Can we have a forum for "older" people with bc?
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Carole, which new coffee maker comes apart??!!! I shudder to think what mine looks like. I've been doing the French Press for years and just recently decided to go back to drip. DH only recently started drinking coffee.
My sister's DH was 7 years older than her. He had just turned 73. It is so hard to hear her pain. I also try to tread lightly on our "button" issues but sometimes, those buttons get pushed. Maybe she will realize how important family is and try harder.
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I think the most important thing about "sensitive" topics is to be respectful. We can have our different views on a variety of topics.
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We stick with Cuisinart Drip coffeemakers. To keep it clean every three months or so I run it with a vinegar and water cycle to clean it. Dh says the Cuisinart has some sort of timer on it that keeps the coffee from getting too strong after it sits for a while. I have to tell you, the way he explains things I have no idea what he is talking about, but when we need a new pot that is the kind he always buys. I don't worry about the coffee getting too strong as in my opinion it doesn't last long enough although I make 12 cups every night and turn the automatic timer on so it makes in the morning right before we get up.
As a young person I didn't think much of coffee, but would have a cup ot two in he morning with a lot of sugar in it. Not sure when I gave up all the sugar. Likely in one of my diet stages. The last few years, after several yrs. of black coffee only. I've started using flavored creamer. The latest which I've fallen for is the Kalua creamer. For me it doesn't change the coffee flavor so drastically although it does get it a bit sweeter so that it is less tart. We use Schnucks brand coffee which is half and half. I do put in a bit more than they say to though.
If I can't have my coffee in the monring I'm just not going to get up.
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I've enjoyed reading everyone's comments on religion and have found it all interesting and informative. Thank you all for sharing yourselves in this way!
I would just add, to Carole's original comment and other answers/comments, (I speak as a protestant Christian) that the Old Testament is viewed as vital to understanding the New Testament, Jesus being the prophesied Saviour. Long anticipated, and the only one who kept the Judaic law perfectly, he proved His divinity, the resurrection being the culmination.
I agree with others that although this topic should generally be limited right now, this time of year, seems helpful and another way of sharing with one another.
My family also comes in assorted shapes, flavors of faith/ no faith and love another best we can.
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I got totally fed up with broken coffeemakers over the years. Tried pour-over, but it didn't make enough at a time. Got a three-cup French press, and I doubt that I will ever make coffee any other way.
Headache-- time to take meds, then go back to bed.
Yes, reader, the promised Redeemer. But I stated it in other terms for non-believers who might not accept our interpretations to the prophesies.
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I’m not a coffee drinker. In fact I’m pretty much caffeine free as I don’t drink tea or soda. I stopped drinking coffee after college. It started giving me headaches. I switched to tea and drank lots of diet soda. When I developed acid reflux about 30+ years ago, my GI doctor suggested stopping caffeine to reduce the acid in my stomach, so I stopped all caffeine. I drank decaf tea for awhile, but stopped. So I drink water, Gatorade and protein shakes. No alcohol either due to my Gastroparesis. I have a coffee maker that I use when we have people over to make coffee. DH has never been a coiffed drinker, preferring soda.
Heading to the eye this morning for a followup for cataract surgeries. Hope everyone has a stress free and healthy day.
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Sun is out and while we are supposed to get storms tonight, they are not supposed to be as bad as they were last Saturday!
I was a tea drinker for years. Once I met my DH I became a coffee drinker, now I drink two mugs a day. I use a Keurig coffee maker which I know isn't classy but it fits my life and works for us. My life now is all about what is easy and simple! We do use reusable k-cups so we just put our regular coffee into them. I fill three of the cups every morning, one for DH and two for me!
DD and family left early for Arizona. Their flight left on time, which is great! They make me tired just listening to what they do in a day! So much energy, I wish I could bottle some of that energy up and drink it!
This morning I need to go to CVS to pick up DH's medications, then later I will take him to his appointment with the neurologist. I just can't quite get into the mindset I think I should be in for this appointment. I don't even know if this is the right specialist for him because I don't know what his issues truly are. That is what we are going to find out, at least I hope so. I guess it doesn't help that I have seen many neurologists, albeit over 40 years ago, and found none of them to be of any help. Thankfully my issues were handled by my PCP at the time and my issues no longer exist. I am going to try to go with an open mind. I also plan to be quiet, let the doctor do his thing, let my DH answer the questions, and just be an extra set of ears! This will take a lot of restraint on my part because my DH is extremely bad at communication.
I hope everyone has a great day!
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The coffee maker is a Mr. Coffee and cost about $50. The one I replaced was a Mr. Coffee and began leaking from the bottom. I also make a 12 cup pot and set the timer so that the coffee is made when dh, who usually rises first, gets up. He drinks two mugs with h & h and Splenda and I drink 3 or 4 mugs while I read on my computer. I began drinking my coffee black when I was in graduate school because it was simpler not to have the creamer and sweetener on hand. But I do put sweetener into the occasional latte or capuccino.
We use Community dark roast, a Louisiana favorite. I buy enough to last four months when we go north for the summer.
The weather forecast gives us a chance for stormy weather the next couple of days.
Our tv is often tuned in to sports. We'll be watching the Masters golf tournament this weekend. DH is doublechecking that we record all the coverage.
I have a hair appointment today and am trying to decide whether to go for a shorter style after growing a little hair for about a year.
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Cardplayer, my nephew Jacob's wife has gastroparesis. I worry about her because she has nights when she's up all night throwing up. She had an awful time with a recent pregnancy but, thankfully, had a beautiful little girl. I don't know how well she follows the diet guidelines.
I have reflux and take a daily med. I asked what I could do on my own and was told I could avoid caffeine and alcohol, as a starter. So I continued with the med.
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Carole - I kept a food diary of food I could tolerate when I was first diagnosed. Even with keeping to foods that are considered safe for me, I still sometimes get sick. I'm sorry that your hear your nephews wife has it. Even with no caffeine or alcohol, I still take meds for acid reflux twice day. Some of that could be due to my Gastroparesis though.
Mavericksmom - I hope the neurology appointment is helpful for DH.
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Good morning, all. Just popping in, so I don't get so behind in reading the posts. I had 6 coffee makers and in the great purge, I downsized. My favorite one tells me when to clean it. I do have a backup one I kept. Since my plans for the day fell through, I will work on some more purging and organizing. I am not sure if it will be the pantry or the utility room today.
Midnight Louie, my remaining cat, has been helping change the bed. He is still balled up in the sheets, for the last hour. LOL
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I believe in God, who is for me spirit, love, the principle of all things. . . . I believe that the reason for life is for each of us simply to grow in love. I believe that this growth in love will contribute more than any other force to establish the Kingdom of God on earth. - Leo Tolstoy
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We are all human, make mistakes and often say things mainly because they fit who we are. Over time, those things can change and we are expanded or contracted perhaps. I so enjoy knowing how people feel and underneath it all I do think we are here for the purpose in part of growing our soul. Growing the soul to me is just learning how to accept EVERYONE as the beautiful individual they are while they expand and contract within nature of the framework of the changing world and society around them. If you are an atheist, so be it, and likewise if you are not. We are all here at the same time, but we are unique -- no one on the same level at the same time. It aids in our growth and distinction.
So some of us drink coffee and enjoy it, but some do better not having it. I'm not even sure when I began drinking it in earnest, but I can't imagine not having it. I am after that mainly a water drinker. I get nervous with darker sodas (loved in my youth) due to lots of sugar and more importantly dye. I'm okay with a little Splenda at times but now prefer table sugar. I will drink soda on rare occasion, but it is Ski with real sugar. No dye. Some fruit juice but of course, it is a flavoring -- not a good replacement for actual nutrients.
We have used all sorts of coffeepots. I use to demand that we have actual percolators and further that said percolator had to be a Faberware. People did seem to enjoy having coffee with us, but in time, the care and cleaning along with the fact that there wasn't a timer and you had to wait for your "brewed" pot help us give in to drip makers. Some drawbacks yet, but it was always far better to us then instant coffee which many people were quite okay with.
All just saying, I love our differences and outlooks and the topics we pursue. May we always.
ETA: Midnight Louie is exibiting perfect cat for everyone.
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He's saying " Good job Louie" and love ❤️ to all while I take a nap.
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Carole: Had to laugh at your resolution of the reflux conundrum: take the med. I am not sure if this is still fact, but the Mr. Coffee 12 cup is actually a 6 oz cup and since most of us use a mug (8 oz at least), the pot runs dry sooner than expected. So 12 cups will equal about 9 real mugs or less.
IllinoisLady: thank you for sharing your experience with your sister. This rang true for me because this was the relationship I had with my mother before she died. Sad, because as the only girl, I never had that close relationship with her since she preferred my DB's and made no bones about it. Even at the end she rejected any type of bonding so I actually felt relief, not grief, when she died because that released me of any guilt I felt or carried. Envy those of you who had loving mothers and close relationships.
petite1: you have the United Nations of families and all those shared experiences with them. How exciting.
Karen: being sensitive and respectful should be the basis of all relationships. I hope that this becomes the norm again since we have endured trying times with societal standards of conduct. I think all of us try to do so but sometimes the conversations drift into territories that others find to be a challenge. I try not to take anything to heart or to look for offense in the posts here. If I feel I have inadvertently been offensive, I will offer an apology.
Tomorrow is Regan's next private class and I am sending DH alone with her for this one. They have been working on a bond which is still in its infancy days because she came from an all female home and initially distrusted men. I think when I am there she is constantly looking for my approval rather than listen to him, so I am a distraction. She needs to learn to accept his instruction other than at home.
Just learned that Gabapentin is now considered a "controlled" drug and they will no longer do autorefills at CVS. Annoying because this means I have to go back to monitoring my supply and giving them advanced notice of when to refill which is harder now with the 90 day refills. As much as this is convenient, it is not when you have to reorder meds due to the lapse in time and I find that frequently CVS doesn't have the drug on hand so another delay. Not sure of how much leeway I have in reordering either, can I reorder a week before I am out? TBD, I guess.
Sunny now but with thunderstorms predicted for late afternoon. So warm that the leaves on the Japanese maple are opening very early. Some look like feathers and others look like handprints. Love this tree and am lucky it is just outside bay window in kitchen eat-in area. Hard to believe it survived and recovered from a direct tree hit 18 years ago. Although I lost 2/3's of it then, you would never know from how it looks today. It was here when we purchased the house in '85 and house was built around '74, so it is getting up there. Need to trim a few branches that are rubbing on the window. The humming bird likes to rest in it.
MM: hope all goes well with neurology visit and you get some direction and answers for your DH.
Hope everyone has a great day. Bought some pansies for my flower boxes and need to go plant them now.
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Reader, how adorable. Just like one of our very first kitty friends that lived with us. His name was Pitty although we didn't name him. My ex did, and when he had to move he asked us to keep the cat since he was there for when the kids visited their Dad. Always thought he might go back to the ex but he never did which was okay with us. A big Russian Blue and for some reason every cat that lives with us seems in end up almost over-sized. He was a great cat but then as rescuers we have thought the same about all of the many that have spent their entire life with us. We are fotunate to have shared the love with them.
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'Just learned that Gabapentin is now considered a "controlled" drug and they will no longer do autorefills at CVS.' Betrayal, that is a long overdue move. If it hits here, I will be glad for the extra hassle. I once knew a druggie guy who had a huge stockpile of Gabby. He did not have any idea about the interaction effects.
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reader, your cat is too cute!!!!
betrayal, glad Ragen will have some "daddy and me" time! I agree with you, it will be good for both of them! You are both such good pet parents!
We also use CVS and I just picked up my DH's gabapentin and two other prescriptions a few hours ago and they didn't say anything to us about it not being automatically refilled. Thank you for giving a heads up on it so we are aware!
My DH and I went to his neurology appointment. It went better than I expected, the doctor is knowledgeable and did a great eval on DH. He doesn't think his issues are Parkinsons Disease, but won't rule it out just yet. He did say the way my husband walks is not normal, even for someone his age, 82. That's what I think too! He ordered an MRI of his brain and spine, but of course we need to wait for approval from insurance, which honestly, I don't think we will get. They said we should hear from the office within two weeks as to whether or not it was approved. Only then can we move forward and make an appointment with the MRI dept.
The doctor also gave a script for PT, but didn't say whether or not to wait until we know the results of the MRI. I asked at the desk if we should wait for results, and she just said, he didn't say anything about that. I don't think my DH is interested in PT anyway. We discussed it, as well as any discussion with my DH is, so I am letting him decide what he wants to do. My husband never was great at sharing his feelings and the older he gets, the less he shares. Maybe it's me he doesn't want to share with or maybe he just doesn't care? It is so frustrating for me because I don't know how to help him if he won't share his feelings. I think it is a man thing, from years ago when men weren't supposed to show emotions. I don't know but it is becoming, exhausting trying to get him to share. I usually end up being very blunt. At least that way I get some feedback.
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So glad the Dr's visit went so well with the Neurologist. I do wish at times the insurances would not be so quick to deny. Their skewered yardstick benefits them the most. Some people need many of the medical attentions that are turned away. I personally feel a good Dr. (do treasure those relationships if you have one) will steer you to what you need and generally have little interest in over-prescribing tests and treatments.
Maverick, I feel for you about your not being able to share medical issues. I mentioned it because I have the opposite response here. I often go to Dh's appts not because he won't share but because he has a bad habit of giving me prior information from other visits at the same time and after a while my head is spinning even though we start off well. I hate to admit that he does this with a lot of different things so in frustration I encourage him to quit talking and please start over with events for right now or this visit or whatever.
I do think many men were taught to keep a stiff upper lip and not let on about any fears, upsets, problems or feelings. Hate to say it, but I think in many cases females were looked on as having an in-ability to understand the masculine side of things and not quite equal to our male counterparts. Some parts of that have gotten much better and some of the walls are still there.
It has been a nice day today. Very little wind which is a real blessing and a fair amt. of sun. Likely still the possibility of a storm or two, but if so, I hope it is much more minimal than the last couple.
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I’m a wayward catholic that hasn’t participated in services or much else in, I’d guess 40 years - besides attending mass that felt mandated by my partners mom prior to her passing. I believe no one’s religion is better than someone else’s and that we will all meet our maker at some point and need to explain ourselves. I do have premonitions, family and friends whom have passed come to me in dreams. Other dreams of living friends and family are like a calling to reach out. Jackie, I do believe you were aided in returning to be with your mother. My grandmother who was gone before my birth was a tea leaf reader, it’s something my mother and aunts didn’t like talking about. Who knows, as I approach death I could be one one with the god I grew up with. But I’m a firm believer in speaking out against anyone being persecuted because of religion or race. That’s my vent for the week!
I don’t drink any coffee or tea. Coffee I love love the smell and hate the taste; tea I can’t stand the smell or taste. I was addicted to Diet Coke, quit that guessing 9-10 years ago, maybe more. My caffeine hit today would be dark chocolate! I drink water and nonalcoholic seltzer. I’m not sure it would qualify as an addiction but I can get a tad crazy if I can’t find Polar brand seltzer in cranberry lime.
Niece and her daughter arrive tonight for Easter and spring break. So far delays have pushed their arrival out about 1.5 hours; now arriving 11:33 pm. I set up appointments for pedicures tomorrow at 1, so they can sleep in. And this morning I received an email that our pool is closed. I didn’t have the heart to tell them. We’ll be driving an hour away to get to beaches that haven’t been contaminated from hurricane Ian.
It was 92 today. I rode my bike a tad slower than normal but still got in over two miles. The perk was seeing an eagle in the sky over me, similar to a month or more ago. I peddle and wobble all over as I’m looking up in the sky. It’s something to behold.
Sandy, I’m looking into those Apple tags too. I think a 4 pack on Amazon was a savings. My partner wonders what would prevent someone from tossing it out. So now I’m thinking of hiding it in the liner.
Be safe!
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I don't know what to think about this. Last night my DH fell asleep on his recliner while watching a movie. Not unusual. I am always amazed when I see him nod off, that when he awakens, he seems not to miss a beat. If he dozes off while on his tablet, then awakens suddenly, he goes right back to whatever he was doing on the tablet as if he never dozed off in the first place. Last night he slept for about half an hour or so, I was half watching the movie, half scrolling through my iPhone emails, while sitting on the sofa recliner. His chair directly faces our piano. All of a sudden he threw a small roll of electrical tape that he had been using earlier and had put on the end table next to him, at the bottom of the piano. The sound alone startled me.
I asked him why he did that. He hesitated a minute or so, and said, because there was a critter over there. I asked if it was a spider, as we are seeing more of them now that spring has come, to which he said no. I asked if it was a mouse, also no. I asked what was it, to which he replied, "a small squirrel!" He claimed it ran under the piano. I got out a flashlight to see behind the piano, which is against a wall, and then took a yard stick and slid it under the piano, nothing!
We have had mice in years past, so I was upset, believing him 100%, but after searching and finding nothing, I concluded he was either dreaming or hallucinating. This right after he saw the neurologist! Ugh!
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Mavericksmom - I hope DH is able to get additional testing approved. Hopefully he was just dreaming that he saw a squirrel and not hallucinating. Very scary.
Cindy - enjoy your company for the week. I hope you have good weather.
Betrayal - glad Regan is doing well in her training. I hope she does well with DH in class today.
My express scrips pharmacy has been treating my gabapentin as a controlled drug since I've been using them (last two years), so I'm use to no auto refill. Glad my neurologist gives me 90 day supply on my dosages.
My DH has only come to a few doctor appointments with me. He wasn't with me when I was informed I had BC (by the radiol doctor), but he did come with me to my breast doctor for the official diagnosis, the first oncologist visit and when I saw the orthopedic surgeon about my hip replacement. I've never gone to doctor appointments with him, except a surgery follow up when I had to drive him. He's 4 years older than me, but in good health.
No rain today, but it's overcast. About 20 degrees cooler than yesterday morning. Have a healthy and stress free day.
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Reader, What a beautiful cat!
I cleaned and purged the pantry. It was stressful and I kept thinking "Am I ever going to bake a cake or cookies again? Will I ever cook fancy meals, again?" I threw away baking stuff, out of date stuff, and finally felt better after talking with my niece. If I ever do, I guess I can just buy more. Some friends took me out last night and that helped. I have left overs for lunch. Next purging project will be the utility room. It is also my craft room. Next week, maybe.
Hope everyone has a pleasant weekend, whatever faith.
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Practice being gentle, respectful and loving toward the life force in all things. Remind yourself that your efforts do make a difference, even if you think they are miniscule in comparison to the magnitude of the problem.
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Petite, good job of decluttering. I go through closets periodically. When I accumulate enough boxes, I contact the Vietnam Vets charity and a truck comes to pick up the boxes. Are you planning to continue your business?
I asked for a shorter hair style yesterday and liked the style the way my stylist made it look. The real test is when I do the styling.
The forecast is for a rainy day but so far it's just overcast.
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Petsmart called to cancel Regan's class today because the trainer was under the weather yesterday and today. Class will resume next Friday so DH got a reprieve though he was looking forward to the class.
Reader, your cat looks just like my Leo. He is my velcro cat and sleeps with me every night. He has to be touching me while asleep so he has been known to sleep on top my head, between my legs rendering me incapable of turning, etc. I think you get the drift. He's a spook though because he was abused before I adopted him so doesn't trust others and some people have never seen him or only caught a glimpse of his butt as he makes a hasty retreat. He was a little over a year old when I adopted him and I was the 3rd owner. He'll be 12 this month.
petite1: kudos to you for purging. I have several closets that need to be addressed and these will become rainy day projects. Started on the one in the primary bedroom and got 3 areas addressed but still have more than half the closet to do. Clothes will be donated and some were tossed. I do not need any new clothes and need to reduce what I do have since many were dressier clothes worn to work. Now that I am retired, chances are slim that I will wear most of them again. So slow but steady will be my motto for reducing this bulk.
cardpalyer: it was a shock to go from autorefills to discovering that my stock of gabapentin was low due to no recent refills. Checked to see if it was due to need for prescription renewal but found it was current, just not filled on schedule. Could not do autorefill online and had discussion at pharmacy when I picked up other meds. Seems this is a CVS policy, not a true federal one. So communication failure here on part of pharmacy.
Cindy: enjoy your visitors.
Cloudy and cooler today but thunderstorms predicted for last night were a non-event. Hope everyone has a good day.
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Pretty morning here despite not actually cloudy or sunny. Hopefully some sun will find us soon enough. Cool right now, and that will get better as well.
I too hope MM that further testing for your Dh can be approved and take place. While we stay well in many ways, ageing people have parts that get more stressed and tired and worn and it does seem they are given the yardstick of those who are younger and a bit less inclined to be undergoing life changes mainly from older age. Hoping for you that further testing will happen.
Betrayal, I think it is great that your Dh will have some bonding/training time with Regan. In your descriptive way it does seem she has a strong inkling inside that Dh is a good thing. Giving her a chance to totally have that experience with him seems fantastic to me. She is such a fortunate little gal and somewhere inside her I do think that is taking hold.
Petite, good for you. Getting pantries in order is always good. In time you may feel a little more like baking things. Takes time to find a niche for yourself and what will be a part of that space. In the meantime, it is good to start adjustments.
I'm starting my countdown this week for my ICD procedure. I'll be so glad to get it done and I am mainly thinking about the part where I have to get up at 3a.m. in the morning on Thurs. to get over across the river to the V.A. Hosp. in Missouri.
So, busy today, but just a couple loose ends to cover. Nothing big, all easy things like paying a couple of bills.
Hope you all have a wonderful day.
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DH and I each carry an AirTag. His is on his key chain which he always has because his nitro bottle is also on it. Mine's in my wallet. We will fire up the other two for our suitcases next week.
I don't think Ken looks for me but I have found his carrying one very reassuring. He and Mutz have a variety of walks and when he is gone longer than I think they should be, I can not only locate him but see whether he is moving. We have a friend with Alzheimers who did throw his away but this has worked for us. I bought a package of 4 for under $100 on Amazon.
Happy Easter and Passover for those who are celebrating. I personally found the discussion very informative.
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I'll have to research Air Tags since I was unaware of them.
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