thread for middle age to older Christian women.

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Comments

  • bandwoman1234
    bandwoman1234 Member Posts: 5,912
    edited January 2023

    Hi Teka,

    Good to hear from you. Ground Hog Day will be here before you know it. You and Phil (the ground hog) may have much to celebrate on Feb. 2HappyGlad you are making excellent progress. I know that time has a way of flying by so spring will be here before you know it.

    I am not sure if I can say Cammie has bounced back just yet but she did use her box after a long string of days where she didn't. She is having a big ultrasound workup on Feb. 8. I am praying they don't find anything more concerning than her chronic pancreatitis.

    I hope you continue to do well and are able to say goodbye to PT soon.

    Take care.

    Love,

    Nancy

  • wheatfields
    wheatfields Member Posts: 190
    edited January 2023

    Hi Ladies,

    We got another 10 inches of snow and the first 12.5 inches is still here with us. It really is a winter wonderland, but making it harder to get around and the piles are massive. I haven't seen that much snow for a few years. Thank you for sharing your picture Chris of the puppy looking out at the snow! I'm praying that you are enjoying the snow from you window yet and feeling better and stronger every day. Nancy, I'm glad your pain is getting more manageable and that the household things become resolved and praying also that Cammie continues to use her box and has a good check up. GB I'm praying for your injection trouble to be resolved and any future ones would go smoothly. Teka, continuing in prayer for complete healing from your knee surgery. I'm leaving Tuesday for AZ for a few days to visit my sister and brother in law. Hershey, thank you for your insight on Prolix, I think I'll just rest where I'm at for now, but your experience is good to know. Praying for you all.

    Love, Wheatfields

  • bandwoman1234
    bandwoman1234 Member Posts: 5,912
    edited January 2023

    Chris, what an adorable pic of your puppy. He/she looks so much like my neighbor's dog which is a Cavapoo. She is the cutest and sweetest dog. I am going into this HOA appointment with some apprehension. I did tell the president I needed an exit if I became overwhelmed with my physical problems and he was fine with that. We have no snow on the ground but are supposed to get some tonight. It has been an unusual year with very little snow even though the predictions were this would be a tough winter. I hope you are feeling better.

    Wheatfields, wow. You do have a lot of snow. Enjoy your time in AZ with your sister. I was glad to read that your ulcers had healed. Praying that your stomach issues are manageable.

    Hershey, did you ever get your insurance changes in place yet? I sure hope so.

    GB, how are things now? Praying for some good solutions.

    LIttlebear, how are you doing? Waiting is so hard.

    Have a good weekend everyone.

    Love,

    Nancy

  • intolight
    intolight Member Posts: 2,418
    edited January 2023

    Jean, I will remember you in prayer for your tests.

  • hersheykiss
    hersheykiss Member Posts: 717
    edited January 2023

    Jean and Carol, I will be praying for both of you. I hope the answers are straightforward (UTI, inner ear infection).

    Wheatfields, I wish you safe travels to and from Arizona. Unless you're visiting Flagstaff, you shouldn't see a speck of snow! ;-)

    Chris, the puppy is adorable. And what a perfect size companion for your granddaughter!

    Nancy, we are still without health insurance. My company called back on Friday to inform me that incorrect information had been submitted to United Healthcare. Amended documentation will be resubmitted by this coming Thursday. I will call on Thursday afternoon and request member and group IDs at the very least. We have about two weeks' worth of medications remaining, so this situation needs to be settled very soon.

  • sunshine99
    sunshine99 Member Posts: 2,723
    edited January 2023

    Yikes, hersheykiss, I hope the insurance thing gets resolved ASAP. That was the biggest stressor with my DH's bank being acquired by another bank. We're now with United Health Care, too, as of the 1st of the year. My Ibrance got held up, but I should be getting it tomorrow. I'll only miss an extra week. It's usually a 21-day on, 7-day off. I'll have closer to 14 days off, but that's not a crisis. I'm glad you have at least a couple of weeks' worth of meds.


  • intolight
    intolight Member Posts: 2,418
    edited January 2023

    Nancy, nooooo!!! I was hoping your positive outcomes would continue. I will maintain my prayers for your pain, your cat, and your internet woes. Yes, scammers have it all figured out. I rarely answer emails that are not personal anymore. It is sad.

    Carol, I agree that you should let your doctors know about your episodes. At least you can rule out anything and then relax about it.

    Hershey, I had to really press to get my ID numbers before I got my new insurance cards when I moved. Ask if they can give you the website if available (you can usually register insurance now) so you can print out the card facsimili in case you need it. That really helped me because I had to go to urgent care before my cards came. It was then no problem.

    I have not felt well lately. I am hoping it is something simple--like a UTI and/or bad tooth combination. So I will brave the cold and try to get the appropriate appointments.

    Have a good week.

  • wheatfields
    wheatfields Member Posts: 190
    edited January 2023

    Chris, I am sorry to hear you haven't been feeling well and am praying that it is something very simple. Also, I am sorry about the cold and the snow and the problem of getting out and around in it. Carol, messaging your MO is a great idea, and praying that what you are experiencing is nothing serious but can be resolved. Hershey, I'm praying that your insurance and meds will be straightened out very quickly and that there will be no more hassle. Nancy, I'm sorry to hear about the scam, and praying that can all be resolved soon and also the pain you are experiencing will disappear. Jean, we will be praying for a good report for you on the 31st and nothing serious. Have a wonderful week.

    Love, Wheatfields

  • bandwoman1234
    bandwoman1234 Member Posts: 5,912
    edited January 2023

    Hershey,

    Yours was an innocent incident. Mine was my own fault. I talked to several customer service people at my credit card company and one said you do not have to get a new card. She said we can simply block that company. I am beginning to regret that decision. I have many auto debits with my credit card. I went through something a few years ago where it could have been someone entering their credit card number by mistake and then it came up my number. My credit card company issued me a new card then and I was told my auto debits would automatically be changed. Well that didn't happen so I was really not relishing going through that again. However the added stress this is causing me is not worth it. I may call the company back and say lets just cancel this card and issue me a new one.

    I'm glad your credit card company was on the ball and quickly notified you of the fraud. I have had my card blocked because they thought a fraudulent charge had occurred and it was typical charges I usually make. I was NOT happy but looking back I guess being overly zealous is better than not. Now when I put a huge payment on my new windows I notified them that a big charge was coming through and it is legit. I quickly paid it off but I wanted to get the cash back rewards!

    Well my contractor did not show up today. I called an hour after he was supposed to be here and he had been sick all weekend and was in bed. I felt bad for him but it would have been nice to have received a call but I got more done by getting up earlier than usual.

    Have a good night.

    Love,

    Nancy

  • littlebear11
    littlebear11 Member Posts: 5
    edited January 2023

    Good evening! I’m supposed to be getting some sleep.

    It’s been quite the week. I had a biopsy on the left mass to confirm cancer and of course get type and stage.

    It’s invasive ducal carcinoma. That’s all I have for today.

    I’ve been scheduled to meet with a surgeon on 2/3. Oncology/Radiology on 2/10

    Breast MRI on 2/13. My PC is asking the breast clinic and radiologist in my team to get it before my 2/10 appointment. I’m also waiting on a mammogram biopsy appointment for my right breast.

    We’ve created a small Cancer Fight gift registry on Amazon for friends and family who ask how they can help. This way, no one sends things I can’t use.

    I’m also searching for a post surgery bra. As it is now, I can’t stand any pieces of material protruding out. I’m kinda like the Princess and the Pea with that.

    Coming on here helps me learn and realize just how many fight this battle.

    I’m so glad God fight for us all


  • intolight
    intolight Member Posts: 2,418
    edited January 2023

    littlebear, I am sorry to read of your new diagnosis and will be praying that your oncology team will find a good treatment plan for you. I don't have anything you need as my cancer and treatment has been different, but we pray for each other here and God has performed miracles. I will be praying for one for you too.

  • bandwoman1234
    bandwoman1234 Member Posts: 5,912
    edited January 2023

    Littlebear, I am sorry to hear your news. When I found out I had invasive ductal carcinoma I was getting this information on the phone and was shocked but not surprised if that makes any sense. I didn't ask many questions and then when I hung up just those words sounded really scary to me. It was the weekend at that point and I was fearing the worst. What I did find out is that once a treatment plan was in place the fear of the unknown seems to dissipate and you tend to go into fight mode. We will be praying for the best outcome for you. I have been on this particular thread for quite a few years and I have seen absolute miracles happen with some of the ladies. You have already been through a lot and probably know some of the steps involved. My shoulder was injured during a breast ultrasound and my nurse navigator wanted me to have lymphedema preventive therapy along with my shoulder therapy when my treatments started. My PT therapist wanted me to meet with a special bra fitter. I went to one and then changed to another. The one I am with now was very knowledgeable for the needs of breast cancer patients. The bras I use now are actually for mastectomy patients (which I am not) but they have pockets in the cups for a prosthesis if needed and work for me. I know you have had a wait time before your biopsy but it sounds like things are moving along pretty quickly. We will all be praying for you. There are very good resources on this BCO site and you may have already found some of the forums that might be of interest to you. The search section is very helpful. You will get through this. I think you are doing great. You sound very composed and ready to take on this challenge.

    Love,

    Nancy

  • bandwoman1234
    bandwoman1234 Member Posts: 5,912
    edited January 2023

    image

  • sunshine99
    sunshine99 Member Posts: 2,723
    edited January 2023

    littlebear11, I'm sorry to hear your news. I will be praying for comfort and courage for you in the coming days.

    Love and hugs,

    Carol

  • bandwoman1234
    bandwoman1234 Member Posts: 5,912
    edited January 2023

    Good morning all.

    I have a question that my sister wanted me to ask. She just started osteoporosis oral meds and is having some unpleasant side effects. I think she is wondering if the infusion route would be different or easier. I know some of you do those infusions. Could you weigh in on what you have experienced so I can pass this along to my sister. Thank you.

    Let's remember Jean as I believe it is tomorrow that she has her procedure. We are praying for the best possible outcome for you Jean.

    Have a good day everyone.

    Love,

    Nancy

  • hersheykiss
    hersheykiss Member Posts: 717
    edited January 2023

    Nancy, I'm happy to provide my experience if it is helpful for your sister.

    I started on Boniva (an oral medication), moved to Zometa (an infusion in the same drug class as osteoporosis medication Reclast), and now receive a Prolia injection every 6 months.

    • Zometa infusions required labs before each visit to check kidney function. Each infusion required me to go to my local hospital and took about 30 minutes.
    • Labs were required before my first Prolia injection, but none since then. Injections can be administered in my doctor's office by a nurse or trained injector and take less than 5 seconds(!) to inject into the upper deltoid muscle.

    I've not experienced side effects or reactions from any of the osteoporosis medications. My physicians have routinely advised me to be well hydrated the day before, day of, and day after treatment. Their advice may or may not have helped me avoid unpleasant side effects and reactions.

    Please let me know if I might be able to answer other questions or concerns.

  • bandwoman1234
    bandwoman1234 Member Posts: 5,912
    edited January 2023

    Thank you so much Hershey. I appreciate you taking the time to give details. I will pass this on to my sister.

    I am asking for prayers now as I am so upset. I was checking my email and I got an alert from one of the websites I use to check my credit scores. I had shared to you all about my experience getting scammed. I spent a very long time on the phone with my credit card company when this happened a few weeks ago. So my credit score which has been stellar and I have made a point to keep it that way took a huge hit. My score with one of the bureaus dropped 166pts. The only info that was given was my credit card company reported I had disputed a claim. I spent a very long time on the phone with my credit card company and that was a huge waste of time. It absolutely makes NO sense. I was credited the money that was lost and got two different letters from my credit card company saying that things were resolved. I spent a very long time on the phone today and they said that there is not much they can do and they could not tell me why my score dropped. They said nothing we sent the credit bureau would have made your score drop. I should be able to see if any accounts were opened in my name and that didn't happen. I will reach out to the credit bureaus and see what in the world is going on. I know this will probably be a very long process and my credit is pretty much ruined at this time through no fault of my own. I just need prayers to calm down and know that this will eventually get worked out.

    Thank you for letting me vent.

    Love,

    Nancy

  • hersheykiss
    hersheykiss Member Posts: 717
    edited January 2023

    Oh dear, Nancy. I am so very sorry that you have to deal with this situation. I am glad you received an alert and am wondering if the scammers are to blame for the drop in the credit score. The credit bureau(s) should be able to tell you if someone is attempting to use your information to apply for new credit accounts. The bureau(s) may also recommend freezing your credit report to thwart future inquiries (we had to do just that after the Equifax security breach in 2017). I will be praying for you and a quick, painless solution to this issue.

  • sunshine99
    sunshine99 Member Posts: 2,723
    edited January 2023

    Oh Nancy, what a punch in the gut. I know I'd be beyond upset, too. I will pray for you to have God's perfect peace. I will pray that you experience Proverbs 1:33 which says that we will dwell secure without the dread of disaster. And I will pray that you are able to remember 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18. God can "fix" your credit score and He can and will provide for you in every way. I'm preaching to the choir here because I need those reminders EVERY SINGLE MINUTE of every day. I need to remember that "Sometimes He calms the storm, sometimes He calms me."

    You are loved, my friend.

    Carol

  • bandwoman1234
    bandwoman1234 Member Posts: 5,912
    edited January 2023

    Thank you ladies. I appreciate your words of advice and encouragement. I had a very "lively" discussion with a rep from the credit bureau that dropped my score so dramatically. I was actually surprised that I could call them as late as I did. It was quite embarrassing for me because the first guy had such a thick accent I could not understand a word of what he was saying. After several minutes he said let me get you to another person. He too had an accent but I could understand him much better. I explained my situation and he said I can remove the remark from your credit card company. I asked if that would make my credit score bounce back to what it was. He said there is no guarantee of that happening as it is an automated system!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You can imagine I was not happy to hear those words. I am so baffled by this situation and I just can't figure out what is going on. I am planning on calling I think is the head office for my credit card company and see if I can get anymore insight into what happened. What I fear is that this may end up negatively affecting my credit score again. I have never felt so helpless and confused in this situation. I have been spending a lot of time in the Bible for the last many weeks and starting tonight with our new Beth Moore video series there are five lessons per week that she says takes 45 min each. I really feel like this is an attack of the enemy. I know God can fix anything he chooses to fix. I need wisdom, direction and peace in the meantime. Thank you all so much.

    Hershey, did you get your health insurance resolved yet?

    Jean, we are praying for you today.

    Carol, did your doctor reply to your message regarding your experience you had recently?

    Teka, hopefully you will be finished with PT VERY soon. Feb. 2. Hopefully you and Phil (ground hog) can celebrate an early spring.

    Love,

    Nancy

  • intolight
    intolight Member Posts: 2,418
    edited February 2023

    Nancy, I am sorry you feel at the mercy of the credit companies. I have no words of wisdom, just more prayers. Hopefully your scores it will edge up again soon.

    I am praying down my prayer list that God will meet all your needs and send His peace. It seems there are so many needs that it gets overwhelming, but I trust God hears them all.

    We still have snow from before Christmas--unusual for Colorado Springs. But it is supposed to finally warm up to the 40s later this week. Lately we bounce between negative degrees to low 30s so the snow has not had a chance to melt. I am thankful for a warm house.

    Those of you who have been on this sight for awhile know how much I fear the dentist. Well, I finally made an appointment to establish a dentist here since I moved a year ago and address a growing problem. I appreciate your prayers. You all know dentistry gets dicey when you are on cancer meds.

    Love, Chris

  • bandwoman1234
    bandwoman1234 Member Posts: 5,912
    edited February 2023

    Chris, you have been on my heart and in my prayers knowing you have not felt well. I am glad you have reached out to a new dentist and I pray that he/she will be able to deal with your situation and that you will have peace as you ready for this apt.

    We are in the deep freeze now and then I think we are to experience some 40 temps next week which will be quite a heat wave for us.

    I just finished my zoom Bible study and this was our first video of Beth Moore's study A Womens' Heart, God's Dwelling place. I think it is going to be revolutionary for me personally and I have felt for some time that all of these ongoing challenges I have had have been an attack of the enemy knowing how this Bible study will change me and increase my faith and my relationship with the Lord. This latest fraud turned into a credit score nightmare for me just confirmed that in my mind. I spent another very long time on the phone and my credit card company says they can do nothing now BUT I quickly found a site of our rights when it comes to issues such as this and I will call them again tomorrow as the disputes have been resolved I have a right to know the names and addresses of the bureaus they notified and they are supposed to go back to those same bureaus with an update that the disputes have been resolved. I didn't know that info until right before my zoom session started this evening. I tried to get my credit report from one of the agencies and they could not verify that it was actually me calling. Their report was very sketchy and had very little detail as opposed to the one that decimated my credit score. I will have to jump through many hoops it looks like just to get my ID authenticated. I printed off pages and pages of specifics from the company that dropped my score so dramatically but nothing bad except that one phrase customer disputes this account from the dates I felt I was scammed. At this point I will only be able to do so much and then it will be in God's hands and the mercy of the credit bureaus.

    Have a good evening dear sisters.

    Love,

    Nancy

  • zjrosenthal
    zjrosenthal Member Posts: 1,541
    edited February 2023

    I had my cystoscopy today and Praise God, no bladder cancer! Thank you all for your prayers and concern. Jean

  • bandwoman1234
    bandwoman1234 Member Posts: 5,912
    edited February 2023

    Great news Jean!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • intolight
    intolight Member Posts: 2,418
    edited February 2023

    Thought I would pass on an encouraging word from Susie Larson...

    Daily Blessing

    God has imparted gifts to you. He's deposited good things in you; woven a beautiful character in you, and the world needs your influence! May you know afresh today that your courage is contagious and necessary in this fearful world! When you step out, others look up. May you know that your transformation is sacred in the eyes of Christ. As you're conformed to His image, others develop a thirst for Him. Your whole life is meant to be a beautiful offering to God. May your heart be set on Him. May you rehearse His thoughts toward you. He loves you, sings over you, and equips you beyond your ability. Walk intimately with Him today!

    Psalm 84:5 NIV ~ Blessed are those whose strength is in you, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage.

    Chris

  • sunshine99
    sunshine99 Member Posts: 2,723
    edited February 2023

    Nancy, I'm so happy you are in this new Bible study. I love the topic title. I pray that you will continue to find peace through the storm of the credit fiasco.

    I was playing the "wait and see" thing with my headaches (don't know what else to call them) but did message my MO this morning. I'm OK with monitoring it until I see her on 3/6.

    Jean, praise God for no bladder cancer!

    Chris, thinking of you and your dentist situation. Thank you for sharing the encouragement/Daily Blessing.

    Love to all on this chilly (55 degrees in my kitchen) Monday morning.

    Carol

  • hersheykiss
    hersheykiss Member Posts: 717
    edited February 2023

    Jean, that is such wonderful news!

    Chris, I hope you aren't in pain from a cranky tooth. I'm very glad that the new dentist will see you soon.

    I am still waiting on our health insurance cards. We finally have our United Healthcare member and group numbers, but the pharmacy and doctor's office are not accepting them. They want to see the physical cards. Interestingly, our chiropractor's office took the numbers, ran them through the provider network, and pronounced "you're covered!"

  • sunshine99
    sunshine99 Member Posts: 2,723
    edited February 2023

    Wow, hershey, I'm so sorry. It must be frustrating to know you have insurance but not have the pharmacy and doctor's office take the info. Do you have a patient portal? I was able to update my insurance (with United Health Care) with the member and group numbers. I downloaded (or is it uploaded?) a picture of the card later.

  • hersheykiss
    hersheykiss Member Posts: 717
    edited February 2023

    Carol, I logged into the pharmacy patient portal this morning. A large red banner displays "Insurance expired. Call or bring your insurance card to the pharmacy." I will call again. The doctor's patient portal requires the upload of insurance card images to proceed and save.

    We receive daily USPS Informed Delivery emails. Today's delivery email includes nothing from United Healthcare. Perhaps Friday or Saturday??

  • sunshine99
    sunshine99 Member Posts: 2,723
    edited February 2023

    teka, that's a good one!

    Hershey, that's rough. I get these letters from the Utilization Review company that my insurance uses. They have a portal, but not for patients. I was hoping I could see the status of my authorizations that are in progress. Did I ask this already, but can you log into your UHC account and print a copy of your card.? I think this link might work,

    https://www.uhc.com/member-resources/your-member-i...

    I was trying to use our HSA card to pay for my meds. It wasn't working. Turns out our HSA switched back to Optum. Signed into that one and it worked. What a pain, though.

    Prayers would be appreciated as we talk with a woman about Medicare today at 11:00 am, California time. I have so many questions. Who'd have thought I'd be old enough to qualify for Medicare???

    Happy Thursday, everyone. (And Groudhog Day!)