Can we have a forum for "older" people with bc?
Comments
-
I feel like I haven't been on here for a long time.
Annie, Welcome
Jackie, sorry to hear about COVID.
I had to take a short getaway with my niece. We went to SeaWorld. It was pleasant and not terribly crowded. I assume that after the 2 hurricanes, some of the tourist left.
1 -
It's sad to lose a baby at any point in the pregnancy when it's much wanted but to go through the whole pregnancy and then have the baby die is unimaginably sad. I really can't imagine the grief.
DH seems a little better today, though it's difficult to say exactly how he's better. I try to get him up walking every couple of hours and he's always cooperative. Rising to a standing position is his biggest challenge. I made him a full breakfast this morning without asking him what he wanted. He ate most of it with seeming enjoyment. I'm making chicken and sausage gumbo for dinner.
I need to rethink going to some appointments early next week. Unless he's much better, I wouldn't want to leave him alone. None of the appointments are of life and death importance.
I hope everyone is having a good Friday. Happy Birthday, Petite.
1 -
Wren, happy birthday! 🎂
Betrayal, it has to feel nice to have the refrigerator back where it belongs, plus all cleaned up.
Petite, glad you had a little getaway. Any and all are enjoyable. You’re probably right about tourists having left.
Carole, good news your DH seems better. Your appointments, you know what can be rescheduled, so I hope easily rebooked.
I did get up and immediately just go for my bloodwork. And what was even better there was absolutely no pain, tech was great. I think I was in, out and back in my car within 20 minutes. I didn’t check my portals for results yet.
Tonight’s sunset from our bedroom window. Helderberg mountains in the distance. It’s down to 54, from the high of 60. Cool again tomorrow.
All your mention of dinners sounded good. I’m eating leftovers from today’s lunch. I hope you all have a good night!
2 -
Betrayal we are in NC, a heavily watched state now. We were told by poll workers they had never seen it like this, regarding lines and wait to get in.
0 -
The true Light is a gentle love which, rising in you, causes you to look on the world with understanding and compassion and respect. When you respect the souls of your brother and sister, you respect their lives in every way. This gentle spirit, this respect one for another, must come. For this is the generation of the one true Light, and this true light is that of love.
White Eagle
1 -
Sunny, but cool so far at 50 degrees. I'm stuffed to the gills with sinus. Already nearly worn myself out blowing my nose. I think it means I'm better.
I've nothing really planned which leaves me free for whatever pops up in front of me. I took care of most everything yesterday so I can be a lazy dog if I want to today. My madness methods still work pretty well.
I hope you all will have a really good Saturday.
1 -
Another day in progress. A home therapist is coming today around noon. I know dh will be glad to get rehab started again, as painful as it will be. Once he gets on his feet and balanced upright, he does well walking very slowly. Two hurdles to cross. Taking a shower and having a bowel movement. The second is a big concern for him. Our shower is only 36 x 36 and not handicap so he hasn't wanted to tackle it. I looked at shower stools online and may order one if I can find a tall one.
Betrayal, I know you're pleased to have your refrigerator back and cleaner than before.
Petite, glad you went on an excursion and enjoyed it.
Jackie, hope you're better today.
0 -
Jackie, I keep forgetting to ask how Lil Red is doing. You sound like you’re on the mend, so just take it easy.
Carole, good to have a home therapist coming by. For a shower chair see if your senior services have one of those “closets” to borrow medical equipment. A good wipe down with an antibacterial cloth, and use an old hand towel to place on the seat, could be very useful. Even ask friends. I have one in NY and FL garage, all up for borrowing.
My partner set the alarm to be up early, I’m a casualty of the alarm. But he has good intentions, he’s driving a friend around to view independent and assisted living facilities today. I think about 10, that are relatively close in distance, are all having open houses 9-2pm.
Bloodwork results are back. Only concern I see is the TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) level is up to 5.87. It was just tested 15 days ago at endocrinologist office and was 4.07 (I thought 4.7 but checked the portal). I think the 5.87 is listed as moderately high. It can go up to 10 I think before any treatment is needed. But I thought that was a big swing in 15 days.
No real plans here. I put the French toast soufflé together last night and it may be todays dinner. Who knows.
It’s 54 and feels like 47 from the winds. High should reach 57, so a cooler day. But we’ve got sun! Hoping you all have some sun too.
0 -
Wiped down all the kitchen cabinets, the island, and doors to: pantry, dining room and powder room as well as base boards. Cleaned all the copper molds I have hanging on the walls and the soffit. Wiped down cabinet in powder room, too. So I am tired and have climbed up and down the stool I feel like I have climbed a mountain. Left knee is in full protest. Plus Misty put in a demand to be brushed and she literally dogs me until I do it.
petite1, glad you were able to get away and enjoy yourself.
carole, please give DH some Miralax so he can get those bowels moving. Between the anesthesia he underwent and the narcotics he will have decreased GI motility and be uncomfortable. If caffeine is a stimulant use this as long as it is something he can drink; a good cup of coffee plus ambulation may help. Hope the home therapist was able to give you some pointers. If he can shower, make sure floor of shower and bathroom floor are not slippery. OT told me to place hands flat on wall when lifting leg to get into shower and then place one on wall and the other on shower wall to get second leg in. I have a tub/shower so wasn't able to fit a shower chair. Is he allowed to get dressing wet? Good luck. You are doing a fine job as a care taker.
cindyny, will your doctor get back to you about labs?
Illinoislady, full sinuses are uncomfortable so I am glad you are able to blow your nose to clear them. Nothing wrong with a lazy day. They are called "self-care" days because you rest body and soul. Enjoy it.
reader425, I now understand why your state is watched as well. I feel like we are being bombarded with political ads and in person visits to the point of abuse. I am using my TV subscriptions to Acorn and Britbox to escape TV commercials.
It is a bit overcast today but the temp is in the low 60's so I will take it. DH is installing new garden tool racks in garage. I had bought them on Amazon and they look so much better than what we had before for the tools. He overloaded one with shovels and it pulled off the wall, so he is now trying to fix it. I better go check to see what he is doing.
Hope everyone has a great day.
3 -
reader425, I live in NC also. I live in the central part.
2 -
Cindy - I'd love the recipe for the French Toast Souffle if you're willing to share.
1 -
Life is short and we never have enough time for gladdening the hearts of those who travel the way with us. Oh, be swift to love! Make haste to be kind!
Henri Frederic Amiel
1 -
Betrayal, my dr posted to the portal saying we need to watch TSH, and will treat if it goes over 7. I let her know I see the endocrinologist and will retest blood in 6 months. PCP & Endo are associated with two different hospitals. I too am SO sick of political ads. I think our local ones have blatant lies and are useless, except to annoy.
Minustwo, the French toast soufflé is a recipe I’ve adjusted. One version for guests or events, one for just us. I took a picture from the internet with all ingredients etc. - the guest version.For our own version we use any stale bread, milk or half & half - whatever is in the house. Vanilla, 8 eggs, and we sprinkle the top with cinnamon.
Use 9x13 baking dish - sprayed w cooking spray. I pull apart the bread into pieces or chunks and put in the baking dish. In a bowl I put the eggs and milk/half & half to mix like making scrambled eggs. Add vanilla and mix it in. Pour that over the bread, sprinkle on cinnamon; cover with plastic wrap - pressing it down to make sure all the bread is covered with egg mixture; and into the fridge overnight. In the AM I put in on the table for 30 mins. Preheat 375 oven. Put it in for 40 mins, test it w a toothpick, and it’s done. We use syrup over it.
The full version is very delicious. But over time we didn’t need all the extras, and adapted it to “what’s in the house.”
It’s sunny here but cooler at 52. I think the high is expected to be 53! I have no plans today. I’m in fleece pants (lounge wear haha), tank top with a fleece zip up. I’m going no where.
Tomorrow is dermatologist visit for a full body check. I go yearly. The month of October is full of doctors visits for me before we leave for FL.
PS- the squirrel has eaten so much of our pumpkin that the crows arm that held a “Welcome Fall” pumpkin was on the step as I grabbed the newspaper.
1 -
I went back, I don’t think I posted the squirrel.
Enjoy your day!
2 -
Cindy, that photo of the pumpkin is a photo contest winner! I love it.
DH and I had a rough night last night. I was up tending to his needs at 11:30 and 2:00 am. This morning he has been sleeping in his chair. I just woke him up to watch the football game. I'm afraid if he sleeps all day, we'll have another not-so-restful night.
2 -
Cindy, your picture is a winner. I loved it and I must say the squirrel looked to be in 7th. heaven. Speaking of squirrel, I opened the door a couple days ago for our cat Buddy to come in having at the time no realization that he had a squirrel he had caught — in his mouth — still alive. Dh picked him, squirrel and all up and put him back outside. Oh my !!!! The other indoor cats had gathered around for the fun, but it didn't last long.
Souffle sounds just fantastic. I make one, similar that I cook in butter in the oven right after mixing. When done I sprinkle it and all the yummy butter still there with powdered sugar. I think the recipe I started with called a German souffle or something — I just liked it because it was easy and fast. Dh use to drown everything in maple syrup and often left the bottle nearly empty for me so it became a way for me to enjoy French toast w/o the need for syrup at all.
Carole, I do hope tonight is better for both your Dh and you. I'm still being a lazy lout but will do a couple of things today just to keep my hand in.
Hope you all have a great rest of Sunday.
2 -
Thanks Cindy
1 -
If it can be verified, we don't need faith. . . . Faith is for that which lies on the other side of reason. Faith is what makes life bearable, with all its tragedies and ambiguities and sudden, startling joys.
Madeleine L'Engle
0 -
Today is sunny but only 54 so on the cooler side. I have not been outside yet but plan to try to get out some today.
Restoration guy is here to paint garage wall and back hallway. I am not sure if this is the last day or not. I called appliance repair because the invoice did not show up in my email and here he had the wrong email address. Project manager just stopped by to assess job progress and it seems we are on the last leg.
I have been busy trying to clean rooms on the first floor and today was the eat-in area of the kitchen, foyer and dining room. So the focus was dusting, washing any glass surface including windows, shelves in baker's rack and inserts in doors. I rearranged the plants on the bay window, too. Vacuuming the dining room rug and dusting. So now that I am finished, I am sitting for a cup of tea or cuppa as the Brits would say.
Watched a funny movie last night starring George Clooney and Brad Pitt called Wolfs. DD and DSIL joined me and thought it was funny, too. DSIL celebrated his birthday on October 24th and needs to pick a place where we can go to dinner to celebrate with him.
Hope everyone has a good day.
1 -
Betrayal, you are such a good housekeeper. I can visualize how clean your house is. I used to be like you but have gotten more lax.
I just came back from Sam's Club. It was a good day to go. Or a good time of the day. I got a parking place in the section closest to the entrance. I use the Scan & Go app, so never have to go through a checkout station. DH and I like the hot dogs in the cafe section so I bought a couple of hot dogs for our lunch.
He is suddenly much better. He slept well last night and is managing his pain with Tylenol for Arthritis so far today. I am feeling more optimistic about recovery.
Jackie, a friend of ours had a cat door for her two cats. She started suspecting that she had an animal intruder in her house. Sure enough, a raccoon had moved in. I forget how she managed to evict the raccoon.
0 -
I had my full body check at the dermatologist this morning. All good, see me in a year. But the derm who started the business retired; the next guy I was seeing left in April; the one I saw today is leaving in December. I text a gf asking who she saw, so I picked her dr for next year.
So my squirrel appears to be missing his front hand/paw. My Ring camera captured him a little while ago and when I peeked out she/he was on the railing, where I could clearly see a stub. Eat up nutty buddy!
Betrayal, I agree with Carole - your house must be super clean. And Carole I’m glad your dh is doing so well.
I’m dropping the car off tonight for an oil change and tire rotation. I couldn’t get an appointment online, but know if I drop it tonight they’ll get to it at some point tomorrow.
Full sun, only 51. I had to wear a jacket. You’ll think I’m nuts, but I’ve got to start wrapping Christmas gifts that stay here. I feel like I’m behind. Enjoy your day!2 -
I have always been delighted at the prospect of a new day, a fresh try, one more start, with perhaps a bit of magic waiting somewhere behind the morning.
J.B. Priestley
2 -
Hmm, my house was clean once. Don't recall if I celebrated. Well, I am keeping up after a fashion. Just ben a bit slow and tedious with the covid cooling my jets. All to the good likely. Still a work in progress though. That pretty much means today is one of those days — do catch-up and maybe something from my ever-present long list of must get done's —sooner or later.
Some nicer fall weather — already 71 this morning so shouldn't be too bad today. I hope you all have a really nice day.
1 -
DB here today to finish roof on gazebo. I have a list of other jobs for him as well. He looked at crown moulding they replaced and it is pine, not the cherry it needs to be. So I will make sure insurance reimburses me for this. He will need to stain it to match the cabinets and make another piece for the base of the refrigerator. The old one was mold covered on the back.
I need to paint the baseboard they installed since they did not do it. It's only about 10 inches long so no big deal. Also there is a wood strip (a 1x3) at the bottom of the wall they replaced in the garage and they purchased it pre-painted white. Since my car door does bang it on occasion, the last thing I want is for it to be white. I will paint it to match the walls as it did originally. DB had painted a strip on the other side of the garage white and DH thought for this reason I should leave it white which explains why he is not in charge of any decorating decisions in the house. The strip on the other side is not impacted by card doors or any impact damage so it can stay white for now. They did paint the drywall under the pantry projection the same color as the walls so I am pleased with the paint job on the whole.
I'll rehang the wall decor in the back hallway today, probably paint the baseboard and then dust and dry swiffer the floors in the living room. It's nice to have my house back and intact.
Ordered wedding present for my niece and her DH-to-be from Costco. They offered a deal on a mixer she wanted so I was able to get an upgrade for less than the one she had put on her registry. Now I just need to figure out what to wear to the wedding since she requested "formal" wear. I am not about to buy something new so will have to shop my closet. I have dressier clothing from my work days and think I can put together an outfit that meets the criteria. Not sure I will be able to wear heels so will need to find a pair of shoes that will go with the outfit but also be comfy.
Carole, had to laugh at the cat door story. Raccoons are smart so that door did not present any challenge to it. I am not a clean fanatic and my house has a tendency to attract clutter (DH just drops things wherever he happens to be) but I do like to do a deep clean twice a year (spring/fall) so I can just do maintenance cleaning thereafter.
cindyny, so glad you are happy to let the squirrel have at the pumpkin. I will take those I bought and dump them in the woods in November. I don't carve them so they do last longer. I enjoy watching the squirrels and deer attack them for food. Seeing 4 deer standing in the woods with sections of pumpkin hanging from their mouths makes me happy. It is something they can eat and digest once they switch to winter GI tracts.
Illinoislady, I don't celebrate a clean house because with the menagerie I have and DH keeping it that way is a challenge on a daily basis. But if I can deep clean and then just do daily touch-ups I am happier. I don't know which cat decided to dig in a planter in the laundry room but there was dirt all over the washer and dryer tops. So that was a surprise this morning. Then there are the kitty lotter tracks the cats make in spite of the mats outside their boxes. So there are few days that don't involve some cleaning even if it is only a touch-up.
Today is cool again with temp of 54 but it is sunny and clear. Rain expected maybe 11/1 so hoping that is true. We really need the rain. Hope everyone has a sunny day.
2 -
I went for a walk this morning. It felt good to get out and exercise my body a little. Only 25 minutes but better than not walking. DH can get up and down and use his walker without me so I can leave him for a short period. I thought I might go to the outpatient center and have blood drawn this afternoon, but I think I will postpone that until tomorrow. I will definitely do a workout, though, with some squats and exercises from the senior classes. One is standing up from a sitting position in a chair, sitting back down, 12 times. By next week I should be able to resume going to exercise classes.
I wrote a text message to the surgeon's office this morning with photos of skin tears on dh's thigh, and his incision. The latter looks really good. The skin tears happened in surgery. We're guessing that tape was applied to his fragile skin and then ripped off too roughly. The home health nurse has done his best to bandage the raw patches of flesh but he doesn't have wound care skills or bandaging. This morning we used some very expensive supplies given to us by a wound care specialist in MN. The bandages can stay on for 7 days. I ordered some of the same supplies and the cost was $100. When the home health nurse comes again, he'll probably want to take off our bandages but we don't plan to allow it. He means well but he doesn't have supplies as good as the ones we're using. One product is a film that allows blood to seep through. Waterproof bandages are placed over the film. Three of the waterproof 4 x 4 bandages are $15. So you can understand why these supplies aren't in the home health kit.
I'm definitely feeling more optimistic about dh's prospects for recovery and rehabilitation.
Hope everyone is having a good day.
2 -
Windy as all heck today and cool too. My car was ready for pick up before I was even awake. I ran some errands, and picked up movie tickets for all the kids Christmas gifts.
Tomorrow it’s supposed to hit 72. I’ve got gifts to drop at gf house; meeting another gf for lunch; then in the evening I’m going with another gf to a rubber stamp Christmas card class - many embellishments to the stamping.
As it gets closer to me leaving, we’re all trying to get together. I haven’t eaten so many lunches out in restaurants in a long time!
Carole, it sounds like your dh is doing much better, probably due to your extra care.
Betrayal, we had a little rain tonight, and we also need it. I’m glad your house repairs are moving right along.
Hope we all have a great Wednesday!
1 -
In loving others, we elevate others as well as ourselves and grow closer to our Higher Power. . . . We rise and transcend our false barriers to enjoy the Oneness that, even if long forgotten, we still crave deep down in our cores.
Michael Goddart0 -
Looks like a pretty Fall day here. Not too cool. I have nothing planned. Still trying to get the final dregs of my covid to let loose. Bills to pay today is about it. And rest — lots of rest.
I hope you all have a good day.
1 -
Jackie, I'll be glad for you when you fully recover from this bout of Covid.
Cindy, you're a cyclone of energy, as usual. Movie tickets as gifts, what a good idea.
Yay! The home therapist came today and actually did a therapy session with dh. She was impressed at how well he did. We requested more sessions with her before he starts outpatient.
Taco, how did the paint job go on your house? Do you love the change?
Happy whatever-day-today-is to everyone. It's hard to keep track.
0 -
carole, glad DH is doing so well post-op. Good that he is getting therapy at home before he starts OPT which will be more rigorous. Make sure he takes pain med before going to therapy so he can fully participate.
Illinoislady, hope each day makes you feel better. Rest as needed and do those small chores that offer a sense of accomplishment but aren't taxing.
cindyny, great gift idea and all those lunches sound like fun. When do you leave for FL?
Taco, are you back in your house yet? I'm curious as to how the new paint brightens your home.
I painted the baseboard that the restoration guys forgot. It took all of 10 minutes and I will wait to see if it needs a second coat. Did discover that the painters tape they use to position plastic sheets do remove paint though they claim they do not. It damaged one section of the wall and one door frame so I will repaint the latter but they painted over a small area where the tape removed the drywall.
I used old paint from 2019 to touch up areas that were not repainted (different types of paint quality; old not washable whereas new is) and will toss can now. It was not usable to do hallway so they purchased a new can.
Did laundry today so any cleaning was limited to routine chores of sweeping, etc. Did not get to dusting in living room yesterday because I got distracted by leaves on front porch, then realized window box flowers were in need of water, then watered indoor plants and then it was time to start dinner. So that is on agenda for tomorrow.
I will get second Orthovisc injection tomorrow, run to CVS for prescription afterwards and may head to Michael's to see if I can find frames for matted Monet paintings I purchased at Giverny or the Orangery.
Having to deal with house restoration when we arrived home means the items I had on my "to-do" list for when we returned have been on hold. Frames weren't one of them but the others require trips like going to Calico Corners to see if I can still get fabric that is on the Queen Anne chair that Misty used as her scratching post. I am hoping I can get it since it is my favorite chair. If not, I will see if they can replace the sections with velvet while keeping front of chair material.
I worked for a bit in the garage checking out new tool hanger system, examined the many umbrellas we seem to have (where did they all come from?), and tossing those that don't work or are stained. Hanging the bags I use for frozen foods transport on hooks. We need to put items previously stored under the pantry overhang back and then address what is left to be kept, donated or tossed.
Today was warmer, sunny and clear. Hope everyone had a good day.
2
