thread for middle age to older Christian women.
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Hello dear ladies,
I did get to my appointment yesterday, we left at 7:30 and encountered some fog along the way but the roads were pretty clear, there is snow just piled everywhere. I haven't seen that much snow at once for several years, and the sad thing is that it stays below freezing a lot here and we'll be able to have the snow until March. Everything checked out okay, but I did mention the ulcers I had, which are healed now with omeprazole, and asked if Boniva could have caused them. He said it is possible, but if I was interested in a bone strengthening drug that didn't go through the GI system I could try Prolia. The word kind of shocked me because of course I read faithfully my "Save our Bones" newsletter, which is all about natural ways to increase bone density. And I've read about Prolia being worse than the bisphosphonates like Boniva. He was telling me that it is just a tiny under the skin injection twice a year. So I thought I'd ask you ladies if you or anyone you know has talked about their experience with Prolia. I guess I'm initially thinking, hopefully I have 18 months left of Arimidex and Boniva and so just continue them.
Praying that everyone celebrating their Christmas this weekend is having a wonderful time. May the Lord bless and keep each one of you safe in His care.
Love, Wheatfields
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Wheatfields, I'm glad that you were able to get to your Friday appointment. It sounds like the snow will be sticking around South Dakota for some time!
I'm happy to answer any questions you may have about Prolia. My doctor switched me from Zometa to Prolia this past summer. Prolia is a monoclonal antibody; Zometa is a bisphosphonate and is similar to Reclast. My doctor's nurse administered my Prolia injection. It's a subcutaneous injection (under the skin, not into a muscle). The injection feels like a little mosquito bite. It took seconds to administer, and then I waited for 20 minutes to see if I experienced any reactions (I didn't). Keep in mind that if you have to stop Prolia for any reason, you'll need to go back on a bisphosphonate to retain your bone mass gains.
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Wow. I got a Zoladex injection this afternoon and had some hemorrhaging after. They finally got the bleeding stopped but that was really stressful. I think it's probably going to be a hematoma underneath. It's got a pressure bandage on it right now. I hope I'm not going to end up with internal bleeding. If it's not one thing, it's another.
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gb, so sorry to hear about your latest trauma. Hope the bleeding has stopped and you have no further problems.
Nancy, how are you feeling? Were you able to get the windows scheduled? How is Cammie doing? How was your Christmas celebration?
We still have snow on the ground. Apparently we live in the snowiest part of the city next to the Black Forest which is only about two miles away. But it is ok. I have learned to deal with it and not let it disrupt my life too much. A daily high temperature in the low 40s is certainly different than the 60s winter temp of San Diego! Soldiering on! I am thankful the puppy loves it and does not hesitate to go out in it.
New Years blessings to all.
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Hi ladies,
Happy New Year.
I was able to get downstate to see my family for our postponed Christmas gathering. My sister had all of her Christmas decorations and lights still up so it did feel like Christmas. We got some snow on Sunday the day I came back but it all melted before I left. We had a great time. My niece, my sister's daughter decided we needed to have another celebration in February so I think we are going to all go back to celebrate my sister's 75th birthday.
I hit the ground running when I returned home as the windows guy was coming to do specific measurements so that meant moving things out of the way. I started my compounded suppositories on Monday as I didn't want to deal with side effects while at my sister's house. The first few days it gave me a splitting headache. I have just had to add Tylenol to the mix and that helps. Today I had a visitation for a friend. I will go to the funeral service tomorrow so it has been a pretty busy week. Today I noticed blood in my stool so this has been really discouraging as the new meds can cause constipation which is definitely a bad thing for what I am dealing with and it has caused just that. I should have called my surgeon but I knew I didn't want to miss this memorial service tomorrow and I know he uses Fridays to deal with post surgery patients. I sent a message to his nurse at the beginning of the week and haven't heard anything. I am really feeling like this could possibly never get resolved which is very concerning.
GB, I am really sorry to hear about your Zoladex experience. I hope that it heals quickly without any further problems.
Chris, I saw one of my former students today as this was her mother that died. She and her family lives in CO. I also ran into a former colleague whose son and family lives in Denver. I am glad you are adjusting to the big difference in climates. I am glad the puppy loves it. Cammie is not using her box after one day of using it when I came home. It is very upsetting and I keep trying different things. I have a feeling that I may have to board her for the day when my window installation happens which they think may be in April. She would be panicked if she felt helpless to hide. Apparently many windows will all be open at the same time. I am doing okay but today not feeling the greatest. I am just very tired. How are you feeling? Our pastor at my church has put a big challenge in front of the whole congregation to read through the whole Bible in a year. So I have been doing that. I think it is going to be a really good thing. I have read straight through the Bible and it is confusing when things are not in chronological order. This plan we are doing is making sense so far. I didn't know they actually have chronological Bibles so I may look into that.
I am still dealing with the City on my water situation and now it has become much worse in toilets not flushing properly. I am waiting for another guy to get back to me.
I hope everyone is doing well. I do hope 2023 is a great year for all of us.
Love,
Nancy
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I took off the bandage. I have what feels like a hematoma under a bruise about the size of a quarter. Still hurts. She definitely nicked something in there. They told me it happens. I'm going to be afraid to get another one of these. There was blood running down my pants onto the floor.
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GB, I hope the hematoma settles down quickly. That must have been so scary for you.
Nancy, it sounds like your window replacement project is right on track. I bet you will really appreciate the new windows when all is said and done. My bedroom windows need replacing but will have to wait until next year. Our big home improvement project this year is blowing new insulation into the attic. We're hoping it helps with heating and cooling costs.
Our company health insurance ended on December 31. The Medicare Advantage policies have not started because United Healthcare has yet to receive documentation from my employer that coverage ended. I called HR and was told documentation would be submitted on the 15th. Um, the 15th is Sunday and the 16th is an observed holiday. I will call on Tuesday and check. Hopefully the squeaky wheel (me!) gets the grease.
Have a lovely and peaceful weekend, dear ladies.
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GB, I hope your infusion fiasco doesn't cause you more pain and stress. I used to get nutritional IV's regularly and sometime they would miss the vein and the solution would pour into the skin and it would hurt like the dickens. I'm sorry that happened and hopefully you won't develop a fear of these injections.
Hershey, I think if I hadn't had so much going on and trying to juggle big challenges all at the same time I would have been more insistent on getting bids from a couple other companies. I know I paid probably way too much for these windows but if it helps with resale and if it helps with my utility bills it will hopefully be worth it. I remember when my parents had insulation sprayed into their unfinished second floor. The people doing it didn't tell them what a mess it would make so all the things stored up there got covered in this stuff. Hopefully you were forewarned. As far as I am concerned there is NO excuse for the situation you find yourself in with your new Medicare plan. I was getting a bit panicked when I hadn't heard anything from my new one in late Dec. so I called them and got my ID number and all of that before I got my new cards. What in the world do they expect you to do if you need medical services in that gap? I would definitely be the squeaky wheel for sure. United Health Care is the plan we had and that our State decided to change plans. I had to talk to customer service with UHC a few times before our coverage ended and I told them in my book they got an A+ and I am really sorry our State decided to change plans. They said they had heard that from many retired teachers from Illinois. I am now with Aetna and I hope they are just as good.
I would really appreciate your prayers. I am just overwhelmed at several challenges that have been going on for months with no resolution. I had the head of the water department out this afternoon and he is going to have a guy from the city call me on Monday to come out and test my water on the inside of my house. He thinks the smell is coming from my NEW water heater that was just put in a year ago in Dec. I thought he was going to use a camera to check for clogs. He doesn't think that is necessary but gave me a name of a plumber and sewer company that are good. I have been waiting for weeks and could have done that myself but I thought they were going to do that for me. Silly me. The guy was very nice and at least the water will be tested. There is so many things that might be wrong I am just thinking how in the world will I be able to afford all the possibilities. He did say he didn't think it was going to be one of those thousands of dollars deal where your whole yard has to be dug up. My new air scrubber that was installed on my furnace which was to help with Covid germs and pet odor is not working properly and I am wondering if this is why Cammie stopped using her litter boxes. That guy will be coming on Monday so we'll see. The UV bulbs are $275 plus the service call. When pressed I said I just had a new bulb put in in March. If I hadn't pressed she said let me call the company. She said there is a two yr warranty on the bulbs. I said the last time I had it replaced it was under two years and she said we can't do anything about that one now. Cammie did use her box today after I covered all the areas where she had been going and removed the kitty pads she went on. I also found more bleeding today and I didn't have a chance to call my surgeon because of the funeral and playing phone tag with this city guy all afternoon. With all that coupled with my computer issues that were never resolved I feel like I am caught in a raging river and about to go over the dam!!!!! Sorry to unload. I guess living alone I just needed to tell someone and Cammie wants to sleep instead of listen to me rant. LOL
I am glad it is the weekend. I hope you all can enjoy some down time.
Love,
Nancy
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I think I have developed a fear of the injections. I keep having flashbacks. I really need to ask them about emla cream. The oncologist said I don't need it, and I disagree. That one was extremely painful, gushing blood aside.
Other problems...my work insurance changed and I just got an email from the pharmacy that there's a problem with my insurance and my exemestane is $553 for 30 pills. Sigh. Guess I'm calling Walgreens when they open. Our health plan is completely messed up. I have so many coworkers having problems. When my PT verified benefits they were told something different than what my plan paper said.
I can't even fathom what the issue is, because when you search exemestane on my pharmacy page it's listed as generic tier 1, and possibly free because preventative med. I don't know. They probably don't even have me listed as a member or something bizarre like that. If they require pre-auth for exemestane they're just jerks.
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gb, so sorry to read of your continuing issues. I was on exemestane a year ago and I know I was able to have it covered free with some sort of foundation plan (but I don't remember the specifics but the oncology office applied for me.) I would ask the oncology office if they can apply for you. I did not have to qualify or I would not have gotten it free. It also should be covered under preventative pharma. I was also on medicare but under Kaiser. I am different now.
Nancy, where to start! Just know you are in my daily prayers. If I remember correctly we had someone out to run a camera for our water to check for clogs before we moved in and it was not too expensive. It is worth it. Feel free to rant all you want. You can even phone call me and I would love to chat and listen. I sit alone most days even though I have family around. Just pm me. I email me new half-sister almost daily doing the same thing...
Hershey, yes, call! Your employer should have sent you verification a month before coverage stopped. I am sorry you are having these insurance issues. It is tough enough navigating through this illness without insurance issues.
My oncologist has ordered more scans even though my labs look good. At least she stays on top of things. I will have them done next month. I still struggle daily with the medicine side effects but that is my life now. I hope to make it out to lunch today with new friends but we will see.
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I think this banner is suitable for many of us right now. Lord, we do need you every hour of every day. The challenges we face in this fallen world can easily overwhelm us but we have a God who fights for us in the heavenly realms when we don't think He is even listening. May we lay each and every burden at your feet and trust that you are working it all out for our good.
Love,
Nancy
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Nancy, literally every minute!! Faith every minute because life is hard.
So Walgreens fixed the problem. The exemestane is free. Yay!
But now I can't really bear weight on my foot because of weird big toe pain that started last night and has gotten worse. It feels like a muscle cramp (which I get a lot of--my other ankle is cramping off and on today), but is also sort of (barely) swollen. I see Ortho on Wednesday for regular follow up so that's good timing, but it would be nice to be able to walk. I hope it's better by Monday, or I will have to call out of work. Maybe I can ask for some at home work. So weird. Feels like a stabbing cramp. Heat, ice, Tylenol and lidocaine cream didn't help. Ice actually made it hurt a whole lot more.
I would insert a shrugging emoji if I knew how.
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Oh dear, Nancy. I really hope the water issue has an easy, simple remedy. Did the city employee suggest draining the water heater? That may help if sediment buildup or mineral deposits are in the tank. There is some prep work involved that you can do yourself, and then a plumber could complete the technical tasks. YouTube has a lot of videos on the subject.
Does your surgeon's office have a specialist on call during weekends and holidays? I worry about you having to wait until Tuesday to speak to someone.
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Hershey,
My water heater is very good brand and was just installed last Dec. There is a rod that might be the problem but if my water tests okay I am to the point of just ignoring the smell. The smell only comes when using the downstairs water faucets on hot water. The upper floor does not have this problem so I really don't think the water heater is the issue. The clog is now of greater concern. I still find this VERY strange that all of these issues cropped up at the same time all this water main replacement as taking place right outside of my house. I don't know if my surgeon has anyone on call or not. I sent a message to his nurse on Monday regarding my suppositories and I heard nothing back. I don't know if they will be in the office on Monday but I will call. I didn't even realize it was MLK day. I have a contractor coming that day so they apparently are working on this holiday. It seems that the treatment options my surgeon has tried with me has had side effects of making me feel worse. It will work out somehow I am praying. I have prayed that your insurance issue works out asap too.
Teka, how are you doing??????????????? Good to hear from you.
GB, I am glad one issue has been resolved as that was a big one.
Have a good weekend everyone.
Love,
Nancy
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Carol, I finally had a chance to read your latest blog post. It was a bitter sweet read. I loved reading the comments of all the people that love you and your DH and your parties. Maybe that block party will become a reality and a new tradition. I don't like change either but as often happens some of the things we dread become the things we actually love. Thanks again for being real and touching people on your journey.
Love,
Nancy
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Good Evening! I hope you all had a great day.
I had a diagnostic mammo/ultrasound done Friday1/13/23. It was different than my previous one a few years ango.They did an ultrasound after the mammogram like precooked, but the sonographer didn't do the ultrasound, the radiologist did it.That was a bit concerning and unusual. He was very nice. And it did go quicker since he knew where and what he was looking for after seeing all the other images.
He praised the radiologist who first caught the mass as an incidental finding during a routine CT (it was done to ensure no lung cancer recurrence) and said repeatedly "it is so great we caught it so small" “he did a great job spotting it”.
I thought when he said a biopsy was needed that I’d be able to do it then. But protocol dictates that he recommend to my PC doc that the biopsy is needed so that doctor can place the order. The first available is 2/1/23. One of the techs said she could possible arrange and earlier appointment and I should hear from her this coming week.
My PC has already scheduled an appointment with me for 2/9/23 to discuss next steps. The biopsy results will be in by then. This is another reason I feel they thinks it’s malignant.
I'm feeling at peace and hopeful. Yet, constantly searching online for something to tell me it’s probably benign.
My lung cancer was easy to get rid of and recover from- because I had a 3 hour surgery and a large chucnk of my left lung removed and no radiation after. The before diagnosis and surgery was horrible. I guess I'm just thinking this will be the same thing -if it is cancer. Just one surgery and done. I'm still praying for it to be gone. It's just the way things went and things said make me wonder if God is showing me these things to help me be prepared for a cancer diagnosis.
I'm doubting I'm being faithful if I think He is showing me to be prepared when I'm praying for it not to be malignant.
Overall, I'm feeling good about it. Unless I'm in denial.
So, more praying for me to do.
For God does not want me to be confused.
This is copied from my radiology report. The all caps is from the radiologist, not me. Seeing that was a shock. None of my previous reports were in all caps.
Report:
Impression:
IMPRESSION: BI-RADS 5 -- HIGHLY SUGGESTIVE OF MALIGNANCY -- APPROPRIATE ACTION SHOULD BE TAKEN (OVERALL) 3D-Tomo Dx-bi: Left breast finding is BI-RADS 5 -- HIGHLY SUGGESTIVE OF MALIGNANCY -- APPROPRIATE ACTION SHOULD BE TAKEN. B Dx mam w/CAD: Finding BI-RADS 5 -- HIGHLY SUGGESTIVE OF MALIGNANCY -- APPROPRIATE ACTION SHOULD BE TAKEN.
RECOMMENDATION: Ultrasound guided needle biopsy
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littlebear11, sending all positive thoughts that all is benign. You are in our thoughts.
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Dear littlebear11 - we will all be praying for you and a good report. My heart goes out to you in this overwhelming time, don't feel bad about your mixed emotions while you are praying for He knows our every need and when we are weak He is strong. I'm praying that you keep feeling the peace that passeth all understanding and everything turns out benign.
Wheatfields
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littlebear, joining the others in praying for a good outcome of your biopsy, and that God will comfort you in your fears.
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littlebear11 I'm sorry you are here but am glad you found this supportive group of ladies. Please know that you are safe here and we will pray for you. Do keep us updated on your test and biopsy results.
Nancy, I'm thinking of you this morning, praying that you have a "boring" day. Wouldn't that be wonderful? I hope you have no more bleeding, that Cammie uses her litterbox and that you experience the wonderful perfect peace from our Heavenly Father. Actually, I wish that for all of us this day.
We've been in the desert visiting my dad. It was sort of a crazy time. There were a number of little things that could have turned into big things. The oven basically was ruined with some plastic that was left in there. Then the printer we bought for my dad was supposedly out of ink, wouldn't accept the refill toner cartridge, then went off-line and wouldn't print. Oh, and my husband's RC place went on the fritz.
All is well now. We're going to replace the oven, got the printer working, and parts for the plane have been ordered. The really great thing was the undeniable presence of the Holy Spirit that was here, keeping us from going into a tailspin over these myriad crises. My Irish dad and his Irish daughter (that would be me) can have a short fuse at times but we truly felt the presence of God in this home and the peace in the midst of the storm was unmistakable.
Anyway, we're driving back home today and will drive back out on Friday to meet with someone to measure our space and ensure we pick the correct new oven/microwave. Buying appliances is a pain, but necessary sometimes. Please pray that we'll make the right choice for this appliance. We should probably replace the hood vent and although the dishwasher is fairly new will not match the newer appliances. Oh well.
I hope everyone has an enjoyable and peaceful day.
(((hugs)))
Carol
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Hello, littlebear, and welcome to our group. The wonderful ladies here are abundant in love, gratitude, support, and encouragement. We will be praying for you.
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Hi Littlebear. I am so sorry you are going through this. We will all be praying for you that God will give you peace and comfort as you wait for the next steps. The waiting is the hardest part. You have already been through a lot. Try to keep your focus on God and not the what ifs. He will see you through whatever happens. Feel free to post anytime. We have all been through what you are dealing with and can certainly understand all the emotions that come with that unknown. We are Christians here but we are also human beings with real fears and anxiety. We will be praying for the best outcome for you.
Love,
Nancy
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Carol, I am sorry for all of the things that have gone wrong. Believe me I understand!!!!! Praying all gets resolved very soon.
I tried to get through to my surgeon but we now have a call center. That means there is no direct line to each individual doctor anymore. I left a message and sent a MyChart message. I have no idea if he is taking off today but we'll see.
I have another contractor coming today. Do any of you remember Erma Bombeck? I feel like I could write a book on all the craziness of the last few months. Maybe with a little humor thrown in I could have an extra source of income. LOL
Love,
Nancy
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Nancy, I used to love Erma Bombeck. Her sense of humor resonated with me, like in the book, "The Grass is Always Greener Over the Septic Tank." Boy, did she get that right. I'm sorry you're having trouble getting through to your doctor. I'm still trying to get my Ibrance refilled but am having trouble with the new specialty pharmacy. Nothing I can do. I did just message my MO again. Hopefully it can get resolved soon.
(((hugs)))
Carol
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This may not be the most famous quote of Rev. Martin Luther King but it certainly resonates with me and maybe for you too.
"We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope."
Love,
Nancy
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Carol, just reading that title from Erma Bombeck made me laugh out loud.
I hope you can get your meds resolved. I gave up on changing my compounding med to my local compounding pharmacy because it sounded like they would have to ship it anyway since it ships in a refrigerated container so I just refilled my script from the far away pharmacy. Sometimes you have to pick your battles. Today right before the contractor came I was hurrying to dry a load of Cammie's kitty litter pads which she used instead of her box. I pressed the start button on the dryer and only got a dull buzz. In moments like these.........there is a Christian song that starts like that which was not the first thing that came to my mind.
I was grateful that the guy fixing my Air Scrubber problem was also able to fix my leaking dehumidifier on my furnace which just popped up on Friday. Two for one works for me.......and I was somehow miraculously able to get my dryer started. My surgeon's nurse called me right when I walked in the door with my groceries. I will see him on Feb. 7 to discuss how the suppositories are working and the bleeding issue. He is hard to get into so I am glad I at least have an apt.
The Maytag dealer never got back to me when I left a voice message regarding the dryer and they were open.
As the day wore on I just thanked the Lord for ALL of the blessings He has given me. I think of the thousands of people who have had their homes destroyed in either hurricane, tornado and flooding and have lost everything of material value. I know that my little annoyances on this Earth are nothing compared to what so many endure every single day. So maybe I didn't react initially to one more thing happening today in the way I would hope I would but thankfully the Lord showed me how blessed I truly am even with all the "stuff" happening. I sent my sister a text with a pic of Cammie and I called her Little Miss Peepot!!!!!!!!!! You gotta laugh which is better than the alternative.
Love,
Nancy
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Ladies, thank you so much for all your prayers and encouragement.
I’m focusing on Psalm 91 and using “What I Think About the Lord” by Christ for the Nations as my Anthem.He has brought me through so much already.
I will be praying for you all!
I tried to post earlier but I did something wrong. Most likely I was distracted by my grandson.
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Littlebear, I also spent many days reading and meditating on Psalm 91 before and after my hemorrhoidectomy in Oct. which I now have complications. I am in a zoom Bible study and some of the ladies talked a lot about that Psalm and one lady had memorized the whole chapter. It is powerful and I hope it comforts you like it has for me.
For those of you who know Faith from this thread I emailed her recently as I hadn't heard from her in quite a while. She is still suffering from anxiety and depression and has some other serious health issues. I am sure she would appreciate your prayers. She did say she reads through the posts.
I hear this song on my Christian radio station and part of the song talks about there will be brighter days ahead. I love that song and proclaim it to be true when I hear it. The Bible says it so we can stand on that promise.
Have a good day everyone.
Love,
Nancy
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Hi dear sisters.
This week I imagine the neighbors thought I was remodeling. However it was a different truck every day. I had three contractors all dealing with different things on different days. It feels good to get some of the problems fixed.
It has been several months of trials and testing for me but today I am encouraged. My bathroom pain has gone from excruciating to tolerable so it appears that the suppositories are working. I can't tell you how that lifts my spirit. I have found some new things to play with Cammie. God is reminding me of things in the past that got her out of this not using the litter box. I realized that her favorite balls had gone missing. I got a new one out for her last night and this morning this new ball was in her food bowl. She does that when she is done playing. It thrilled me. Then somehow she used her litter box when I was in the bathroom as I had just checked minutes before. I can't tell you how thrilling that was.
My windows project has been approved by the HOA board. Another big obstacle I thought but apparently not. Also the board president called me the other day and after telling me of my approval for the windows he asked me for a second time to be on the board. He had called me when I was at my Mom's house several years ago and I flat out said no way with me traveling back and forth helping with my Mom. He said one of the members had to resign because of work conflicts and he said the other board members unanimously want you to be appointed. After several minutes of discussion I reluctantly said yes. One of my email friends I have had for years said you need that job like you need a hole in the head. LOL. Civic duty calls.
So I thought I would share some good news for a change.
I hope you all have a good weekend and that He will strengthen each of you as you all face challenges.
Love,
Nancy
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Nancy, so happy to read your pain is improving and that you have good news with Cammie and your windows. Before my dx I served on our condo HOA board. It is work but I liked knowing about all the things that were going on. I like to believe my input made a difference. I resigned when I had too many physical problems to make that commitment.
Teka, thanks for the update on your knees. I am happy you are doing well.
My sister wanted me to report on our snow. We are expecting more tonight.
Stay warm everyone.
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