Can we have a forum for "older" people with bc?
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No chemo for me tomorrow. My blood counts are lower than before Chemo#4 which was also delayed. My platelets are at 38 (minimum level for a healthy person is 150 and minimum per my treatment plan is 100, although the MO will allow chemo for me if platelets reach 75). Absolute neutrophils are at 0.9. Hemoglobin is also quite low at 8.5 but not so low as to need a blood transfusion.
So we will check my blood counts in a week and hopefully proceed with chemo on 7/31. The MO said they do occasionally see this but is a bit puzzled because other than blood counts, my metabolic panel and BP are normal. Very disappointed but nothing I can do about it.
Thanks for letting me vent.
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Oh Harley, vent away anytime you need to, we are all here to listen and offer support! I had low numbers at one point with chemo but not as low as you have.
I was told to stay away from people other than my family that lived with me. I was told not to eat any fresh fruit or vegetables, everything I ate had to be cooked first. I know there were other things but it was over 20 years ago. I am not sure they still tell people that anymore as my last two cancers I didn’t need chemo.
My heart breaks for you! I know easier said than done, but please try to relax and not stress over this. Your numbers will go back up and however long it takes, that’s when you can continue. My gut says it will take longer than one week, but I am not a doctor.
Sending you tons of healing vibes and lots of love!0 -
Harley, low counts happen, vent away. You need to rest while your body builds back up. Two to go! It’s been so long I can’t remember my mom’s counts, but back then as soon as they said them I knew if she were staying or if she was going back home. Fingers crossed for next week.
I ran around doing errands. I picked up paint chips for the bead board in the bathroom, and with the 6 squares I brought home one is an exact match.
I also ran into Macy’s to scope out a new comforter set. At first I was leaning to a blue, but to match it with the new blue mix area rug I knew it wasn’t going to be easy. (I envisioned many trips back & forth.) So I opted for a light gray, material felt very nice too, which swayed me. It’s a 4 piece set, included a throw pillow that may or may not get on the bed. I had a beautiful comforter years ago, super great material and a white background with taupe and blue. I wish I kept it - but it may have gone out with the ex LOL. Any way, possibly in September I’ll have the painter hired for the ceiling, doors, trim and giant baseboards. Too much to contemplate right now - emptying the room & putting it back together.
Humid day, but it broke so feeling much more comfortable at 76.
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Harley, sorry for the delay in treatment.
Dh and I removed the bandaging over the raw place on his leg yesterday afternoon. He took a shower and we reapplied bandaging provided by the wound care nurse. We think the place will heal now with her expert attention to the task of bandaging. She mentioned that she does wound care with people in nursing homes who have such fragile skin and healing issues.
Cindy, your plans for the bedroom will make it like a new room. I enjoy your enthusiasm for life.
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Dropped 1 dose of decadron to 2 mg and last night I slept till 5:15 with just 1 potty break!
Goofed with my mouth sore numbing med though & swallowed instead of spitting it out, had to wait an hr before I could eat my breakfast as I couldn't even swallow my spit
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The highest and best thing that people can conceive is a human life nobly and beautifully lived—therefore their loyalties and energies should be devoted to the arrangement of conditions which make this possible. The sole issue is how to make this world a place conducive to the living of a noble human life, and then to help people in every possible way to live such lives.
John H. Dietrich
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Good morning. It is a sunny, but relatively cool morning here at 79 degrees. Sounds like maybe some rain tomorrow, but I never plan on it since we often just don't get what they say and even when we do it often doesn't fit the descriptions given.
Puffin, good on the dosage change, but wow. Sorry for the issue when not spitting out your mouth sores meds. I think it will be easier to remember for sure now. Glad you were able to get your breakfast within the hour. Hoping things get much better for you.
We painted our house before we moved into it in 2003. It could use an updating everywhere, but at our age it is likely we will only be doing things that are absolutely have to things and I'm not sure new paint will get included. Then again, there is always the lottery, eh !! Maybe I should play.
Harley, a bummer, but right to hold off when counts are negative. You need the extra push of the strength gained by good counts which hopefully shorter your recovery time. Hopefully, next week will be fine. Perhaps some of MM's suggestions will help. You could ask you team if they have not mentioned these things. They may be willing to help you try them and see if it could make a difference for you. Hugs.
Hope all have a beauty of a day and good results from everything you do.
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Harley, taking a pause in chemo until your numbers improve is disappointing but a safe measure for you. Hope you can resume shortly.
Carole, increase DH's protein intake for wound healing. Premier protein shakes are a great way to do this. I used them daily after my abdominal surgery. I poured them over ice and loved the peaches and cream one. The chocolate isn't bad either. Elevate legs too to reduce edema which can impede wound healing.
Puffin, sorry to hear about the mouth sores and the med you have to take is definitely a swish and spit one. Hope issue resolves soon. You inspire me.
It is very muggy after a brief but intense shower today. Temp is in high 70's but I am sure humidity is well into the 90's. Still a tad overcast and more showers are due.
DH said he would take me out to lunch after PT today so we went to Ikea for a Swedish meatball meal fix and a chance to see what's new in their inventory. They have some high quality organizing bins for a lower cost compared to the Container Store. Bought 2 different styles for the garage to replace some that I bought at the Dollar Store which are not worth the money because they are so flimsy and easily broken. They also had some Pumpkin spice candles on sale so I picked up some for DD and DDIL.
PT today was brutal because she added 3 lb weights to my ankles for 3 exercises so I am sure I will hurt tonight. Again I fall asleep for 2-3 hours and then am wide awake for another 2-3 hours. Took Tylenol because I am still waiting for CVS to fill Norco prescription which was ordered on Monday but it seems their systems are a mess due to the computer failures that also effected the airlines. PA notified me she did reach them via phone and order should be filled today. Hoping it will be since I had to take 1 this morning at 4:30 and another prior to PT. Supply is dwindling. Will ice knee this afternoon to see if I can reduce swelling.
Hope everyone has a great day.
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We have so confused the norms of success in this society that weno longerknowfailure whenwe see it. People who could haveearned moremoney had they chosen to spend more time at the office andless timewith the family; people who could have been more sociallyprominent hadthey just been willing to forego old friends from oldneighborhoods; peoplewho could have lived in more sophisticated cities had theybeen willingto give up fishing and walking in the woods: these peoplewe consider somekind of social failures. But maybe what theyreally succeeded atbecoming was real people, instead of hollowcopies of advertisingmodels for Lifestyles of the Rich andFamous.JoanChittister Seeing with
Our Soulsc1 -
Good morning. Sun out but not super bright. Doesn't look like rain right now, but 78 and the humidity is 78 as well. That makes rain a wait and see.
Nothing special here and mainly going for the catch-up and my ever present list of trying to thin out, pare down and work towards a more minimal existence. This time of year is when the next yr's predictions for bills start to arrive. Hmm, all up, but then it was not un-expected. We will do okay.
Hope all will have a really good day.
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Yesterday I ran around a bit. My car need to be inspected, knock on wood there were no issues and I was in & out. Went to the bank to get some cash for vacation. Even went into the grocery store for seltzer on sale and grabbed some snacks to take to the Cape.
Then I drove past an old gf house. Back in October I saw she had purchased it from her sister. We lost touch 45+ years ago, very close and then just drifted apart (different schools), but it’s the next street over from where I grew up and I was curious. At that time it was being cleaned out. Yesterday I saw a for sale sign out, so you know I HAD to look it up online.
Boy the memories were flooding in as I saw the pictures posted. Basement where we hung after school, watching Mary Hartman! LOL The whole inside of house has been painted a builders white. But the bathrooms still have the same tiles that were there 50+ years so. Big difference was the built in pool, it has been filled in. All in all it was a nice house, priced accordingly, and just a smack of memories for me.
Last night we went to a concert at SPAC. The weather called for rain the entire concert and we were outside. I put rain ponchos in my tiny fanny pack just in case. We were fortunate the rain didn’t show up. A few sprinkles just before we pulled into our street and that was it. The concert was Chicago, and Earth, Wind & Fire. The place was packed. For the last half hour both bands were on the stage and that was phenomenal.
I spent quite a bit of time standing up to dance. It was a lot of fun, and we were home before midnight.
Temp now is 76 but I haven’t been out yet to gauge humidity. Have a great day!
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Bad storm the other night and my power was off for 10 hours. I was miserable, bored and lonely. I think I will check on buying a generator.
Harley ((((hug))))
Pufffin (((hug)))
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Cindy, I am a huge fan of Earth, Wind and Fire! I also like Chicago, but sometimes they are a bit too brassy for me. I have to dance when I hear EWF!!!! How is the SPAC? I have a friend who plays with DMB and they have performed there a lot. It always seemed like a cool venue!
The only outdoor venue near me now is in Camden NJ. While the venue is nice, the area not so much. We sometimes parked in Philly and took the ferry over, but Philly is even less safe and my days of attending those concerts are over. Definitely go to as many as you can, while you can! Your post about them brought back great memories!
Petite, power outages are horrible! More so in the heat! Glad yours is back on!
Harley and Puffin, in my thoughts!
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Cindy, that concert just looked highly enjoyable. Good for you and you know dancing is good for burning calories. I've been to a concert in a big theater but never one outside and think I'd love it.
Petite, sorry for your power being out. That is really tough. We have had a bit from time to time through the years, but we usually get restored quickly. Only once did we have a bad issue — some straight line winds and we were without power for a week. We had a radio but no other source of entertainment and only mainly snack type food for the house having to go out for meals after some of the downtown got their generators working.
We talked this year about a generator but felt like once in the nearly 25 years we have lived here just doesn't justify the cost. There are four of us here now though and all four would likely be wanting something different from the generator so we couldn't opt for say just one to do fridge and tv.
Sending care to everyone again.
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Cindy, I love Chicago. Those of us in our early 70's or late 60's probably had their songs playing at their prom. LOL Not that I went to mine.
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There are nine requisites for contented living: health enough to make work
a pleasure; wealth enough to support your needs; strength to battle with
difficulties and overcome them; grace enough to confess your sins and
forsake them; patience enough to toil until some good is accomplished;
charity enough to see some good in your neighbor; love enough to move
you to be useful and helpful to others; faith enough to make real the
things of God; hope enough to remove all anxious fears concerning the future.
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe1 -
Good morning. Still awaiting our rain which didn't come. Maybe it got past us or more is still out there somewhere. Sun seems to 'mute' a bit so its possible.
SIL didn't need my car today. He has been on second shift till today so would take my car to work and my daughter would drive it home from her job on first shift. Made things awkward for doing things since we are slow in the mornings and I don't like to start excursions in late afternoon. Dh for some reason doesn't want the truck to be used, grrr. So it sits. We use my car for everything most of the time since I can get into it easier.
Strange thing — both vehicles are Chevy's but I've always had difficulty getting into our trucks (no matter what they were) and I guess that is due to my left side being a lot weaker than my right. Consequently I do not like or feel very comfortable in the truck and avoid it. So good to have my car back for the day. I think there will be at least a trip to Walmart (groceries) today.
Can't believe the week-end is upon us already. Not sure where this week went. Especially since I've been home all week.
Hoping all are going to have hopefully a pain-free, and stress-free day cool enough to do what you need to and if that need is resting and some recovery from treatments or recent surgery I wish you well for that too.
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Petite, a generator is the way to go. If we were there full time we’d get one. Maybe not the whole house kind, but enough for AC, refrigerator and tv. Chicago - Color My World was a prom theme song I remember. I too didn’t go to any prom, in 1977 more of a rebel than a conformist - we wouldn’t have been caught dead in a prom. I think we were at a house party!
MM - SPAC is in Saratoga where we go through the state park to park the car. There is a golf course up there, through the Avenue of Pines. I’ve been going there for 50 years. A lot has changed but the venue, with indoor and lawn seating still remains. They’ve added the screens to see from anywhere, more bathrooms & concessions - now all cash free, cards only, and more security. They get the NYC ballet, a Philharmonic orchestra session, and many varied concerts. The next big thing I’ll be there for is Farm Aid. If you get the chance to come to Saratoga, it’s worth the visit. History, Canfield casino; thoroughbred horse racing; Saratoga lake, the downtown is walkable - I’ve done a walking ghost tour. I sound like an ad!
Jackie, funny about DH truck. My sisters DH has his truck sitting in the driveway - it’s sat so long it needs a jump to start it; the registration has either expired or soon will, and it needs a NYS inspection to get registered. She doesn't get it, nor do I. He won’t sell it either- which I kind of get, once it’s gone you’re pretty much admitting you’re not going anywhere soon. But there it sits.
I’ve got some running around to do but I think I’m waiting until after my soap opera is over. Noon rush hour is upon me already. It’s just a few thing for vacation and filling up my gas tank.
Looks to be cooler out and I love that. It’s 76 and sunny, can’t beat it. Enjoy your day!
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Cindy, my DH and I planned to go to Fsrm Aid when it was in Camden NJ years ago. My friend and Dave Matthew’s play every year! Such a great benefit for farm families. DH grew up on a 200 acre farm in MI, so Farm Aid is close to his heat! Mine too!
Illinois, I hear you about getting into a truck. I have trouble getting into my DD’s car, an Acura MDX, sometimes even my Subaru Forester! Steps have been an issue for years. Otherwise I get around great. ( knock on wood) Trying to do exercises because I want to be able to keep getting into my car without issues.
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On generators. The problem with generators with gas tanks is that it can be difficult to fill up the cans as often as needed after a hurricane has hit. We have a whole house generator that we haven't had to rely on but I don't have a lot of confidence that it would run for days if needed. We do have a maintenance contract so that the generator is checked and serviced regularly.
I have to brag on dh, who has put me to shame by losing a waist size. The surgeon who will operate on dh's knee commented to him that the less weight on the knee, the better. DH must have taken the comment to heart. He has modified his diet and cut down on portions. His weight is down 10 lbs, enough to make his waistbands too loose. We went shopping today and bought him shorts in a size smaller.
The south wind has brought heat and humidity. We have the a/c running this afternoon.
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After years of losing power due to storms, the wind blowing the wrong way or someone/something taking out electrical lines we invested in a whole house generator. It is propane fed since we already had a tank from our old above ground pool and then when we redid the kitchen and installed a propane stove. Natural gas was not available at that time but I hated the electric stove we had when we moved here. We did use a portable generator but with 2 refrigerators and an upright freezer it did not generate enough power to cover them and the A/C or TV plus they have to be placed outdoors and require frequent gas top offs. We have lost power in the winter as well for up to a week and running a heater was tough. So the whole house generator has paid for itself. I used to marvel at how we could be without power for days/week and the electric bill never decreased?
Carole, it does pay to lose weight before the surgery and I dropped about the same amount pre-op and I have since lost a few more lbs. Good luck with his surgery and if he can get some PT ahead of time he will do better post-op. If he can't get to formal PT there are lots of good videos on Youtube that adress exercises for preparing for TKR.
cindyny, we saw Chicago in concert and they do put on a good show. It was also at an outdoor venue so many were dancing along. Glad you had a good time.
PT on Wednesday was brutal which meant I was more or less out of commission yesterday. Think 3 lb ankle weights were introduced too soon and the number of exercises that she prescribed using them. Today, based on my report, she discussed her rationale for introducing them (forward progress) but also acknowledged it may have been too much at one time. So today she modified exercises, add 2 new ones and go back to 2 lb weights for same exercises performed on Wednesday. I am sore and will ice again several times plus use Norco at bedtime. She did use ice and heat after session.
Today was a beautiful day. Sunny with temps in upper 70's but low humidity. The weekend is supposed to be the same so looking forward to it.
Hope everyone had a wonderful day.
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My DD bought a propane generator last summer and it was good through 5 days of a winter storm. Not cheap but as the weather has gotten more extreme, a good investment for her.
Nothing exciting here. I think I am finally done with all the pre-op stuff. Brunch out this Sunday with friends. Writing some get out the vote postcards for my favorite political party. Don't think I'll be able to golf before mid-Sept. and I already miss it.
Have a good weekend everyone.
Marge
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It's all a matter of paying attention, being awake in the present moment, and not expecting a huge payoff. The magic in this world seems to work in whispers and small kindnesses.
Charles de Lint
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We’re off to Cape Cod, leaving shortly. I’ll check in and maybe post a picture or two.
Hoping for good weather. Enjoy your day!
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Overcast today. We are waiting for the rain forecast two days ago. It is why I don't always put too much stock in the forecast. I don't take chances, but I've learned to use different gauges rather than JUST the forecast only. Took Lil' Red outside and lo and behold it was sprinkling lightly. The rain is not to be here till later afternoon.
Hoping for good travels to Cape Cod Cindy. Hope you have great weather and lots of pretty pictures.
Nothing special planned for the day. I already have supper from leftovers, so it is going to be as easy time of it for me.
Hope all are going to have a good Saturday.
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My left leg is so weak now I can't stand up from the toilet and I got stuck on it. Had to call the police dispatch to send someone to get me into my bed. I'm working with my home.instead people for more coverage during the day during meals and to help get into bed at night.
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puffin, I am hoping you can get the help you need. Do you have a grab bar near the toilet or an attachment to the toilet with bars? The toilet in the main bedroom is low so I bought a set of bars that attach to the toilet for post knee surgery. They were relatively inexpensive and came from Home Depot. They really do the job.
Cloudy today with temps in low 80's but low humidity. DH worked up a sweat installing posts in flower bed near stream. The fencing we installed before had lightweight posts and they collapsed. Once he has all the posts in he will put up chicken wire to keep the deer at bay.
Another night of disturbed sleep and due to yesterday's exercises at PT. Did home exercises today and had taken Norco at 5 am after being awake since 2:30 am. Hope I will sleep tonight and will take a Norco at bedtime. I don't understand why I am having these awake periods after about 3 hours of sleep and then a gap before I can fall back to sleep.
cindyny, enjoy Cape Cod. It's beautiful there.
Illinoislady, glad you are getting some sprinkles. Hope Lil Red is settling in and that you are finding housebreaking easy.
Taco, nice to hear the surgery will go on as planned. I am glad that you have a goal for getting back to golf in September. What a great motivator. My DF post coronary bypass surgery was asked if he had any questions immediately post-op by his surgeon. Imagine the surgeon's surprise when my DF asked when he could resume golfing? He was golfing within 2 months of that surgery much to the chagrin of his surgeon.
Hope everyone had a wonderful day.
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puffin, I’m so sorry! I don’t even know what to say.
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Oh Puffin, I’m so sorry to hear about your leg weakness. Keeping you in my prayers.
Cindy - Concert looks awesome. I like Chicago, but I love EWF. Enjoy Cape Cod!
Petite - ugh! 10 hours without A/C must have felt like 10 days. Glad the power outage didn’t last longer. I have no experience with generators. We have underground utilities but all it would take is a lightening strike on a transformer and we could be without power for days.
Taco - wishing you healing thoughts for your upcoming knee surgery. Keep us updated when you feel up to it.
Betrayal - you are amazing. Keep your eye on the September trip 😀 You are correct that delaying chemo is for my own safety. I’m just trying to take it one day at a time. It was a bit disappointing that the MO lowered the dose of Carboplatin and my platelets fell even further. I just want to ensure that I get the maximum benefit from chemo.
Illinoislady - sounds like Lil’ Red is fitting in quite well. I’m sure he’s enjoying all the love.
MM - thanks for your support. I don’t know if this is typical or not but I don’t have any restrictions on what I can eat other than to eat as healthy as possible and hydrate. I’ve been encouraged to live my life as normally as possible during chemo and the MO even said I could travel between treatments as long as I wore a mask if I was on a plane. I didn’t have any vacations planned so that hasn’t been an issue. The oncology nurse did seem a bit bothered when I told him I rode my bicycle during the last chemo delay. I think the concern is that if I fall I could have a difficult time stopping the bleeding if I was injured.
Carole - I hope the leg wound is healing better for DH. Glad you were able to see a wound care nurse as they have the expertise.
Hope Sandy is doing OK.
On Thursday we drove to a nearby state park and went on a short hike. Weather was great and it felt good to be outside. I probably could have walked further than I did but the mosquitos were aggressive in the wooded areas, so we turned around.
Our son asked to borrow’s DH’s car for the weekend to drive out of state to visit friends. His original plan was to take the train after work on Thursday to our house and then drive the car back to Chicago on Friday to pick up friends and head out of town. But since I didn’t have chemo this week and we have more free time than he does, we offered to drive the car to his apartment. DH and I drove separately going into the city on Friday, dropped off the car and then drove back home in my car. Traffic on the Kennedy Expressway was awful as it is under construction for the next 2-3 years. Tomorrow we will reverse the process. DS was very, very appreciative.
Today, I just floated in the pool and did some laundry.
Wishing a good Sunday to all!
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Puffin, I hope you have one of the higher toilets, and if not - get the seat riser, it will keep you up higher. Also the rails like Betrayal said. ❤️ When I used a commode after the hamstring avulsion surgery, it was higher than my regular toilet, and had the rail system. It was super helpful - I couldn’t use my right leg.
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