thread for middle age to older Christian women.
Comments
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Chris, it will be interesting to see what your oncologist has to say.
Thank you for your prayers. I am feeling a bit stressed because this out of town hospital seems to be either short staffed or something. I have not had my prescreening call from the nurse. I don't know which meds for sure I am supposed to stop and tomorrow is a week away. I have not had anyone contact me to schedule the usual preop testing. I do have a covid test scheduled only. I really am trying to not get too crazy about this but in my past experience I would have had all of these things on my calendar by now. My call to this number at the hospital I was given to schedule my nurse's screening was no help at all. Lord give me patience and peace.
Have a good night all. Teka we are praying for you.
Love,
Nancy
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Welcome Wanda!
Chris, glad for your test results!
Nancy, how precious to have a young Downy handing around. We don't have much going on, on the bird front. My husband hasn't made it to the bird store recently so we haven't had seed, but I think he's going today since he's driving that way. That said, I have noticed the mockingbirds have started singing again, both at home and work (lots of mockingbirds at the woody office park where I work and often take walks). They were quiet most of the summer.
Lots of musculoskeletal pain. PT says my ankles are exceptionally tight. But the aches and pains are getting worse. I don't think from the PT, she's starting extremely gentle with me to be really careful. I think it's the Zoladex and exemestane. But at what point should I go see rheumatology I wonder. Hand on cancer side is so stiff when I wake up (even from a short nap). I can't make a fist for awhile and it's achy. I ponder lymphedema but there's no other red flags. I'll tell MO about it in Nov but she's generally unhelpful with side effects.
I'm going to pick up some CBD oil this afternoon when I get off work. I found a local pharmacy that (I think) carries what I want to try. If it's not on the shelf I'll online order when I get home. I hope I'm not allergic to it!
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Praying for you Nancy, some scheduling today and for peace of heart and mind. Also a successful surgery with minimal pain. And for you GB as you deal with all these issues along with work. Praying that there will be ways to relieve the pain in your hands and ankles.
I'm leaving for AZ this afternoon but will carry all of you with me in prayer. I have seen the red rocks one time Nancy when my parents spent the winters there. They are beautiful. My stomach is somewhat better with he omeprazole. Some days not as good as others. I have a Basel Cell spot on my leg that has to come out the 31st. But it isn't as deep as the one I had about a year ago on top of my head.
Love and prayers,
Wheatfields
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Nancy, I'm continuing to pray for you. I think I'd be worried, too, if I hadn't heard from the scheduling people.
To all the rest, I wish you a restful Friday!
Carol
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Nancy, I hope you hear from the hospital's scheduling department soon.
If the hospital is anything like the one in my area, it's probably related to staffing issues. Every email I receive from my hospital includes their help wanted ads. Labor shortages leave patients in such binds.
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Nancy, Did you hear from scheduling yet? That is a big part of our stress isn't it... Praying God makes your paths straight.
Wheatfields, enjoy AZ!
gb, I wish I had an answer for you. I am praying for your continual struggles that God removes your inflammation and pain.
I saw the radiologist today and she said she doesn't want to use radiation on my spine as it is not cancer...I agree. We will try PT for my pain and keep close watch over it. She does, however, want to do a brain MRI. She is not happy that a sudden floatie appeared in my left eye that is like a spider web and covers about 1/4th of my eyesight. I also have a continuing dull headache. I don't think that is the cause but it will be good to know for sure. I also have an appointment with my opthalmalogist to check out other causes. It is always something!!! I am thankful for good medical care and quick response.
Have a good weekend dear sisters.
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GB, I suppose I should take my hummer feeder down now. I still have some nectar in my fridge but haven's seen my little Woody for a few days but I do have some peanut butter concoction that the place I buy feed gave me. I haven't used it yet but maybe putting some out on the trees in my backyard right before my surgery might give me some pleasant distractions. It is specifically for the woodpeckers.
I hope your CBD oil works for you. I really seriously looked into that a couple of weeks ago and talked to a friend who I knew had some good knowledge of it. I may consider it after surgery but it would have been something that would have to be stopped before surgery according to some things I have read. I have a friend who has some neuropathy after radiation and she uses a product called Arnica. I have never tried it but something you might check out as well.
Wheatfields, I hope you have a wonderful time with your sister in AZ. I would guess this is a perfect time to visit there weather wise. Thanks for your prayers. I continue to pray for your stomach ulcers and praying that med works for you to erase all of the pain.
Carol and Hershey, I still had the caller ID from when the nurse called me to schedule my Covid test. I was not seeming to get any hard and fast answers from my surgeon's office except they said I would be allowed to do the pre op tests at my local hospital which is merged with this one out of town. I called this number and finally got to someone. I have to say that the people from this hospital I have dealt with on the phone I have felt have been annoyed with my calls. I just said I am afraid I might have fallen in the cracks with the pre op testing. The lady asked when is your surgery and then said it will be 48 hrs before your surgery. At least I have some kind of a possible time frame. Of course I still have to get a call from someone to schedule those tests. I have to just let God be in control here because I am trying to control this and obviously that is getting me nowhere. I actually looked back to my hysterectomy pre op tests in MyChart. I actually was at the hospital on a Sunday, Dec. 27 having those pre op tests and my surgery was Dec. 30, 2020. I do remember a nurse calling early on with the prescreening and I had an absolute idea of what meds I was supposed to stop etc. I have stopped all of my supplements on my own today just to be safe but I really do think this is a byproduct of the pandemic and the nursing shortage as a result of total burnout.
I fear some people going into surgery who really doesn't have a clue and bleeding out during surgery because they didn't stop there blood thinning meds fast enough because no one told them.
So I am continuing my cleaning spree which is a good distraction. Thank you all for listening to my rants. I have to say I am more nervous about this surgery than I have been since dealing with cancer and two years ago thinking my life was going to be over because of cancer. I think if the surgeon had not said how painful it would be for at least 2wks I may not have been so concerned. This too shall pass.
I hope you all are doing well and have a great weekend.
Love,
Nancy
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Chris,
We must have been posting at the same time and it was quite late and I had to fix dinner so I thought I would reply now. No I didn't hear from the scheduler yet.
I am glad you don't have to do radiation. I hope PT will help with your pain.
Have you noticed anything with your eyes like flashes of light or anything like that. I am not sure if I had my detached vitreous happen when you were on this forum but it is common and I had it in one eye and then it occurred shortly after in the other eye. The result was I have bunch of floaters now which never resolved like they were supposed to and there is no treatment for it. My eye doctor did have to keep a close eye on it in the beginning as a detached vitreous can end up causing a detached retina which of course would be serious so I am glad you will be seeing an eye doctor. I hope all turns out to be nothing serious including your MRI.
My toilet in my first floor bathroom is out of commission now. It started with incessant running water after being flushed just a couple of days ago. I have fixed my toilets in the past so I did my usual researching on YouTube and tried something that made it so much worse so I had to shut off the water entirely. My dryer went out the night before my last surgery and I had my underwear hanging all over the place as my friends came in to take care of Cammie. As you say Chris always something. I guess that is life.
If I had a little more time I would have a new one put in because hiring a plumber would cost a fortune and that could go towards a new one. However being without this bathroom after surgery is not something I want either. I could probably fix it but it would mean going out and buying the whole inner parts and I just don't have time or the mental head space to even try that now.
Wheatfields, I didn't mention about your basal cell carcinoma surgery on Oct. 31. We will be lifting you and Teka up as her knee replacement is on that same day.
Have a good night all.
Love,
Nancy
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I haven't posted on this discussion board before, but identify at "older and Christian". I'm actually a convert to the Catholic tradition, and I see there's a board for Catholics, but it doesn't look very active.
Intolight,
I had asked you about being on Everolimus on another board and you shared your experience of ending up in the hospital. I'm now on my third week (taking a graduated dose - I started at 5 mg and now on 7.5mg) which has caused elevation in my liver enzymes, so I am definitely hyper-vigilant. Some of these drugs are so awful...what more is there to do than Hope and Pray and ask Jesus to protect and shield us from the side effects?
bandwoman1234,
You mentioned sleepless nights....are you interested in any suggestions? I have found something that has worked for me after chronically waking about 3 AM and not being able to fall back asleep. But maybe this board is not so much for sharing that kind of information?
Wendy
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Wendy, welcome to this discussion board. You will find a fabulous group of ladies here and feel free to share whatever is on your heart. Yes, Everolimus put me in the hospital and I struggled to get back to a more normal state for months. Mine was lung issues so keep hypervigilant about that, but as long as you are not allergic to it like I was, I have seen good results in others. My onc actually put me on Verzenio once I stabelized even though I started on Ibrance (not usually an accepted step). I was only on a few months but I am right now NEAD and am only on Fulvestrant for maintenance. It has been a wild ride, but God has been faithful in His healing. Keep us informed on how you do. I will add you to my prayer list.
Chris
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Hi Wendy! It's nice to see you here! This is a great bunch of ladies. We pray for each other, support each other and feel comfortable sharing all the nitty-gritty details of our lives.
Regarding the sleep, I'd love to hear what you have to say. Since I've been intermittent fasting (THANK YOU for that information) sleep has been very elusive.
Carol
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Chris,
Your NEAD status is just remarkable and so hopefilled....Please keep us informed. I recently read of another woman whose scans cleared of any evidence of disease after treatment with Levofoxifene (an oral SERM or SERD). She was part of Phase 1 of that drug. The website of the pharmaceutical company that makes Levofoxifene mentions her (not by name) and one of the researchers says it is very uncommon.
Hi Carol and bandwoman1234,
Regarding sleeplessness....I started of follow the advice of Dr Roger Seheult this summer. He's a California Internal Med doctor and, I think, sleep specialist. He has a YouTube MedCram lecture from about 8 months ago: "Sunlight: Optimize Health and Immunity (Light Therapy and Melatonin)". As he recommends, I go outside in the morning and look towards the sun (not at the sun) for a minute or two to let the light strike the back of my eyes.....which stimulates a nerve center that sets the circadian cycle. I hold my glasses in my hand, since my lenses have a blue light filter, and I do 20 - 25 squats - two birds/one stone. He explains the science in detail in his lecture. It's such a simple step to take each morning. Last fall I also started to take melatonin at bedtime. I wanted a low dose and settled on a 1.5 mg combination product by Life Extension IR/XR Immediate Release and Extended Release. I get it from Amazon. I've read mixed opinions about the safety of melatonin and cancer, but my basic understanding is that we make less melatonin as we get older, so my hope is that a low dose supplement replaces what I no longer make naturally due to aging, without adding risk. It works for me. I still usually wake around 3 AM to void, but return to bed and can fall asleep again easily.
Many women who post on the other discussion boards offer hugs and "in your pocket" support for those who are struggling or facing a new challenge. My inclination would be to offer prayers but have been hesitant since not sure how it would be received. I'm happy to find this group who talk about their faith and the role of prayer.
Wendy
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Hi ladies,
I have an urgent prayer request. Can you believe it is Monday after hours and I still don't have my pre op test scheduled with the surgery on Friday. I have been in an emotional battle with fear and anger at this point. I talked to my surgeons nurse this morning and she said you can do these tests at your doctor's office. She said they do this all the time and would know what tests to perform. Well that sounded way too iffy to me but I proceeded trying to get through to my doctor. I was on hold for around 25 min and when I pressed one to give them a callback number I got disconnected. I messaged my doctor and I got a message just a few minutes ago from his nurse saying to make a pre op apt with my doctor. She said she tried to call my surgeon's office and they were gone for the day. Now I am still waiting to get through to the doctor to make this apt. In the mean time I have reached out to two different plumbers as I know I need this toilet fixed before surgery. I thought maybe I could fix it on my own and the company I got parts from their phone is disconnected. I actually replace this part myself many years ago. I imagine my blood pressure is off the charts now and I am trying to calm myself down. At one point I had two phones up to my ear at once receiving a call and waiting to get through to the doctor. God bless my friend who is driving me. She called and said she and her husband were near the out of town hospital and they were going to see if they could find it. There is NO address on the outside of the hospital. They actually went inside to get info for me and now she knows where to go and hopefully how to get there. I need prayers for peace and that things are going to fall into place. I can't imagine this surgery being postponed because of communication break down in their own system. I have been struggling with pain and have spent so much time with sitz baths at this point that I think I have almost read all of my magazines at this point. It is a good time to read my Bible and pray.
Wendy, welcome. Sorry for my rant and this is not my usual!!! I am glad you already know Chris and Carol. I read your protocol for insomnia. Interesting. Here in the Midwest we can go for days without seeing the sun so I am not exactly sure how that would work. I will certainly check out this lecture if I can find it. I am having surgery on Friday and I stopped all of my supplements last Friday on my own because NO ONE called to go over my meds. I do take a prescription sleeping pill. I also take Melatonin but am not at the moment. Thank God I have been able to sleep the last few nights. I do use a light box and just started using that a few days ago now that fall is upon us now. I use my light box for SAD but I have to be careful as I have the beginning of macular degeneration and have to be careful with that. I hope you feel comfortable here with our little community. The women hear are awesome and very supportive.
Thank you for that info.
Love,
Nancy
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On, dear Nancy, I'm so sorry for all you are going through. I will continue to lift you in prayer...
Wendy, thank you for that info. I was Googling on my phone one night (I know, I shouldn't be looking at my phone when I'm trying to sleep) and was reading about the morning sun. I've been trying to do that the past few mornings, even though my eyes are super sensitive to sunlight sometimes. I also read something about "grounding" - or whatever it's called, so I went out into my backyard barefoot.
I'm thinking about asking my husband to install an anchor somewhere in the backyard where I can attach my TRX. I could work my muscle groups while getting my morning sunlight.
Carol
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Nancy, sending fervent prayers that God will make smooth the path for your surgery including pre-op arrangements and all the other details. Also that you will find peace in the details. Sending warm virtual hugs.
I still struggle with sleeplessness too. I am trying not to depend on drugs and I like the advice you ladies are giving. I will give it a try!
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Nancy,
You're in my prayers. I can identify with your frustration and stress.....essentially having to be your own nurse case manager. I pray that all the pre-op details get taken care soon.
Re: morning light exposure......I also live in the mid-west, but think even on mornings when the sky is over-cast there's enough natural light to stimulate the back of the eye nerve center that sets the circadian cycle. I would maybe just stay out in the morning light a few minutes longer compared to when it's full sun.
Wendy
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Thank you for your prayers. I really appreciate them. I have been scrubbing floors tonight still getting my house as spic and span as I can. I did get a response from a plumber that a friend recommended to fix my broken toilet and he was nice enough to text me back and said he contracted Covid this weekend. I couldn't get through to another source so will call them tomorrow. My faith muscles and my patience are being stretched to the max and I am trying to stay as calm as I can. I'll let you know how things go.
Have a good night dear sisters.
Love,
Nancy
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Hi Wendy,
I think we were posting at the same time. I will have to try your protocol when my surgery is over but I am certainly willing to try anything that will help. I still have to do some outside clean up (I have lots of flowers) and not sure if I am going to have time to do that. There is going to be a hard freeze the next few nights and I still have to get my hose disconnected. Oh my. I know I will look back on this time and see how God got me through. I can't wait for that time to come!!!
You hear all the time that you need to be your own advocate in the health care arena but I never envisioned doing it in this particular instance.
Have a good night. I am glad you are a part of our little community
Love,
Nancy
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Hi Ladies,
It looks like everything is finally coming together. I see my primary doctor for my EKG and the receptionist didn't know if they knew the other labs I needed. I have to trust the nurse does. The receptionist called me and I have an apt at 9 am tomorrow. I called a plumber and he will come sometime tomorrow afternoon. I have a Covid test today so I have to scoot but thank you ALL for praying.
Teka, actually the hospital was the one that was supposed to call me. This hospital is supposed to be good but with the trickle down effect of Covid and surgeries being postponed and a nurse shortage I think it all came together for a perfect storm for me and I am sure many others. I would have preferred our own hospital but I will be glad to finally get this surgery as it has been a cumbersome and painful experience the last many weeks. The written directions I do have are pretty vague but there is a mini cleansing prep I have to do and a light diet whatever that means. I am used to having very detailed instructions for a surgery but this is a new surgeon to me and a whole new experience. When I made a call after hours it took an hour for them to get back to me so calling is pretty much a nightmare if you are in a hurry. I am so relieved though that apts are in place and hopefully my toilet will be as good as new by the end of the day tomorrow. Whew. How are you doing with your surgery also coming soon. I do pray that your experience going into it will be way better than mine has been and praying for NO hitches for you.
Have a good day dear sisters.
Love,
Nancy
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Nancy, I'm so glad things seem to be coming together! We will continue to pray!
Wendy, I was wondering about the overcast days. I think spending more time out in the morning daylight is a good idea on those days.
Love to the rest of my dear sisters,
Carol
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Nancy,
Prayers answered, Praise God. I'll keep you in my prayers for a good surgery outcome on Friday.
Wendy
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Thank you ladies. I so appreciate your prayers and it is always wonderful to see how God comes through and answers and makes a way where there seems to be no way.
I had my Zoom Bible Study class tonight and am trying to get things done before going to bed. Having an issue with my comforter not playing nice in my washer. Adding to the time it will take for me to use it for bed. Ugh!!!!
Teka, I have never heard of a daymare but that pretty much describes my yesterday. LOL
Have a good night dear sisters.
Love,
Nancy
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Hi all.
Pre op tests done and results back so green light to go on Friday. Toilet just now fixed so I am a happy camper and still cleaning and a bit nervous but nothing like the stress overload I was feeling a couple of days ago. The hospital called for pre screening but I never did get a call to schedule pre op tests but thankfully God made a way. Interesting that the surgery instructions were to stop many things 14 days before the surgery and I am just finding out about this two days before. My bp was pretty high at my doctor's office this morning but thankfully I had recently taken it and it was fine so he was okay with that.
Have a good night dear sisters. Thanks again for your prayers.
Love,
Nancy
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Nancy, so glad to hear this good news. God is good!
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Nancy, thinking of you and praying for you for tomorrow.
Carol
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Thank you ladies for your encouragement and prayers. They mean so much to me. This is a photo I took a few years ago at our arboretum. This years foliage is gorgeous and I don't think I will be able to get any of this years fall beauty. There is a beautiful egret (white bird) in this pic as well. My flowers finally got zapped last night after surviving many very cold nights. I will try to hide all of the pots to deal with much later. I was able to throw some pots out in the garbage last night.
Have a great weekend. It is going to be really warm here.
Love,
Nancy
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Nancy, praying for an easy prep, a safe trip to the hospital, and a successful surgery tomorrow.
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Nancy, praying all goes well tomorrow. May you feel God's presence beside you. Beautiful picture!
I had my brain MRI early this morning and the results were in before we even finished breakfast at the restaurant. It is completely clear, as I expected, other than a little atrophy (can you say I am getting old!) Praising God!
The only problem was me lying on the table for 30 minutes with a cage over my face trying not to cough with this cold... Yes, I did once. But the guy knew ahead of time and said it wouldn't be a problem if it was minimal.
Just letting you know. Thanks for your prayers! It is 75* here in Colorado Springs right now. We are enjoying a little warmth before the winter cold hits. It will be 48* tonight with a low of 32* on Sunday. Good ole Colorado weather!
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Thank you Hershey. I have to figure out the timing of it all because I was quite surprised to find out my surgery is at 4 in the afternoon. I know it will mean a long stretch with no water which gets me more than the no food. I will still have to get up a 4 am and drink Gatorade as that somehow helps things. The fun will begin some time tonight with a Fleet enema and then also before I leave.
Chris, that is wonderful that your MRI was clear. PTL I am so glad you got results so quickly. Now you can enjoy a wonderful weekend of nice weather. We are supposed to have quite warm weather tomorrow and the next day also in the 70's. I told my niece I am glad everyone else will enjoy the weekend. LOL However we have had several nights which have been very cold. I have only these volunteer impatiens that are still thriving probably more because I have such a heat loss in my patio door. Whatever the reason that made me smile as I rushed around trying to do a little clean up outside. I am taking a break and then still have things to do.
Have a great night dear sisters.
Love,
Nancy
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