Can we have a forum for "older" people with bc?
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Chris - hope all goes well with the hand surgery,
Book clubs possibilities - put up a sign at your senior or rec center? at your church? I see interest expressed sometimes on Next Door. If you are interested in reading a specific type of book, see if your library will help you advertise it. Ask 3 people you enjoy to each bring a friend to a meeting to explore the idea of starting one.
Thanks for the info on Mardi Gras Carole. I thought of you and wondered if you participated.
Interesting about the civil war finds. I have one family that all the sons and sons-in-laws joined the same unit in Illinois. They all came home.
Intolight - my adopted daughter has never wanted to search although we told her we would help her. I know she has at least one sister/half-sister. She did the ancestry DNA because she wanted to know more about her ethnic background but has never responded to any inquiries she's gotten. I'm glad your search worked out for you.
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I’m enjoying all the genealogy chat. I am also the keeper of our family history and can find direct links to the Boston Tea Party. Interesting though my DH’s family are all southerner's.
As for BC, I am doing okay. I developed a dry cough a while ago which led to a chest X-ray which led to a CT scan. My MO thinks there’s some scarring in my upper right lung probably from radiation. She’s repeating the CT in April. I continue on Verzenio (less than 11 months to go!) and letrozole. Side effects are manageable.3 -
There is something suspicious, about three mm in the upper left corner of my left breast. More imaging necessary.
Otherwise, surgery went well. He has now done five surgeries on me. Arm still numb.
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Chris, I am hoping 3 mm in left upper corner of right breast is nothing and that the imaging gives them the answers. Wow, five surgeries by the same surgeon. That is remarkable and you must have great trust in his skills. I am hoping you get a good outcome after this one.
It rained all day, so it was gray, dreary and did result in some spotty snow melt. Just in time for the next storm predicted for Sunday. the models so far are no big deal to bomb tornado. Think I like the former rather than the latter. Snow blower has been repaired so it is ready if necessary.
eleanora, my Irish relatives are from County Down, Tipperary, Mayo and Clare. I was able to access records at the church in Nenagh, Tipperary where my ggm was baptized. I found the church because she had a piece of paper from the church, recording her birth date and signed by the priest from there, that which she needed to marry my ggf. When I went to the church, the priest actually allowed me to scroll through the record books and then put the church seal on my notes. He asked me to make a donation to the poor box in the church which I did gladly. I tried research in Dublin in the '80's, but was unsuccessful. Mine, too, emigrated before Ellis Island. My DH's family did come through there, so I was able to locate some records for his line.
Don't know what I did yesterday to trigger back spasms that have not responded to Tizanidine or 5 % Lidocaine patches yesterday or today, so I have spent the day just addressing genealogy research. I am making progress on sorting out what I need to write something on my gggf, but still need to validate some of what I uncovered. Haven't been able to find much on my gggm though, she is an enigma. His progeny were prolific so that has provided me with lots of records to examine. Some records are tragic, like when you read a woman has born 18 children, and only 7 survived to adulthood. In an age of no antibiotics, no immunizations, no birth control, and no cures. I record cause of death when I can find a death certificate so I can map disease patterns within families. I have found some family members who died at the hospital where I later entered nurses training. They were years before my time, but it was a large municipal hospital that offered care to all who came. Later it catered more towards those with limited incomes, but still had specialty departments not available at other area hospitals.
I hope everyone had a great day and waving "hi" to everyone.
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Once you get a spice in your home, you have it forever. Women never throw out spices. The Egyptians were buried with their spices. I know which one I'm taking with me when I go.
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Rosemary for remembraance.
My mother loved Erma Bombeck and read all of her books.
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What’s the old saying - I’m so far behind, I think I’m first. I did read everything, retained near nothing (Chris hope you’re in no pain).
We’ve had my niece and grandniece here. Visited 3 beaches, and many restaurants- all in all had a great time...until Thursday. On our way back from the beach, headed to pick up take out dinners meals, she received a phone call. Her dog was coughing up blood. Hours later, and many dollars, the dog is being treated for pneumonia but could have cancer.
We tried to get them a flight out, but nothing was available. We got up at 3:45 AM and took them to the airport for their original flight at 6 AM. Once she was home her regular vet reviewed everything. Keeping the dog on a 2 week schedule of antibiotics, at which time they’ll X-ray again to see if it’s clear or if it is in fact cancer. She’s a 10 yr old Akita who is as sweet as they come. Fingers crossed it’s pneumonia.
We were back home after 5 AM so that’s when I started laundry, and set off the iRobot to vacuum everything. We were starving , which was strange, but we ate our breakfast. SO went back to bed before 8, and I just kept on going. Total I think was 6 loads of laundry, and I caught up on shows on the DVR.
Next guests are tomorrow afternoon at some point. I want to power wash the back lanai, and the stepping stones out its back door. I’m needing some energy. I’ll throw on a bathing suit as I always get drenched.
Lovers Key some day last week. I still think of Jackie when I’m posting a water pic. ❤️
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Chris - hope the hand pain is tolerable and the surgery is a success. Wishing you the best with further imaging. If you are up to it, please keep us updated.
Betrayal and all others in the NE - stay safe in the upcoming storm.
Cindy - love the beach picture (Jackie would too)
Meeting up with DS tomorrow to celebrate his upcoming birthday.
Waving ‘hi’ to all.
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My belief is that we were put into this world of wonders and beauty with a special ability to appreciate them, in some cases to have the fun of taking a hand in developing them, and also in being able to help other people instead of overreaching them and, through it all, to enjoy life - that is, to be happy.
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Happy Birthday George Washington:
If the freedom of speech is taken away then dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep to the slaughter.
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This morning dh reversed the little switch on the thermostat from cool to heat. A front came through during the night and cooled off our weather for a few days. I'll have to protect my little collection of succulents tomorrow night. It's supposed to get down to high 20's.
Yesterday I walked about 10 am to avoid walking in heat and humidity. Today I'm planning to make soup for dinner. LOL.
Chris, hope you're pain free as you heal.
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Teka - great pie summary even if it is 2024. Thanks for posting.
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Fun fact, Teka. Never know what one will learn on this forum.
Last night I went to wonderful 100 birthday party. The birthday girl spared no expense, including being able to help numerous relatives with air fare. She still lives in her own large house and looks like she stepped out of a glamor magazine. Plays a wonderful hand of bridge but did have to give up golf at age 95 and sell her Colorado property because of the altitude. She danced with her grands but did admit that she needed to rest afterwards.
There was a table mixup and I was seated with family members. They were so welcoming and we traded stores about their "Aunt Jane", a great aunt of most of them. Jane's great grandchildren were also at the table. I know I had much more fun with them than I would have at my original assigned table with people I see regularly. I don't think I've laughed so much in a long time.
I needed that too. Several deaths in the Briarwood community, just in Feb. None were really unexpected but too many nevertheless.
I think I'd take cinnamon too. We still have some of my mother's spices and she went into memory care 20 years ago! I don't know why we pretend they are adding flavor to our food.
Be safe everyone!
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It's a very sobering feeling to be up in space and realize that one's safety factor was determined by the lowest bidder on a government contract.
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It's early because I could not go back to sleep. It is a winter wonderland out there and while beautiful, very destructive. The snow is very heavy and has managed to bend my tall azaleas, on the back of the house, nearly to the ground. They will bounce back, but you are cautioned not to attempt to remove the snow, they will shed it eventually and then stand tall again.
It has pulled parts of the fencing, we erected to keep the deer out of one flower bed, to the ground in one section. It is chicken wire so it will be replaced with heavier fencing and stakes this summer. DH will knock the snow off and see if he can pull it up again. The deer are really hungry now and the winter has been brutal for them. Given a chance they will invade this area and make a picnic of the bushes.
We still have power though I am sure there are areas where it is out and given the condition of the roads, it might be days before it is restored. We have a whole house generator powered by propane so we are good for now if we lose power. Currently it is 30 degrees and I am sure the chill factor is lower.
I'll make sure to put a new suet cake out for the birds. I am not sure if the squirrels who have been visiting it will be able to navigate the depth of this snow. It is snow covered so I will make an effort to uncover it. The birds are trying to access it now.
I only want DH to use the snow blower to make a path on the driveway down to his car. It is too heavy for him to be trying to dig us out and let's face it, at our age, we are at increased risk for a cardiac event.
I will call the drapery cleaners and cancel for tomorrow. There is no way we will have the driveway cleared and the front walkway walkable.
The Olympics were wonderful and while NBC did not see fit to cover the women's last hockey game as they won Gold, shame on them. Showing bits and pieces loses the flow of the game and their efforts. They did cover the men's in entirety, and it was intense. I watched the 1980's game when the team was composed of mostly college players and it was knuckle biting, quite like this one. Then we beat the USSR and yesterday, we beat Canada. While Canada was unhappy with the outcome and made some really negative comments, they had over 2 minute penalty period when they were 5 to our 3, and were unable to score. Then it was 5 to 4, for another minute or so, still no score, so our goalie was on fire. He held off 41 assaults on the goal and they scored only once. The facts speak for themselves, as to who was the better team yesterday. It was really touching when the team honored the Gaudreau family. Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew, were killed in 2024 while riding their bicycles the day before their sister's wedding, where they were to be groomsmen. Both were hockey players and Johnny would have been on the Olympic team if he had lived. They took his game shirt, #13, and his children on the ice to include them in the team photo. What a tribute.
The opening and closing ceremonies were spectacular and the camaraderie among the participants was admirable, proving we can get along even when competing. I am sorry that they are over.
I hope everyone remains safe, warm and that our snow will soon stop. Waving "hi" to everyone.
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I've been up early as well, thinking of all the friends and neighbors I left behind in the Northeast. Hope they have planned as well as you have to stay safe and warm. I miss my snowblower, but as my DH and I are over 75, I know we're better off here in the DC area. We got only 1.5" and while it was enough to close schools and the Federal Government😮we were driving around last night just to see how pretty everything looked .
Agree with your comments on the Olympics. Women's sports deserve equal time at the Olympics and everywhere else and shame on NBC. The men's team demonstrated great loyalty and compassion with their recognition of the Gaudreau family and I cry every time I re-watch it.
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Under the lump in this last photo is an azalea bent to the ground like the one in the first photo. It continues to snow but not as heavy as yesterday.
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WOW on the snow photos!
Taco, loved the description of the birthday party for the 100-year-old friend. She sounds remarkable. My 91-year-old friend, Norma, is cut out of the same cloth.
NBC got some criticism on Facebook for running so many commercials during the closing ceremony.
Today dh should get word from the surgery center what time to arrive tomorrow morning for his cataract surgery.
It's 39 degrees this morning and doesn't seem to be quite as breezy as yesterday. A fire near I-12 caused the lanes in both directions to be closed yesterday. There were fire hazard warnings that evidently weren't heeded.
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The top one is my crape myrtle and the bottom one is my beloved lilac. Hoping the crape myrtle doesn't break. We got about 14 inches of very heavy snow and it is still snowing in spurts but lighter than yesterday.
Taco, loved the story about the 100 year old's birthday party. I think your table assignment sounds like a great mistake.
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Betrayal, I love the snow pictures, but glad I am not there. BRRR
Taco, That 100 yr old sounds like the 100 yr old that leads my chair yoga class
My Dermatologist went crazy over blood work, 6 tubes, yikes! Most results have come in. All normal but one. She only froze one spot, but the Lupus rash was in over drive. It does that in cold weather. She took me off the cream I have been using and gave me a different one. The first couple of days it seemed to be working well, but the weather has been warm. It dropped to 30 degrees today and the rash is back. Strange.
Dentist today.
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i have been lurking on this thread for almost 5 years and finally told myself that I should either start posting or get off, so here I am. (I am an introvert to the max). Briefly, I am 71 (will be 72 in 2 weeks), was diagnosed in Dec. 2019 (Stage1), did BMX to flat, chemo and have been on an AI since July, 2020 (and have already told my onc she will have to pry the bottle out of my hand to get me off it). I also had/have? kidney cancer - diagnosed Dec. 2022 and lost my entire right kidney. I lived outside Lancaster, PA until I was 10, moved to NJ (Ridgewood) until I went to college, and because my husband served 20 years in the AF I have lived in NC (Fayetteville), VA (Richmond), the Philippines, TX (San Antonio) and finally WA (first in Tacoma, the last 15 years in Seattle)- where all 3 of my adult children and 6 grandchildren live - none more than 10 mimutes away. I do A LOT of school pick-ups, drive carpools and spend almost every weekend at sporting events (all 6 play sports, several of them 2 or 3, so there is no down time). I have a dog and a cat ( both elderly) and my cat reminds me a lot of Betrayals in that he is a menace. He also has run thru a paint tray and left footprints all the way down the stairs and out the door. Unfortunately, it was my neighbors house and to say she was not happy is the understatement of the year! (Not that I blame her, of course). My husband and I spend a couple of weeks every year in Hawaii, took our first cruise last fall (we actually were about 2 days behind Betrayal and her daughter going up the Inside Passage) and travel to the east coast (Boston) a couple of times a year as my sisters, nieces and nephews are all in that area. Anyway, I’m looking forward to participating here and hope everyone on the east coast has survived the blizzard (can’t say I miss the snow, which, if the last few years are an indicator, we may never see again in Seattle. ) My daffodils are blooming, my neighbors cherry tree is blooming and both my asparagus and peonies are showing thru the dirt - that is so not right for the end of February!
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Welcome janiehs, my menace of a cat is female, weighs about 8 lb, most of which is her long fur, and she lives to get into trouble. The paint was the worse so far and mostly because she has furry feet with tons of hair between her pads and toes. Loved your story about your cat's paint mess.
So glad you decided to post and look forward to you keeping us abreast of your life. I love Seattle especially Pike Place Market and the flower stalls.
Thanks for I providing info on your diagnosis and treatment. There are others in here that could identify with you on this basis.
I look forward to your future posts. Come back soon.
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I'm an optimist in the sense that I believe humans are noble and honorable, and some of them are really smart. I have a very optimistic view of individuals.
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Welcome, Janie. I second Betrayal's hope that you will become a regular "talker" on our forum. I have been to Seattle twice and enjoyed the food.
I am sitting here in my chair feeling tired and sleepy. I was up early (for me) to go with dh to the surgery center for his cataract surgery on eye no. 1. According to the nurse and the doctor, everything went well. The fact that he had Lasix in the past added some complication and expense. I just read the Do's and Don'ts paper of instructions. He is over in his chair now, sleeping with the tv playing.
My long time golf friend, Norma, called while I was at the surgery center. A couple of days ago she listed her home with a real estate agent. It sold to the first prospective buyer who came and looked at it. It was perfect for that person's needs. Now Norma's mind will be filled with questions about whether the selling price was too low, whether she should have put up her own For Sale sign, etc. I'm feeling a little depressed about her moving back to her hometown, but the move seems right for her. She will be closer to members of her family, including two daughters and a sister and nephew.
I don't know how much I'll get done today. I have made up our bed but still haven't cleaned the kitchen from last night's dinner. I'm not a napper and will drag through the day and hope to catch up on sleep tonight.
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WelcomeJanie . My brother lived for 20 years in Anacortes and my parent s moved there in their last years so I have enjoyed Seattle many times. I am a West coast California girl but now live in Colorado.
@carolehalston I am glad your DH s Cataract surgery went well. I remember mine 4 years ago. I had both eyes done at once. It was a new procedure and I was moving within the month so the kind surgeon did it. I was pleased with the outcome.
I am sitting in the infusion waiting room so I'll close. Thinking of all the wonderful people here and the challenges your day brings. Blessings…
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Hi!!
Been sleeping a lot.
My brother and daughter both live on northern California. My sister lives on the west coast of Wisconsin. I live close to the Mississippi in Wisconsin, was raised close to the Mississippi in Illinois. Not much travel, to be honest.
I have an appointment in La Crosse for an ultrasound imaging at the breast care clinic, on the same day as replacing the soft splint with a cast, and the same office.
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wow Betrayal youse gots snowwwww. I loved the closing ceremony of the Olympics. Many moons ago I sang Violetta in La Traviata in Vancouver also was in Rigoletto so the tribute to Italian opera was extra special for me!
yippee. Had my CT finally and as suspected there is now mild subpleural fibrosis going on. Dang them for not listening to me earlier. I spoke with both medical onc - who wasn’t concerned! And my GP today who ordered ling function tests and a referral back to my pulmonologist. I haven’t seen him in a while. I’m irritated but will adjust. At least no consolidation and effusion. But dang nabbit I wasn’t happy yesterday.It’s a beautiful sunny day out here today. I’m heading inside to the theatre soon to work on sound for the show. Yahoo opening soon. I’ll take some set photos for you to see.
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Welcome Janie. We look forward to your additions to the conversation.
Betrayal - Yikes! That’s a lot of snow. It’s very pretty but you are wise to just stay indoors until the situation improves. Happy to hear you have a generator to supply power if needed.
Taco - loved the story about your 100 year old friend. May we all be so fortunate to live such an active, fulfilling life.
Canarycat - that sucks! It’s so frustrating when doctors don’t listen to us. Enjoy your theatre work.
Waving ‘hi’ to all.
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In the end, you're trying to find God. That's the result of not being satisfied. And it doesn't matter how much money, or property, or whatever you've got, unless you're happy in your heart, then that's it. And unfortunately, you can never gain perfect happiness unless you've got that state of consciousness that enables that.
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