Can we have a forum for "older" people with bc?
Comments
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Meemers! Do you 'belong" to Barnes & Noble? You can download free books onto your Nook! I have done that so many times, and I really like the short stories also! I have downloaded the "books" onto my computer, and then I can sit and read them on this big 23" screen!
But never mind if you are doing all this on a phone... instead of a computer...
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I will be generous with my love today. I will sprinkle compliments
and uplifting words everywhere I go. I will do this knowing that
my words are like seeds and when they fall on fertile soil, a
reflection of those seeds will grow into something greater.Steve Maraboli
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Well, ahem ---- no sun today, but I had it yesterday, all day so that will suffice for now. Mimi, I loved what you said to Blondie. People can become in time so resilient with the things that happen to them. Also, I think because the world moves so much faster now that though kids are "small" and it takes time to gather thoughts and reactions, that often an understanding and acceptance comes in much deeper ways than we might have had two or three cycles back.
Got a sore back ???? this morning --- must have lifted too many towels out of that bathroom cupboard. A little aspirin therapy and heating pad and hopefully I will mend quickly and sufficiently. Ah, well. Do have to keep on. I start this afternoon taking care of my friend's felines while she goes to Florida for four days. Good for her -- she can use the rest away. Even retired she has a fairly busy life going on. Always glad I can help her out when she needs to get away. It is never for long. Likely will work tonight as well. That is ok with me too. It is all "normal" for me and at my age "normal" keeps me grounded and feeling like all is right in the world.
Hope you ( someone anyway ) will have some sunshine and warmth today. Wren we had some rain overnight and maybe some more sometime through the day....and it will stay colder for the next week. Snow???? Just don't know for sure, but so far, very odd winter season.
Blessings,
Jackie
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Thanks sweetie makes sense
Jackie hugs....55 today here, weather is making people sick
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We have had such a gray winter so far. I long for some sunshine. Heading to the kitchen to make turkey pot pies Which means my dog will have to get up in case I drop something
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Chevy - I do download some of the free books, and know I should also do that from the library. The library is less attractive because they have a return/due date. But I belong to a book club that reads more recent books. Thanks for the reminder about the free ones! I spent today with pup Peggy quietly here at the lake. We were outdoors a little cleaning up her lawn bombs as the kids call them. Then I practiced my face paint a little and started thinking of packing up to go home.
This morning I received a fun invitation to stay with four clown friends in Wisconsin and participate in the Circus Parade in Baraboo Wisconsin in July. Then we will head to camp together to learn even more about clowning. Crazy to already be making July plans with friends. The parade happens to be the weekend just before we will all be together anyway at camp. The friends are from Texas, New York, Wisconsin and Scotland. Quite a varied group in age, too. But friends nonetheless. My daughter agreed to watch pup Peggy or the cost of a kennel for that long would be huge. Since she and her family will be at my lakehouse it seems the least they could do. Ha ha.
I may need to tell my family you call me Meemers. I rather like the sound of it. Thanks Chevy!
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We had 4 inches of snow overnight. Good thing this part of the country is prepared to handle snow, roads were cleared and we didn't have any trouble driving to see Lew's son and the grandkids today and had a lovely visit.
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The temporary boost the blood transfusion given to my husband Mike last week has worn off. Except for going to our friends house for Christmas Day Brunch, he's been in his recliner or in bed all week and eating almost nothing. His hemoglobin must be back down and I suspect it's even lower because of his lack of interest in anything. I read his discharge notes from the hospital and the consensus among all the doctors he saw is that he may never have had hemolytic anemia. (That's an autoimmune disease caused by the brown recluse venom that 30% of patients get. It causes the body to kill it's own red blood cells faster than the bone marrow can make new ones.) The tests they did in the hospital do not support that diagnosis now so while it's possible he did have it back in the summer, they think it's been something more serious all this time. The spider bite in April may have masked his real illness. That's just conjecture since the bone marrow biopsy is not back yet from the three labs it was sent to. I've been reading quite a bit about the worst case scenario that his hematologist told me about, myelodysplastic syndrome (bone marrow cancer,) so I'll be prepared when we see the hematologist Jan. 7th. If his diagnosis turns out to be something less, although still serious, I'll be delighted. It's a bit of reverse psychology. If it's bad, I won't be shocked because I know the protocol for most people who get this diagnosis and the prognosis. I'll still be crushed for him, but my head won't be reeling by the unknown and I'll be able to be strong. Apparently with the most minor version of the illness, he is likely to have weekly blood transfusions.
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Sandra - Sounds like you prepare the same way I do for all eventualities. I sure hope the results are something less dire. Hugs for you & prayers for Mike.
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Life is not a competition with others. In its truest sense it is rivalry with ourselves. We should each day seek to break the record of our yesterday. We should seek each day to live stronger, better, truer lives; each day to master some weakness of yesterday; each day to repair past follies; each day to surpass ourselves. This is, simply, progress.
C. Smith Sumner0 -
Sandra,
I'm thinking about you. You have been such a trooper -- going through so much with your diagnosis and tx. Just when it seems that you can draw a breath and slow down Dh ends up with an issue. I am so hoping that it ( though you are well prepared ) turns out to be something that is way easier than not and that you both will be able to snuggle back into a great retirement type life. Your Dh is in all my thoughts and prayers and some for your bravery and love.
Still a really sore back this morning but so great that I work for a Dr. I'm in good hands.
See you all later.
Blessings
Jackie
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Sandra - the very best of wishes for your husband (and you, too, of course). We'll be thinking of both of you.0 -
Sandra, sending my best wishes for your Mike and you.
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Hello everyone!
We are back from Tennessee and had a great Christmas with my son and his family. It sounds like many of you had good times with family, too. It is not every year that we get the opportunity to celebrate with them on Christmas day so we really appreciate it. Holidays can be lonely times when we're not able to spend them with loved ones.
Tomorrow will be the day to get the tree and Christmas decorations down and to start seriously getting things out to pack for our winter trek to the sunny south! I can't wait to go but dread the packing as I'm not an organized person and don't multi-task worth a darn anymore. I still have my mammo and tests on the 2nd and I'm a bit nervous (as always) about them. If all is well, we will head south on the 3rd.
Sandra, I am so sorry that your hubby is still having problems but I'm glad your daughter was there to help you through the holidays.
Jackie...Take care of that back!
I enjoyed all the holiday pictures and graphics! I am going to attempt to be more technology oriented this next year. I have a lot to learn! :-) My son got me a device that hooks into the cigarette lighter of the car so that I can answer my phone and talk hands free while driving. It involves some programming, etc. and so It is still sitting on the kitchen table! Why am I so leery about attempting this type of thing????? I was really excited about getting it!
Well, we have one last holiday gathering with some golfing friends for dinner tonight so I need to get moving and get ready!
Love the pictures of the dogs, Anne! Our two cats came from a shelter, too! I wouldn't trade them for anything! Enjoy them!
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Blondie, I can't remember a single thing my grandmother gave me. I can remember all the stories she told me about her childhood and growing up on the frontier. She was my special grownup and a treasure.
Sandra, Best wishes for you and your hubby. I think preparing for the worst and being relieved if it isn't is the way to go. Sending healing thoughts for you both. Perhaps he needs another transfusion. Is he telling the doctor how bad he feels?
Ritajean, Have a good trip and enjoy the sunny south.
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My daughter Allison and I took a little trip up the road from San Antonio to Austin, about 70 miles, to see an exhibition called, "The Making of Gone With The Wind" at an exhibit hall of the University of Texas. Mike was too tired to go so we let him watch football for a few hours. It was wonderful! We saw some of the gowns worn by Vivien Leigh including her red ball gown, ecru-colored wedding gown, black mourning dress, green velvet dressing gown, and the famous gown made from Tara's drapery. There was a fascinating one hour film of screen tests of many famous actresses of the times who were vying for Scarlett (including Talulah Bankhead!), Mammy, Prissy and Ashley. There was no question about who would play Rhett Butler so no screen tests were needed. There were story boards, make-up and costume test shots, fabric samples, drawings, lots of photos of location scouting and actors relaxing on the set - totally out of character. There were probably 200 letters by David O Selznik during the 3 years it took to get this project from purchase of the film rights from Margaret Mitchell for $50,000, discussions of the various actors' salaries (most were $75-$300 per week) to the premier in Atlanta in 1939. It was amazing to see the attention to detail paid by all those involved in set design and historical accuracy. Many things like stories of the KKK and some others scenes of slave life in the south were cut out of the film due to protests by Southerners who thought it would harm their reputations. Also didn't know the role of Scarlett was so coveted that thousands of women sent letters begging (and bargaining everything) for a chance to test for it.
What a wonderful experience! I was exhausted way too soon but got to see about 80% of it before I waived the flag of surrender and had to sit down and wait for Allison to get the car. Even though this last surgery was much less invasive then the others, I was still under general anesthesia for 3 hours so it's going to take another week or so to get back to normal since I'm only 9 days post op now. I'm feeling good though. Just don't have my stamina up yet. The surgical bra and abdominal binder help a lot so pain in nearly gone. It was nice to get out of the house, but better to be back in my recliner with the obligatory fuzzy blanket and fuzzy kitty.
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Sandra...thinking of you and yours
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Oh Sandra, the green curtains!!! Sounds like a fun outing. Will it be there awhile?
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Oh Sandra...That sounds like so much fun! I'm glad you could get out and enjoy the experience.
I am putting off "tackling the dismantlement of the tree!" I guess I should just "bite the bullet" and get it done. I will feel so much better when it is all put away!
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Morning everyone
Sandra- what a great adventure to "Gone with the Wind". I would love to see that. Also think it was so good for you to leave all the stress at home and do something so different for a few hours. I know it didn't and doesn't change anything, but you got a little break. Good for you! Meanwhile, praying Mike's diagnosis is easily treated.
I am happy to say both puppies are doing well after a week. Not doing great getting them house trained, but not doing awful either. They are both very smart, and already bring us the water bowl when it is empty. Unfortunately I had to leave them yesterday to come back to Ga.
I have appts with the BS and Onc. in a few weeks. I came back now, hoping to see my son and youngest GC for New Years- not going to happen. My poor son is stuck between two stubborn people - his wife and his sister. Wife won't come here because she doesn't like leaving the dogs overnight, baby has Dr appt New Years Eve (regular checkup) etc., and sister won't leave hubby alone New Years Eve- he has to work New Years Day, and also won't leave dogs overnight. Saddest part is it is my son who has had a really tough time not being with family at all this holiday. His MIL, who he really enjoys was there for a week, but left early Christmas morning. I will probably head over there next week some time for a few days.
Rob is having a really tough time, living so far from family, especially since Lucia was born. He wants desperately to move back to Fl, not only because of family, but he also has awful sinus problems that would be greatly reduced if he moved closer to the ocean, rather than the mountains. The worst part is that there really isn't anything keeping them in SC. He is a teacher, and she works part-time in her own home as a personal trainer. She refuses to even discuss it because she moved constantly as a kid, from country to country and doesn't want her daughter to go thru that- he cannot convince her that one move, before Lucia even starts preschool is not the same as totally uprooting her every few years. My heart breaks for him.
I wish you all a very happy, and most especially, healthy New Year.
Anne
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Minus, hurry! The Gone With The Wind exhibition closes on Jan. 4th. It's well worth the drive from Houston.
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Sandra, Glad you had such a fun time at the Wind exhibit! There was a fun piece on this past Sunday's CBS Morning Show about "Windys" (GWTW obsessed) who travel from all over the country to meet several times a year. It showed them at the exhibit - looked wonderful.Thinking of you and Mike and hoping all goes well.
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I've always liked Gone with the Wind. The first time I saw it was with subtitles when we lived in Germany. The burning of Atlanta was the blinking of an eye!! I kept thinking the movie didn't compare to the book. Then I saw it again in English...so different and so much better
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Sandra, wishing you and Mike a good prognosis. The GWTW exhibit is something DD and I would love to see. Wonder if it will tour
Ohio (Bonnie)
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Teacher, Minus, Anne...I just found a "web exhibition" of Gone With The Wind by the same place that has the in-person exhibition. Didn't even know that existed. Enjoy
http://www.hrc.utexas.edu/exhibitions/web/gonewiththewind/0 -
There cannot be a sense of abundance or the experience of prosperity without appreciation. You cannot find beauty unless you appreciate beauty. You cannot find friendship unless you appreciate others. You cannot find love unless you appreciate loving and being loved. If you wish abundance, appreciate life.
William R. Miller0 -
Teacher,
I read " Gone With the Wind " first and not only the book but the pictures in it just mesmerized me. It was my mother's book, and I was maybe 10 or 12. The actors and actresses were in those pictures so when I went to the movie several years later -- it was almost like running into old friends. I think I was 20 when I got to see the movie at a theater and it was just a total delight. I still have that old book though the cover came off of it. I have hoped to take it and have the cover put back on it, but so far.....out of sight, out of mind.
Long busy day today, but a good one. Had a big amt. of things to do right after morning chores here and when I was done with those I rushed home and picked up Dh and then right back to town and went and picked up my friend and her daughter and we went to the matinee at the theater and saw " Unbroken ". I'm so glad we did as it was a true story but it was difficult to watch some of the things done to our men at the prison camps by the Japanese.
Never thought about it Saturday when my back got so bad -- mainly I was just concerned that I get to work so I could do my job. Duh -- I'm going to a Dr.'s house, so he was able to get me some meds to take care of my back and the right sequence of exercises along with hot and cold therapy. I'm still hobbling a bit but I'm managing without undue pain. In fact, there is just enough there to remind me not to get too flamboyant with anything and to give up lifting weighty things right now. Much to my delight when Dr. and his wife got home they had stopped and brought a take-out Chinese dinner to Dh and myself so I would not have to make anything when I got home. I am so grateful that I work for some really fantastic people. In other words -- I am definitely not treated like the hired help.
Anne,
It is always something, huh !!! It is sad that you son can't move he and his family back there to Florida. You are so right -- one move shouldn't cause that much upset. In fact, it could be an "adventure" to have. I guess I'm the 'odd' person feeling that there is maybe just a little bit more to your DIL's reasoning though I can see why she feels that way.
Sandra,
Don't you know I'll be looking at your web-site in a bit and falling in love all over again I'm sure.
Hope you all had a good day. I'm looking forward to relaxing in a bit -- hoping to not get too 'drowsy' too early. I think today just wore me out a bit. See you all later.
Blessings
Jackie
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Gone With the Winds was my favorite novel during my young, romantic years. In my imagination I always re-wrote the ending.
DH and I went and got new cell phones today and switched from Verizon to AT&T. I had a Samsung Droid which was worth $5 on a trade-in! DH's Apple I-Phone was worth $40. We both got I-Phones this time so I have to acquaint myself with a new phone. I was happy with the Samsung except for the battery which went down very fast. I also was unable to post to bc.org, for some reason. I could send e-mails and post to Facebook. Very strange and I never bothered to go to the Verizon store and see if something could be done.
I got up and weighed this morning and then went to the gym!
It was nice to sleep as late as I pleased this morning and not have any obligations.
Wishing everyone a peaceful evening.
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No news yet on Mike. It will be another week until his Hematologist appointment. His eye that he had cataract surgery on four weeks ago on Dec. 1st has gotten redder. We saw his GP today who said his retina and lens were fine and it didn't look like anything serious but he was concerned that the redness had been fading & now is coming back. I asked Mike to call his Opthamologist but he stubbornly said he'd wait until his appointment...another two weeks. MEN!!! For those of you who had cataract surgery, how long did it take for the redness to go away in the white of your eye?
While we were at the GP's office, Mike got weighed. He is down to 197 from 240 last winter. When he was in the hospital before Christmas he was 201. The GP suggested Boost Plus so we'll see if we can get his weight to stop falling. It was a lovely warm and sunny 65 degree day but Mike insisted on wearing a heavy leather jacket while I was in a simple short sleeved t shirt. I guess that's because he has lost his fat padding and gets colder easier.
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Happy in-between-Christmas-and-New-Years...was just thinking how I am not ready to take down the tree even though nobody is visiting any more and we are not going to be here that many days this week. The house looked so pretty today...I made DH stop what we were doing and go sit in the LR with the lights and music on - had a little glass of Godiva white chocolate and he had Baileys....I enjoyed the moment.
Sandra, what a great description of the exhibit. I just watched the movie recently (it's on a lot lately) and am always surprised that I forget a scene or two.
Jackie, my mom read her old copy of GWTW many times with me at her feet (sometimes tugging at her skirt but she wouldn't take her eyes off the page). When she died, I got her book - not in great shape - but cherished.
Carole, I never read the book...I only know the movie. I am not a great reader - but if a book is well-written and engaging, I can read straight through. I wonder how I'd do with GWTW...Rita, you ARE ready to take down that tree! I completely identify with your resistance to packing and multi-tasking. I find packing very difficult now...I cannot look at a lot of things at once and easily organize as I used to. And forget multi-tasking (which was my MO for years as I raised 6 kids). I have to speak to myself "focus, focus", when I have a task I don't want to tackle. Once you get that phone device set, you will be happy you did. Wishing you safe travels and a wonderful, warm winter!
Anne, it is frustrating to see your son unable to do what he needs to do. Years ago, a woman always followed a man's job. How things have changed....has he looked at job opportunities? Maybe they could vacation there a few weeks to see how nice it is in the winter. Good luck with the pups...sounds like you know what to do.
Jackie, I just read back a bit and loved your Christmas day quote. It is truly universal and so special for us here on this thread. Anyone can plug in the message to her own beliefs and be inspired.
I hope you find relief for the back pain. It is nice to hear how well you were treated while working.I totally enjoyed sleeping in a few days, and lounging.
I have grandkids with birthdays in Dec./Jan. I like to visit as long as I am able and the weather holds.
I have no classes for another few weeks but I do have to show my face at work - if nobody is there, I go home. My department chair is still out, being aggressively treated for his rare leukemia. He gave up the idea of coming back to work this coming semester. Cancer can be so devastating, and cause upheaval with little notice.It has taught me to be grateful every day.
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