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Can we have a forum for "older" people with bc?

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  • intolight
    intolight Posts: 3,093

    @l1ttlec Back to your insomnia comment (yes, it has taken me awhile!) I have terrible insomnia from all of my treatment. It is a known Side Effect. I do have a prescription, Restoril (temazepam) that I take when I know I have something the next day and have to be alert otherwise I can't sleep much even if I have not napped during the day. Since I have been in treatment for over ten years it has taken me a while to get to this place. My PCP told me I could take it every night, but I try not to. My PA told me I can alternate with over-the-counter Unisom, but it makes me groggy the next day. Melatonin is supposed to help but it does nothing for me. Do discuss this with your doctor and find something that works as it is important to get sleep.

  • mcbaker
    mcbaker Posts: 2,202

    On the interrnet. I don't remember when or where. One of the first places I ran into was

    Organic Womens Clothing - Quality Yarn - Home Goods | Darn Good Yarn

    I don't think I ever bought from them. Prices were too high, but right now they are better. But good ideas. There were a few people in Australia who bought saris from India and re-sold them. One woman in USA tried to start a business making them but it didn't work out. I bought a bunch of saris from her.

    Since I live in Wisconsin, I don't get to wear them all year. I can't wear the skirts during the summer except for special events, because I ride my electric recumbent trike daily except on rainy days. I do wear the skirts occasionally all year.

    I take Trazodone for sleep. I have difficulty getting my body to relax which of course is essential for sleep. Works well for me. I have a health problem where I get that deep fatigue and weakness from prolonged stress, both physical and psychological. My best strategy is to adapt when I begin feeling symptoms. Not to keep living at high speed.

    Littlec, my grandfather was trained as a tailor in England. When he came to the states, he eventually had a men's clothing store (financed by grandma's dowry). Grandma was also an excellent seamstress from an early age. The girls spent much of their childhood in the store and learned to sew from an early age. Mom sewed the most of the four, I think.

  • betrayal
    betrayal Posts: 6,236

    Our prime purpose in this life is to help others. And if you can't help them, at least don't hurt them.

    Dalai Lama

  • l1ttlec
    l1ttlec Posts: 40

    I got a call today from the RO’s office saying they are finishing up on the plan for treatment and I should get a call by the end of the week to schedule. I’m really hoping to start by next week, though I’m a little bummed because I was thought it was the call to actually schedule. I don’t want to have to wait yet another week.

    I’ve been taking Temazepam for years. It’s the only thing that has worked for me without any SE. I also take Sleep 3 supplement that has melatonin, L-Theanine plus an herb blend (already cleared it with my MO) and drink a tea for sleep. All that and I still have issues with sleep. I had a sleep study done years ago and have no sleep apnea, snoring etc. They tried a bunch of different meds and the SE were worse than not sleeping. I’ve tried weaning off the Temazepam but havent had any luck.

    cindyny My incision from the node removal was the worst for me, too. The actual breast incision hasn’t bothered me at all.

    Hope everyone is doing well and surviving the heat if you’re in one of those areas.

  • betrayal
    betrayal Posts: 6,236

    Not to be cheered by praise, not to be grieved by blame, but to know thoroughly one's own virtues or powers are the characteristics of an excellent man.

    Satchel Paige

  • carolehalston
    carolehalston Posts: 9,460

    We had quite a storm last night. The tent "garage" for our golf cart was wrecked. I haven't walked around the campground to see if any trees were downed. I had a golf game this morning but cancelled it because I'm feeling tired. I didn't sleep as well as usual. DH went to the gym and phoned to say he would deal with the tent when he returned. I suggested he could buy a new one.

    Storms are inevitable with the hot temperatures we are having in July. I'm thankful we didn't have hail last night. This morning I saw a headline for an article about research into hail, which is causing home insurance prices to rise. The weather forecasts here mention possibility of 2-inch hail. I worry about our truck parked out in the open, not to mention the roof of the camper.

    We watched some of the match between the US and Belgium last night. I think all the fuss over reversing the red flag against the US player inspired Belgium to play even better. They were obviously the better team.

  • betrayal
    betrayal Posts: 6,236

    I have been lazy for the past few days due to feeling heat drained by our extreme temperatures. I really haven't ventured out of the house much either. I focused on clearing out some crossword puzzles that had been piling up from the newspapers and dabbled on Ancestry a bit when DSIL sent me some info about a cousin's daughter. Mostly self-care days and I have been lurking, just not posting.

    L1ttlec, they do delay radiation until your surgical site has had a chance to heal so while you are eager to start, let your RO determine when it is safe for you to start. It is not uncommon to have a wait longer than 4 weeks. As far as AI's, there are 3 that are available for treatment and they do have SE's but responses can be individual and as carole said, it can depend upon the binding agent used. You may not experience any SE's. Your RO can help you if you do have them, just let them know. They can also lessen over time so give them a try.

    cindyny, I admired your new lights and that area looks good. Laughed at your comment about your linen closet and mimicking me. Did you finish the linen closet yet? However, I did do a closet exchange today, moving winter sweaters to my DD's former bedroom closet and moving the summer tops and pants to my primary closet. I do need to declutter this closet and figure I will do it when I am forced indoors for several days. I have to winnow down what I own and keep only what I have been wearing and not keep the "just in case" stuff.

    I wore a pair of sandals that I have had for quite a few years on the 4th. I hadn't worn them in ages due to my knees not tolerating anything other than flats. Now that I can wear wedges again, I dug them out. DD and I decided to watch the fireworks display put on by the country club every year. The best place to see it is from the side yard or front porch. We were watching from the side yard when it began to downpour, The terrain is at best rough due to rocky soil and we sprinted to the patio and back into the house. We then finished watching the show from the porch. Later I found bits of cork on the floor and discovered that the wedge of my sandals was disintegrating. I think they were dried out, so they went into the trash. I have several other pairs by this company so it will be interesting to see if they, too, will fall apart.

    Chris, elated with the news and hope that follow-up treatment is doable. Loved the fashion show and you are so creative. You said you use a serger that you use to sew them, I have one, but never thought to use it on delicate fabrics. Do you have patterns for the items you created?

    petite1, great news on the labs.

    carole, that storms sounds scary. We had bad storms on the 4th and 5th overnight that caused some damage as well as flash flooding in some areas. We were lucky that all we got was the sound my mother used to call "God bowling". A lot of noise, claps of thunder, and lightning. Regan heads to the basement when the thunder starts.

    gurney22, thanks for stopping in. Are you a lurker or new to the forum? If the latter, welcome and continue to post as you like.

    taco, glad you are back to golfing. How is the knee?

    Waving "hi" to everyone and hoping everyone has a great day.

  • mcbaker
    mcbaker Posts: 2,202

    Oh, yes. Serger is very good for fine silky fabrics. My patterns are hand-drafted. A semicircle for the skirts, one and one-half the radius of my waist. A serged hem is sufficient for them. A neckhole pattern for kaftans and pullover kimonos, oval, averaging 1/2 the radius of my head. I am thinking of drafting a keyhole-type of neckhole. Rectangular sleeve-piece for kimono-type sleeve. Half-circle piece radius the distance between shoulder and elbow for "butterfly" sleeve. Rectangular piece for narrower tops. Shorts/pants pattern-piece (wide leg) without sideseam drafted off of one I have made a million times. Waistband for that.

    Probably no further treatment for the bladder-thingy. Treatment if necessary is delivered only to the bladder. Twice-yearly scope of bladder. Appointment tomorrow morning.

  • cindyny
    cindyny Posts: 1,695
    edited July 7

    l1ttlec, I’m not sure you’ve mention having had met with the RO for mapping. That’s done prior to starting rads. I had surgery in early Nov of 2017, and actually started rads on 12/26/17. As Betrayal mentioned, your incisions needs to be fully healed.

    Betrayal, I did complete the linen closet. I can no longer buy anymore liquid hand soap. HA! (I have 10) I have a ziplock bag full of masks made with cloth material - early COVID; a sealed package of masks like what you get at the doctors; and of course KN95 masks. (masks were put up higher into a storage cabinet) I also have too many shower curtains - I need to use 2 at a time because it’s an “L” shaped shower rod.

    Carole, I’m glad the golf tent was the only damage you suffered from that storm. We’ve had some bad storms, but south east of us - 70 mph wind sheared off trees.

    Chris, best of luck at tomorrow’s appointment.

    Petite, good news on your labs!

    Gurney22, I’m a snowbird NY to Florida for 5-6 month of the year.

    It rained all night, into today. We ran around today. SO had to get his car in for an oil change, we dropped his car off. Went on to the post office; then the airport to pick up a friends car, they left for Aruba for 2 weeks this morning. Back home and out just about immediately to pick up SO’s car.

    Tomorrow morning the siding is getting put on the garage! Sorry ladies, no red and yellow stripes. I haven’t seen it but I think it’s a light gray. My alarm is set for 7:30 AM, because they’ll be here between 8-8:30. I did take “before” pictures, and I’ll get “after” pictures too.

  • betrayal
    betrayal Posts: 6,236

    I really believe that all of us have a lot of darkness in our souls. Anger, rage, fear, sadness. I don't think that's only reserved for people who have horrible upbringings. I think it really exists and is part of the human condition. I think in the course of your life you figure out ways to deal with that.

    Kevin Bacon

  • cindyny
    cindyny Posts: 1,695

    l1ttlec, I get being in a hurry. The sooner it starts, the sooner it’s done. ❤️

    Well, the siding guy didn’t show today. And in truth he said this week weather depending. I assume yesterdays all day rain pushed me out a day.

    But I was up at 7:30 and out puttering by 8. As I realized he wasn’t coming I started taking down a fence panel that was 1/3 burnt. The rest was still good. So out with my drill, my mini chainsaw, a hammer and more, to get it down. My intent was to use it in a spot along side the garage and neighbors property. The old fence there was rotting away, but the pressure treated posts were good. It took a lot of energy, and battery power for the mini chainsaw. But it’s done, and so am I.

    IMG_4973.jpeg

    It is stained Cape Cod gray on the other side. I think it’s 3-4 years old and should last a while. (it better!) If I get more stain, I’ll do the inside just to preserve it longer

    And that was my workout for the day. Temp said 70 at 8 AM, but real feel was 77. In the shade it felt very damp, in sun it felt super humid. We’re up to 82, feeling like 87. So I’m glad I’m done.

    The partial fence panel that’s still up, scorched by the fire, I might get down tonight if it cools off and my batteries have enough power. The mini chain saw is great, but it’s truly not for heavy duty jobs, it runs out of juice quickly.

    Tomorrow is my endoscopy. Need to be there at 7 AM for 8 AM procedure. I’ll let the siding guy know I might not be here when he starts. You & I know that’s when he’ll be here.

    It was a very busy day but also very productive. I hope you all stayed cool and stayed hydrated.

  • betrayal
    betrayal Posts: 6,236

    cindyny, love what you did with the fence section. Love being able to recycle when we can. It looks nice. Hope all goes well with your endoscopy tomorrow and you are right, that is usually when someone shows up.

    Went out around 11 to weed and while it was warm, the humidity wasn't as bad as the 4th. DD said the heat index was higher than the temp I was seeing on our thermometer though. It was 80 when I came back in at 1:30. My plan was to weed and then mulch any areas where the mulch was a light coating from last year. I got distracted by weeds by the garden gate, then drifted into the daffodil bed (unfinished; will come back to it) and then up the hill where DH was diligently digging new holes for stakes to hold the new fence around some azaleas and a hibiscus. We had erected a chicken wire fence initially, but it was damaged by a branch strike and it was difficult to straighten the wire again. DH finished that while I worked on a 2 foot path behind the hill garden beds. I had done the other side several weeks ago.

    DH worked on that while I worked on making a 2 foot wide path behind that garden bed which is about 40 feet long. I had done the other bed a few weeks ago, but never got back to this side. It is now done and while not totally weed free, there is a big gap between the beds and the weeds in the woods. I trimmed some bushes that hang over the path, but they were low enough they touched the top of my 5'1" head. I want to walk without being snagged. I weeded the bed as I worked along the path and assessed if it needs additional mulch. A touch-up might be in order in some areas.

    I did not get into the other fenced in section of this bed because the deer broke through the gate in the fence and ate half my white hydrangea. DH then sealed the gate with cable ties. So I will need to cut them to pull weeds and touch-up the mulch in there. There aren't too many weeds, but the deer hooves do a job on the mulch in a bed that slopes. It won't take long to do and probably less than 2 bags of mulch to fix.

    I put together a large pot of spaghetti sauce to cook while I was working outside. I usually cook this with meat, but was intending to recycle the leftover Italian sausages with peppers and onion as the base for cacciatore. I cook it in the microwave and the house smelled so good when I came in. I added mushrooms to the sauce when I added the leftovers and heated it up to serve over ziti. It was good. I have the other half of the sauce that I may freeze for later use.

    Felt good to get back my energy and to get another thing off my "to-do" list. I put two loads of wash in after I showered. They are done and I will probably do two more tomorrow.

    I hope everyone had a wonderful day and waving "hi" to everyone.

  • betrayal
    betrayal Posts: 6,236

    Let us be grateful to people who make us happy, they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.

    Marcel Proust

  • carolehalston
    carolehalston Posts: 9,460

    We're in for a stretch of HOT days. Lake weather for those with boats who like to cool off in the water. We will be relying on a/c.

    After three unsuccessful attempts, last night I caught the little mouse living in our camper. I hope it's the only one. I'll put out a peanut tonight as a test.

    A typical Friday for us. DH off to the golf course. For me, the gym and a short list for Walmart.

    Happy Friday to all.

  • betrayal
    betrayal Posts: 6,236

    Yesterday was a day when I was planning to weed the fence enclosed bed on the hill and re-mulch as needed. It was hot, but the humidity was unbearable. I forgot my sweatband, too, so the sweat was a real hazard. I did manage to weed the bed and get 3 bags of mulch in place before I had to call it quits. DH had to reclose the fencing to keep the deer out. It still needs probably 3-4 bags of mulch to undo the damage the deer feet caused on the older mulch. I'll get back to it since the weather for the next few days is to be very humid again. I'm down to maybe 20 bags of mulch left from the original 80 and feel good about that.

    I did 3 loads of laundry after weeding and mulching. Then moved on to vacuuming the primary bedroom, the closet, the hallway rugs and then the guest room. I still need to vacuum DD's former bedroom, but noticed the filters were dirty. I washed them and will resume vacuuming when they are dry.

    Working on vacation scheduling for spring/summer 2027. What we had planned was a cruise followed by a land tour in Canada, but problems with the cruise dining arrangements have made us decide we may need to cancel and seek another option. We have located another land tour we could add to the one we had planned with downtime in between where we could get laundry done. It's all up in the air at present, but we should have results within the next week. We tend to book early to avoid hassles, but there are always things beyond our control. Fall 2027 is already partially booked, we just need to finalize what land tour we want to take.

    Today, I'll probably iron and run the vacuum on the first floor. I have some mending to do for DD, so I'll probably do that as well. She's always bringing me things that need repairs such as seams and hems. Easy sewing and what I seem to do more of anymore. Some is hand sewing and some machine.

    I'm feeling good at what I have accomplished in the yard as far as gardening and while I have some areas that are still unaddressed, the list is getting shorter. I want to power wash the patio using my new Ryobi power washer and we purchased some steel edging to install to prevent the stone edging from moving. It has a tendency to lean and we want to prevent that. We should do the edging first and then power wash after so we can reapply paving sand as needed.

    I hope everyone has a great day and waving "hi" to everyone.

  • harley07
    harley07 Posts: 641

    Holy cow betrayal! You had an impressively busy and productive day yesterday. You are becoming like Cindy with your busyness. 😀

  • carolehalston
    carolehalston Posts: 9,460

    Harley, I had the same thought about Betrayal, that she is in Cindy's category with energy and productivity.

    Betrayal, I like your attitude of figuring out a way to co-exist with the deer.

  • mcbaker
    mcbaker Posts: 2,202

    Betrayal, I don't think I have ever done that intense of a workout with gardening.

    The visit with the urologist was routine. "Carcinoma", "Yes, I know what that means. I've had BC. " "If it comes back, we will zap it in the office. Schedule for a scope in three months. "

    Peanut is a good idea, Carole. Just leave it there and watch it.

    My lung scan was routine. A nodule that hasn't changed in four years. Mild COPD.

    Last time I had my guts scoped, they told me that it might be my last time.

    Littlec, that impatience is a bit of fear and a bit of just let's get it done.

    I bought "Family Freezer", an online recipe book. You select your main dishes (and other stuff), print the recipes, fill bags with the ingredients, and freeze them. Tape the recipes onto the bags. There is a shopping list generator, but I couldn't get it to work. I am adapting the recipes for low-carb. Looks a darn sight better than making family-size recipe and freeze the leftovers. Often what results is glop. "Oh, goodie. I get to eat glop tonight!"

  • l1ttlec
    l1ttlec Posts: 40

    I can’t believe that you can do that much betrayal! I mowed front and my half (husband does the level half with the tractor) of the back and one very small load of laundry. I don’t know that I could do anything else.

    mcbaker, I was so happy to hear about the nodule on your lung being unchanged. My husband has had ongoing breathing problems for years and it’s been a back and forth between cardiology and pulmonary. He had a heart attack 2 years ago and a Watchman implant last year. We were at the ER several weeks ago because we thought he might have had a blood clot. No blood clot but the CT showed a nodule (very small) on his lung that wasn’t there before. He goes back in 3 months for a follow up CT. It helps to hear of someone who has had one unchanged for that long. Will be praying yours and his to stay that way.

  • cindyny
    cindyny Posts: 1,695

    Ladies, Betraysl beats me hands down! I’d need to hire a maid to keep up with the housework she gets done.

    Endoscopy knocked me out more than any colonoscopy ever did. I was near jello legged walking out. Once home I slept for almost 2 hours, and after I was up an hour or two, I just reclined on the sofa with my eyes closed. Results seemed fine. Found some polyps in my stomach and step son/gastroenterologist said it’s common in those who take omeprazole long term. Biopsy sent out; results will be in my portal.

    Today the siding was put up in the garage. It’s so nice not to look at the before scorched wall!

    IMG_4989.jpeg

    I need to paint the window and trim, or not. The siding guy also took away all my burnt fencing which I took down on Monday. Super happy to get rid of it. I would have had to cut it up, and get it in my trunk up to the town dump.

    IMG_4976.jpeg

    I may call for an estimate on using a paint sprayer to quick coat the shed part, way back, of the garage. Once the fence is replaced it will be harder to get back there. Who knows!

    I had a text from the paving company. They’ll be here 7/14 to do a “hot” commercial crack fill, and back again on 7/16 to seal the driveway and walkway. Things are happening around here!

  • betrayal
    betrayal Posts: 6,236

    Whatever else an American believes or disbelieves about himself, he is absolutely sure he has a sense of humor.

    E. B. White

  • mcbaker
    mcbaker Posts: 2,202

    Littlec, my brother and I both had histoplasmosis when we were little. Scarring may have been due to that. No positive test to TB.

    Cindy, I still wish you could have done a reminder of the fire as a message to your neighbors.

    I have seven recipes set up and a grocery list. Can't shop until the fourteenth. Don't know how many meals that will make. Once I get it in the bags I will know better.

    I have to dehydrate a few pounds of jalapenos, repair a skirt, and put elastic waists into a bunch of kaftans.

    As well as keep doing my exercises. I am wearing a half of a heel lift in my right shoe. I need to keep walking to a minimum as I get used to it, substitute bike. I can pedal quite a distance without reverting to power now. I think she is getting me ready for surgery. I think I terribly damaged one of my peroneal muscles when I sprained that ankle 30-some years ago.

    Just finished repairing six missals from church.

    Then the library to do some printing of recipes and get some books.

    Thinking of calling my housekeeper to mop the laminated floors and a few other things. She is buying my carpet machine. I no longer have the oomph to do that.

    Tippy and I filled the enamel kettle (three gallons?) and used the bike to take it out to the gardening baskets. Have to do heavy watering to keep ahead of the heat. He is sitting there staring at me now. I am sure he wants me to take him on a run— I use bike and can go as fast as he wants to go.

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