Can we have a forum for "older" people with bc?
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Hi All,
Just had my second chemo and they gave me a neulasta onpro device on my arm to help with my neutropenia. I was worried that they would change my chemo day…the dry ice needed for cold caps doubled in cost. ouch
Hair is falling out in clumps now. I researched the chemo t/c (should have done it b4 ) cold capping only works 43% of the time with the cytoxan?
Oh well! Lesson learned.
Hope everyone is having a good day. We are in for another round of storms today. 3rd day in a row in Lancaster county.PA.
Teka, Glad you are better now. Sounded very serious!
Everyone enjoy your labor day weekend. Be safe!
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@suzieq64 Sorry the cold capping isn't working. It is one reason I didn't try it. I do, however, always ice my hands and feet to avoid neuropathy. I have been on Taxol since January and it is still working great. I was given special booties and gloves with ice pack inserts. The only problem is I have to carry a heavy cooler to the infusion center each time to keep them cold until we finally get to the infusion part. I choose to cool them in the fridge rather than freeze them. I found freezing them is too cold.
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@suzieq64, I remember reading that patients receiving neulasta take Claritin to offset bone pain SE. Did you read anything about this? I have not had chemo so can't recommend, but you might want to ask others about this.
teka, glad you are on the mend.
Chris, yes,I have had cataract surgery. Just like my knees I didn't do the worst one first, but the one that presented a visual challenge to me. I waited about 5 years before I had the second one done. Recovery was a breeze and I was so glad to not have to wear contacts for distance anymore. I did wear one lens for the 5 years before I had the second one done because I really had distance issues. Now I use readers when reading or doing handwork. I can read some menus without the readers. Can't read a price tag without them so I always have a pair in my purse and scattered throughout the house rather than trying to keep track of just one pair. I buy them at Costco where I can get 3 pairs for about $15 and replace them when they break.
Had lunch with my former classmate yesterday and discovered it has probably been greater than 30 years since I last saw her. We had a good time remembering times we had as student nurse's though at the time we were in school it was more like indentured servitude and we suffered at the mercy of our sometimes cruel instructors and the older staff nurses. Some of our instructors were ex-military and never spoke to us, they barked orders and berated us in front of patients, physicians, other students and visitors. We had 9 o'clock curfews S-Th and 10 pm on Fri & Sat. It was like living in a convent because we had single rooms that had metal frame single beds, metal dresser with 4 drawers, a metal desk and a small closet. The wall sconces had been converted from gas to electric and they were the only light. We had to provide our own bedspreads, drapes (they did provide a dark roller shade) and we had radiator heat. A small corner sink with a mirror above it and communal bathrooms with single cubbies for toilets, tubs and showers. It was utilitarian at best. My closet had heat pipes in it so my clothes were always warm. Had enforced study hours between 7-8:30 every evening in our own rooms and a hall monitor who reported us if we weren't compliant. However, we were creative and found ways to break the tedium, to bond and to have fun. We laughed about a lot of what happened and griped about some instructors who were either exceptionally kind or cruel. We started out as a class of 125 and only graduated 67 3 years later. The curriculum was rigorous, demanding physically and mentally, and it seemed every year we would lose more classmates. However, we came out as confident, skilled nurses and most of us have had long, fruitful careers and given back to the profession. We plan on doing lunch again.
The food was really good. I ordered the lemon chicken with pasta soup and the chicken pecan salad with dried cranberries and gorgonzola cheese. The soup was very filling because it was loaded with chicken as was the salad. When the waitress brought it I told her I should have brought my family to share it. I ended u bring about 80% of it home and ate it for dinner tonight. It was loaded with chicken. I made reservations to have dinner there tomorrow. I want to try their entrees.
Last night can only be described as one on constant rolling thunder accompanied by driving rain and lots of lightning. Some booms were so loud, I though a bomb went off. Brought back memories of the tree strike in 2019, so I hate these storms. Didn't sleep well at all. Had 2 books that just needed about 30-50 pages to finish, and was awake several times so they are now finished. I find falling back to sleep difficult on some nights and last night was one of them. Tired today, but did get sheets washed, bed remade and towels washed.
The heat has returned so I have been staying indoors as much as I can. Storms are predicted again for tonight and tomorrow.
I hope everyone had a great day and waving "hi" to everyone.
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Teka, oh so sorry you ended up hospitalized. Ticks carry more than one disease and it’s all very serious. Glad you’re home.
I’ve never had chemo, so I have no real input. But I root for you ladies going through it. You’re stronger than you know.
Petite, enjoy your cooler weather. I think SWFL has a bad storm yesterday evening. My wifi was knocked out; gf neighbor had to reset the modem 2x to get it going today. It’s my thermostat and garage door that are hooked up to wifi. I like knowing what the temperature is in the house when we’re not there.
Betrayal, it sounds like you had a wonderful time reminiscing with your gf.
I just remembered I was suppose to fill up my gas tank today. Ugh. I’ll have to get up early tomorrow to do it before my chiropractor appointment. Gas prices are over $4 a gallon around here again. But BJ’s has some items you can buy and get .10 cents off per gallon.
I was side tracked because we started closing the pool today. SO got in and cleaned out all debris. I stayed outside of it skimming floating crap. Then we covered it with a new winter cover. This is only the first step, we have a lot more to do before considering it closed, but at least nothing can get into the water. I always feel relief at getting this part done.
I said relief, but there is also sadness closing it for the winter. I hate looking out and seeing it covered - no blue water but a dark midnight blue cover. We think this is the earliest we’ve ever covered it. But the days of kids going in it up thru Columbus Day are long gone. That’s sad too.Climate change has had an effect too. We don’t remember this much rain. I teased, I think I drained water out more times than I was in it.
My itchy shoulders have subsided. But I’ll follow the dermatologist 7-10 day use of meds recommendations. I’m hoping when I stop the meds the itch doesn’t return.Carole, do you have a date to return LA? We have another two months in NY. That means another two months to get all the projects we put off done before leaving. Haha
Hope you all had a good day.
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Cindy, we don't have a specific date, but plan to leave at the end of this month. DH has been making appointments for himself in early October.
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Good morning. Yesterday, I went to Field in the Woods. It is a Biblical Theme park from the 1940's high up in the mountains. Some spectacular views. It was HOT. Today I am going on a trail. Part is a 1 mile climb up hill. I will do what I can do. If I can't I will just do the part that I can drive to. LOL I have notice some leaves changing. Already!
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People will generally accept facts as truth only if the facts agree with what they already believe.
Andy Rooney3 -
I was diagnosed at age 74 via an annual mammogram last year and had surgery last November to remove a stage one ER+ ductal lump. Everything seemed fine, hadn't gone into my lymph nodes, clean boundaries around the removal site. I thought I had really lucked out. Then I was told I needed to take Anastrozole for at least 5 years. At first, I felt no side effects. Now the side effects are hitting me really hard—memory loss, severe depression, fatigue, increased body aches, It has altered my life to an extent I am having a difficult time handling the simplest activities of life. As the parent of an adult autistic child who lives with me, this decline makes it very difficult to be a good mom to him. He is the light of my life, but half the time I feel like a zombie and cannot interact the way I always have with him. I am healthy otherwise, except for arthritis in my knees and feet. Before taking the Anastrozole I had good bone density. I don't know yet what effect the drug is having on that. I don't have any sort of menopausal symptoms like night sweats, hot flashes, vomiting—yet.. I have a long history of chronic depression and have been on medications for it for decades. The depression from Anastrozole has surpassed the ability of the antidepressant to work. I go to a therapist weekly and he is becoming very concerned about my situation. When I talk to the oncologist, he says Anastrozole is the best cancer preventive drug for me. I asked if I could cut the dose in half, but studies show that doesn't work. I know I am old, but I want to live as long as I can so I can support my son and get prepared for his future when I am gone. My husband of 49 years died two years ago from kidney cancer, so a lot has fallen on me. I guess the choice has come to quit the Anastrozole and take my chances that cancer will not come back soon. I feel like I'm damned if I do, and damned if I don't. Maybe I am just venting, but I am hoping a group of older women might understand how I am feeling
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Welcome ahcancer to the club no one wants to join. As far as your concern about the anastrozole, please discuss your side effects with your medical oncologist and how you feel about taking this drug. It isn't the best treatment for you, if you cannot tolerate the SE's.
There are two other AI's that can be prescribed for you and you need to discuss this before quitting. I did not tolerate this well either and had to switch two more times before I found one that had the least SE's. I took AI's for 7 years at the suggestion of my MO, but only because of the type of mixed BC I had. I took the last one for about 4 years. I finished AI treatment in 2023.
Please reach out for relief. If he doesn't listen to you, then find another MO who will listen. Please come back and tell us what you decide. We are here to help you and to listen as needed.
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Hi Everyone,
Betrayal-The nurse did recommend claritin for bone pain, but it's not been too bad as of yet. Isn't it so much fun to get together with friends from many years ago. I think it's great to reminisce about the past.
The other nurse did recommend an herbal supplement for hair loss, but she put it on the chart and the oncologist didn't say 1 word about it.
I forget the name she told me. I guess he didn't feel like it was a good fit.
It's another warm and sticky day in Lancaster county and I am still trying to eat right and exercise.
Ahcancer- prayers for you to have the strength to help your son while you are under treatment. I am not in hormonal therapy yet. I know that they do have many side effects, that comes after the chemo and radiation is finished. I am just fighting with the hospital over getting itemized bills. UGH
Prayers for all to have a safe and happy Labor Day!
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ahcancer, welcome to our little forum and it is good for you to reach out. I was on Al's for a long time until I became endocrine resistant as I was diagnosed Stage IV from the beginning. Resistance often happens as part of the cycle. And yes, there are several different ones out there. Once my cancer started progressing after a treatment stopped working, we would change to a different Al along with a different treatment. Some are known to work together. A lot of BC tumors feed off hormones so it is just another weapon in our arsenal to starve and weaken the tumors. Discuss your options with your MO, and Betrayal is correct to advise you to find a MO who will listen to you if you need it. We have enough battles without fighting our MO.
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Feminism has never been about getting a job for one woman. It's about making life more fair for women everywhere. It's not about a piece of the existing pie; there are too many of us for that. It's about baking a new pie.
Gloria Steinem4 -
Ahcancer, there are many, many antidepressants out there. Your psychiatrist can research which ones you might do better on. I have been on venlafaxine for many years, I have been told, for life. I have had a lot of stress in my life. In addition, for the arthritic pain as well as for the depression, you might consider The Anti-inflammatory Diet, the Mediterranean Diet, the Atkins diet, and I am sure there are a few more, all prescribe a diet heavy in vegetables and protein and moderate in fruits. Whole grains in moderation, and a minimal use of non-processed sweets (like honey, date syrup, molasses, and maple syrup). It is a radical departure from the diet most Americans eat, and difficult to get used to. At the age of 76, and 165 pounds, I thought I had passed the age where it was possible to lose weight, but I have lost twenty pounds.
And I would kindly suggest that you make plans for your son now. I have an autistic son who is in long-term treatment— also substance abuse and bipolar.
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ahcancer - You do have a full plate. Please talk to your RO and your therapist about your options for medications and medical interactions. There are other types of AI's - they all seem to have different SE's. And different SE's for different people. I didn't realize how angry I was with the world until I switched.
I also think the older we get, the more quality of life becomes an issue. I stopped my AI's after 3 years - my orthopedic surgeon finally admitted that they might be slowing down my recovery from knee surgery. There are charts showing the probability that cancer will be the thing that kills us based on diagnosis and age. I think it was called "Prediction." Betrayal, do you know?
I took the Claritin generic for the year I was getting Hercepton. It's quite reasonably priced.
We are holding you and SizieQ close.
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I think many women chose quality of life over quantity. I took Anastrazole 4 years 9 months, stopped with approval from MO and endocrinologist. Brain fog, and horrible sleep were just some of what I put up with. We all do what we can do.
We closed the pool entirely today. A lot of work. It was 74 and a nice day; overnight should hit 51. We still have chairs next to the pool where the solar cover lays, but that’s it for work tomorrow.
I also used two 50 pound bags of Quik Crete to fill in woodchuck holes along the side of garage; closer to the neighbors property. Fingers crossed, we chase this animal away!
Enjoy your Sunday!3 -
I have been thinking through QOL over quantity myself. My tumor markers are rising and my SEs are getting tougher on this chemo. There are additional issues I need to discuss with my MO when I next see her on the 24th. After 10 years I am getting tired and I'm afraid my family is starting to show signs of fatigue also. My family and I have been discussing this and they all lovingly support my decision whatever it is. My main concern is my family.
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Into light, a tough decision. But after ten years, I can understand.
Woodchuck ~ BC.
Taco, I didn't know you were HER+ positive. So double or triple positive?
My to-do list and the diet are major changes in the quality of my life. I have so much energy, and with dishes done relatively promptly, I have fewer fruit flies.
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Hope is important because it can make the present moment less difficult to bear. If we believe that tomorrow will be better, we can bear a hardship today.
Thich Nhat Hanh3 -
Hi all,
I just received some upsetting news regarding a good friend of my niece who is only 39. I have known her since she was 12 years old. She had breast cancer around 2020. She had both breasts removed and followed it with chemo and radiation. Now I have been informed that it has come back in her spine and pelvic bones stage 4. She has 2 daughters one still in high school and the other in college. I am really depressed and questioning the big guy WHY!!!!!!
This is really hard for me to deal with this weekend.
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suzieq64, that’s very upsetting news and it sent a shiver of goose bumps through me. Younger woman have higher hurdles (with hormones) vs us older ladies. It’s scary what’s happening to your nieces friend. My heart goes out to her.
It’s 68 and sunny! Beautiful day. I was up early and took my car in for a car wash with interior cleaning.The car was way overdue to get done, but my back is t up to doing it myself. I came home and noticed the car wasn’t looking so great. I took it back to a closer car wash near me, same company. This location is DYI cleaning, so they have air compressor hoses to use. I pulled in and went to town on the drain channels of my car, still full of pine needles. Popped the hood, popped the trunk, and inside the front quarter panel accessed through the front doors - I blew out enough pine needles, leaves, and random crud to make a birds nest. I came home and needed WD-40 to get pine sap off my windshield. I think if I wanted this done by the car wash, I’d need to pay for detailing vs inside/outside clean. But it was $50 for what I had done, luckily they’re running a special at $40. A full detailing has to be in the $100’s. What happened to a good wash for $15-20? In FL we were in a wash club, weekly washes for a monthly fee that I think was $23+. All things have gone up in cost, and I just have to get used to it. But I don’t have to be happy about it! Hahaha
I grabbed some groceries at Aldi’s, and Hanniford. But still will run to BJ’s looking for organic lettuce. I was asked to bring a tossed salad for tomorrow’s gathering. I’ve got homegrown tomatoes, I’m cutting up a brick of sharp cheddar, and I boiled a bunch of eggs to cut up and put in. Simple but tasty, if I can get good lettuce. Dressings - I bought 3 bottles; I like honey mustard, kids like ranch, some like Italian.
I hope all are enjoying the Labor Day weekend.3 -
Susieq64 - I’m so sorry to hear about your niece’s friend. BC is an ugly and unfair disease. I volunteer at the food pantry with a woman whose daughter-in-law is 40 yo and was diagnosed with TNBC when she was pregnant with her now four year old son. Unfortunately it progressed to stage IV earlier this year and has moved into her lungs. Keeping your niece’s friend in my thoughts.
Cindy - I feel you on rising prices. Although the only thing that hasn’t risen in price for me is my monthly car wash pass at $15/month which seems like a bargain. Speaking of which I should drive over there as my car needs a good wash.
Betrayal - do you have a trip coming up?
Intolight - (((HUGS)))
Lots going on with most of you and I am following along and thinking of you. We took a 5 day trip to Vail, CO last week as a quick getaway. A little hiking, a little biking, the Betty Ford Gardens and a fabulous Sunday Farmer’s Market. I booked a pretty good hotel/car rental deal through Costco Travel. At least as good of a deal as today’s prices allow.
Yesterday, we drove to southern Wisconsin to have dinner with my brother and niece and her husband. We’ll be back there later this week for a get together with our college friends.
Thinking of all of you, especially our new members and waving hello.
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suzieq, sorry to read about your niece's friend. Agree with what cindyny stated about BC in younger women. Treatments today are much better for MBC.
Intolight, sending you ((( HUGS))).
Chris, that is lovely. I have a large collection of hand crocheted vintage doilies that I like to display. This is a great way to do so.
harley07, love the photos of your trip. I loved our trips to CO. Yes, in October we have a 35 day cruise to Hawaii and South Pacific. New vistas for us after Hawaii since we were there many years ago.
cindyny, you continue to be a busybee. Now that the mulching is done, we have other garden projects to focus on including more fencing to install. The deer started to eat my flower bed near the big rock. Some didn't even get to bloom this year.
Weather has been nice this weekend. We took the day off and went to the only remaining JCP in the area. I wanted to try on some slacks before I bought more. The ones I have are too large and the next size down fits. However, they only had one pair so I was able to buy more online. I did get a couple of tops for the cruise,too. Then we hit the bedding and drapery areas. I bought new throw rugs for the two bathrooms, valances for the powder room, draperies for the guest bedroom, and DH found some new PJ'S. Sales were great.
Went to Outback for late lunch/ early dinner. It was good.
Hope everyone had a great day. Waving "hi" to everyone.
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I like animals because they are not consciously cruel and don't betray each other.
Taylor Caldwell2 -
Hello All,
Beautiful pictures of Colorado, Antique crocheted art, hikes outdoors in the beautiful weather this weekend. We are having a town yard sale in my area. Lots of bargains to be found. They have them every memorial day and labor day. A tradition for the area.
I think I'll plop my hat on and go join them today. God is good and he will sustain us.
Prayers for a lovely holiday for all. Thank you for your kind words and support it means more than you realize.
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A mountain is composed of tiny grains of earth. The ocean is made up of tiny drops of water. Even so, life is but an endless series of little details, actions, speeches, and thoughts. And the consequences whether good or bad of even the least of them are far-reaching.
— Swami Sivananda
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This is Field in the Woods - Murphy NC
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Enjoyed all the photos posted.
We had a great day yesterday. Good food & good company. I think we were home by 7-7:30. Everyone went home with leftovers. Kids swam all day. Good times had by all.
This morning I went to my foot people for new orthotics. They’ll be ready for pick up on 9/28.
I bought two outdoor solar motion sensor lights. I just hung one up. It was a comedy of errors. I was up & down the ladder, switching the drill from the bit to a Phillips head … I dropped the 1/16 drill bit. Fortunately I found it on my second attempt at locating it. But lately it feels like Murphy’s law is my shadow.My cousin is supposed to be here tomorrow so we can fix the broken vinyl gate post (the part that swings, not stationary ones). So I grabbed tools to make sure I can get it off before he arrives. That worked out well, so I placed the tools I need in the back porch, and moved the saw horses to the front of the garage. But the weather may not be ok.
I’m supposed to have the driveway sealed tomorrow. Wishful thinking on my part as it may rain again!
The handyman has been rehired to I finish up any stain leftover. He may be here this week.
My FL house has had the modem go off just about every other day this past week. GF neighbor may take it to Xfinity to swap it out. But if she does get a new one, I can’t remember if I have to reset everything in the house to hook up to it. We pay $50+ a month so I’d like it to work. I think I’ll contact Xfinity to see if they can reset it remotely. Another “fingers crossed” event!
I purchased some new Biofreeze today and it is an aerosol, vs the roll-on I usually get. The “good” is it felt immediately wonderful; the “bad” is I had overspray and swear I could taste it. Haha
That’s a day in my life. LOL
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@petite1 Love the pictures. That is one place I have never been so thanks for sharing.
I thought I would bypass the lab fiasco of long waits the last couple of times and went to a different lab a day early (allowed) while we were already out getting my DH fitted for a new knee brace. I was in and out in under ten minutes. Sure beats the stress although it is way on the other side of town! Then we went to lunch at Carrabbas. We were the first ones in the place (at noon) and there were only two other tables occupied when we left. I don't know how they stay in business although the prices were pretty high. Haven't been in years.
The rain has already started this evening. I do love the smell of fresh rain.
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I like that quote, Betrayal. It spoke to me.
Petite, we stayed at a nice RV park in Murphy, NC, many years ago.
The morning is starting off dreary, with the patter of rain on the roof, but dh is dressed for golf at 10 am. I will probably go to the gym about 10:30. By then the noisy class is over and the women have left. The parking lot isn't full of cars. I'm starting to look forward to going to the YMCA at home again and attending senior classes. Also, going to lunch on Wednesdays with our little lunch group.
Happy Wednesday to all.
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