Can we have a forum for "older" people with bc?
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Carole - thinking of you and DH and hoping for a smooth surgery and recovery.
Taco - by the end of the week you will have a ‘freshened up’ house. Enjoy!
Betrayal - Yay on the feed line. Problem can be repaired and paid for by insurance.
Reader - good to ‘see’ you.
I’m dragging myself off to the gym. Have a good day everyone!
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Happy relationships depend not on finding the right person, but on being the right person. -Eric Butterworth
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Well, of all things. Turns out I have Covid. Cindy (I think it was you) who gave the link to send away for covid home tests). That said, I don't know how long I have had it but must 'wonder'. My symptoms actually began right after I went to the walk-in clinic a few wks prior when I found the two very, very baby ticks on me. So late in the year I got worried — so went to and got an antibiotic. Within the first dose and a half a day I started with reactions —- which I falsely assumed to the antibiotic and maybe age. I had never had a reaction to ANY antibiotic before, but you know 79 now — so it just seemed like 'reactions' had finally reared its ugly head. I'll never know for sure, but I'll always wonder if I got my covid at the clinic.
Anyway, not a candidate for the quick covid cure after all this time. I trust my PCP with all my heart. So, she said we are going to knock this for a loop. I have two antibiotics to take — that will cover anything nature could throw at me right now. Also a capsule for the coughing that I can take three times a day. Big help for me since I was now coughing so much I would throw up a little. The a nice Medrol pack to give my lungs a lot of support. PCP said the recent radiation still has the power to make me a little on the 'gaspy' side and all the coughing just wearing. So, I'll have to heal at a slower pace, but it is a huge comfort to finally know why I felt so bad when I had every reason to feel good. I'll get there is much slower.
Well, anyway, I've read your entries and I'm with you all. Betrayal - sure good news about the water line. Fall, its a lot of work here, but I must say I do love the changes. Hate to be bare all winter, but then I celebrate with my Sentinels that keep watch over my yard and property as we wait for Spring. With the strange turn of events here — not sure how much will get done. leaf blowing and mulching.
Hope you all stay well and hugs to recent operations and a hope all went well.
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Illinoislady, glad you finally have a dx but not glad that you have Covid. You have really had some medical challenges lately and I am so glad your PCP has taken a proactive tactic to get you back on your feet again. You just need to let nature take its course now for recovery will be slower than you wish. Hopefully you start to feel better in a few days.
We can't find the part the plumber was supposed to leave and think his helper accidentally picked it up not knowing why we wanted it. The bill is worded to reflect it wasn't the water line to the ice maker but the feeder line so we will see if SF will consider it. Getting hit with unexpected expenses after planned expenses is a bite to the budget especially when we had other jobs in the pipeline. The refrigerator tech comes Friday and we will see whether he finds an issue with the ice maker or due to the age of the refrigerator, he recommends replacing it now. It is extremely hard to get the refrigerator out due to its size and the fact it is a built-in.
Costco run with DS was profitable for him since I buy the groceries and he buys me lunch there. I love their pizza and always get a slice. DD and DSIL will get some muffins, and some Rice Krispy treats (shared with DS). Got some chuck roasts for the freezer as well as ground beef.
The last time I bought a chuck roast at the grocery store it was so tough we could not eat it, so I won't buy them there again. I use the oven bags to make Yankee pot roast with them and have never had this experience before. I have a seal a meal machine so they were sealed, are flat and frozen in the freezer here in the kitchen. Now that they are frozen I will be able to move them to the garage freezer.
Tomorrow is drywall installation so I did some cleaning on the first floor. They still have the barriers up and so far have been good about clean-up. The kitchen floor really needed mopping as did the powder room and laundry room. I've been working in the other rooms as well, so I know vacation is over.
It was supposed to get to 83 degrees today, but not sure if it did. It was sunny and that makes me happy. Hope everyone had a good day.
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Jackie - so sorry to hear that you have Covid but at least you have an answer and meds to get you back on track. Please make sure to take care of yourself and not overdo it. (Hugs).
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Wee oh, I’ve missed a lot. Jackie, worst of all, you getting Covid. If I were a betting woman, I’d bet like you - that you picked it up at the clinic. Hope the rest of your family stays safe.
Carole, hoping the knee replacement went well.
Betrayal, glad it was the part covered by insurance and hope without the part your insurance doesn’t second guess it. I just tossed out the parts from my boiler that failed causing the flooded basement. They said to hang onto them; they’ve sat in my garage for 2 yrs!
Harley, sad news about your friend being dx with ALS.
Taco, so exciting, the painting will be great!
Reader, fall is a hard season, also a beautiful season.
Monday I had mammo & ultrasound. I’m now getting “screening” vs “diagnostic.” So I was happy to be in & out quickly. And all is clear, they’ll see me next year.
Then I had a cortisone shot in the sheath of the bicep tendon. Kind of painful but quick. It was a busy doctor day.This morning I met gf’s for a walk in the park. We got in over 3 miles! Beautiful weather up until Thursday. It was 80 today & yesterday.
This afternoon was my yearly eye exam and I had her do contact lens exam as well - not covered by my insurance. My eyes are still dilated. Now I go back tomorrow for a lens check, at 8:30 AM! This night owl didn’t have much of a choice on availability. I see a nap in my future tomorrow.
I received the water bill for the past 6 months and it was about $100+ more than I anticipated. We had the meter replaced and I thought it must be an error. But they said the old meter was blank with no reading, so they average the last 3 for the same period - which included the flooded basement firm 2 years ago. I tried to reason with them, no use. I get to bite the bullet for their faulty equipment. Not happy over it.3 -
Oct 22, 2024
This is a first post test to see if this really connects with a kind, autumn loving group. I celebrated my 75th birthday last month. First BC in 2012, left.
Annual monitoring includes mammo and MRI.
Mammo report came back squeaky clear; MRI sends me to US and possible biopsy on Thursday, Oct 24 on right.
May be off to the race again.
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Jackie - as I said on another thread - SOOOOO sorry you have Covid, But glad you're finally diagnosed and starting the road to recovery.
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Welcome annies00, sorry you had to come here but you will find the support you need, just ask.
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Welcome annies00 - hoping for a clear US and no biopsy on Thursday. But if it’s bad news, we’ll be here to support you.
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anies00
Count me in. So sorry you are here, but so glad you found us so we can be here with you. Fingers crossed for your results but either way sending all the comforts we have.
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Welcome, Annie. Ditto to Harley's comment.
Jackie, sorry you have Covid. What a bummer. Hope the meds do the job quickly.
DH came home yesterday after one night in the surgery center. He's doing well as far as I can tell. Today the home health nurse and the therapist are scheduled to come. DH is very committed to a full rehab because he wants to have the other knee done. Thanks for all the concern. Being a caregiver in this situation if a fulltime job, at least for stretches of time.
Our fall like weather is ending and we'll be back to warm temperatures during the day. The October sunlight is brilliant.
Happy Wednesday to everyone.
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Carole, glad to hear DH is doing well after his TKR. Rehab is the key to a good recovery so happy he is "in to it". It's nice that he is already thinking about his other knee needing replacement. I signed up at my first post-op appointment for the next knee.
Illinoislady, hoping you are felling better today.
Today they are here installing insulation in the crawl space, the back hallway and hopefully the garage under the pantry projection.
I raised a question with the project manager about the flooring under the refrigerator in its alcove. I was concerned that the refrigerator is very large and with the new water line installed I do not want it damaged because it cost a fortune. The crown molding above the refrigerator needs to be removed before they try to return it to its alcove. They plan to drywall the back hallway and if they do behind the alcove they have no access to the alcove without moving the refrigerator whereas they could install the flooring now before they dry wall because they can access the alcove from the back hallway. Looks like my concern is being ignored and their plan is to move the refrigerator. I need access to the refrigerator and I am sure once they install the floor, they will need to let it dry before they can return the refrigerator. They installed insulation behind the refrigerator in the alcove which means they will have to get in there to install a sheet of drywall.
This dilemma woke me last night and at midnight I was sending an email to the project manager. Returned to bed and didn't nod off until 2 am. Woke at 5:30 for a bathroom run and dozed fitfully until 7:30 when I called it quits. Doing laundry and last load is in dryer now.
Tomorrow I have PCP semiannual visit and need advice about my right hand. It seems my carpal tunnel repair from about 30 years ago is failing and my thumb is swollen with a knuckle that doesn't want to bend. I am right handed so it is interfering with my ability to write and other routine uses. I am sure they will have to do another surgery on my right hand since the first 3 fingers (thumb to middle finger) are numb.
Lovely sunny day going up to 80 supposedly. I want to get outside so I am hoping they finish early. Hope everyone has a lovely day.
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annies00, welcome to the group. Hoping your US goes well, and biopsy if needed is painless and fast.
Betrayal, it’s entering your dreams! Or should I say it’s stopping you from your dreams. Good luck with pcp and your carpel tunnel.
I was up at 7, and it felt like I had just closed my eyes. But Fitbit say 5 hr 38 mins. Exam was really just to look at what contacts I wear now because vision is the same - checked vision (which is better 1 or 2?) and fit. Kept the same script.
I left there and went into a salon to see if someone could fit me in for a haircut. Super lucky, I was able to get a cut. Felt great! Looked good too.
Ran up to the park for a walk. I’m trying to force myself to go slow. I started a new audiobook. Only in 2 chapters but I like it.
Came home and went back out to the grocery store. I’ve got some stale bread to make a French toast soufflé, but needed eggs. We ended up outside cleaning up plants- I chopped rose bushes - the ones that were damaged in the April storm of tree branches crushing them. By time we were home, even broken & crushed they were flowering, so I left them. It was now or never. The never is - I never put together the soufflé.
Jackie, I hope you’re feeling better. Our weather was beautiful again today, and dropping 20 degrees by tomorrow. But I think Halloween prediction is 71-73. So all good.
I can sleep in tomorrow, no alarms set. And it’s another feast or famine day: feast - lunch w gf’s, and dinner with another couple. Hope you all have a good day!
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We made it through night two at home with no problems. I was like a hospital nurse last night, waking him at 12 midnight with 2 tylenol and 1 tramadol.
His PT has been suspended for 3 days. Both the nurse and the therapist were concerned that his bandage on the incision has absorbed so much blood. The therapist took a photo for the surgeon to see. I suspect he should have been kept another day in the hospital. There was still some drainage when he was discharged. He's a bleeder after so many years on blood thinners.
He will be a happier patient when bathroom regularity kicks in again.
I am feeling some caregiver's stress but am grateful things are going as well as they are.
Jackie, how are you feeling today?
Cindy, when are you going south?
Betrayal, is your refrigerator a SubZero? I had one of those in our house that we built. It was really nice.
Happy Thursday.
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Carole, yes the refrigerator is a Subzero and I love it. They no longer make the side by side in this size so I want to keep it running as long as possible.
As far as DH, try some Miralax because the narcotics will prevent bathroom regularity from resuming without some help and this is another reason to move every hour while awake. My sutures were absorbable so the dressing over it looked like a long piece of clear gel. I was able to remove it within a week of surgery. I was supposed to be able to wear it in the shower but delayed showers because we have tub showers. Being short, it took a while to get my knee to bend well enough to clear the edge. If they gave him a nerve block in his leg, it will wear off around day 5-7 so pain may amp up then. Just a heads up so you don't think something is wrong.
Illinoislady, hope each day brings some relief from the cough and that you start feeling better. It's a slow slog so just try to lean in to it.
Cindyny, you are really like the energizer bunny. I miss those days and hope they will return soon. I am tied to the house with the workmen here. More like a nightmare than dreams but slept like a log last night to make up for the worry interruptions the night before.
The project manager is sending the flooring for under the refrigerator and I did make him aware of the crown moulding above it. I don't know how they got the refrigerator out without damaging it but the compressor is on the top and is higher than the crown moulding now it is out of the alcove. Reminds me I want to vacuum this once more before they reinstall it. The entire crawlspace is now insulated which means the powder room floor might be warmer in the winter. They are doing a good job and clean up after themselves.
Temps are lower today with highs only to reach the 60's but the sun is out. We are in a serious drought situation with no rain in nearly a month. Fortunately with the lower temps the lawn is not burning up.
Misty thinks my powder room once garden window is her domain and the only plant I've been able to return is a large jade plant. She sleeps in this window during the day and watches to see who comes up the driveway. Yesterday she was watching the leaves fall and one landed on the sloping upper window. She was batting at it like she could knock it off. It was fun to watch as was watching her head bob as she followed falling leaves. This is the window where she stands while I brush her daily.
harley, bon voyage. Enjoy your cruise.
Hope everyone has a great day.
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You have choice. You can select joy over despair. You can select 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, indeed, are the greatest force for
you. Now, you can't do it forme, but you can do it foryou.2 -
Still hoping all goes well with your restoration, Betrayal. It does sound like it is smoother than the last one. Never fun, but the reward when really done will likely pay off in knowing that his one thing can likely no longer ruin your day — all will be brand new. A true joy and accomplishment.
Carole, hoping recovery will go smooth once the drainage issues are handled. Sometimes it is hard to tell which is worse — being the patient or the nurse. I hope once therapy starts things will get easier for all.
Cindy, all that yard work. I do so little here now. Well, guess that's the beauty of having a SIL living with you. You get to shun so many of the things that were musts, and have too's and watch someone else do them.
I am starting to feel better. It has been up and down with a lot of down, but I have a couple of things that have to be done here and then I pile up in my recliner in front of the t.v. which generally puts me to sleep. Hopefully I'm on the way. Still feeling fairly congested, but the cough is better.
Hope you all have a good day.
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Was handed a card at registration when I went to see PCP. On it was a message that the doctor had lost her daughter (she was pregnant and near her due date the last I saw her) and would we please not offer any condolences, just discuss our health care needs. I was immediately upset and did manage to pull myself together by the time I saw her. She was her normal self, kind, smiling, compassionate and I truly admire her for her ability to use work to offset her tragedy. A tough visit for sure but kept reminding myself this was not about me and my feelings, but hers. She was eagerly awaiting this girl so her son would have a little sister.
I'll return in 6 months and told her not to schedule the Medicare one, I find it a waste of time.
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Appointment at 8:30 today. US and biopsy done by 9:05. That was easy. size 6mm.
I see my oncology dr on Hallowe'en for the news. Waiting game now.
Thanks for your warm welcomes.
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annies00, fingers crossed that bx results are in your favor. I am hoping tour MO has a sense of humor and dresses up for Halloween.
I saw my Rheumatologist on Halloween several years ago and one of the girls in the office had this strange costume on but after a few minutes, I asked if it represented "road kill" since she had a road with a double line and something splat on it. I was told I was the first to get it right. My Rheumatologist had a funny hat on (she always wears a baseball cap) and these funny Halloween themed socks on. Made me laugh and less anxious about the visit.
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Wow, that would have been a toughie about your PCP losing her near term baby girl. Very sad. Apparently, she is able to cope by keeping others well through her own major loss. Sometimes, maybe work is all we have to get us through the day while we make our mental adjustments and acceptances. Betrayal I hope maybe she may think to try again and have far better results.
annieoo's all my fingers are crossed for you. I hope the news is something you can feel highly workable for you. We all care.
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Betrayal so sad about your Dr.and her baby. 🫂
DH hit it out of the park again with costume plans for a Halloween party on Saturday. He tends to keep old things in mint condition....last year we went as Hockey players complete with authentic jerseys and sticks; this year "Geeks-R-us" - truly vintage electronics related tee- shirts, lab coats, slide rules, etc. I told him I'll put masking tape on our glasses to complete the look!
Yesterday I voted. Long lines and traffic in this "battleground" state. I always think of dad when I vote, who would have been 101 and was at Normandie, liberated France etc. When they thank me for voting, I always say "it's my privilege."
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Jackie, rest, rest, and rest some more. You need it.
Carole, I’m glad your DH seems to be doing well. Last surgery with opioid use, I was drinking plenty of water full of Benefiber as soon as I was home. It worked well for me.
Betrayal, how awful about your doctor’s loss. It would throw me and probably affect my BP too. You held it together.
Annie, a Halloween appointment- yikes, sense of humor required. Waiting is the absolute worst. I too hope the plan is something workable for you.
Reader, that sounds like a perfect costume for the two of you.
Today I met gf’s for lunch at a local diner. The food and the company were great. I did need a light jacket, temps were 20 degrees lower than yesterday. Tonight was dinner with another couple at a BBQ place. First time we’ve been there, and it was good. I’d go back.
I may go get my bloodwork over with tomorrow morning. I should say I hope to, but won’t know for sure until the day plays out. It’s a fasting blood test (several), and I’ve been known to be up but truly not awake. If I lapse into auto pilot, I’ll have to wait until next week.
Cooler weather for a few days but rebounding by Halloween. I hope you all have good weather coming up too.
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Notice what happens when you doubt, suppress, or act contrary to
your feelings. You will observe decreased energy, powerless or
helpless feelings, and physical or emotional pain. Now notice what
happens when you follow your intuitive feelings. Usually the result
is increased energy and power and a sense of natural flow. When
you're at one with yourself, the world feels peaceful, exciting, and magical.
Shakti Gawain1 -
Good morning. It's overcast today and looks like rain. Well, it sure will stay cooler today then. Just went to the door and there are sprinkles on the deck. Hmmmm.
Cindy, your day yesterday sounded fun. I used to love finding new places to eat. I miss it on the salt restriction. A dietician I talked to a while back mentioned 'allowing' myself to sort of pig out once in a while but that is difficult for me because it was so hard to learn to restrain myself after years of indulgencies. I'm afraid it would be like potato chips — you can't have just one when half a bag is there to be had.
Can't believe its almost Halloween again. Where did the time go. Well, Ditto for November and voting this year which everyone does need to do. It's all these things that happen in Fall and most are fun and so much more so for the kids here with parades, wiener roasts, old fashioned hayrides, and memories to be made.
I hope you all have a wonderful day.
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Found online obituary for the PCP's daughter which mentions "she was born asleep" and it was heartbreaking when she added a very personal note about holding her in her heart forever. Glad I found it after visit and not before. I am normally not a crier but this did bring tears to my eyes as did the note handed to me. Her son is about 5 so I don't know if she had trouble getting pregnant or if it was planned this way but I ,too, hope she will try again. Everything seemed to go so well this pregnancy after her problem first pregnancy where she was hospitalized with pre-eclampsia and gestational diabetes.
Illinoislady, glad you are feeling a tad better and encourage you that baby steps are still progress. Hope the weekend is pleasant.
Restoration yesterday included replacing piece of damaged crown moulding that I will have DB stain since they feel they cannot match the stain. My cabinets are natural cherry that has darkened over the 20 plus years since installation so it will require some finessing. Finally have access to refrigerator so first order for today was to dump it and clean the interior. Will wipe down cabinets as well. Countertops are done as is very crowded kitchen garden window which contains contents from powder room garden window, too. Plants watered.
Want to make an eggplant parmesan for dinner and have some other vegetables I need to cook up: zucchini, yellow squash, and peppers so may make a primavera sauce for spaghetti as well.
Today he is focusing on finish coat for drywall and plans to paint on Monday. So not sure if he will put a base coat on today or not since mud needs to cure?
Sun is out, it will be in mid-60's today and long awaited rain is not in our near future. Seems we might have to wait until November for some and at this point we are 9-12 inches into a deficit. Sure as heck don't want it all at once.
Of course, the name of the wind I wanted to share with harley was found today as I cleaned out this basket I use for things that need to be retrieved easily. It was a Chilean wine from a winery called Errazuriz, the wine is a Sauvignon Blanc Late Harvest in 375 mL bottles. It was the nectar of the Gods and it cannot be found in the US as far as I can tell. I'm hoping we can get our hands on some bottles on our cruise in February.
Hope everyone has a great day.
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very sad about the baby. I can’t even imagine how awful that would be.
I’m officially an older woman. Today I turned 84.0 -
Happy birthday, wren44 and may you enjoy many more.
reader425, love your DH's ingenuity for costume design. Enjoy the party. I am in PA which is also a battleground state. Where are you?
Refrigerator tech just left. He did not have to replace ice maker but I had him take a look at the condensation drainage tube which I have been unable to clean to my satisfaction. He replaced it, took the drip pan off so I could clean it (it was gross, too) and the actual labor charge is more than the part. He left me the excess tubing and told me how I could replace it myself in the future. Considering this was original which makes it 26 years old, I might not be here to do that. So I did a fair job of cleaning it for the past 26 years and he suggested a flush with hydrogen peroxide to remove the bio-slime that develops in it. I did do a google search once but they suggested bleach (ah,no because the tubing is plastic) or vinegar (again a solid no). I had a brush I could insert for maybe 5 inches but was afraid to be too aggressive and the line is about 5 inches longer. So where I cleaned wasn't bad, where I could not reach was yucky. So the refrigerator is all sparkly now and I can start to reload the freezer with things moved to the garage.
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Happy Birthday Wren. Just think how wise an 84 yr. old person is. We never have to get actually older as long as we are getting wiser and making that time count — and it is just a count of a sorts. I hope your day is special. Enjoy with long sighs of contentment.
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