Can we have a forum for "older" people with bc?

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  • rockym
    rockym Member Posts: 384

    Well, 60 in a couple of weeks. Perhaps that now makes me an "older person." I often read posts on Reddit and so many of those ladies are in their 30s. Heck, some even in their 20s. I posted a little in the past few months, but I feel so bad for them being so young. I was 46 in 2011 when I was first diagnosed and joined BCO.org. I think I posted a lot on August Chemo or Surgery. It's hard to recall, but this site got me by.

    So, here I am again. 13 years after my first diagnosis. My mammo, then ultasound and then biopsy came back with IDC ER+PR+Her2- again. Same breast, same area so I went to my original breast surgeon who then gave me a little advise and told me to see my oncologist immediately. I really liked both of them back then so I felt like I wasn't totally on my own. My oncologist started me on Arimidex immediately. I then went for blood tests (negative), genetic testing (negative), MRI (yep it's there), tumor markers (negative), a bone scan (no bone mets) and a CT scan (enlarged lymph nodes in abdomen). Those lymph nodes got me over to a PET scan which showed metabolic activity in those nodes so biopsy was next up.

    I had to wait 4 weeks before the biopsy. I did everything I could to not freak out. I was prepared for Stage IV, but hoped it was a false positive. I cannot even describe the emotional toll this has taken on me. The biopsy finally came and sitting in my inbox was the pathology the very next day. It looks as if everything is normal. My MO will talk to me more this Monday. I went ahead and made another appointment with my surgeon, but he talked about me needing an Oncoplastic surgeon. I didn't really understand what that all meant at the time, but when he did my surgery years ago it was a small mass and he took care of everything. Anyway, it's been 4 months since the mammo and 2 since the diagnosis. I know I should be happy that it's not Stage IV, but the idea of losing my breasts and what follows is really getting to me tonight. This was suppose to be my best year yet. I had so many plans and now I feel lost.

  • minustwo
    minustwo Member Posts: 13,356

    Rockym - so sorry you're having to deal with a recurrence. It's great that you like & trust your docs. And fantastic that it's not Stage 4. But still…the waiting.

    I'm 10 years out from my recurrence in the lymph nodes and chemo & more surgery & more chemo & radiation. I was in my 60s during my first diagnosis. Yes - it was really traumatic loosing my breasts, but on the other hand, I was relieved to believe I had finally conquered the beast. So far that's true. I know you can handle whatever the news is Monday but we're all here for you.

  • rockym
    rockym Member Posts: 384

    Thanks for the kind words. I really wish I hated my breasts. Some ladies have posted that they wanted them gone, thought their breasts were going to kill them, were too big, too small, etc. My breasts were always the one part of my body that I liked. Just a week before my newest dx I was talking to my daughter (22) about how the women in my family have excellent boobs. Can you imagine that stupid conversation? My mom had nice breasts even at 86 when she passed. I later told my daughter to forget that entire discussion :-). Perky doesn't equal healthy. I showed her where the lump was, showed her the crease under my arm and explained more to her about doing self checks. Oh well.

  • betrayal
    betrayal Member Posts: 3,307

    rockym, welcome to a caring community. Your former surgeon may be referring you to an oncoplastic surgeon due to the location (not given) and/or size of your new occurrence. This is not necessarily a negative since the former surgeon may feel that an oncoplastic surgeon might be able to remove with less disfigurement/scarring.

    Personally, having had 2 lumpectomies and ending up with a really disfigured breast, I wish I had been referred to an oncoplastic surgeon. Not a candidate for plastic surgery due to volume loss of breast, so I am stuck with it. Needless to say I fired my BS.

    Once you have seen the oncoplastic surgeon and have a plan, you may feel better because you will have the knowledge to make informed decisions. You are in the land of unknowns now and it is hard to not go to the negative thought processes. I am hoping you get good news and that you will continue to post so we can support you through this.

  • 1946taco
    1946taco Member Posts: 300

    Rockym - Welcome - we're pretty flexible about what "older women" means. We're a small enough group that we obviously talk about more than cancer but be assured, we're here for you! As you undoubtedly remember from before, the waiting for a treatment plan is one of the hardest. Also, remember that treatment modalities have changed a lot and physicians are specializing more than ever so the referral isn't necessarily an indication of a "bad thing."

    Thinking of special thoughts of Puffin.

  • cindyny
    cindyny Member Posts: 1,326

    My Florida house is fine. GF said for a bit the power kept going off and on, but then stayed on. Extremely fortunate. Her home lost the pool cage and a tree out front, but otherwise is fine. We’re both blessed.

    Endocrinologist yesterday for a thyroid ultrasound, a dexa scan, follow-up with the dr and blood work. US showed a node has grown; next yr if it gets bigger they’ll biopsy it. Dexa was all in normal ranges; glad because I’ve been off fosamax generic for 2 years. Blood work showed TSH increased from 2.35 to 4.07; Hashimoto’s thyroiditis so keep watching; suggested I check it every 6 months. No treatment yet.

    So much catching up to do from a lot of posts.

    Carole, new truck woo hoo! Hope you both like it. Thank you for info on Puffin, may she rest in peace & soar with the birds.

    Teka, thank you for info on sunshine, prayers to her.

    Jackie your weather went from 80 to 61, in two posts! When I came home from drs yesterday my house was 57 inside. That was cold enough for me to click the heat on.

    Petite, I’m glad your home is ok, but sad for the rest of your FL family.

    Taco/Reader/Harley/Teka/Minustwo - it’s nice to hear from y’all, even if it’s from our loss of Puffin. We’re like family from afar.

    Rockym, I’m so sorry to hear of your dx. It’s hard to be happy facing the loss of your breasts. For Monday, we’re in your pocket for support. Get a notebook out and write down your questions and also their answers.

    Tonight we went to see the play Hadestown. We had a great dinner ahead of the play and totally enjoyed ourselves.

    Picture could be better but this was at the very end. We did enjoy the play.

    Tomorrow the screen house has to come down, because it’s the last day of sun for at least a week. The vinyl roof folds up best when it’s warm from the sun. Rain moving in Sunday thru the next week.

    Prayers to all who need them, and good juju to all!

  • petite1
    petite1 Member Posts: 2,293

    Good morning . I have been awake since 4. My niece would say that I was getting into my feelings. LOL. So true. I did get out and about, yesterday. My area has some trees down and power outage, but much better than predicted. I only lost power for an hour. I am so thankful. My niece, near St. Petersburg, is still without power. I have not heard from my brother, he evacuated and probably coming home, today.

    Carole, I am glad your Florida home was not damaged.

    Puffin - RIP

    Teka, welcome and thank you for the update on Sunshine

    Rockym, Welcome. I was in my 60's when diagnosed. Just had my 5 year scan and no cancer or tumors.

  • betrayal
    betrayal Member Posts: 3,307

    cindyny, liked that you wrote may puffin soar with the birds. How appropriate for one who so loved birds and I hope she is roosting with puffins. I will miss her posts; she was one special person.

    Blessed Yom Kippur to Sandy if she is reading and to anyone else who celebrates.

    Only know sunshine from another forum but hope she is pain-free.

    petite1, glad you had no damage. Seems your friends had minimal damage and things that are easily fixable.

    Waving hello to harley, taco, minustwo, teka, and anyone else I have missed. Carole, glad you had no storm damage.

    Today is DGD's 9th birthday. DDIL had suggested a gift which I ordered but par for the course, only half of it has arrived. The missing one is not a big deal so I'll just tell her it will be late. I had bought her socks while we were in London but then DD told me she is wearing a size 7 shoe so I am hoping they will fit. The socks are ones that I bought for DD and I over the years but then DGD borrowed some from DD and she became a fan. They are so soft.

    She is a big girl for her age and according to DDIL, is following in her foot steps. I also found a Taylor Swift book where she can dress the photos with cling type stickers. She has been a "Swiftie" since she was 2 and heard "Shake it Off" which she used to shake her bootie to. She wants her favorite, McDonald's today so I'll have to check out their menu to decide what I want. I have not eaten, other than breakfast, from there is many moons. More of a Burger King fan. Hoping they have a Dairy Queen ice cream cake because that is my favorite.

    Nice day that is supposed to go up to 71 degrees. It is sunny with a slight breeze so I will dress like an onion today. Hope everyone has a great day.

  • illinoislady
    illinoislady Member Posts: 39,754

    The mere thought of walking outdoors on a brilliant golden-blue day causes fire-works of delight to go off in most people’s psyche. It gives one an instant feeling of happiness and that is meditation! We are not only in touch, at that moment, with the physical splendor of nature, but also with the beauty of merging our own spiritual nature with it. Karen Zebroff

  • illinoislady
    illinoislady Member Posts: 39,754

    Good morning. No bright sun yet but the sky I can see from my window doesn't look dark at all. We shall see, but I think it will be fine. I'm reading again that Sunday sounds to be the start of cooler weather here. There again as I've talked about out strange little pocket here, it will cool, but not to an un-pleasant level. We may have to start thinking 'heat' side of the furnace though.

    Cindy, that was thoughtful and perfect for Puffin to be soaring with the birds she so loved. Such a wonderful lady. When she was away on a birding expedition, I was always waiting with bated breath to see the pictures she would have to share — and I'm going to miss her.

    Betrayal, hope that birthday party is a great hit. Sounds like fun to me. Hmm, Mcdonald's. It's been some time for me due mainly to salt. I worked at a McDonalds in California for 9 yrs. so had a real fondness. We also had a Carl's Jr. here but its gone some time now which I liked. We see a new KFC which was a big surprise to me. I had no idea it was coming. Looks to be drive-thru only. It will be a part of a new little shopping center which was built at the same time as our new super Walmart. Just across the road from one another. Also a new Best Western on one end of the new shopping mall.

    Our older shopping mall across the street has been in dis-repair for years and keeps getting sold and new owners don't do any updates on buildings or the parking areas. Hmmm. How long I wonder has it left.

    Hope you all have a wonderful day.

  • carolehalston
    carolehalston Member Posts: 8,212

    My two favorites at McDonald's are Deluxe sandwiches that come with lettuce, tomato and mayo. We call such a sandwich "dressed." In a small restaurant here in south Louisiana, a waitress may ask if you want your burger or poboy "dressed." I like the Quarter Pounder Deluxe if I'm getting a hamburger and the Chicken Deluxe if I'm getting a chicken on bun. We like the McD fries. Not the healthiest of meals and we eat fast food mainly when traveling. We also like Subway sandwiches.

    During the summer on Saturdays after we set up our tent and display at the farmers market, I go to the nearby Burger King for takeout breakfast. Egg/sausage/cheese croissants, which were two for $5 all summer. They taste pretty good on an empty stomach. Saturday mornings are get up early, get dressed and go. No breakfast.

  • harley07
    harley07 Member Posts: 364

    Rocky - a warm welcome. I’m sorry you had to join us again however this is a great group to offer support. Hopefully you can get through the initial doctor appointments quickly so a plan can be put in place. I find the waiting to be the worst.

    Happy to hear Petite and Cindy’s properties are okay. I feel so badly for folks along Florida’s gulf coast with the flooding and destruction. Where to even start on clean up. I would imagine their home insurance rates are sky high.

    I love McDonald’s fries but rarely treat myself. I could easily make a meal out of them. We are supposed to be getting a Carl Jr.’s in our area soon but I haven’t heard the timing or location.

    I have a busy 10 days coming up with a CT scan, lab work, Covid/flu shots, and visits with the MO and GYN Oncologist. And then I’m going on vacation for three weeks.

    Not much else going on. I try to get some exercise every day so I can build up my strength.

    Have a good weekend!

  • cindyny
    cindyny Member Posts: 1,326
    edited October 13

    Harley, you seem to be doing good. I’ve forgotten where you’re off to on vacation. But building up stamina is a good thing.

    McDonald’s- cheeseburger happy meal with chocolate milk is my go to. Mostly eaten on the road too. The fries are kid size, and I usually get apple slices which cleanses my mouth before getting back on the road. But beware, the price has about doubled!

    We got the screen house put away for the winter. All contents either went into the garage or the front porch. Sad time of year with a closed pool & no screen house.

    After that we started cutting down tree limbs from a neighbors tree - hanging on our fence and over into the yard. Neighbors were out earlier and I thought they were cutting the whole tree down and offered the use of our mini chain saw. But DANG they were only taking limbs off the roof of their back deck - they have a flat roof over it. We filled a bag plus of cut up tree branches. Then I threw in the towel and came inside.

    It was only 65, but with full sun and working, we both took off our sweatshirts. We were hot! It’s early and I’m already showered and done for the night.

    Tomorrow some errands. We’ve got 2 stores we like to get to but the ones that were closest to us closed, so now it’s a drive to get to them. Enjoy your night & Sunday too!

  • illinoislady
    illinoislady Member Posts: 39,754

    Hmm, I forgot to mention we now get French fries at Dairy Queen. This is usually on the way home when we have to go to Marion, Il to the V.A. We have a very scanty breakfast if we even have time for anything before we leave — so we stop In a little town called Benton and each get a large fry no salt but all the pepper packets we can snag.

    They are always good and hot since we are asking for un-salted. We in fact are able to nibble on them almost all the way home. Also, they stay hot most of the way as well. Otherwise, I sometimes get a salad with very slight dressing and un-salted fries at any restaurant we go to for a whole meal — although mine is not quite. Fills me up though so ok. I don't eat the amts. that I use to which is likely really a good thing since I'm way, way less active. Part of me misses being able to go for hours on end, but on the other side I do enjoy no longer being sometimes required to go at high speed — always worried that I would miss something when there was lots to do.

  • reader425
    reader425 Member Posts: 955

    Rocky empathizing as you go through this again. I can't say anything more than what has already been said very well. We are here for you.

    I've been reading and "liking" but not commenting lately. Between my sister and DH visiting ( yay!) , hurricane watching (our area spared) and now doing boatload of laundry it's been busy.

    This coming week will be more low-key. I was glad for our FL friends that Milton down-sized at least a little. Helene is warranting the attention and action here in North Carolina. What a wild season it has been.

    Visited the local aquarium with our family and saw these two fellows, neither of whom can survive in the wild now. Dear Eagle with a broken wing and an albino gator.

  • illinoislady
    illinoislady Member Posts: 39,754

    You have choice. You can select joy over despair. You canselect happiness over tears. You can select action over apathy.  You can select growth over stagnation. You can select you.  And you can select life. And it's time that people tell you you're not at the mercy of forces greater than yourself. You are, indeed, the greatest force for you.

    Leo Buscaglia

  • illinoislady
    illinoislady Member Posts: 39,754

    Nice sunny morn here at 66 degrees. Reader, glad to hear things are settling a bit and you got through the storms okay. Just the thought of the clean-up is overwhelming.

    Wonderful pictures from your aquarium visit. We have nesting areas very close to us of Bald Eagles who come every year for slightly warmer weather. We don't freeze as much here at the more northern areas and they can find plenty of food out of un-frozen lakes. The albino alligator is spectacular.

    Hope you all have a nice Sunday.

  • reader425
    reader425 Member Posts: 955

    Illinois I love Leo Buscaglia. Thank you for the quote.

  • 1946taco
    1946taco Member Posts: 300

    Sitting here with an ice pack on my shoulder - we've begin getting the house ready for painting. Means sorting and moving lots of things. I've already arranged for the "junk man" to pick up the old furniture and other "stuff" we haven't used in the 12 years we have lived here that aren't even appropriate for the thrift store. Stuff for the TS goes right into my trunk.

    DH said to buy what I wanted so I took BFF to provide a second opinion on my furniture choices. She approved. We had a fun day - after the furniture store we went to a nursery for her to buy fall flowers and then stopped at Starbucks on the way home.

    Suddenly have a dog on my lap so will sign off. Wishing everyone a good week.

  • cindyny
    cindyny Member Posts: 1,326

    Taco, I’m with you on the sore shoulder. The screen house roof did not want to come down without a fight.

    Yesterday morning I looked out my bathroom window…to see our patio set in the pouring rain. We totally ignored it and left it out. I blame the neighbors tree pulling our attention away from other jobs. I think next weekend it should dry out enough to get put away for the season. There are still some solar garden things out, I like seeing them so I leave them until …well sometimes until too long and they get frozen in the ground.

    I’ve got a viewing and funeral service at 10. A few errands afterwards to run but then home. It’s 45 and rainy, full on gloomy out.

  • carolehalston
    carolehalston Member Posts: 8,212

    I went to CVS yesterday for a few items and ended up getting a Covid shot. Last night I had a miserable night with achiness and chills. This morning I crawled out of bed, feeling like I had the flu. I took a couple of Tylenol for Arthritis and am starting to feel better. So far I follow the same pattern, a day of not feeling good after getting the vaccine. DH doesn't even get a sore arm from his shot.

    It's sunny and will be hot again today. By Wednesday, a cool front will arrive and we'll have some cool temperatures.

    Taco, I hope you enjoy the new paint and new furniture. It will be like moving into a new house.

    Cindy, I hope your patio furniture wasn't damaged by getting wet.

  • illinoislady
    illinoislady Member Posts: 39,754

    This is the true joy in life, the being used up for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one; the being a force of nature instead of a feverish, selfish little clod of ailments and grievances, complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy. I am of the opinion that my life belongs to the community, and as long as I live, it is my privilege to do for it whatever I can. I want to be thoroughly used up when I die, for the harder I work the more I live. I rejoice in life for its own sake. Life is no “brief candle” to me. It is a sort of splendid torch which I have got hold of for a moment, and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations.     -George Bernard Shaw

  • illinoislady
    illinoislady Member Posts: 39,754

    Taco, I'm with Carole — new paint, new furniture = new house. I hope your arm isn't sore for long. Sort of fun in a way cleaning out your "warehouse" of all the things that have been there often for a very long time. Looking forward to making space and making THAT the style. Sounds like you and girlfriend had a wonderful shopping day.

    Cindy, I too hope your patio furniture will be fine. We don't put our big table away anymore — just the chairs which are a woven heavy material. My shed is not small, but that table takes up a lot of storage space since it doesn't fold. It's big rectangular glass.

    Good to hear you have your covid shot out of the way Carole. Important not to miss the up-dated injections since covid adapts and changes slightly. You know at least what to expect and for the protection likely a very small price to pay — not that anyone can look forward to an icky day.

    Due here to start our cooling and it is only 52 —so seems to be right on time per weatherman. Guess we are going to share with LA.

    Saying hi to all who haven't posted.

  • betrayal
    betrayal Member Posts: 3,307

    Taco, it sounds like you and your friend had fun picking out new furniture. You will feel like you have a new home with the painting, the decluttering, donating and ditching that is part of this process. Enjoy it and hopefully Ken will get caught up in the process as well.

    cindyny, I get thinking you are done and discover that you overlooked something. It's the story of my life. Except with me, it's just when you feel your house is back to normal, God says, "here hold my beer" and I get on the clean-up crew yet again. I really had a list of closets I wanted to declutter but they will be on the back burner for now.

    carole, loved how you have "dressed" sandwiches which is a new description for me but one I feel describes how I like some of my sandwiches. With the Covid shots, I have only had a sore arm that lasted for a day or so but never developed your symptoms. However, making antibodies requires your body to fire up your immune system causing body aches especially in the joints so that may be part of what you are experiencing. As uncomfortable as it can be, it is a good sign because it says your immune system got the kick start it needed. Hope you are feeling better now.

    We got ours before we left for Switzerland and will schedule flu shots for next week. I like to wait until mid-October to ensure we have coverage into the month of May. Of course, DH waits until I make mine and asks if he can go, too.

    Today was my colonoscopy and this prep was brutal. I was told to report at 10, did so and at 11 I finally went to the desk to ask what was happening? I was annoyed that no one could advise me there was a delay? Last solid food was on Saturday, so I was hangry and tired because I got about 45 minutes of sleep last night between bathroom visits. Never got into pre-procedure room until 11:20 and then since there is a shortage of IV fluids due to Helene knocking out the Baxter plant in NC, the propofol anesthesia was administered IV push. Vein used is effected but it should resolve. GI doc told me that I will age out before another in 2 years so this was the last I ever have to have as a screening tool. Ask me if I am celebrating? I think I will be hitting the bed early tonight since I was unable to nap when I came home; overtired. Plus now that I can eat, I am not hungry, go figure.

    Tomorrow is dental cleaning, DB is coming to put new cedar shingle roof on the gazebo (original has lasted over 30 plus years) and DH says termite inspection is coming, too. Wednesday I want to get bloods drawn for PCP visit at end of the month and mold remediation is to start.

    DGD's party was good. She is into Baby Alive Dolls and has got 7 of them that she has collected over the past year. She had a DQ Oreo cake which was okay. I like the original because I am a fan of chocolate ice cream. Wore the Poppy t-shirt I bought at Giverny to the party.

    harley, I forget where your trip is headed but is it a cruise? I have to get DH to send me photos so I can post some of our trip.

    Warmer this morning than it is now and the wind gusts are 30 mph. The winds appeared to be startling the deer who were running back and forth in the woods. I saw 3 of the newbies from this year and of the 2 I got a real good look at, they have buds on their foreheads, so young bucks in the making for next year. Cute but so destructive of my garden this year.

    Hope everyone had a good day.

  • illinoislady
    illinoislady Member Posts: 39,754

    If I keep my eyes open, I see bugs and snakes and intricate tiny flowers and cool rocks and nice smiles and beautiful architecture and gentle kindness.  If I keep my heart young I notice great places to play, nice sunsets, cool hideouts, neat ice formations, and strange and unusual birds and animals. Life is never ordinary.  We can make it seem ordinary by closing our eyes and hearts to its wonder, but that's not life's fault.  I prefer to notice the little things and then leave them be--never trying to take them with me or preserve them--because that's what life's supposed to be, and that's what makes me happy and keeps away disappointment.tom walsh

  • illinoislady
    illinoislady Member Posts: 39,754

    Good morning. Looks like our weatherman was right. It's 49 degrees this morning. Dh thinks we had frost last night but I'm not sure of that. Sometime during the night after I went to bed he turned on the furnace. Didn't turn it up much — only to 71, but I started out just right under my all-weather comforter and woke up a bit on the warm side. Warm enough that I got up and came out to the living room and my recliner. Needed to cool down. Anyway, it was dark — and for some reason Dh decided to talk and I had more sleep to do. I turned my hearing aids off and drifted away.

    Nothing special today but a trip to Walmart as I'm out of all my meds — allergy, little purple stomach pill and vitamins. Another reason why I got up — the back of my throat had that warm GERD feeling and it was keeping me restless.

    Hope you all have a really good day.

  • betrayal
    betrayal Member Posts: 3,307

    Had appointment for dental cleaning today and all went well. Next one is in March prior to my next surgery and even scheduled one for July for after surgery.

    Decided to run to Produce Junction for pumpkins and literally filled my pumpkins. The most expensive one was $4 and the rest were like $2 each or 2 for $3 I also picked up some mums for the window boxes and then some vegetables. I have had luck with orchids lately so picked up some on clearance for my kitchen window which they seem to love. The cost of vegetables there is very inexpensive so I see stuffed peppers on the menu as well as some eggplant parmesan. I wish it were closer but need to get over it and just go because the savings is worth the trip. Once I decorate the porch I may post a picture.

    Slept last night like a baby and slept through from 10:30 to 8:20 this am. I was exhausted after no real sleep the night before.

    DB is here replacing the cedar shake roof on the gazebo and it looks wonderful. They are so bright when they are new and I will miss the moss covered roof that has been on there for the past few years. Eventually it will turn gray from age. But this will extend the life of it. This was extremely well built and considering it had been hit by our oil delivery truck and moved 3 feet with minimal damage then (one side panel had to be repaired), it has held up well. That incident was well over 20 years ago.

    Today is only 54, sunny and bright. The leaves are in free fall and the deer are busy eating them which is welcome. I am going to go arrange the pumpkins on the porch and put some mums in the window boxes so I hope everyone has a great day.

  • carolehalston
    carolehalston Member Posts: 8,212

    Do post a picture of your porch, Betrayal. I love pumpkins and have enjoyed looking at them. Our supermarket Rouse's, Louisiana owned, had a whole assortment of different kinds for sale. I also enjoy looking at mums but haven't bought any of them either. Guess I'm not helping out the economy. LOL.

    This afternoon I went to chair yoga class. There was a sub, Autumn, who teaches Silver Sneakers classes. She did her own routine of stretches, different from the regular instructor's routine, but it was good.

  • cindyny
    cindyny Member Posts: 1,326

    Jackie, I giggled about you turning off your hearing aids! I’m also a person who needs no conversation for me to go back to sleep. If someone (partner to be specific) starts talking to me, I’m forced to engage and then I’m awake.

    Taco, new furniture shopping is always fun with a gf. You’re going to love it all.

    Betrayal, I’ve given up getting a colonoscopy. I use Cologuard. I swear I was due now, PCP says February. I looked back at calendar and it is October.

    My patio furniture will be fine. The cushions are the thinner ones and should dry out. Weekend is predicted to be full sun 67; that will be when everything gets put away.

    The funeral service was sad but good to see so many people show up. It was raining buckets and very cold. Lots of conversation and some laughs too. She had been an alcoholic and addicted to prescription meds, which she obviously wasn’t when we hung out as teens. From her life trials, I believe she was “born again.” Needless to say the service was normal, as they go, until the last speaker who told us all his life story - attempted suicide, miraculous healing, spoke to a woman with a baby telling her the baby will die, we just don’t know when. OK THEN. We could have done without him.

    Today I was up early to take my niece for her mammogram. It was at a breast center at a local hospital. It just so happened that a gf’s mom was hospitalized with congestive heart failure at the same hospital. I was able to visit with her, and dropped off the last of my purple/blue/pink hydrangeas. The rest of my hydrangea are a maroon color, very fall like. It was 40 at the time, but no rain. When we left I treated my niece to a take out lunch, making her happy.

    I received my order of a new Ring stick up camera. We want one on the garage facing the back of the house and covering the driveway. It’s charging now so I can play with the placement of it tomorrow or next day.

    I ran to out town assessors office today to file papers to get extra $ credits towards our school taxes. I think it’s an additional $700 credit for those of us over 65 yrs old, and I’ll take it!

    I’m meeting gf’s for lunch tomorrow and I’m looking forward to it. I think our meeting for outdoor lunches are done, too cold, but inside we’ll still talk up a blue streak.

    Enjoy the rest of the night!