Can we have a forum for "older" people with bc?
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Cindy, wishing you the best at your dental appointment. I can't get Cobra for dental from my former employer because I am over 65. I didn't carry their medical insurance after I turned 65 due to my MA plan via DH. I did carry dental from employer, but when I enquired about continuing it, I was told no. It's all good, as we have similar coverage through another plan and it is affordable. As for the mammogram, that was what my DD was going through, but she challenged it and got them to pay for it. My medical bills were corrected as well. Page 4354, yep, you have some reading to do! LOL
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Mavericksmom - well it’s good to hear things worked out for your daughter. Congrats to all welcoming babies into their families
Dentist for the Maryland bridge was today. Impression, X-ray, and prepay $1,643 of a bill over $2k! Insurance is paying over $400, and if any more the dental office will reimburse me. It’s my front bottom tooth, #23 I believe. I need a tooth instead of the retainer with a tooth. But the retainer was $300 and I’ll be keeping it as a backup. I’ll be so glad when this is over.
Karen, Sandy’s idea of bashing some glass items is spot on. Count me in! I think there are rooms you can go to, suit up for safety, and bash away. Forty plus years ago I worked a 2nd job to pay off credit cards before we purchased a home. I worked at Macy’s in the china & gifts section. If anyone bought a set of crystal glasses/flutes/whatever, we were instructed to run a finger on the edges of the glass to see if there were any burrs. If you found one, that glass was removed and replaced with a burr free one. But the one with the burr couldn’t be sold. Our manager let us smash them in a bin in the storage room. It always felt great!
We took our winning trip to Savannah on Thursday thru Saturday, home at 1AM Sunday. We hit the ground running for a trolly tour prior to checking in to our hotel. Then we ate dinner at Vic’s on the River, superb food and historic building as well. St. Patrick’s day we ran to Wormsloe plantation, then Fort McAllister, eating a large lunch and then visiting a botanical garden before calling it a day. Saturday was rainy, so we did a golf cart narrated tour of Bonaventure cemetery, ate a great lunch not far from there, and then toured Old Fort Jackson. We would definitely return for a closer, less speed demon, visit.
Downtown Savannah fountains had green dye added for the celebration. 
Wormsloe plantation entrance. 0 -
Those pictures are beautiful. Puts me in mind of 'Gone With The Wind'. I read that book and then some years later went to see the movie and I'm now reading the sequel ' Scarlett. Saw that movie in the 60's so I'm pretty late on the sequel book.
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Mav, such lovely & inspiring words! Karen, hadn't realized your stem cell transplant will be autologous (rather than a donor marrow transplant). Not sure how an autologous stem cell transplant works--from what part of the body do they harvest the stem cells? Will you have to isolate for awhile afterward? Cindy, those Savannah pix are gorgeous.
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Sandy - I've still have lots of questions about the CST. I they harvest them from throughout the body - right now it is all so much to absorb. I want to know how soon the Bone Marrow Biopsy is after the induction chemo and how long after that is SCT. Generalities are fine but I want to be able to have some idea - to be able to plan a little. this unknown/uncertainty is driving me crazy. I got your PM, thanks.
I miss my Gilda Radner hair. Need to get my haircut - I think it's been 6 months and its not looking nice anymore.
Insurance is driving me cray - My Revlimid need to be pre-approved and thankfully it was. It is being filled at a specialty pharmacy not my Optum mail order. The retail cost for one month of it is over 18K. Thankfully, my UHC Medicare Advantage is a good policy and my co-pay is only $75. Co-pay for each of the chemo drugs is $75 so $225/month for the three plus probably another $100 for all the other. The Velcade retail is about $7K and the Darasumumub)?) is only retail $700. Insurance denied the Promethazine saying it is not FDA approved for nausea from chemo and considered high risk for those over 65!!! I can buy it out of pocket, but want to see what oncologist office offers for an alternative in addition to the Zofran. Just the 16 weeks of chemo will be over $80K retail. I get text and emails from Optum Rx, so I ind myself checking with up on things. I shouldn't have to do that - but I don't want to let anything go to chance. I'm very worried about the cap on Rx - I don't know if my total out of pocket spending includes Rx - but there is no way I can afford 25K/month if insurance has a limit.
My work is amazing. yesterday I was meeting with one of admin early in the morning about a student and made a comment about feeling overwhelmed etc and she asked if I wanted to be at work or go home. When I told her I was looking into changing chemo to Tuesdays and why - she was like "don't worry about us". I'm at the school M-Th and the SP intern T-F and I said one reason looking to change is so I could be there Monday and the other reason was only working 2 days in a row - M, W,Th with chemo on Tuesday. I feel so fortunate as the principal I worked for 17 years ago was a Queen B. In the fall at the start of the new school year, she told me that they "got the short end of the stick" when I was out. I wanted to rip open my shirt and say who got the short end of the stick. From then on, she made my life miserable. I still need to tell my Float teammates about what is going on but I don't know how. Yesterday I had book study and we are all on the float team (about 1/2 the team) and I couldn't bring myself anything but I could feel myself feeling quite angry in my body.
T-6 and still so many questions. Feeling very vulnerable and pessimistic at times - just want to get the show on the road.
My husband has been volunteering with our local police department, helping with trainings for about 6 months. He called them yesterday to let them know he wasn't sure if/when he could help and before the end of the day, we got a beautiful gift box from his family at the department. Unfortunately, it's not kosher so my son will take it (he doesn't keep kosher). Soup, rolls and cookies and a beautiful ladle. My school wants to know what they can do to help, but unfortunately, I don't know at this point, but I will let them do something.
Going to be 60 today - but anymore I'm always cold. I keep the space heater on in my office and layer.
I've not proofread my post so hopefully everything makes sense.
Have a great Tuesday.
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Hi Karen, yes, your post made perfect sense! I feel sorry for you and completely understand your feelings as I assume many here will. I too do not like surprise bills. I don't know how they could cap a medication mid-chemo treatment. You know, if anyone at work asks what they can do for you, you can always say you don't know at this time, but if there are issues with the insurance later down the road, you might need someone to start a Go Fund Me page! Or, if you don't want to put that out there, just say "nothing now, other than your continued emotional support! I might need something down the road."
I never understood our insurance EOBs. The "billing amount" of things would be huge, what the plan paid was a very small fraction of it, and we never got billed for any differences in the amount, just our co-pay. One of my bills was over $49,000, plan paid just over $6,000, my part was $150.00.(co-pay) How can that be? Who knows but it is the way it is, and I am thankful. Those without insurance can and should ALWAYS dispute hospital bills because the hospital will lower the costs, but many don't know that.
Healthy people don't understand that facing severe health issues is not all about just "fighting the condition" but also the added stress of paying for everything and being "out of control" of how everything is scheduled. It is especially hard on those like us, who like to be in control! So hard to wait for things to move forward. How do you put into words the stress you feel dealing with these issues while having disease wreak havoc on your body and mind?
Cindy, beautiful pictures! Just reading your schedule made me tired, LOL! Sounds like you had such a wonderful time!
Sandy, so glad Bob just had a cold or allergies! Hopefully he is feeling much better!
illinoislady, Gone With The Wind was my daughter's favorite movie in her teenage years. She read it too, and Scarlett, but really did not like Scarlett at all. It was written by someone else and the plot was not great, according to her. Sometimes books are best left to one story and the reader's imagination!
Sun is out again, but very cold, car windows are all frosty! Ugh! It is supposed to go up to 61 today, so I hope to get out for a good walk this afternoon!
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Karen - glad you’ve told DD#1. I’m sure it’ll be a relief once you’ve told your other DD. You’re so organized, lots to keep track of a you start this medical journey. I hope you’re able to get your medication approved. Insurance companies shouldn’t override doctors orders, IMHO. Glad you’ve come up with a work schedule that works well with your treatment plan. Love the Savannah pictures Cindy. So glad you got to take the trip. Sorry the dental costs are so ridiculous. I’m sure you’ll be glad to have the work it all behind you. Sorry to hear Bob has a cold Sandy. Glad it’s not Covid though. Thanks for passing along the shampoo info. We live in a hard water area. We bought a water softener shortly after moving to our new home, after noticing the awful crud on my pots, shower and body. Sorry to hear about your insurance woes Mavericksmom. Glad you were able to get them straightened out. Sorry your DD had to pay for an ultrasound, which should be part of all mammograms. So glad that you got a surgery date Illinois. I’m sure that’s a relief for you. Glad you’re all set with your daughter Mary for when you have knee surgery. That’ll be a great help. Glad you have help in your garden Carole. My DH still likes to putter in the garden. Now that our weather has warmed up, he’s out every day. The discussion about blood type reminded me about science class when we use to test our blood types. Teachers always thought I was doing it wrong when I would come up with type B. Turns out I am type B. My Dad was type AB. When I was younger, he’d get calls to come in for blood donations when they need a transfusion for someone. My post chemo hair is much thinner and not as curly. Still trying to figure out a hair style that suits me. I turned premature gray/white, around 36, but colored my hair until I retired. Started out cold, but we’ll warm up to upper 50s. A good day for a walk this afternoon. Going for a sound bath this morning. Have a wonderful Tuesday.
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Cardplayer, I am B+ blood type! I remember having an emergency C-section with Daughter # 1 and hearing the nurse say the hospital did not have my blood type! Words you never want to hear before surgery!
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Mavericksmom - That’s scary. Hopefully you got what you needed.I had surgery in 1976 and needed a transfusion. Found out my blood type then. I tried to donate blood once but passed out trying. I thankfully didn’t need another transfusion until after chemo treatment #4, when the anemia got to be too much.
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Cardplayer, I only gave blood once, unfortunately found out I had mononucleosis a week later. I did not need a transfusion in fact never had one in spite of very low blood count after third round of chemo.
My sister was kept alive for a long time due to transfusions for her MDS. Sadly, she couldn’t beat it and died when she was 66. She was my oldest sister. Until then I never realized how much blood transfusions are used for cancer patients! I am very thankful for all who can donate blood!
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Carole, we just had a plumber here who installed a new, "comfort" height (16 1/2") elongated toilet with soft close seat downstairs and put new "inside works" in our upstairs toilet! I love it! Ok, I guess that is a sure sign of being old, when I am thrilled about every day mundane things! LOL That is also why I have posted often today, don't like to get involved in projects when I have workers here!
I forgot to mention we didn't pick out the toilet, we told our plumber what we wanted and he bought it. No way could either my DH or I lift and carry a toilet into our house. Also, no worries about parts needed. The toilet looks great and it and the work is guaranteed for a year. If there is a problem, we should know it before the end of the year.
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People of virtue think beyond personal interests and consider how their actions affect the whole. They are less concerned with what they can get for themselves, and more concerned with how they can contribute to the community.
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Coming in again late today. Had to get up at 5 a.m. to be ready to leave the house by 6:30 a.m. so we could get Dh. to Marion for his stress test. Not sure how he did, of course, but it was ordered as a precaution since he spent overnight in the hospital for some chest pain. He thought the pain was from a very old injury, but chest pain needs investigating. Nothing turned up for the overnight hospital visit except the need to resume taking a fairly light dose of Lisinopril. So the stress test was just for assurances.
I don't care for such early morning forays as it totally upsets this older person's schedule for everything -- meals, medications, and my morning nap, but then it is for my other half so needs doing. It just began to rain as we walked out of the V.A. bldg. around 11 a.m. I got tired on the way home, but kept myself awake with the idea of wolfing something down when I got home and most importantly having my second cup of coffee
Tomorrow I will go to Mt. Vernon (much, much closer) to the satellite office and see my Cardiologist there. I don't think we will have much to say other than talking about the up-coming implant. I'm on all the heart medications and at the level I should be so likely no changes to the program although he did talk about exchanging one of my meds. He just didn't know when he would do it. Otherwise, it will be a rather quick visit.
I'm glad to hear about "Scarlett" as I was having some issues with it too. Several times I got the feeling the author was just trying to make sure the book had as many pages as the original "Gone With The Wind". What it boils down too is that likely I will read other books in-between and just finish Scarlett when I'm feeling like I have a bit more patience for the mundane and repetitive storyline. In fact, I've already read another one.
It sounds like the rain will be with us for most of this week --grrrr. I do think though it will help the temps. stay higher. We are seeing the small green leaves that pop out on the tree bushes around here first -- so we are definitely there and the wait for the older big trees to start putting on their beautiful Spring green finery. My Sentinels will be getting dressed soon.
I hope you all had a good day and hugs to all having heath and or insurance issues. I can't help much but just to let you know I care and sure wish I could make things right for you. Sending warm hugs.
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I tried to read "Scarlett", but I couldn't get past all the blatant racism. Gave up very early.
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Karen - remember with BC, it was easier when we had a diagnostic plan - wishing for one for you sooner rather than later. I know that adds to your stress. Sounds like you do have a fantastic support team. What a nice gesture from the police department even if you couldn't personally enjoy it. Sending my hugs too!
I agree that insurance can be a b----. I worked longer than I planed to keep their insurance (I paid for it but didn't have to have a physical as I bought into corporate's group plan). Having had brain surgery at 61, premiums would have sent me back to work until medicaid kicked in anyway.
Karen and MM, my BFF found a Foundation that helped pay her co-pays. Unfortunately, her husband can't remember the name. Check with your oncologist about possible help.
Loved the Savannah pics. Wish we were going there or Charleston instead of Wilmington on our east coast cruise.
Another rainy day and flooding to the south of Phoenix and in the lovely Sedona area. Rain is badly needed here but I do miss the sunshine. Definitely not getting in my steps.
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Endocrinologist office called yesterday - yup, she says, it is hyperparathyroidism - yes, I've known that for a coupe years, but hematologist was questioning it. Ultrasound of parathyroid/thyroid was normal 2 weeks ago. This part Friday had labs for Calcium and PTH - Calcium rose slightly but big jump in PTH - so now she is ordering CT of neck!! I'm really going to glow soon.
Received 3 of my Rx for treatment - all pre-meds - 2 of 3 chemo drugs have been pre-authorized - wrote the hematologist's nurse last night to ask her where those meds are being delivered/if I'm responsible for getting them. My mail order pharmacy sends me texts to let me know status. Just want to have everything ready for Monday to get the show on the road.
My SIL texted me this morning asking how I was doing and thinking of me and praying a lot. Hard to answer, tried to be honest, yet positive. He is a great guy.
Thankfully work is super busy, non stop non-stop most of the day and it is a great distraction. When I get home, it's hard as too much time to think. Having knots in my stomach - like I've been punched in the gut - taking Pepcid AC twice/day but it still hurts - eating but not really hungry. I'm loosing weight and trust me, I have no extra weight to spare. It scares me as I haven't even started chemo. I force myself to eat but I'm not snacking and that is something I generally did. Primary care tells me what to eat with calories, but it's hard to eat if not hungry.
Told one of my good friends at work yesterday - we are on the same central team of school psychologists and she is the one who takes care of our float placements - we've been on the same team for 5 or 6 years and she was my mentee her first year. She is the same age as my son, but I don't feel the age difference (I'm twice her age). I haven't decided if I want to tell the rest of the team - we are 11 or so people - I've known all but two for several years. I felt it was important to let my school team know since I've had so many appointments as well as my managers/supervisors but really don't know how far I want to reach in telling other SPs - I've known many of my SP friends for a number of years and we are close, but we don't really socialize outside of work. If I tell the float team, I don't know if I want to email or have Libby tell them. I told her I needed to think about it. I won't be at our April meeting but that is because it's the last day of Passover not due to treatment.
Thanks everyone.
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You seem to be getting things into motion nicely, Karen. The stress is much less.
I am starting a sewing project. Making towels with a fabric that is made from linen and cotton. Cotton shrinks, linen does not, so it becomes puckered when washed. They say it is absorbent yet dries quickly. Probably a very good idea in a warm and humid climate.
I am attending multiple classes at church, and a friend and I are studying some other books at my home. I won't be writing again until after Lent.
Taco, I am so happy that the West is finally getting water. Jackie, we had major snowmelt yesterday, but there is still snow on the ground. Longing for a warmer climate. Thanks for the reminder about Red Cross, MM. Last opportunity I had to give blood, I was miserable with my knee. I did a bit of research, and put it on my calendar. Beautiful pictures, Cindy.
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Karen, I am glad things are moving forward for you. As for telling people, just go with the flow. If there is someone you want to tell, tell them, if not, don't feel obligated to. My situation was different in so many ways. I told everyone I spoke with because I worked in one school and there isn't much that didn't make the "rounds." I wanted people to hear from me, not to speculate or have rumors floating around. Same was true when I decided to retire. Totally different than what you are facing, both in who to tell, and diagnosis. Sometimes I got very tired of explaining my diagnosis. That was also one reason I was happy to ditch the compression garments for my lymphedema. I was tired of complete strangers asking me how I "hurt my arm!" Sometimes we need a break from our health issues and the less people who know, the better! I am very glad you are so busy at work! I miss that part of work too. Being retired has its advantages for sure, but also disadvantages.
Mary, your towels sound interesting! I bought my friend a beach towel made of microfiber cloth. I had my reservations as to how good it would be, but they take up so much less space. She loved it, said it dried so much quicker than normal beach towels and worked just as well! It is wonderful that you use your talent in such productive ways!
illinois, I will be thinking of you as you go to your appointment today! So glad things went well for your DH!
I have my appointment with my PS in an hour so I have to get going! Most likely with the PA who I really like. Not sure how many more appointments I still need with PS, hope that this is the last, at least none for a while. I am tired of seeing doctors, even nice ones! So ready to get on with my life!
No sun here today, but wishing everyone a great day!
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Lots of pages today! A suggestion from a former English teacher. Long posts broken up into paragraphs are easier to read.
I played 18 holes of golf yesterday and my back isn't bothering me today, as I expected would happen. My score was big but it was a lovely day except windy and I enjoyed the company of the other three women.
Even though I would just as soon stay in the US at this stage of my life, my dh is moving forward on an item on his bucket list--visiting Scotland. The plan is to go in September with another couple. We visited Australia and New Zealand with them a few years ago. I guess I will "go with the flow."
Today I plan to get to the gym and also take care of the shopping list.
I probably should not wade into the discussion of medical insurance and health care. If I were running things, the US would have health care similar to Medicare for everyone. But that doesn't seem to be likely in this wealthy nation with spending priorities that don't include health care for all citizens. When I got bc, I was fortunate not to have to worry about approval of surgery and treatment. It was enough to have to worry about living.
Wishing everyone as happy a Wednesday as possible under individual circumstances.
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Good morning, Ladies. Since I haven't been on for a while, it took me forever to read everything. I don't remember what I had written about in my last post.
Cyber hugs to all that are going through so much.
Cindy, love the photos.
The weather has been cool, a couple of days in the high 30's going to the 60's. Today it is warming up and going to 80. I had to take Midnight Louie to the vet for his mani pedi and to have a bald spot looked at. She was not concerned about the spot and said fur is starting to grow back. This afternoon, I have grief counselling and a luncheon. My project for the week has been cleaning out the garage. It is a week long project with multiple trips to the dump.
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Carole: If you are going to Scotland see if you can work a trip to the Isle of Skye into the agenda. It is absolutely beautiful as is most of Scotland.
Thanks for the suggestion about "broken up into paragraphs". It does make reading easier as well as comprehension.
Can't agree about Medicare though. I lost benefits when we switched from our previous insurance and find that I am now paying for medications that once were totally covered by insurance. They are either denied or the cost through Medicare is prohibitive so it is actually cheaper to purchase out of pocket. Our coverage was really good so we did not have to meet an out of pocket cost before insurance kicked in like we have with Medicare. So while it does have some good points, there are some negatives I didn't have to deal with before. I cannot imagine what it would be like to rely on Medicare paying for BC care.
Sun is slowly emerging from the cloudy, overcast day we have. Rain predicted for next several days. I have been working on genealogy for past few days after long break. Was able to track my DSIL's family back to England and 6th gggf. The family originated in New England and they have such good record keeping there. Not so lucky with my own line but I keep pluggong away and am hopeful I will get a break some day.
Karen, your plan seems to be in place and you seem to have good support. Keep us up to date. Please see if you can eat even when it seems like a chore. You will need those calories for recovery.
Hope everyone has a good day.
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When our spirit tells us it is time to weep, we should weep. It is part of the ritual, if you will, of putting sadness in perspective and gaining control of the situation. . . . Grief has a purpose. Grieving does not mean you are weak It is the first step toward regaining balance and strength. Grieving is part of the tempering process.
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Illinois - I hope your appointment goes well today. I agree, early morning appointments are tough. I'm up early, but prefer to move at my own pace. I hope you get DH test results back soon.
Mavericksmom - hope your PS appointment goes well. Is this your first followup since surgery?
Karen - can you drink protein shakes to help you maintain your weight? With so many medical treatments coming up, maybe some high calorie shakes would help. Thinking of you and glad you have family, friends and colleagues surrounding you.
Taco - I miss my employee paid insurance too, especially the drug and dental plans. Just went to the dentist earlier today and need a crown. Last time I had one, my employer dental plan covered most of the cost of the crown.
Wish I could sew Mary. My MIL use to do all sorts of sewing projects and my DD has done some sewing projects in the past. I just don't have the knack for it, but appreciate the work of others.
Do you plan to play golf when you go to Scotland Carole? My DB played when he visited Edinburgh several years ago when my nephew was there for university. Said the course was amazing. I'll start breaking up my content into paragraphs. Definitely helps with readability. Great suggestion.
Petite - sounds like you're keeping busy with cleaning out the garage. Glad Midnight Louie was okay.
Betrayal - do you keep your ancestry data in an app? My DB maintains ours in ancestry.com.
We've had a couple of lovely, warm days and have been able to walk outside. Rain is in the forecast for later in the week, I guess coming from the west. Cataract surgery #2 is tomorrow at 12:30. I'll be glad to get it over with and have my eyes in sync. I hope everyone has a healthy and peaceful rest of the day.
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I am coming late again today. Partial laziness but also a couple of projects to get out of the way. I will do my best to try and remember to make paragraphs here. I know it is easier. Have been hoping that some good changes come down in the new upgrades to this site that will go on through the ? 27th. of this month I believe. Maybe some help there as well.
My Dr. appt. was good. Mainly verification of the implant that will take place on the 13th. of April. We did verify together that it was a ICD. Very much like a pacemaker but different in that it mainly will help the heart not wait the less then half a second to beat in the lower chamber. Also, it will defibrillate if my heart were to just stop. I wanted to resist, not liking the idea that I had to have extra parts installed in me, but it is what it is and definitely can enhance life, hopefully keeping me around for a bit longer than I might otherwise be. So, I decided to get on board and go for it.
Cardplayer, hope you surgery goes well tomorrow. I seldom hear anyone (knowing there are a few negative outcomes) complain about their eyesight after cataract surgery. I will have to have one eye done at some point. We are holding off since my left eye is lazy and has been for most of my life. So far I'm doing okay and am only bothered now and then with nighttime driving being a lot more difficult. Hope everyone has good outcomes on tests or reports.
So nothing else special planned for today. I have leftover spaghetti for dinner so no worry about that. I think it may even taste better than last night.
I hope you all had a fantastic day. We are awaiting rain and it could be pretty heavy between tonight and tomorrow night. They said possible 1 to 3 inches. They are not sure just where the heaviest will hit, but it is not hard to start a bit of flooding around here since we have such a high water table.
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Betrayal - if you are working on folks from New England, check out the New England Historical and Genealogical Society. Membership is about $100 but their on-line library is fantastic!. I had an opportunity to spend 5 days there several years ago and came home with a very full thumb drive. My Mom's side came in to Boston and New Amsterdam very early and I found lots.
I think who and how to disclose any diagnosis is a very personal decision. I was very open about BC and am glad as I got a lot of support as it sounds like you are Karen. Same with my need for brain surgery.
On the other hand, took me a long time to talk about my alcoholism. Even when I ran for office I don't think my anonymity was breached although I was attending AA regularly. Since we retired I've been pretty open about it though. You never know who needs to know there is help out there.
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Unexpected trip to the beach for me. DS called and said to meet them in Portland. I did and we are now in Manzanita Oregon. Two Long walks on the beach and I am really sore. They went to a tide pool this afternoon and I stayed behind (happily). This is my first chance to look at my computer since Mon. Lots to read.
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I personally like early medical appointments. I'm up early and prefer to have on of the earliest appointments to get it over with. Also, I've been working 7:30 - 3:30 for most of my career. Some schools are a little earlier, others a little later.
I'm lucky to have a good Medicare Advantage Plan. Since it is through a large group - state retirement plan, the coverage is good. One of the chemo drugs I'll be taking is close to 20K/month and my co-pay is $67.50. I do worry a little it there will be a cap or not and also worry a bit all the costs of this treatments. I spoke with a "match" this afternoon who is both a BC and Multiple Myeloma survivor. She is 15 years BC and 10 years MM. She was very positive but it's hard for me to be there yet. It's still so much to absorb. I will be on some sort of treatment for the rest of my life. PET/CT scan is tomorrow afternoon at 3:30 and I have to fast, water only after 9:30am.
School shooting in my district this morning. Student shot two staff members. On the news all day and even NBC news. I covered at this school 5 years ago for spring semester. The amount of school violence is unbelievable. My husband worries about me whenever he hears anything like this. I'm mostly in elementary schools, but as a float I have done middle and high school coverage. My husband said this afternoon, he hopes they keep me out of high schools.
As far a protein shakes, I've thought about it, but that would have to be instead of something else, not in addition to. Hopefully, once I start treatment, my stomach won't be so painful - its in knots a lot of the day.
Waiting for the neck CT to be scheduled. Tired of appointments and lots to come. Trying to figure out the best way to make a calendar or spreadsheet for meds. What to take when. I do have several pill holders. I already use 2 for the Rx I currently take. Now I'm adding several more - some taking every day or twice/day for the 16 weeks, some are just day of weekly injections. And the chemo drug I take at home is 21 days on and 7 days off - I told someone just like birth control pills - not sure why I thought of this analogy as I have used them in decades.
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Cardplayer: I do use Ancestry.com and restrict access because I used FamilySearch (free) and found I had unknowns adding all sorts of invalid data to my family tree. It was a hot mess and I got tired of deleting wrong info such as relatives that were not relatives. I have been researching since the '70's (very part-time), lived at the PA Historical Society, the National Archives in both Philadelphia and Washington, city records and other libraries with two of my cousins. So I have been able to document citations for all my research. So I quit the Family Search out of frustration that I could not block access by unknowns and joined Ancestry.com. I let my one cousin have access since I also have access to hers but we can only review, not add or change entries. We share info that we think is relevant including new leads.
Hope your eye surgery goes well and that you have better vision afterwards.
wren44: We visited Oregon in the fall and loved the beaches. Glad you had an unexpected trip that brought joy.
taco: I may steer my DSIL to explore her line through the New England Historical and Genealogical society. I provided her with printouts of "fact" sheets from Ancestry and this should serve as the basis for any further research on her family. I was frustrated with my lack of progress since my family came over from Ireland in the 1860's and that's as far back as I can go. I did visit a church in Nenagh, County Tipperary and the priest allowed me to search the church records for some more info that he then certified for me. Wish I could get past great grandparents but admit I am stuck. I even tried researching in Dublin's records over 40 years ago with no luck.
petite1: Our garage is slated for a thorough clean out this summer. I want DB to insulate the outer wall and then drywall it. However we need to rid it of so much "stuff" first. Once it is clean, I want to paint the walls again since it has been many years since we first painted it. The paint for the most part has held up well but with a new wall we might as well do the whole garage interior. Think I will hire someone this time since it was a major project to do the ceiling and walls initially.
Jackie: Your surgery plans sound good and hope that the ICD will be the last surgery/procedure for you for awhile. Thanks for the quote on grieving. I am still grieving Smudge. I miss her knocking over the child gate we use to contain Regan to the back of the house and her rudely opening the powder room door. She never came in, just didn't like the door being closed.
We talked to the instructor of Regan's training class about her anxiety related to 2 very exuberant class mates. This has been ongoing since week 1, I discussed my concerns weekly with him but he was hellbent on keeping her in this class. Last week she was really reactive to them with growling and lunging when we were in the class room confines. We felt she could not learn in an environment where she was being triggered by these 2 dogs. He had suggested she repeat this class level and we have no issue with this since we want her to be confident and not triggered by other dogs. We have only had her for 6 months, know she had been attacked at a dog park when younger and once healed, taken back to the same park where she exhibited reactive behaviors. So that is all we know about her first 2 years. We are willing to do what it takes to find her comfort zone even if it means she has to be kept separate from other dogs. So we are joining a new class this Saturday with hopes that these dogs will not trigger her and if they do, I think we will know then that her future training will need to be one to one. Keeping my fingers crossed she will be fine on Saturday.
I apologize for the lengthy paragraphs.
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Karen, LOL about your analogy to birth control pills! It is truly funny at the things we think about! I remember getting a beautiful basket with all kinds of treats and useful items when I had my breast biopsy in 2018. I was super nervous, even though I was 99.9% sure I didn't have cancer. So, I ate a few pieces of candy and told my BFF that I planned to replace it and give the basket to someone who deserved it.
Then, when I got the news while at work, that I had ILC, I went into shock. The same BFF who I also worked with drove me home, because it wouldn't have been safe for me to drive. On the way home, in the midst of all the emotions and shock, I blurted out in laughter and said "I just realized I can keep that basket now!" Seriously, why did I think of that?
You do have a lot to process for sure. I think you are doing amazingly well, and I am inspired by your organization, your positive thinking, your ability to navigate through all your challenges. Some of my co-workers gave me a mug that said "Cancer picked the wrong girl!" when I was diagnosed for the third time. Well, I think mm picked the wrong woman in your case! You are strong and everyone here and those you who surround you at home and work, have your back!
Carole, I realize why some posts are long. It depends on what technology is used. I write on PC or iPad, and things are easy to read, BUT, I started reading posts on my phone and WOW! Even a short paragraph on PC is very long on the phone! Thanks for making us aware. I hope I am doing better now!
Betrayal and taco, I need to get back to working on my genealogy. Thankfully my father and relatives on my mother's side did a great deal of work on our family. I also did my DNA at Ancestry and found that to be equally interesting. Remember, both can have inaccuracies, due to women denying the true father of their offspring, etc, but I still find it very rewarding and fascinating!
illinois, glad you have your surgery date! It will come before you know it. My heart goes out to you. I would rather go through my last 6 months, including two surgeries, than go through your procedure! I totally understand how emotional it can be. I often forget that surgeons who specialize in areas like the heart, breast, etc. do those surgeries routinely and don't make recommendations for a patient to have a procedure done unless they feel it is safe to do! You will be glad you had this procedure done!
Woke up to rain, now sun is shinning! Enjoy the day everyone!
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Wren, I hope you enjoy your beach vacation. The Oregon coast is very beautiful.
Taco, your past life sounds very interesting and full. Do you mind saying what office you ran for? When I was dx'ed with bc, it was as though I'd taken a truth serum. I told everybody I had bc, even a man running a produce stand. He was so taken aback he didn't know what to say!
After a few nights of interrupted sleep when I would wake up, go to the bathroom, and then stay awake for hours, I've had several nights of good sleep, for which I am most grateful.
The ancestry research seems to be a passion for some people. Not so for others. I would like to read a book in story form about my ancestors but don't feel compelled to write it.
I am following Puffin, or Connie, on Facebook. She is having a great time on her birding cruise. I'm happy for her.
Karen, what is your job? I probably should know.
Betrayal, Regan hit the owner jackpot when you adopted her.
Jackie, I'm hoping after this upcoming procedure your life will settle down into a ho hum rhythm without so much necessity for a medical schedule.
Meanwhile the pollen gets thicker in the air and people are sneezing everywhere.
Happy Thursday.
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