Can we have a forum for "older" people with bc?
Comments
-
Hmm, I think I had those childhood medicines a bit backward. Sometimes I wish we still had them since in my memory they worked pretty well. Well, I guess the good thing is if I cut myself or something I don't have to feel like I'm setting myself on fire to treat it. We now have Liquid Bandage or Neu Skin. I'm not sure it made me any safer or so much more careful as a kid, but I dreaded having to "get treated" for my childhood wounds. Usually meant a little more pain.
We will have some warmth back now — likely in the 50's or so for a small while. It felt a little bitter around here for a couple of days with near freezing temps in the early morning with a high wind.
Had to go out and get another harness for Lil'Red. He has been 'chewing' on them when we are not watching him. We are on our third one, and he won't be wearing it full time — at least not in the house. After he has been neutered and had more training sessions, we likely will be able to resume allowing him to have it on at all times which we prefer. Also it will have his tags, etc. on it — so another reason he needs it.
Nothing much planned for the day. Will likely take some cards to the post office to be mailed. This may be the last yr. All depends on how things go with the changes taking place first of the yr. Like many may feel, the changeover in presidents sounds like life could be more difficult. So a number of life habits may have to change.
I hope you are all going to have a good day.
1 -
Jackie - I agree it may be the last year for Christmas cards. I bought stamps this week to mail my Cards. I knew the price had gone up, but really….$0.73 each!!!!! Anybody else remember 1960 when the rate to mail a first class letter was $0.04?
2 -
Minus, I stopped sending cards (b-day, xmas, etc.) decades ago…lazy. I didn't come to America till 1962, but I remember the 5 cent stamps and then the 1 centers to add on when the prices increased.
2 -
Wow! Seventy-three cents! I had no idea. I have stamps but seldom need them since I pay most bills online. I used to enjoy sending Christmas cards but stopped about 5 years ago. We receive fewer cards, too, as time goes on. I do enjoy opening up the cards and some contain letters. I used to make up a Christmas letter with photos. "Used to" becomes a refrain as one gets older and lazier. Now friends and family put pictures on Facebook as they travel and I say Happy Birthday to these same Facebook Friends. My siblings and I have a text thread and communicate on Sundays and sometimes more often.
One holiday occasion for us is attending a church Christmas concert. We'll do that this afternoon with another couple and go out to dinner afterwards. The weather is iffy with possible rain. I hope it holds off. We have to go early to get a seat since this concert is very popular. The restaurant is perhaps my favorite with a menu full of delicious options. It is also very popular so we have a reservation.
Happy Sunday to all.
2 -
Freedom--no word was ever spoken that has held out greater hope, demanded greater sacrifice, needed more to be nurtured, blessed more the giver. . . or came closer to being God's will on earth.
Omar N. Bradley
0 -
I'm amazed as well Minus two. I fortunately have some stamps yet to use up — and they are forever ones so I think I might still be okay this yr. But that will be it. I only have a couple of bills I have to pay through the mail. The rest I deliver around as I'm making a trip to the grocery store or one of my favorite stores like Goodwill. We are fortunate to live in a very small little town (12,000 people) so most places I take bills are within a couple of miles of my house. Other bills I do pay online. So far, that has worked well for me. I do know (Dh is one of them) a couple of people who are it seems always getting 'hacked' but I've never had it happen, knock on wood.
We are in our warmup period now and the next week or so (by comparison) will almost seem like an Indian summer although it isn't — but just a really good warm up after some cold temps with a cold wind at the same time. I'm sure I'll miss it when it goes. I do have to admit our last 3 or more Christmases have featured rain — so I can't complain too much, I guess.
Saying hi to all and enjoy your day. Carole, your dinner outing sounds great.
2 -
Principles are like seeds; they are little things which do much good, if the mind that receives them has the right attitudes.
Seneca
1 -
A rainy day here. First one in a while. It isn't cold though. 69 degrees according to my laptop. DH went to the gym early anyway and is gone now to a medical appointment. I've been doing house chores like folding clothes. Finally switched out a couple of fall decorations with Christmas replacements. I'll wait for the rain to stop before I put the wreath in its place by the front door. DH will have to help set the timer for the lights on the wreath.
So glad we had a better day yesterday for the Christmas concert. It was excellent as usual. St. Timothy's Methodist Church has a music PHD (college professor) as choir director. Several solo singers had beautiful voices. I can't carry a tune and can't imagine being able to sing like they did. The program includes children's choirs and the smaller children were really cute. Every year Little Drummer Boy is on the program and a child walk up the aisle with a drum. The little fellow this year walked so slow we didn't know if he would make it to the front before the song was over. LOL.
Happy Monday to everyone.
1 -
Good morning. It rained during the night, but the sun is finally out. It's 52 so not really cold but a mite damp. Dh wanted to use the plug in nearest the refrigerator which meant pulling it out. It was my big chance to clean the inside of my fridge. It is sparkling now, but oh what a chore. It was past due, and I was going to make it one of my New Years first chores. I'll have to think of something else now that I may have been putting off.
Not a lot planned to today. Some catch up things mainly — because I skipped a couple yesterday to do the fridge. Nothing critical though that couldn't easily wait. Like my extra sheets that need to go into the washer. All easy things.
Hope you all have a good day. Saying hi to anyone not able or wanting to post for you.
1 -
It's foggy out and 71 degrees. Definitely muggy weather and not an ideal day to drive to Ponchatoula (30 to 40 minutes) for a hair appointment. I hope the rain holds off for a stop at Walmart afterwards. I have a list of things to buy. Often I meet a friend at a coffee shop when I go to Ponchatoula but she wasn't available today.
This hair appointment is for a trim but it's possible that I may go back to color in a future appointment. I'll live with "natural" a little longer. DH won't state a preference. He leaves the decision up to me.
Wishing everyone a good Tuesday.
1 -
Nature is the clearest source of solitude. The greatness of nature can overwhelm the insignificant chatter by which we measure most of our days. If you have the wisdom and the courage to go to nature alone, the larger rhythms, the eternal hum, will make itself known all the sooner. When you have found it, it will always be there for you. The peace without will become the peace within, and you will be able to return to it in your heart wherever you find yourself.
1 -
Jackie, Minus & Wallycat, I do remember 5 cent stamps and the 1 cent ones to add on. I’ve said I’d whittle down sending cards, but it’s ingrained in me to just send them. I don’t get nearly as many back as I send. And I’m one of those that write them out usually on Black Friday while watching tv.
A funny thing - I kinda go on autopilot while doing them. A gf let me know, years back, that I signed the card from me & my EX! Autopilot I assure you.Carole, hair color- thankfully my partner won’t say a preference choice either. Whatever color I want is ok with him, which is ok by me.
Weather has warmed up. It was too hot to take my walk this morning by the time I got up. Cold snap coming, haha, and I’ll enjoy it.
Saturday, the concert was great! Very small venue so an intimate setting. We were near the back which turned out perfect. Seating was tight and the closer you were, the more squished you were too. I also giggled, we were all old.
The slots took my money, if you can imagine that! Dinner was good too. We were home by 11.
Sunday was out friends/neighbor’s daughters Christmas skating show. Such a joy to see how much she’s improved, she’s very good now. We sit at VIP tables set on the ice, I’m dressed in layers like I’m in NY, and still freeze. Afterwards we all went out to dinner. My pictures aren’t the best; videos of her solos were better.
Monday was a dental cleaning for my partner at my dentist, so I went with him. Power washing was completed, finally. I was able to get the light timers set up, and sone other Christmas stuff out. We had a HOA meeting last evening that ran long. Some folks like to hear themselves pontificating.
Today should hit 82. No plans set, so it should be an easy day. I’m trying to get an appointment with an orthopedic to a cortisone shot in my left knee. Recommendations from two neighbors so I hope one gets me in quickly.
Have a great day ladies!3 -
A gray day in my neighborhood. Yesterday was in the high 40’s but temps will fall throughout the week.
I too remember the 5 cent stamps. I rarely need stamps now as I pay all our bills on line. I stopped sending Christmas cards many years ago. Had no idea stamps are now 73 cents - holy cow!
We went and saw the Wicked movie last week and really enjoyed it. I’m not quite as enthusiastic about it as my son who has seen it a few times, but the music was great and it was very entertaining. The 2 hours and 40 minutes flew by. I could do without the 30 minutes of ads and trailers at the beginning. We had eaten most of the large popcorn by the time the movie started. 😄
We hope to go on a Christmas lights tour later this week. There are several parks within an hour of us offering Festival of Lights. It will depend on weather.
Missing Betrayal, Sandy, Chris and others that no longer post. Wishing everyone a good week.2 -
I remember the 4 cent stamp. LOL.
I am waiting the results for the mamo and ultrasound on the new lump. They said in 5 days. 4 more to go.
4 -
Petite - fingers crossed. Waiting is soooooo hard.
Cindy - Signed your ex's name on the cards…..That is the funniest thing I have heard in a long time. Thanks for making my day.
2 -
Harley, I may have to go see Wicked. You made it sound interesting.
Petite, UGH, the wait! I hope all benign results.
Minustwo, can you imagine! GF said she wasn’t going to tell me but it was just too funny.I decorated inside the house today. I blasted Christmas music thru Alexa. I sang, no voice made worse from thyroid issues, and I danced - even with swollen knee. The tree needs all its ornaments put on but I’ll get it done over the next 2 days.
I did get in with an orthopedic doctor tomorrow at 10, which was super lucky. Scheduler said no guarantee he’ll give me the shot because it’s my first visit. Fingers crossed he gives me a shot of something!
1 -
In the rush of daily living it’s easy to forget all the remarkable people, real or fictional, who have been a part of your life. But if you just imagine they are near for a moment, you will realize that anyone who ever touched your heart is always with you, patiently waiting to emanate warmth and support whenever you remember to think of them.
Barbara Sher
1 -
Fingers crossed on both hands, Petite.
Cindy, the mental picture of you singing and dancing while decorating made me smile.
45 degrees and sunny outside. I will go to the gym, probably to the senior exercise class.
0 -
((((((Petite))))))
Cindy — lively and in the spirit is good.
31 degrees here right now. It will get a little better, but who knows, maybe snow again over the weekend according to the weather person. Well it is December. Snow this time of year, since we have been a few years without is almost a shock to the system though. Guess I'll just buck up and get along.
Carole, for my exercise today I'm going to pretend I'm going with you to yours, and then stay home after all.
Taking Lil Red tomorrow to the vets for his "change" of mind and body neutering. He is such a smart little guy but has been something of a handful at times. Hoping in a short while the operation may help cool him down a bit, so he is a tiny bit more receptive. Not bad for training one on one really but taking him in the stores and other places is really stimulating now and he gets hard to handle.
A couple of outside errands today but nothing difficult.
Hope you all have a good day.
0 -
I finally hung the outside wreath today. The lights all work. DH set the timer so that the wreath lights at dark and goes off at bedtime.
Tonight we have the woodworkers' guild Christmas party, which is a buffet dinner. There is usually a slide show presentation showing completed projects by various members.
I have been busy around the house and haven't gone anywhere today. I made a loaf of whole grain bread with Einkorn flour, an ancient wheat flour. I like it for breakfast toast.
Jackie, I hope my exercise yesterday didn't strain your right shoulder, like it did mine. LOL. I had to take some Tylenol Arthritis this morning.
1 -
Hmm, my exercise went well. I hardly noticed anything. In fact, I didn't notice ANYthing.
Busy day today. Had to take Red early to the Vet and was able to pick up back up at 2 P.M. That sort of wrecked the day. I do the majority of my chores (not laundry though) in the morning — so I used up all the morning from taking a half hr. off to go to the Vet.
Lil' Red did well though. He was so happy to see us. You'd never know he had anything done. He got microchipped and got his rabies vaccine and I got him 6 mos. of heartworm treatments as well. By the time he is done with the heartworm pills, he will be old enough to get the three month shot for all kinds of worms, including heartworm and fleas too. Easier then my trying to keep up with monthly dosing.
All went well once we were back home although that pretty much ended my work day. Had to cook up some chicken, and vegetables for supper although Denny went to the Church. They use to send you home with packaged food but people were abusing it. They would get several containers and then would not have to cook at home all week. So now, you have to stay there and eat the food you are given. Denny likes to go and meet his brother. So far, and with "Red" not real trustworthy yet, and due to salt restriction, I stay home and cook something. I have leftovers so we have a couple of meals. I don't really mind since I can be highly flexible with my schedule that way.
Hope you all have a really good day.
1 -
Jackie, I’m glad Carole’s exercise didn’t hurt you! That made me laugh. I’m happy Lil Red seems to have not been bothered by his procedure.
I made my orthopedic appt yesterday. They did X-rays and reviewed my health. I did receive a cortisone shot, and he’s put in to get approval for an MRI. He thinks I have pseudo gout. Nothing like regular gout, but it can cause problems with the knees. After that, I ran around doing errands before rain hit. And then took a nap! I was icing my knee and just felt exhausted.
Today was very cool temps for us. Petite, you must have been very cold. I got out for my walk at 11:30 and it was maybe 63 & very windy. I only walked 1.2 miles, my knee was letting me know not to push it, even if the weather was perfect.
Not sure I’ve mention my garage door opener has been tripping the circuit breaker- multiple times now. I thought the light bulb was going. Well, it’s original to the house, 19-20 years old and it seems being a snowbird/not being here, I missed multiple neighbors having to replace theirs. Off to Lowe’s we went and purchased a new one. Installation will be tomorrow at 10 - friend/neighbor is doing it for us.
My gf had her follow-up from the PET scan. Not good news, uterine serous carcinoma. Hysterectomy on 1/2; then radiation - possibly BRACA therapy; chemo therapy to follow. She’s hoping for robotic surgery vs old time, due to recovery time.
Then another gf called, her colonoscopy procedure found 25 polyps (last time was 18). They removed a lot but didn’t take them all. She needs some genetic testing and I’m not sure what else is down the line for her.
Both these ladies are younger than me and it just boggles/overwhelms me being in FL vs NY. Rationally I know where I am has no bearing on what they’re going through. But I feel like I should stop by, if you know what I mean.On that note, …I change the subject. I see Sandy’s Chicago is getting blasted with snow. Hoping her & Bob are settled in the rental and their home rehab is progressing.
Tomorrow night is our community Christmas dinner. We had a lot of fun last year and hope to do the same this year. Hoping you all have a good Friday!
3 -
Illinoislady - happy to hear that Lil Red’s procedure went well and hopefully will lead to calmer days for you.
Petite - thinking of you (((hugs)))
Cindy, I’m so sorry to hear about your friend’s health issues. The uterine serous carcinoma sounds very scary. Keeping her in my thoughts
Not sure how the weather is in Chicago by Sandy, but here in the NW suburbs we aren’t having snow but it is COLD. Should warm up over the weekend to the high 30’s and rain is forecasted.
We went to see the Christmas lights at Cantigny in Wheaton tonight. They were lovely and we really enjoyed it. We went early and it was not crowded. It was 12 degrees but we were dressed appropriately for the weather. We figured it was good practice for our trip to northern Norway in February.
3 -
Good chilly morning at 25 degrees. A bit of a wind out, but it does not look blustery so that's good. Hopefully, I won't have to go out at all today if I don't want too.
Cindy, I too felt sorry for your friends and their medical issues. Coming during a holiday time isn't so great either. I pray things will turn out better than the 'sound' of the problems. I never thought about getting dx-ed during a holiday time, and I know that it is almost beyond my ability to imagine. They will certainly be in my thoughts along with some others.
I've never heard of pseudo gout, but I've never heard of a lot of things. I would think though it is likely as bad as anything. I've only known one person (that I was aware of anyway) and she was really young that had gout. I think it was in her toes of all places. I always thought of it (not don't get mad at me Cindy) as an old person's issue, but obviously that's not true. I hope that you are able to finally find relief whether pseudo or real.
I keep hoping all my joints hold up. I really don't want to face replacement of any or to have chronic problems with them either. So far and I'm knocking on wood.
Harley, those lights are so pretty, aren't they? There is something to having this take place in the cold weather that seems to enhance the displays. We haven't been to ours yet, but it is right off the main road we use to go into town so at some point we will swing through and go through the park. I like to wait and do it if we have an evening where it is snowing. It is so pretty then. We have two sections of park to go through as well.
Hope you all have a marvelous Friday.
0 -
No, you don't want to be diagnosed during the holidays because it then ruins the holiday for you forever. I used to love Christmas but haven't had a tree in my house or decorated since 2015 which is when this WTH nightmare began. Scheduling procedures is less than easy, getting results can take 7-10 long days and the availability of access is mixed. Deja vu is not fun.
I am living this yet again and hate December for this reason. Everything negative about my health has occurred in December: BC, complications of my what was supposed to be outpatient surgery last year, and now this.
I can handle major household damage and find the wherewithal to keep it together but this just guts me. I am tired of hearing sorry from healthcare personnel. It doesn't really help.
Sorry to be a downer but I do wish all of you a happy holiday.
5 -
Betrayal and Petite - thinking of you. Carole, sorry to hear about your friends. I had Braca therapy and thought it was great compared to the stories from others.
I too have the December story, Betrayal. Diagnosed just before Thanksgiving, operated on before Christmas, did rads over new year's and then started chemo after a planned trip to Maine to help my DD while she was having some surgery. Eight years for me too.
I seem to be beating the Dec. blahs this year however. Niners had a fun holiday luncheon after golf yesterday and my English friend had a few of in for "Tea" this afternoon. Tomorrow we go to Ella's holiday show and out to dinner. Friday is a party at Briarwood and we are having a few folks in Christmas Eve. Christmas Day at our friends with their extended family. Did I say diet in 2025.
It's cold here mornings but getting into the 70's during the day. So far no frost delays. I used to tell my real estate clients that it isn't warm here all winter but it's definitely nicer than wherever you are moving from.
3 -
Betrayal your are not being a downer. Just real with us and understandably sad and frustrated. You are in my thoughts and personal prayers.
I am enjoying some holiday activities also but outside of the reason for the season itself, which is meaningful to me, I have a lot of sadness over circumstances and events, mostly from long ago, that still rears it's head.
My weight Watching efforts are sliding into next year I believe. Goodies are everywhere and I've been feeling disinclined to deny myself much.
1 -
When a sudden ray of sun or a moonbeam falls on a dreary street, it makes no difference what it illumines--a broken bottle on the ground, a fading flower in a field, or the flaxen blonde hair of a child's head. The object is transformed, and the viewer is transfixed. Celebrate that moment of beauty and take it with you in your memory. It is God's gift to you.
Luci Swindoll
0 -
Hope to post tomorrow. I have the mild scratch on the eyeball syndrome going on today.
1 -
I am officially a wimp. I was going to mail a package at the post office but took one look at the horizontal rain and came back inside. The package may not make for Christmas but at least they aren’t little kids. I was also going to treat myself to a crepe and that will wait as well
3
