Can we have a forum for "older" people with bc?
Comments
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Betrayal; my prayers that you have a better new year. 🤝
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It's afternoon and I thank you Betrayal for your great entry although we all do CARE that the X-mas holiday became and remains so rough for you. As Chris said — hopefully the New Year will see things some to some fair outcomes for you. Sorry so many in your circle had negative events as well. I do think it is hard to stay in the spirit when these things happen.
I threw out breadcrumbs to the birds. Sure, hope they found them all. Yesterday seemed fine, no ice, or sleet and while not exactly pleasant you could drive and move about pretty much as you desired. Today was a bit different. I opened the door to let the cat out (he is hopeless as he doesn't care what it's doing outside, he wants to try going on) and I had to push again snow that sounded crunchy. Sleet was apparently inside, unlike yesterday's snowfall. Sure glad the factory decided to close. They texted today and said they would be open tomorrow. Likely all the surrounding communities workers drive from as well as here have the roads etc. under good control now. So back to work for everyone. Paychecks are better that way.
So it has been nice and quiet around here for us. I've not gotten a whole lot done, and really don't know how the time is managing to escape me. I think when things are more normal I may be able to get back to getting my extras list pared down.
Hope you all have stayed well and will continue that way.
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Betrayal - I’m sorry to hear you and your loved ones are having such a difficult time. I’ll be thinking of you with regard to the MRI and hope that 2025 will be kinder to you.
Jackie - I’ve been watching the weather in your area. Since you did not mention it, I presume you still have power which is a good thing.
We got together with college friends on Saturday night. It was good to see everyone and catch up. While the weather was cold there was no precipitation so it made for an easy 1.5 hour drive. It was a little awkward as no one else at the party has personal or close family experience with chemo. While most of them saw me in September while I was undergoing treatment, apparently they expected me to be undergoing treatment indefinitely. We have a mutual friend who passed away from ovarian cancer a few years ago. She was diagnosed at stage 3C and lived with it for over 10 years. It was a very tough time for her and it was her main topic of discussion when we were together since she was fighting for her life. I’m trying to get the point across that I have early stage OC and treatment protocols are different and have changed over the past 15 years.
We have another mutual friend who was diagnosed with breast cancer 4 years ago (same as me) and talks about it nonstop and the difficulties of taking her ‘chemo pill’ (exemestane). She was not at the party on Saturday. The BC cancer friend’s husband has gone so far as to tell me I don’t really understand what it is like to have cancer 🙄. When we saw this couple in September and they found out I have OC, he told me his wife has to take a chemo pill for 5 years and I should be grateful I only have to have chemo for a few months. I quietly reminded him that I also had BC 4 years ago and have taken hormone therapy. This couple tells everyone she is taking chemo. Not sure if they really do t know the difference or if they are being disingenuous. I get the AI side effects are miserable (it’s why I stopped taking anastrozole) but I don’t get the need to constantly talk about it for several hours at a time. I generally don’t engage with him and have told the others that living a normal life is very important to me. This really bothers me because I feel like some people have been very dismissive of my cancer diagnoses. I guess I just need to ignore the ‘noise’.
Have a good week.
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harley, I do not face the health care challenges that you do and I apologize for harping about mine. Sometimes you just need to hear how others are faring to gain perspective.
I think I need to just lurk again. I will see my MO this week and hope she can offer some information that will make this waiting period not so scary.
Thanks to all of you who have offered comfort. I do appreciate that.
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I don't think you need to lurk Betrayal. You just gave a good explanation of how you got to your 'BLUE' month of December. I don't know about others, but I liked getting to read the details fully. I can read something several times in a row and see something I missed just about every time.
And Harley I likely don't fully get how you feel but other than in the beginning (it is really a heavy-duty learning period) other than a light recap I don't see the need to talk endlessly about medical issues too much of any kind. I guess I've seen my cancers as I had them, got over them, and time to move on but at times I tend to simplify heavily. Because this is a cancer blog I expect to hear mentions a-plenty and it doesn't bother me when they come, but I really do think it should NOT be the ONLY topic. We ladies (and the men who have had a go of it as well) did have life before, during and after and I also have this idea that when you put space in-between your illness - whatever it is - by involving yourself in other things which are hopefully positive you allow negative instances of life to fade and the more you do that the more you can give to others and receive from others. There is more to life than ill health — this is a blog meant for the comfort of sharing and that is be it illness or wellness. We chose to be a part of each other here and for the most part I feel like I hear nice conversations that consist in your letting me know if your not well right now or troubled by something along with your joys, successes and interesting things you are doing.
For instance, like the great pictures many of you share. Hope we all get well if ill, stay as well as we can, and enjoy ALL of our life.
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Betrayal - I look forward to reading your comments. Please continue to post. That’s the purpose of this thread and forum - we can vent to people who understand where we are coming from. I hope your MO can offer some comfort. Personally, I find the waiting and uncertainty to be much worse than the diagnosis and treatment.
My post above was just a vent. There is one couple in our group that gets under my skin and I need to learn to ignore them. Every visit starts and ends with them complaining about the side effects of AI’s before anyone can ask how they are. And they rarely ask how others are doing. Ignoring them and the general noise is something I will work on in 2025. 😄Jackie - thank you for the wise words.
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Fighting life only saps our energy, blocking us from the love, healing, and compassion available to us from our own hearts. Once we accept our given reality, our energy shifts. Release happens.
Susan Santucci
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Good morning. Haven't opened the kitchen door so no idea if we are soft or crunchy outside yet. No one bothered (at my age I'm not too concerned but it's not great to leave the wt. on the deck) to shovel the snow off. Maybe I'll give it a whirl. Dh has a balance issue so I'm the best candidate, I think. We were mainly making sure the snow was over.
Not letting the indoor/outdoor cat outside which he hates, but he doesn't go anywhere. Snow seems a bit much for him to. There is a place under the table where snow didn't collect as much and he sits there till boredom sits in.
Harley, wise words from you as well. I think we all have had people like you describe. I'm not sure how much they really have going on in their life save for their medical maladies. There is a quote I've put in here before and you certainly made me think of it:
“A friend is one to whom one may pour out the contents of one’s heart, chaff and grain together, knowing that gentle hands will take and sift it, keep what is worth keeping, and with a breath of kindness, blow the rest away.”In life, everything changes — one way or the other. So, hopefully the focus will become being able to grow past things as they change — hopefully for the better. Sometimes we get stuck in things and the key to moving past hasn't shown up. This is a special place for us and I hope everyone will feel accepted as we grow.
Son-in-law came home from work. He got a wishy-washy stomach after getting a hot drink from a machine at work. Thinks maybe the machine was dirty. Maybe, but I also think if your system is a little off any ingredient in the drink could cause issue. Way too many chemicals in things is my view. Then again, lately I've read a lot of recalls in all sorts of things — even vegetables. I'm hoping this doesn't get worse. Hopefully Son-in-law will feel better soon.
Hope you all have a really good day.
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Harley, reading about that couple I wondered if her husband is paying her a lot of new attention and she’s working to keep it coming. I hope she never needs chemo, that would be a major whine. I can certainly see why she gets under your skin.
I’m experiencing my usual winter slump. Leaving the store in the drizzle I felt at the end of my rope. Wonder what a week in Mexico would cost. And there are months of this to go1 -
The temperature is staying in the 40's today for our high but it has been sunny most of the day. I ventured out to a couple of places, including a Walmart. Back home I put a big pot on the stove and started a beef and veggie soup for dinner. The ingredients added to the pot so far are simmering. It's definitely soup weather.
Happy Tuesday to all.
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I accept life unconditionally. Life holds so much--so much
to be happy about always. Most people ask for happiness
on condition. Happiness can be felt only
if you don't set conditions.
Artur Rubinstein0 -
It's 19 degrees out right now. Still have all our original snow — just glad it hasn't been added to. The kids say that our country roads to the highway are still slick in places. It hasn't much affected their comings and goings but Dh and I haven't gone out. I hope I can continue to keep Dh satisfied to stay in as yet. Since he needs a cane just for starters — this is not a good time for him to go out anywhere if he can get out of it. He does tend to get cabin fever while I could likely be content to be in for weeks.
Hoping for a bit of sun today and tomorrow as the sun's rays would help dissipate the snow and ice on the roadways.
Carole, it is definitely soup weather, or chili weather or beef stew. We just finished some chili. I love making something that will afford leftovers for a second meal.
Wren, that is sure something I never thought about — and it really struck me because I use to dislike the fact that my Dh was always quick to tell others about my health when I didn't like it being brought up much. Your so right about the chemo too. The 5 yr. pills have issues but weren't anything much like chemo and the throwing up (despite lots of meds for it) that happened all 6 months of chemo for me.
Nothing special planned today. Paid most of my bills already and glad to have gotten them out of the way.
Hope you all have a really good day.
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Tippy is doing well on button training. He hit four buttons yesterday. Actually, I think he was looking for the "birds" button. I subscribe to yutube, only because he would have them on 24/7 if he had the choice. I had retired it, but more buttons are coming. We went for a walk, he pooped. We got back, and he hit the "walk" button. He needed the positive reinforcement, so we went for another walk. I needed cough drops anyway.
I am trying to keep the humidity up around 40%, but I think that to do so, I would have to keep the kettle on 24 hours a day. OH, well.
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Have MO appointment tomorrow and hope I can get some answers. Hematoma still present so hope she can evaluate size and what NP found suspicious on U/S. Fact that radiologist dismissed NP finding because she was unable to locate it was disconcerting. NP found it by palpation and with U/S. Not sure of radiologists ability to perform breast exams by palpation even if they work in a breast center. Waiting until March MRI is anxiety producing since I had unexpected ILC initially.
Had to rehome one of my cats due to her deciding to start marking territory again and her inability to adjust to Misty's presence. Tawny was the kitten my DD graced me with but after 6 years of tolerating her occasional misbehaviors, it came to a head before the holidays. I had other stressors and did not need to be cleaning up after her on an almost daily basis. DD said she would take her and she seems to have made a good adjustment living with her and her two dogs. I think she needed to be an only cat because she did not really get along with the deceased Smudge either. So now we are both at peace. I hated to do this but she was also aggressing Misty and Leo, on occasion, as well. Leo and Misty play together and it is good to see him be active again.
Decided that weather was not conducive for us to drive for nearly an hour to attend the memorial service for the wife of my old sitter's son. It is very cold (29 degrees), with wind gusts up to 30 mph and still very icy on the roads. DH was able to get car up the driveway but not sure if he would be able to do this later. I do not want to try to climb driveway for fear of falling. It's a challenge when it is clear due to length, steepness and rise, but really dicey when it is ice covered. Waling in the snow is not an option either. Spent many a year hiking up and down during the winter when knees were not an issue, but no longer.
Deer have slim pickings and have been through the yard to raid bird feeder. Not many birds noted at suet feeder today while it was quite busy yesterday. Mostly sparrows and cardinals with an occasional junco. Haven't seen the tufted titmouse yet this year.
Bumblebee is singing to his swing which he hits with his bill to make it move. Funny to watch and the tune varies from the one he sings to his red bell. He's such a cheerful guy and makes me smile with his music and antics.
Today I worked on Ancestry and family story that I have been working on since forever. One version was from 2012 but I know I wrote most of it long before then and probably started it in the 1990's. I keep finessing it as I find more family records but there are some gaps I most likely will not be able to close. I printed it so I can determine where citations need to go and then need to add them to the Resources page. Most citations are from records and a few are from family conversations on found records or stories. I'd like this to reach an end at some point since no one else is interested in the family history or if they are, it is because they want to claim the information as theirs. Shared parts with a cousin who published it without giving me credit for the information. I spent hours sitting in the National Archives in DC, in Philadelphia and the Pennsylvania Historical Society reading microfiche, old ledgers, wills, etc to get this information and spent quite a bit of money as well, so I no longer "share" information. Seems selfish in a way but stealing the information and then publishing it without citation of source is a form of plagiarism in my book.
Want to get back to walking on treadmill in preparation for our trip. Stopped when I was ill with the cough. Finished last of base cabinet organization yesterday. Have 2 upper cabinets I want to do: the lazy susan corner one and the one next to the stove I use for spice and excess glass storage. Neither should take long but I need the incentive to do them. Maybe this weekend since we are to get more snow. Today I want to finish my laundry and then hit the treadmill.
Leftovers for dinner so just reheat and eat. Hope you all have a good day.
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Good to hear how things are going at your house. I was sorry that you had to rehome Tawny, but with your situation I so agree. Also, the fact that you know (since it's family) how Tawny will be treated, and you can even visit her at times.
I have had a number of problem kitties through the years, but have not had to resort to re-homing any. There were a couple who would have been much happier as only cats, but it just wasn't in the cards. The last one was a huge cat, quite sweet but she lived in a very large dog crate for many yrs. At first she would not come out at all. I would move her to a smaller crate to thoroughly clean hers and then deposit her back. Finally, she would venture out —- mostly during the day while most of the other cats were dozing in their favorite places — and then finally she only went in the crate from time to time - mainly to use the potty box and sleep — and finally, not even that. Had her for years, but only the last year was she out of the crate completely. It was nice to have a living room free of a large dog crate. I haven't had 'markers' but some who on occasion will go outside the box if anyone using the box has (ahem) accidentally kicked a small pile of litter on the floor.
I hope you can get some answers tomorrow as well. I can't imagine being expected to wait as long as you may have to for answers to these issues. It just does seem to an extent that a somewhat cavalier attitude has infused many who are to care for you. Not sure why they seem to have no idea that ANY time a disease like cancer is a possibility that most people would REALLY want and hope to know far sooner rather than later. It would be so nice to have some reassurance.
Easy dinner tonight — whatever I make. I laid in a couple of goodies like a pkg. of hot dogs (I'm careful of the salt) and extra hamburger should I want to make a pot of spaghetti or flat burgers for us. I made some brownies the other night so even so dessert is ready.
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I patiently tolerated Tawny's misbehaving, on occasion, for nearly 6 years but a recent series of escapades pushed me over the edge. Having to confine her to the basement, where she would be cut off from direct attention, was not an option because occasionally Misty would go down there. I did not want any "accidents" in an area that had just been refinished in 2022 after the tree strike in 2019.
It is just after 6 AM and I have been up since 4 AM. Unable to fall back to sleep so decided to cut my losses and come downstairs. It is 18 degrees outside and what kept me awake was high winds that reminded me of what happened in 2019. They were really howling at times so that is something I will never forget as long as I live and hope never to experience again.
Of course, my being awake means I have the dog and both cats wondering when they will get breakfast. I won't feed them because that is DH's job and if fed at this hour they will begin to demand it daily so not happening.
By mistake I printed out another family story for my ggm and it contains information I gathered when I did research in Ireland. I had completely forgotten about this, so I am glad I printed it out. I have some genealogical information here that I can add to Ancestry and to the other storyline I was working on. Still have those family members who remain in the shadows either hiding or waiting to be revealed. Hard to verify records online for overseas resources so I haven't bit the bullet for paying those fees yet. I also need to go through the records I have in the basement because I have copies of birth and death certificates, naturalization papers, deeds and wills for various family members plus newspaper descriptions of weddings, etc.
Misty is grousing at DH to be fed. For such a small cat, she is quite vocal and insistent. Next will be her hounding me to brush her. Any move towards the laundry room or powder room is the impetus for her to gallop to the powder room since I brush her in that garden window (which is now her napping spot and only has 1 jade plant).
Horrific news for West coast with the fires that are raging. Hard to watch the news and harder yet to accept the climate change deniers. My heart goes out to those who have lost their homes.
Hope everyone has a good day.
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No doubt we would all agree with the sentiment: “There’s more to lifethan things.” Yet much of our lives seem to be spent in the acquisition,maintenance, and disposal of material goods. Certainly we cannot enjoythe basics of food, shelter, and clothing without a concern for things.The truly important things of life, however, are those which cannot beencountered by the physical senses, purchased with money, or placedon a shelf. When we take a look at what we value most in life, we generally find family, friends, health, peace, contentment, laughter, helping others, and communion with God foremost on our list of priorities.
Unattributed
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harley and betrayal, I haven't sent you cyber hugs in a while, but I do read and think of the difficult times you are having.
belated (((((hug)))))
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Awoke to sun outside. It's 11 degrees so not too warm; that's for sure. Hoping the sun's rays get the roads in good conditions — just in time for new snow that is due to come later. Maybe we will get lucky and not get it but at the amt. stated it sure seems like we could. It just looks so nice outside right now that it's hard to imagine.
Nothing special for today. We will not have mail delivery due to the ceremonies for former Pres. Carter. Apparently I never paid attention before because it is the first time I can recall not getting mail for a former Pres. funeral ceremony. Well, that will mean likely late mail tomorrow which is okay with me. We don't get much in our mail but ads and bills — and for both I can stand a little wait.
Nothing much going on today. Not sure if I will venture out. Likely not since it is really cold out and my car hasn't been cleaned since the snow fell. It has just sat all this time. So, it would need to be started and well warmed and windshield and roof cleaned off well. Lots of work to ??? go out and pay a bill.
Just checked out the kitchen door and the snow is still very crunchy sounding when I try to open the door fully at all — so maybe we need to go back to hoping that sun penetrates. I did see drops falling from the roof yesterday afternoon so here's hoping.
I feel such sorrow for those in Calif. as well. We lived there (Dh for 30 yrs. and I was there 25) and I have to say between fires and earthquakes there was always something of grave concern going on. All the while we were there (lived in Santa Barbara/Ventura areas ) we had one fire that reached Goleta which butted up against Santa Barbara. There was also a little community (I believe the name was Sunland, but I can't quite recall) that was between Ventura and Santa Barbara along the 101 highway. There was a fair-sized banana plantation there. Well during one of our rains a whole lot of the hill Sunland was on collapsed and people had to leave because it was no longer safe. A number of homes were destroyed in the landslide and no more plantation either. One of the terrible hazards possible when building a whole community on a hill. Of course, the hill overlooked the highway and the beach and ocean were right across in full view. Dh and I looked at a home there once to buy and later I was sure glad we didn't choose it. We instead went to Ventura and bought there. There wasn't anything in Sunland, and you would have to go to Santa Barbara or Ventura to do any shopping — so easier to live there too.
I hope you all have a good day and decent weather. I'm enjoying the sun even if I don't go out. I don't do well if it stays gray too long, so the last two days have been wonderful for me.
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I’ve been watching the LA fires because DH’s sister and her family live in the area. Farther inland thank goodness. But how dangerous for so many people. 42F here with 2 hours of sun expected. Never been to a tanning salon but it’s tempting. Only thing holding me back is how easily I burn
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Betrayal - we are glad to hear from you and knew about your Dec. blues. Glad to hear you're working on the genealogy though. I found that using Ancestry following that guide I sent you, opened up several finds that don't show up if I was just using FTM to go to Ancestry. I've been working on better documenting, especially for my Magna Carta barons. My families weren't savers so I don't have all the personal narratives that you do.
Haley - sorry you had to spend so much time with those unpleasant folks. Unfortunately the older we get, the more conversations get stuck on one's own, but not anyone else's, health. But this is the place to bring that.
Weather sounds and looks terrible for many of you. Be careful. No one needs a break from slipping on icy surfaces.
And the fires are beyond comprehension. I feel particularly sorry for those who didn't own the million plus dollar homes but rather those in the "poorer" neighborhoods and the small business owners.
This has been an interesting week for us. Ken had what for most people would have been relatively minor surgery but because of his congestive heart failure was really scary for us. He did well and is home with minimal pain medication.
I've taken over all the dog walking which has been a challenge, especially the early morning walk when it is the 30'3-40's. When one needs to wear gloves, it's hard to manage a leash, a cane, and a poop bag or two. Chris, the button system sounds interesting and working for you.
We also had the fire alarms begin "chirping" about 6:00 Wed. morning. Fortunately our electrician was able to get to us quickly so we didn't have to live with it for too many hours.
Stay safe everyone.
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Taco, glad that Ken is doing well. Your picture of yourself as the dog walker made me smile. I didn't realize your temperatures got that cold, in the 30's and 40's.
The fire catastrophe in CA is beyond awful. So much charm and character of "ordinary" neighborhoods has been destroyed, never to be rebuilt. Not to mention the destruction of lifestyles. And the fires continue to burn. I just heard on a business channel on tv that the insurance cost will be ten times the cost of the Maui fire.
We're having a cold rainy day. I plan to venture out to the gym. I may skip Molly's senior exercise class and do my own "thing."
I want to kickstart some more weight loss. It feels good to be down the few lbs. I've already dropped. I'm wearing a pair of jeans that were too tight.
Happy….Friday. Had to stop and think what today is. LOL.
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Hi all….I have had a long hiatus from BCO but I hope to be here more often.
It is always good to see you all still posting. Of course, cancer is the commonality; however, the ups and downs of life are an important conversation.
Fortunately, my breast cancer (2011) seems to be resolved. I was diagnosed with ovarian ca in 2018. I was told it can be a frequent progression after BC. After successful surgery and long treatment, I had a 3 year hiatus; then I had a recurrence in 2023 and more chemo for 6 months. My beloved caring surgical oncologist has left Sloan and moved to Germany. That was tough. I remain under maintenance treatment with IV infusions every 3 weeks. There are no disruptive side effects. I am grateful for being able to go on with life and "normal" activities. My oncologist is now in New York City (I live 80 miles east) I get treatment at a satellite facility closer to home.
Regarding others' thoughtless comments that some of us have experienced, we cannot compare cancer experiences as better or worse; just like we cannot compare personal pain. But we can share our individual stories as we need to.I am grateful for this group of ladies who live life as fully as possible. My good days include putting the seed out for the many backyard birds. Squirrels and deer gobble the seed; but I learned that they have to eat too. I love to walk in the cold weather and feel alive as I feel the ground under my feet. We visit the beach all year long, and it's especially nice without lots of tourists. All my 5 adult children have left New York State.
I had a good day on Christmas, with family gathering in Westport CT. No anxiety; just felt so peaceful and calm. I am grateful; but continue to experience new unfounded anxiety.
The weather here has been cold for Long Island, NY. We had only an inch of snow and temps below freezing for a week. That snow remained until we had a day of rain. The wind has been fierce the past few days.
DH works, so I am alone most days; but I have friends I see weekly. It seems DH continues to resist any thought of retirement even though he is 78.Happy New Year to all…wishing peace and best possible health to everyone here. For those who have lost loved ones recently or in years past, the holidays can be nostalgic and bittersweet.
Each new day brings new beginnings, blessings and challenges.
Joan8115 -
Good morning,
Our dog walking, which Dh does, has been reduced, due to the ice and snow to potty papers in the house. I'm not sure how good I'd be about getting out since I tend to be very cold natured, but I do what I have to. Still, I've been 'thrilled' Dh was and has remained willing to take Red out — but not today.
We are getting ort snow already. Started early — right after we got up around 7 a.m. The flakes look on the thin side (less moisture) but it is coming down good and is quite consistent — so we could easily get the full prediction of 3 to 5 inches.
SIL was going to clean my car and start it. He noted that it hadn't been moved in a week or so — or even started. I do need some things at the store. I hope SIL will drive, and Dh can take a list and go. No reason for everyone to get out in this and Dh is the one with a huge case of cabin fever most of the time. So we will see how it goes.
I'm due to check my wt. again. I think it is about the same as always. I was supposed to check every day, but I find it sort of tiresome. It was due to possible water retention, but I don't think I've really had that save for very early on. I did lose some wt. (about 3 lbs. I think) when I did the overnt. hosp. stay. I'm thinking that will be back by now likely since I'm not missing meals since. My feet tend to show rapidly if I have too much water. I often (I think) am under 1000 mgs. of salt a day. Something I thought would be nearly impossible but it is a large enough problem for enough people that there are things on the market now you once would have had to skip. Bread and butter pickles with no salt, Ketchup, no salt and there is an outlet that features a lot of salt free or nearly so, along with low or no sugar etc. which is good — and they sell by the case as well. I do plan on getting some of the condensed chicken soup to use in cooking,
Happy to hear Ken has been able to have a good outcome with his surgical procedure. It is scary to need surgical interventions when CHF is a heavy factor. I don't know about Ken but I also had a very low ejection fraction. After a couple of years I've been able to get that back up — so should I need something at least that won't factor in. I hope that isn't a problem for Ken either.
I have to say despite sort of wishing elsewise, that the snow is pretty. It is due to stop snowing around noon so we will see. That still leaves about 3 hrs. of snow time. This is what I always sort of hope for X-mas Day which somehow just seems so right. By now I'm usually hoping for no snow or rain and just the cold. We don't get traffic where we are so it will always 'look' pretty un-like our first year here when we lived in town. Long ago now - 1997 to be exact.
Hope you all will have a good day.
P.S. Wearing jeans that were recently too tight is a real winner Carole. Wishing lots more success for you.
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Jean, it so good to "see" you again. I remember you well from former times on this forum. You were a college/university teacher. I wish you well in your continuing treatment and hope you will join the conversation more often. I suspect Jackie was writing her post at the same time you were posting since she doesn't respond to you. Your dh probably should not retire unless he has some interest to keep him vital after retirement.
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Wonderful to see you Joan. I think you posted as I was 'writing' my post. You are a beautiful inspiration. Hugs.
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Joan, apologies for my finger striking the e instead of the o in writing your name!
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Saw MO yesterday and forgot that I hadn't seen her since November '23. November '24 appointment was canceled by her office and this was first available then. She didn't know about my issues with surgery in December '23 so I had to bring her up to date so we could discuss my concerns about how easily I develop hematomas. Wanted to know if this was just a fluke (last time was the 3rd time it has happened) or is there some underlying issue. Yes, all 3 times have occurred in very vascular areas, but local compression didn't work and development was always somewhat delayed. She ordered some specific clotting factor tests since my coagulation ones are always normal.
Did the "gentle" mammogram they performed after the biopsy undo the 10 minutes I spent painfully clamped in the machine for compression post-procedure? I am not on any meds that should cause bleeding.
She was surprised at the size of the hematoma, that it happened 6 weeks ago and that it hasn't seemed to reduce in size. I don't think at this rate it will be reabsorbed by March when I rescheduled the MRI. I will get bloods drawn next week and she wants me to resume diagnostic mammograms again.
My phone is on the blink. DS just did some updating for me and now it seems while I can call him, he can't hear me. We tried to see if he could fix it tonight and no dice. So he's looking for a new phone for me. I want to take it on our trip so I can take photos.
It has been bitter cold here with 32 being the high for today but with the breeze, it feels like less. Don't want to go out unless I have to.
Welcome, Joan. I am not sure if we crossed paths before but it is nice to have you drop in and catch us up on your life. I hope you'll continue to post.
Taco, I am hoping that Ken is feeling better after his procedure. I can only walk our dog in the back yard because she can really pull while on a trail. She is so strong and can pull me off balance especially with my dodgy knee.
Not sure of what FTM meant in your post about genealogy. I will review what you had shared again to see if it can provide new approaches. I have to stop following leads on someone else's family or what my cousin and I deem "bright shiny objects" because they don't really add anything to our research, just provide a sense of misplaced accomplishment. I don't want to name "collect" but gather meaningful data that I can verify.
I noticed my niece used misinformation found on my ggm's death certificate to identify my ggm's parents. Using this caused Ancestry to suggest her mother's parentage that she readily accepted even though it is incorrect. I have a signed baptismal certificate information verification dated 1889 from my ggm's church in Ireland. It is signed by the parish priest at that time and it provides her parents names and surnames. So my niece has used the wrong surname and thereby has found 2 relatives that are not really related at all. I explained that it was not true but she chooses to use it, so data but unverifiable. Next step is to see how I can combine the two family histories in a way that makes sense and is readable.
Hope everyone has a good weekend.
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The North Carolinians here are going nuts with our forcast --freezing rain. Coming from up north I was stunned that tonight's local news focused almost entirely on the weather. I guess it's exciting when infrequent. Meanwhile I want my 70 degrees back. 🤗
Joan I fondly remember a college aged trip to visit friends in Westport. At school in Pennsylvania it seems we were always running around visiting one another at breaks and summers when not working. Glad you had a nice time with family.
Betrayal I'm glad your Dr. Is taking some action. I'm sure your medical background helps in your communication with them. Hopefully this gets sorted soon.
Illinois I hope your car starts!
Is Cindy MIA? Or is this the wrong thread. Ha!
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We were made to enjoy music, to enjoy beautiful sunsets, to enjoy looking at the billows of the sea and to be thrilled with a rose that is bedecked by dew. . . . Human beings are actually created for the transcendent, for the sublime, for the beautiful, for the truthful. . . and all of us are given the task of trying to make this world a little more hospitable to these beautiful things.
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