjoy the ball games and warm sunny weather!
Betrayal, happy to hear you got tickets for the Phillies game! I may get tickets for a game when my son and family visit this summer. I am bummed that the minor league team in Trenton NJ is no longer there. I think they stopped games during Covid, and never started them again, but I am not sure.
illinoislady, I really hope you can get another little companion dog! I also hope your surgery is scheduled soon so you can get on with your life! Believe me, I know that feeling!
Cardplayer, March madness for bragging rights only, is big with my family too! I filled out my brackets, but I never do very well. I know Perdu will be a force to be reckoned with. They have that super tall player. We are big PSU and MSU fans! I am so surprised that some of my other favorite teams did not make it this year, namely Villanova, UNC (UNC Ashville is in), and Temple. Maryland should do well, same with Iowa. I am really only familiar with the Big 10 and Philly teams, everyone else I pick because I like the area they are from. I wasn't much of a BB fan, but my husband has turned me into one!
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Mavericksmom - I went to Indiana University and was there in 1976, the year they went undefeated and won the National Championship. Bobby Knight was the coach and the team was full of future NBA stars. That was the last men’s team to go undefeated. I expect South Carolina women to repeat as champions this year and go undefeated again. DH is an ACC fan - following mostly Duke and UNC. BIL and SIL went to Clemson and retired there. Hard not to follow the ACC in our household.
My great nephew arrived early this morning. My niece and nephew live in Germany, so I won’t meet him till the fall when they come to visit my brother and SIL.
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My grandnephew was born on Monday at 6 AM and weighed 6 lb, 10 oz. His name is Rome and his sister, Rory, has proclaimed him a "10 out of 10". She will be 5 soon. Proud parents are pleased with him. Delivered early because she had some BP issues during pregnancy but still a nice size. DSIL sent photos and he is so cute. Looks like he is smiling in his first official photo. First boy in my DB's family since he had 3 girls. I think DSIL is excited to buy boy's clothing.
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Congratulations betrayal! Glad his sister is pleased. Love the name.
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How wonderful Betrayal. Congratulations to all and good hearty health to all as well. Nice to have something of an age spread I think. I too like that name.
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Congratulations Betrayal! Wonderful to have a new sweet baby in the world!
My daughter got some very upsetting news today. Due to my history of breast cancer and my family history of breast cancer, my daughter who is 40, went for a mammogram and US that her gynecologist ordered for her. Apparently, the doctor wrote it for a diagnostic mammogram, so it wasn't covered by insurance and her bill was a few dollars shy of $1,000! They saw asymmetry in her breasts and recommended another mammogram in 6 months. That is definitely NOT happening now!
I got this news just after I finished talking with my insurance company about some of my medical bills. I don't know what is more upsetting, my bills or hers? I have resigned to the fact that I have some hefty bills to pay, but I am due for colonoscopy and other tests, all of which also will NOT happen! I have to triage my own health care and prioritize. The colonoscopy would be ok if not for the fact that I can't have it done at a surgical center because no one can get an IV in me. I really hate that the medical community puts so much pressure on people to keep up with all the doctor visits and preventative tests, yet when it comes to billing, they are happy to send a large bill and insurance companies are happy to deny payment or pay so little it is hardly worth it.
I scheduled a wellness visit with my PCP because my insurance company kept bothering me to get one, but I plan to cancel. What is the point really? I will keep my cardiologist appointment, my oncologist appointment and my breast surgeon appointment, as well as any appointments needed for my recent surgery. Hopefully Wednesday will be the last surgical follow up appointment I need. I am not telling my PS but I am definitely not doing anything about my lymphedema next year! Every time I have a surgery, it takes a toll on me. I can't waste surgeries on lymphedema and there is no way I will ever allow someone try to put an IV in my foot again! I just want to recuperate from this surgery, exercise and try to stay as healthy as possible while avoiding doctors as much as possible! I am not in a financial position to absorb surprise medical bills! I guess for the first time since February 10th, I am regretting retiring!
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mavericksmom, so sorry you are having problems with your insurance company not paying for essential tests . I have private insurance here in the UK [unusual.]. All procedures have to be agreed with insurance company before they happen. If it is denied, the doctor requesting tests often plead on your behalf.It can be a slow process, but I have never had to pay. I wish that you could have all the care you need without monetary worries.
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MM - so sorry to hear about your DD as well as all your medical hassles.
I got a pre-recorded call from my insurance company saying a procedure was approved, but not what the procedure is - so I need to call today. Also wondering how much my chemos will cost. one of them is only available through a special program since it is so toxic. I had to sign several forms to submit before they will allow it for Tx. It's called Revlimid and I take it for 21 days (oral capsule) then off for 7 days. The other chemo drugs are injection into my belly weekly for 16 weeks - Dararumumab and Velcade. 1-3 hours prior to injection I need to take Dexamethazone and 1 hour prior 650mg acetamenaphin and 25 mg Benadryl. I also have to take Acyclovir twice daily for 16 weeks. They've called in anti-nausea drugs - Zofran and Phenergan. We had phone consult for "chemo teach" yesterday and she said the risk of nausea is 10% for these drugs vs 90% for the TAC chemo I had with BC 17 years ago. The first treatment, they keep me for 4 hours to watch for side effects. All the rest, maybe 1 hour total from start to finish. She went over side effects and of course the first one is changes to blood count. Others are GI, skin, diarrhea/constipation, hair thinning and neuropathy. She couldn't answer a couple questions as she said my hematologist would have to answer them. I see him on the 27th before the first treatment, then I think monthly. It's till all overwhelming. We asked a couple questions about next steps aftr done the 16 weeks - second bone marrow biopsy and stem cell transplant - but she really didn't have answers except that I would be referred to a transplant doctor. This is what terrifies me the most. I need to put it in the back of mind mine and just focus on the 16 weeks. One day at a time. One step at a time.
Betrayal - congrats on the new grand baby.
Our internist/endocrinologist friend is coming over later this morning to look at my labs. I wrote my endocrinologist to ask what labs she ordered as I don't need to repeat labs that were done this past week and told her to news of MM. I have a telemedicine appointment with my PCP to see what she knows/what she's received from any of the specialists and she is she knows about the MM. I also need to schedule with nephrologist as PCP was going to follow but really hasn't - not a big deal because the oncologist do the CMP. But since starting chemo, I want to be sure that nephrologist is monitoring kidneys.
My weight is done 2# and I really can't afford to loose anymore weight. I'm eating as much as I can, but I'm not snacking as I'm not hungry - also so busy at work, I'm not at my desk much to snack.
Sorry for ignoring everyone else and being all about me
Have a great Friday.
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MM, you should consider switching insurance. I am on a dual complete plan, and everything has to be pre-authorized, and everything is therefore paid. You probably don't meet the financial qualifications for such a plan. But I am sure you can find something better than what you have.
Karen, please don't apologize about making a post that is all about you. We are all with you in our thoughts and prayers-- very little difference between the two. Consider canned nutritional shakes.
Betrayal, congratulations!!
I cooked my corned beef yesterday, along with potatoes, carrots and parsnips. Mashed the carrots and parsnips. They are especially good flavored with the broth (I also had a cup of broth at bedtime). Still need to make bread. Feast day, honoring my Irish ancestors and their traditions and hardships. My English grandfather welcomed my quarter-Irish father into the family when he married Mom. More to the story than that.
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Karen, do not apologize for writing about YOU! First, everyone here wants to know what you are dealing with! We all CARE!!!
Also, my heart goes out to you! I had ACT also when I had BC in 2003 and had severe issues with nausea. It is good to hear that this time you shouldn't have the nausea on top of everything. What you are going to be going through is so frightening! I would feel like a basket case too! How can one not be?
I hate taking drugs, especially drugs with so many serious side effects. In the end, all you can do is trust your doctors because not taking the drugs is not an option!
"One day at a time!" I'm sorry, I laugh when I say or think that because I can NEVER really execute that mentally. I tell myself I can, but reality is, that I am a planner and planners don't know what "one day at a time is!" I suspect you are like me that way, but I hope you can actually take it one day at a time. Honestly, life forces us to do that, but to me it is not a reality statement as much as it's a mental mindset.
I would LOVE to give you some of my fat! I have the opposite issue, I gain weight even when I don't eat!
As for my bills and my daughter's bills, they pale in comparison to what you are going through! A wise friend of mine once told me that if I have a problem and can "throw money" at it to make it go away, it isn't a serious problem! She was 100% right and I think of her saying that to me as I try to navigate through all the medical bills.
Be kind to yourself! I say that to you because so many people here said that to me different times and it is so true. We need to give ourselves some slack! Cry if you need to! Crying is so under-rated! I think sometimes crying is what our bodies need and certainly help us by letting off steam. I have heard that tears contain toxins that are released, but I don't know if that is true or not. What I do know, is that crying has always helped me cope, even though I can't remember the last time I cried. I know I cried at some point with each of my three breast cancer "journeys." I would try to hide that fact from people but usually my puffy eyes gave my secret away!
((((((cyber hugs))))) Karen!
denny10, I wish they did that here in USA for all elective surgeries and tests! I challenge any insurance company CEO to go into any store and make a purchase without knowing a price! How would they feel about buying a gallon of milk and being charged $1,000???? That is how it is with our health insurance in USA. Our health care system is so ridiculously inefficient!
My company gives out a folder with co-pays of common procedures, doctor visits etc, prior to signing up in the fall. Reality is the plan pay outs/co-pays is over 200 pages long! Who reads that? Yes, it is available to read, but who has that kind of time or desire unless an unexpected expense pops up? I read on line that one woman was charged $4,000 for a diagnostic mammogram, and she had a "platinum" plan that she paid $1,250 a month for. Hard to imagine paying 15K a year in premiums and getting a 4K bill for a test that is encouraged by the medical community (and her doctor felt she needed) because insurance considered it to be preventative medicine?
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Karen, you have every right to use this forum to inform us of your challenges and to express your feelings. I can only speak for myself but feel that from what I have read, others have your back and will walk the walk with you as you deal with this challenge. You give support to others and now it is your turn to reap that benefit. ((Hugs))
They are airing the St. Patrick's Day parade from last Sunday again today. The little girls performing the Irish dances always bring tears to my eyes as does the music. This is my heritage and something I have always celebrated. I am missing my dear uncle and dear aunt with whom I used to exchange St. Patrick's Day cards. I missed one year because we were out of town and I failed to make arrangements to mail cards with my DD. When I next saw my aunt, she read me the riot act for not sending a card! I laugh about it now and thought it was touching when she revealed exactly how much those cards meant to them. Funny how it is the little things that sometimes mean so much.
MM, I would encourage your DD to fight the insurance company over the bill for the diagnostic mammo given her family (your) hx of BC. But in the great scheme of things if we knew that $1,000 (a lot of money by all means) would save our life, would we spend it with no regrets? Believe me, Medicare doesn't really pay for preventative care measures either. Our bills for Paxlovid were denied by Medicare and we were not expecting them to pay, but needed this rejection before our trip insurance would consider paying the bill. They don't fully pay for my AI either which under my previous insurance, I paid nothing. Same goes for Lidocaine patches for my back which I now buy out of pocket using GoodRx and found out that I actually pay less per patch than OTC Salonpas patches (only 4% versus 5% Lidocaine).
The sun has finally emerged and it will be in the 60's today. Hope everyone has a Happy St. Patrick's day and "May your troubles be less, and your blessings more, and nothing but happiness come through your door".
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Betayal,I watched the parade on Sunday and was watching again as some of my former students dance in it! I watched today because I wanted to see one particular student who I had just “found” in her dance group on Sunday a few minutes before they finished. I knew where to find her today and I thoroughly enjoyed watching her dance! I am only 4% Irish, but I love the parade for the exact reasons the commentators expressed, it’s a family oriented, positive parade featuring so many generations of talented performers! So uplifting and joyful!🍀 I love that you and your DD used to make St Patrick’s Day cards! Hand made cards are always the best!
As for medical bills, I think mine are resolved for the most part as I talked with my insurance company yesterday and my EOB was change to just showing my co-pay amount. My concern is still about my DD. She hasn’t returned my messages so I will wait until she does.
My gripe is that there isn’t more transparency. No one should get surprise medical bills for elective surgeries or medical tests! She may have put it off longer or asked her doctor to rewrite her script as screening but now she won’t do the follow up because she is afraid of the bill she got! The bills will eventually be paid but the emotional damage has been done. That is what breaks my heart, not to mention the fact that I feel responsible because I am the one who put her in the high risk category. I know it isn’t my fault that I had BC 3Xbut it feels that way. Oh well, life goes on.
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If we knew the power of kindness, we should transform this world into a paradise. - Charles Wagner
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Karen, no apologies necessary. That's what this forum is for. The Phenergan & Benadryl may have the beneficial side effect of helping ease seasonal allergies. Go ahead and cry--but I suggest you might also want to go to a secondhand or "junk" store for chipped and cracked dishes & glasses to throw. BREAK STUFF!!! (Maybe go to a public dump to do it). It's really cathartic, especially if you scream or cuss while doing it. Rip up junk mail rather than just feeding it into the shredder or wastebasket. Or buy an inflatable toy punching bag and have at it. I think recreational weed is legal in CO, so you might want to give some edibles a try (sativa is less sedating but more hunger-inducing than indica). Nutrition experts warn that for most seniors Boost & Ensure shakes are little more than "liquid candy," but you can definitely use the calories. Heck, get real milkshakes & malteds!
Betrayal, mazel tov on the new grandbaby! 6 lbs 10 oz is considered full-term by weight, regardless of dates. (Gordy was born 3 weeks early, but at 6 lbs. 8 oz. he was also considered full-term--and he's almost 6 ft. tall now).
MM, do you have regular insurance or Medicare? If Medicare, I hope it's not "Advantage" (and if not, I strongly suggest getting a regular Part B supplement when the time comes). Many Advantage plans are being bought up by private equity firms that look to maximize yield for investors at the expense of patients. Their latest trick is to use AI population-based algorithms to determine when to discharge patients from hospital & rehab--regardless of the patient's ACTUAL condition. If the algorithm says that most patients with the same diagnosis or procedure required only "x" days as inpatients, then individual patients get the heave-ho regardless of whether it is actually safe to go home or even if they can't dress, feed or toilet themselves. Advantage plans are notorious for not covering treatments or meds that trad Part B & D supplements do. Those $0 premiums and $0-5 drug co-pays have to be offset somehow...
AFAIK, Paxlovid is still supposed to be free until May, when the Federal "emergency" expires.
Heidi had a good spa day yesterday--weight holding steady. She complained (though no more loudly than when she's hungry or wants a cuddle) in the carrier en route to the vet, and (according to the tech) was "feisty" at having her nails trimmed. But she was okay with the OA shot--and purred when the massage & brushing began. She was fine en route home, knowing the ordeal was over and her kibble & water fountain awaited. Speaking of kibble, she has turned her nose up at most wet foods--but the tech said that at her age, as long as she's drinking enough, a good kibble is fine. And her new fave kibble is Fancy Feast Farm-Raised Chicken/Turkey. She likes her new feather toy but is skeptical about the fleece-covered foam steps we put in front of her "condo" so she can climb rather than try to jump into it. Just got her a little "house" to hide in too.
Two of my best friends had to put their own kitties (one was almost 20, the other 12) down in the past couple of days. We're all grieving, but there's a new triumvirate romping at the Rainbow Bridge.
Bob started having a "cold" (so he says) yesterday morning. He won't test, claiming that his throat is fine and he isn't feverish. But he admits having been exposed at work Tuesday: the Union Health staff meeting was a lunch catered by the drug rep--and one staffer tested positive yesterday. Uh-oh. But Bob last had COVID in mid-January, more than a week after I recovered--and since my PCP says that I should still have decent hybrid immunity, so should he. I feel fine...except my eyes & ears itch, due to pollen season (maple & juniper) being in full swing. Welcome to spring, even if the weather gods haven't gotten the memo: we're due for snow showers and 0F wind chills tomorrow.
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Thinking of you Karen as you begin your treatment journey. As others have said, we're here for you.
I've been happy with my supplemental plan and Medicare. So far all of my medical procedures and tests have been covered, once I'm past the deductible. I had an advantage plan when I went out on disability and was very frustrated by the delay in treatment (prior approvals) and out of pocket costs. Wish my drug costs were more manageable.
Lots of flowering trees in bloom in our ne - weeping cherry, crab apple, and cherry blossoms. Apple blossoms and dogwood trees next month. My allergies are in full bloom as well.
Have a wonderful evening. Lots of basketball for us this this evening and this weekend.
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Sandy, I do have a Medicare Advantage Plan but it is through my DH's former employer and part of his benefits package. We pay a smaller premium than what others I know pay for their plans, and we have co-pays, no deductibles. That was my issue, that the price they wanted me to pay was not my co-pay but larger amounts. It was all changed today, but I am still crossing my fingers because my plastic surgeon's office makes everyone sign a paper saying the patient will pay what insurance won't cover. I wasn't billed anything more than my co-pay in October. If I didn't sign the paper, I couldn't get my reconstructive surgery. I assume that is because some of what they do is cosmetic surgery. I will feel better once everything is finalized. Our insurance plan is from one of the top pharmaceutical companies and comes with a great drug benefit program. Most drugs made by them are free to us. That has saved us mega bucks over the years. I am aware of the current issues of Advantage plans as it has been in the news for months, and I may reconsider next enrollment period, but so far we have been satisfied with our coverage and unless they drastically change their plans, we will stay with them.
As for getting people out of hospitals faster, Covid and wars have done the same in past years and the result is often that people do better at home. Not everyone, but whatever is done doesn't work for everyone. I know my mother spent the night at the hospital when she had her mastectomy, I went home the same day and felt so much better at home! Years ago women who had babies were kept in the hospital for a week. I had c-sections and went home in three days! I do get it about investors, but the goal of everything medical from the business end is to make money! I also worked for the same pharmaceutical company doing research for 7 years. Money doesn't just go to investors, it funds research and development which takes an enormous amount of time and money!
My DD got good news from her insurance company today too. They will pay for the diagnostic mammogram, but are still refusing to pay for the US. That might change, but even if it doesn't, the cost is far less than what they originally wanted her to pay! I am still not sure she will go for a follow up in six months.
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Karen ((((great big hugs))))), and I liked what Mary had to say " Karen, please don't apologize about making a post that is all about you. We are all with you in our thoughts and prayers-- very little difference between the two. ". We are all pretty much in the same boat here -- some more well from whatever ails, and others, not so much. It is hard to undergo all the emotions and upsets that illness can bring so sharing spreads it out a bit and hopefully takes a lot of the sting out of it. We don't want anyone to feel adrift or alone.
It is fairly cool here today although we have had a bright sun for which I'm very grateful. The wind cancels some of it out. Hope we keep getting sun. It does help.
This coming Tues. I will be taking Dh to Marion V.A. to the Cardiology Dept. there. He needs to do a stress test. The next day I will go to Mt. Vernon (22 miles from us) to see the Marion Cardiologist there. It is something new they are doing and I sure like it. I hope they choose to keep that program in place. There is still plenty one might have to drive all the way to Marion for, like specialized tests that the satellite V.A. offices cannot do.
I have the date for my implant surgical procedure. It will take place on April 13th. I will have to be in St. Louis, Missouri at John Cocoran V.A. med center at 6 a.m. in the morning. Dh will be able to spend the night with me since I will be required to spend overnight at JC. I really would not mind if he didn't do that, but he generally tries not to get too far away from me when something is going on.
Maverick, you are always on my mind too. Anyone having any issues with Ins. tends to get my attention fast. We not only lost our work Ins. which was (Dh worked for Bristol Meyers at the time) pretty good, but later on were unable to afford our Medicare Ins. and so had to scale down to just the V.A. I'm not complaining about the V.A. Other than a couple of times since 2007 have I felt let down by the V.A. and those couple of times it was not anything that important. I can't imagine though having to figure out Ins. plans like so many of you do.
Hoping for sun for everyone.
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Sandy: Paxlovid is not free when you are in international waters on a ship. It cost us over $1,100 which we are now trying to recover from the trip insurance we had purchased. Had to have Medicare deny it first before they would consider claim. New baby is grandnephew not grandson.
Hope Bob feels better soon.
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Ah, I didn't realize that you needed the Paxlovid during your cruise.
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I came to the conclusion some years back that Medicare Advantage is great for healthy elderly people. We have traditional Medicare and still carry a basic federal BCBS insurance policy from dh's employment by the Corps of Engineers. The monthly cost is pretty high but we have no copays and so far have never had any medical procedure turned down. We pay for our gym membership. With that said, many of the elderly people I encounter at Silver Sneakers classes seem to be satisfied with their Advantage plans.
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Carole, my Medicare Advantage plan comes with eye care and gym membership. I actually go to the same gym I used to pay for, but now it is covered by my insurance, via Silver Sneakers. So far we have been very happy with our plan. Once I was able to contact my insurance and tell them my issues, it was corrected. I also can't complain about the cost of our insurance premium, it is very reasonable. I did need to get a plan for dental, but I expect in a year or two our medical insurance will cover that too. Both of my sisters have Medicare Advantage plans and as far as I know, they are happy with them as well, but that can always change. Even though one of them had breast cancer, they are both healthy, as are their husbands. I think we all just go with what works best for us and hope it continues to work well, at least until we can make changes. I am glad this topic came up as it widened my perspective on MA plans and pointed out some things I will be sure to look at more closely next fall.
Karen, continued thoughts of you!
illinoislady, glad you have a date for your surgery and a plan for your DH! I hope your dog/puppy search goes well. Is that your dog or just a random photo? Is it a cavalier King Charles? Whatever, it is so cute!
Cardplayer, I did the best I ever have for the first bracket round. Only lost 9 games, but unfortunately, those nine I thought would go further so my second and third rounds won't be great. I was just so happy that Purdue lost! Sorry if that seems mean. MSU and PSU both won their first round. We shall see how far they go. It's just fun to watch, and win or lose, it's great to see college kids play and their families cheering them on!
Yesterday was the first time I ate meat on a Friday during lent in as long as I can remember. That was because it was also St Patrick's Day and I made my corned beef and cabbage. Oh well. It was so good though! I thought we would have a lot more left over, but we will get one more meal out of it.
It's sunny today, I hope it lasts as yesterday it started out the same way but clouds took over as the day went on. Looks like we are in for more rain next week, but temperatures will be in the 60's, and that is good! I can't wait until my surgery restrictions are lifted so I can get out in the gardens. The flowers are blooming, but the weeds are growing too! So much work I want to do both outdoors and indoors! I am so glad I am retired now and can tackle all of it with gusto very soon!
I wish everyone a fun weekend!
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Sunny day here but it is a mirage. We could have some snowduring the evening time and night. Then again, tomorrow will be sunny and into the 40's so the scant amt. we might get won't last long. That is good.
The puppy in the picture is just a pic I fell in love with. I had a friend down our street (since has had to sell and move into town) with two King Charles pups. Always adorable -- they have such serene, peaceful faces. We have had thoughts, but they to me are more med-sized so I woold need to think about that for a while.
I'm not really qualified to speak about Ins. since I only use the V.A. but I do feel for anyone who has to try and find their way through it all. Like far too many things as we age, it seems to get a bit more complicated as time goes on.
I also don't follow sports or any teams although now and then I do like to see 'our' St. Louis Cardinals play. I think my dislike of sports came not from the sport itself, but trying to watch it on the old black and white tvs. I never knew what was going on because even then I had trouble keeping player's names straight. Also, my first husband usually had two tv.'s and a radio going with sports on and it was overwhelming for me. So, I tuned out of all of it pretty much. It is mostly a loss for me now.
Nothing special planned today but I do hope everyone has a fantastic Saturday.
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MM-- I think I overcooked-- six extra meals, all in my tummy or the freezer.
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Illinois- glad you have a date for your implant. I’m not seeing a picture, but my iPad has been giving me fits today.
Mavericksmom - I picked a few upsets that didn’t happen, but won’t hurt me in the long run (I hope). My DB picked Purdue to win it all, so unless everyone else picks lose, he’ll sit at the bottom by himself. My DD is leading right now. Of course all could change by end of Sunday.
A blustery sunny day, so it’s a good day to be inside although we did run some errands earlier today. Hope everyone is having a healthy and peaceful day.
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