thread for middle age to older Christian women.
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Good morning, ladies!
I'm copying and pasting this from another thread where I posted this morning.
I hope everyone has a great day!
Carol
My DH and I had dinner with some dear friends last night. They used to live here but moved up to Northern California a while back. Anyway, they're both MDs and he's an MO. He was asking how I'm doing and telling me about how there were so many recent advances in the treatment of MBC. One question he asked was about my HER-2 status. He said that even if it's HER-2 negative, sometimes it will be "low", but they still call it negative. There are some newer treatments, apparently, that can be used if Ibrance stops working if one is HER-2 low. I looked at my recent progress notes from the MO and it refers to the HER-2 status of the axilla biopsy as HER-2 negative (2+ by IHC, FISH negative). Then when I had the biopsy of L5, it said it was HER-2 negative (0 by IHC).
I'm going to email him my report (with my identifying info blacked out) and see what he thinks. His wife had cancer a couple of years ago and I think it really shook her up when my cancer came back as Stage IV. They have three kids from the ages of about 7 to 17. I see the fear in her when she looks at me, wondering if my fate will be hers.
Anyway, it was good to see them both. They sent the kids back to hotel and we brought them back to our house for dessert. Fun times and had a good discussion about intermittent fasting.
Off to PT this morning. Had my MRI yesterday morning. I'm hurting more today. I don't mind the actual MRI, but that table is REALLY uncomfortable! Oh well. Tylenol is my friend today.
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Nancy, thank you for those beautiful banners! I'm continuing to pray for your knee and the pain you are having, also for your many projects and Cammie. Carol - praying that your MRI results are good and Chris praying that your UTI goes completely away and you are feeling better. GB we'll continue praying for your work situation and also Hershey for you and all the others here. My x ray on Monday showed nothing of concern, it looked perfectly normal but he did agree that SC joint does stick out further that the other. My primary doctor is maybe 60 and he said in all his years of practice he has seen maybe 15 - 20 of those. It's really warm and windy here and the snow is almost gone! Have a blessed weekend everyone!
Love, Wheatfields
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Hi everyone.
Carol, your dinner with friends sounded great. It helps to have some doctor friends esp. in oncology. That is very encouraging to hear him say there are so many advances in treatment for MBC. I am praying that your apt tomorrow (I think) with your neurosurgeon will give you all the info you have been waiting on for so long. I hope you back feels better.
Wheatfields, I am glad that SC joint is not a concern. However, are you still having some pain in that area? I am really glad to have my banners preserved. I am glad they are appreciated. Thank you for your prayers for Cammie and me. I took Cammie to the vet today for a weigh in. It's funny how when I think it is not going to be good it is good news and vice versa. The great news is she has gained a 1/2 lb. Last month I was celebrating the fact she had gained a little over an ounce. I am not celebrating too much because I cannot find where she is urinating now. I have kitty pads all over "her" room and she usually has one area which I have a continual process of removing and washing. "Her" room had two strange men in it when I had my computer and devices installed and then the data transfer. I don't know if she is having a delayed reaction or what. The vets tech gave me the option of staying this afternoon for a long time and she could sedate her and check her over. I opted to wait. I have the option of taking her to an emergency clinic tomorrow if things are not good. I have been through this before but will watch her carefully. it is quite hot here for April and I have my ceiling fans running and she does not like them at all so it could be that. God blessed me with a high maintenance cat which I wouldn't trade for the world.
Chris, how are you feeling? Are you on another round of antibiotics? Praying you feel much better. I bet your view outside is gorgeous this time of year. Do you still have snow anywhere?
I have been busy with some HOA board duties. I was outside assessing bushes etc yesterday as part of my duties and was on my feet too long and did quite a bit of walking. My knee did not react well to this so I realize I have to be careful until I know what is going on.
Have a good night dear sisters.
Love,
Nancy
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Wheatfield, happy to read good news about your MRI
carol, good friends especially medical ones are a blessing.
Nancy, I will continue to pray for Cammie. Our animals can be a real worry.
I have been in bed all day. This UTI is really a bear. I have a headache and stomachache with it. I have been sleeping on and off all Day. The results from my urin sample I took at 11:00 yesterday are still not in. Unusual... We will see what tomorrow brings. The doctor did start me on a new antibiotic already. Hopefully I will feel better tomorrow.
Take care. Chris
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Chris, I am fervently praying for you. I know you must feel really awful to be in bed all day. That does seem unusual to not hear any results from your urine sample. I hope you can get some good sleep tonight and feel much better in the morning. Thank you for your prayers for Cammie. She seems fine but still no evidence of urinating. She is probably going someplace that I won't be happy about but she does seem ok and I am relieved about that.
Praying your antibiotic works really fast and that your headache and stomachache will go away quickly.
Love,
Nancy
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Carol, I just read your new blog. For me it was listening to a story that was very sad and yet filled with hope. Anyone reading this could apply your wisdom and choices to their own situation whether they have cancer or not. Every one has challenges and trials in their lives whether it is cancer or some other life altering event that they have experienced. We can choose how we react to those events. Victim or victor? That is my take away from your well written and inspirational blog. Kudos for being that person who shows us how to make lemonade from the lemons in our lives.
Love,
Nancy
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Chris, I’m praying that you get better soon!
Nancy, thank you for your encouragement. We pray (and I stress a bit) over each post. I want those words to touch the hearts of people.
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update: I spent The morning in the ER. They changed my antibiotic again because the one I was on wouldn't work (finally got my results while I was in the ER.) I was also put on oxygen ugh! But I am not totally surprised. I live at 7200 ft and a year ago was on oxygen in San Diego! Praying I will finally feel better.
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Chris, I am so, so sorry you are having such a time. I hope you are home now and resting. I will be praying for you throughout the day. Praying this AB will work and that your oxygen levels will return to normal.
Love,
Nancy
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Chris, how are you feeling? Praying you are doing much, much better.
Carol, how did your neurosurgeon visit go?
I had my MRI on Sunday. I had an orthopedic surgeon apt this afternoon and I had this feeling yesterday that the MRI results might not be ready for our afternoon apt today so I changed it after talking to his assistant to Friday morning. Unfortunately I should have waited because the results came in last night. It does not look good but it looked like Greek to me. I have a complex tear in the meniscus with significant arthritis causing thinning of the cartilage. I have fluid on the knee and a small Baker's cyst. Of course the first thing I do is start Googling. Some articles say you have to have surgery with a complex meniscus tear. Another article said for people of my age more conservative approach should be taken until a total knee replacement is necessary. So I am asking God to help me deal with whatever the news is. This is a tear typical of an athlete. I told my family I was going to have to give up my basketball playing. LOL Actually they mention skiing and I did have a bad fall the very first time I went skiing when I was in my 20's. Of course all these years later I don't remember which knee it was. I just remember my knee swelling a lot. I never went to a doctor and haven't had an MRI of my knee until now.
The big windows installation day is almost here and I am still prepping. I have to take all things off of my walls and I may do that early. So far the 10 day forecast looks good. Please pray that the weather is good for April 27 so there would be no need for cancelation. I am really very concerned about Cammie being boarded for the night before. She has medical issues where stress makes things worse. I would appreciate prayers for her as well.
Take care dear sisters.
Love,
Nancy
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Nancy, the MRI report is probably not what you wanted to see. I will pray that your treatment plan and recovery are successful.
I subscribe to several daily devotions. Dr. Stanley's is my favorite and the first one I read each morning. I will miss him and his teachings and hope In Touch Ministries will carry on his legacy.
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Nancy, sorry to read of your knee troubles. Looks like you will need some medical help with this. I am praying it is not too severe. I know this may be dumb, but do you have a bathroom with no windows and a mild sedative for Cammie during the installation or will the enclosure and noise be worse than boarding? I almost didn't even suggest this...
Thanks for remembering me. My UTI symptoms have improved thanks to the AB. I saw my PCP this morning and she says there is no indication anywhere as to why I need oxygen so she is sending me to a pulmonologist...not surprised. But she is very thorough and looked back into a year of my records when I needed it before. She is leaving the practice May 2 and I will miss her even though I have only been with her a year. It is hard to find a PCP you really like.
I too will miss Dr. Stanley. His influence will be greatly missed. I started the Beth Moore study and I have to say it has impacted me already. I think of things she said all day long and I am only on lesson three! I used to teach adult Sunday School classes and I have to say I now feel so inadequate. But God takes even our small offerings and uses them to His glory. Thank you Jesus.
Chris
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Thank you Hershey. You're right, the report was certainly not what I wanted to see. I am doing fine with the knee brace but I will be glad to know the plan soon moving forward. Yes, Dr. Stanley will be greatly missed.
Chris, I am so glad you are feeling better. That is really too bad that your pcp will be leaving soon. Hopefully you will not need oxygen from what your pcp said. I know adding another specialist to the mix is probably daunting to say the least. I am SO glad you started the Beth Moore study. I know initially I thought the whole concept of studying the Tabernacle sounded less than exciting but it really was exciting. I am getting a jump start on Esther and have just completed the first week even though we don't start up again until May 2. I will continue to move on ahead esp. since I may have to have surgery and may miss some of the Zoom sessions. I do have to say that watching the series on YouTube that you are doing now almost felt like I was part of the group. I usually wouldn't listen to their conversations but when I did it was interesting. I loved seeing their reactions when Beth would say something funny. We all turned our videos off during her presentation so I didn't get to see any of that with my zoom group. I was very diligent doing all of the homework and that is really where the study pays off I think. I am anxious to hear your impressions as you go along. Beth is a gifted teacher unlike any I have ever had. In fact I try to listen to some of her other teachings on Youtube before going to bed. I am sure you were a wonderful teacher. I taught a high school Sunday School class many, many years ago with another teacher. I was not all that much older than the students back then.
I have gone back and forth on the Cammie issue especially when one of the techs said if it were me I would do pretty much as you suggested. I have toyed with the idea of taking her shortly after the workers get here that morning but I would not have a chance to move stuff out of the way in her room and I know the crew will start on the second floor where her room is. This animal hospital houses both dogs and cats but when I got the tour the cat area was very quiet when I was there and there were no cats at all. This place was huge and the cats area was on the second floor. I hope the dogs are kept someplace far away as Cammie goes to a cats only vet and has never experienced dogs other than the neighbors walking their dogs by our house. I have to let this go and leave it in Jesus hands.
Back to work.
Take care.
Love,
Nancy
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Hi ladies,
Oops, I thought I submitted a post but don't see it here. Nancy, I am praying for your knee situation and that there is a good solution and that you'll soon be free of pain, also for Cammie and the window project that all would go smoothly. Carol, praying for your appointment and a good report and for you Chris that you are feeling much better each day. Also for Hershey and GB. Oh, about the SC joint, that showed nothing, I do still have pain in that bone, but when I go to my orthopedic appointment May 4th about my hand (yes, two more trigger finger candidates) I will ask him if he has ever seen a protruding clavicle on one side. I am leaving for AZ to visit my sister and brother in law tomorrow through the 28th, but will be remembering each of you in prayer. They are in their 80's and my sister has some memory problems since her stroke a couple years ago, so I like to go a few times a year. My brother in law had a fever yesterday but is much better today so I'm praying everything is clearing up there.
Love and prayer,
Wheatfields
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Nancy, thank you for checking on me. Basically, he said there was cancer up and down my spine, but nothing new or alarming. I'll see him again in six months. I'm keeping track of the headaches and increasing déjà vu experiences and will report those to the neurologist at the end of May.
I'm sorry the MRI didn't have better news about your knee. Would PT help? Bummer you have to give up basketball. At least you can keep wrestling!
I will pray for good weather on the 27th and that Cammie will be OK with the boarding the night before.
Our kids are coming down this weekend. DH wants to take them out to the desert to visit my dad on Saturday night. We'll see if they're up for that.
I had not heard of Dr. Stanley. I will look it up when I get done posting this comment.
I could use some guidance regarding my blog. I'm trying to improve my SEO (search engine optimization) because I get "red marks" on the analysis before I hit "publish." The thing is, I'm not selling anything, and my blog is more of a story than a business venture. Anyway, I've paid for a year of "Premium" on one of the services for my blog page.
One suggestion is to make them longer, but I think I disagree. I think that if people have too much to read, they're not going to want to take the time. I track the word count of each blog post on an Excel spreadsheet. The shortest ("What's Behind the Name?") was 422 words and the longest ("Roller Coasters & Thrill Rides") was 1056 words.
I signed up for a free webinar tomorrow. We shall see. I'd welcome any feedback. I want my blog to bring honor to God in all that I say. I don't want to preach – I just want people to understand how a person can live with a Stage IV cancer diagnosis without falling apart.
I'm toying with a couple of ideas for my next post. One is titled, "God Talk" and the other is "Loose Ends."
Chris, I hope you are feeling better.
Wheatfields, have a good visit to Arizona.
To the rest, I wish you a blessed day,
Carol
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Carol, I appreciate your blog posts and agree with the length issue. I won't read them if they are too long...but that is me. Your goal to want to help people live with Stage IV without falling apart is admirable. That is where I am right now--just trying to keep things together with God's help. It is not easy. I have no expertise in the technical issues area and can only support you in my prayers. Thank you for your faithfulness. Chris
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Wheatfields, I hope you have a wonderful time with your sister and BIL and I hope he is all clear from sickness. That is great that you can visit your sister several times in the year. Thank you for your prayers.
Carol, I am glad you are not dealing with new issues. You have enough to deal with already! Yes, I had considered wrestling. If I fell it wouldn't be too far from the floor!!! I imagine PT is in my near future regardless of surgery.
I don't know about the technical aspects of your blog. Hopefully your webinar will be helpful. I read an article out of interest so the length for me is usually not an issue however I have a feeling many are like Chris on that subject. I have been watching this Beth Moore series on YouTube called Taking Happy Back. I have heard her say more than once that if we as Christians want to make a difference in sharing Christ with others if we are in a bad mood while sharing then who is going to want what you have. So I think your blog is showing others that you can still have joy even in stage IV cancer. Life is a roller coaster for most of us and there is certainly times to share the down parts as well. I think you are doing great!
Chris, I hope you have many feel good days ahead of you! I went on YouTube last night to continue with the Esther series and I am wondering if Lifeway had it taken down. They probably have the copyright on those older videos. I could only find a few sessions and not the one I wanted. I am going to buy the video download from Lifeway once they answer one of my questions.
Hershey, how is the meds for your blood clots going?
GB, how are you doing?
Take care everyone. Have a great day.
Love
Nancy
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To our Stage IV ladies I want to say that I certainly didn't want to imply that you should be happy all the time. I am constantly aware of the fact that I am Stage 1 and that my perspective on things cannot possibly be seen through the lens of being Stage IV cancer. I can't even imagine what that is like. I admire all of you ladies who so gracefully handle this in your lives. So I apologize if my previous post seemed insensitive at all. I was in a rush to get to the electronic recycling before they closed and all the way there and back I was feeling bad about my previous post. I am sorry if I offended anyone.
Love,
Nancy
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Carol, here are some tips from Google on creating quality, people-first content. One of their tips is, "We recommend that you focus on creating people-first content to be successful with Google Search, rather than search engine-first content made primarily to gain search engine rankings."
While Google is the primary driver of traffic on the web, you may want to regularly post on your social media channels. Also, feature the social-sharing buttons on your blog site.
Have you thought about growing your readership through an email newsletter?
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Nancy, I did not take your post as insensitive...I know your heart. No apologies necessary. And you are right that even in Stage IV we can find joy in the small things if we choose to look. I have written posts before that were not taken well so I understand. Sometimes the written medium is difficult because the communication is interrupted so we are unable to ask for clarification.
I have learned that transparency speaks loudly. What I mean is when I am in a bad mood I wonder whether I can do any good at all, and that incorrectly causes guilt. Then along comes someone who notices I am human even in my redemptive state, and they extend mercy because they recognize grace has covered all. God wants to redeem His people and He has done that out of love. Chris
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Thank you Chris. I really appreciate your response. I would appreciate prayers. I have been wound so tight today that I truly felt like I could easily have a stroke if I didn't snap out of it. I cannot walk for exercise now because of my knee so that is really taking a toll on my mental state. That is one of my stress relievers which I so desperately need now. I knew today was going to be crazy. I had a HOA meeting tonight and didn't really have time to eat until afterwards. I am so fatigued from everything that I just need some prayer support. When the windows are finished it will be a tremendous load off my shoulders. Rain is predicted for next Thursday, the day of installation but I did get a confirmation email from the windows company today so I really hope this will go off without a hitch. Of course I am very concerned about my Friday apt not knowing if I will need surgery or not and then the scramble of finding friends who can take me etc. What I need is a good night's sleep and I imagine things will look much differently in the morning.
Hershey, I'm glad you were able to give Carol some tips regarding her blog.
Have a good night everyone.
Love,
Nancy
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Wow, Nancy, I never took your comments as insensitive. I'm sorry you're feeling like they may have been taken that way! I feel the love from you and your prayers are appreciated so much!
Hershey, thank you for the link. I'll copy and paste it so that I don't lose it!
You are right about Google's Search not being my top priority. Thank you for your other tips, too. They are appreciated.Nancy, back to you – you have been under so much pressure lately between your own health issues, home improvement issues and Cammie issues. Oh, and HOA stuff. It sounds like more than one person can handle. I'm praying that our Father will give you perfect peace.
I'm "dreading" next Monday when the site goes down for the transition. I don't want to be without you ladies for up to 48 hours!
I'm making bread this morning for our kids who arrive tonight. PT this morning, then home for a nap.
Love to all,
Carol
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Thank you Carol. I appreciate your kind words. I appreciate your prayers as well. I do feel better today and looking at the 10 day forecast the rain has been removed for April 27 for my windows installation so I am really praying it stays that way. We are having thunderstorms today and hopefully no rain on either Wed or Thursday. You have a lot going on. Making bread, having PT and your kids coming in. Nap time for sure!!! I used to make bread every week until I found out I was severely gluten intolerant. That ended that glorious smell of the fresh bread coming out. Enjoy your kids.
Love,
Nancy
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Nancy, I do hope you've had a good day. I have been thinking about your knee and wonder if a stationary bicycle might be of some help. Several years ago, my husband tore the meniscus in his left knee and couldn't run or hike. He found a nice stationary bicycle on Nextdoor for less than $10 and rode it before his surgery and throughout his rehab. No tension was used before or immediately after surgery; he gradually increased the tension as his knee became stronger. Perhaps a stationary bicycle is something that your doctor or physical therapist will approve for you.
I will continue to pray for your speedy recovery and a smooth window replacement on the 27th.
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Hershey, I just read and saved the Google article. I felt like it was SPOT ON! My blog is not there to sell something or to get to the top of the SEOs. I often tell my husband, "I wrote this post for so-and-so." God can use the blog in any way He chooses. I just want it to be well written and to touch the hearts of people who read it.
Last night I was re-writing a recent post to improve my "readability" score. Quite honestly, I felt like some of the changes I made (use less passive voice and more active voice) made it feel colder, if that makes sense. I didn't update the post I had already written ("Miles to Go") but it was interesting to see the difference between the two.
The title of that Google article is, "Creating helpful, reliable, people-first content." That is EXACTLY what I want to do. Thank you SO much for sharing that article with me.
Carol
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Hershey, thank you. I have had a productive day and am getting closer to finally being ready for the big day of installation. I have been a bit concerned thinking I may have a vaginal infection. We are experiencing some bad weather so I won't be running to Walgreens until the threat has passed.
I used to ride my bike all the time and that was my main exercise until bc and my shoulder injury. I had to wear knee braces on both knees even back then. I have what is termed severe thinning of the cartilage due to arthritis besides the meniscus tear so I'll have to see what the surgeon recommends.
Did your husband have a knee replacement or arthroscopic surgery? One of our HOA board members said she had a torn meniscus and she was only out of work for a week and a half. If I had to have surgery that would be nice to think it was a very short recovery.
I am even afraid to do too much even with this knee stabilizing brace not really knowing what initially happened to cause such tremendous pain where I couldn't walk at all.
I will be glad to know just what I am facing when I see the surgeon tomorrow. As far as my windows installation day the weather is looking very promising. I am really praying it will stay that way.
I hope you have a great weekend.
Love,
Nancy
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Nancy, my husband had arthroscopic surgery at an outpatient surgical center. Surgery was performed on a Friday, he took off work the next week, and he was back to the office the following Monday.
His surgeon ordered a home motion machine and an ice machine for the first Friday night, Saturday, and Sunday. A physical therapist came to the house every other day that first week, then my husband went to a PT clinic for an additional 5 weeks. My husband's recovery was textbook; he is a very compliant patient, faithfully performed his home exercises, kept all the PT appointments, and rode his stationary bicycle while he watched the History channel. ;-)
Carol, you are most welcome. I'm glad that the Google article was helpful and an encouragement to you.
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Snoopy is supposed to be animated but you get the idea!!!!!!!!!! I received good news today at the surgeon's appointment.
He said because of the arthritis component he is not sure if surgery to repair the meniscus would even help. So he wants to take a conservative route and do cortisone injections first when I think it is needed. I did not opt to have one today. I have had them in the past. Then eventually arthroscopic surgery but not now. I was thrilled. I told him I was a nature photographer and told him I get on my hands and knees to photograph flowers up close. He said that is fine. I can walk for exercise but start slowly and I will still wear my knee brace but I don't need to wear it to bed as I have been.
He didn't say anything about knee replacement so I am thrilled about that. I may go to the Arboretum today just for my mental health and I may take some pictures even though I have work to do at the house. I need a break and have not had one in quite a while.
Thank you Hershey for that info regarding your husband's surgery. I was sure I would have to do some PT and that was not even mentioned. The very strange thing to me is that I don't have pain. When he pressed on certain areas yes but in my brace none unless I have overdone it but even then the pain has been minimal. He said that a fragment of the meniscus could have pulled away and then slipped back into place. I like to think that God performed a miracle for me but whatever it was I am grateful.
So I wanted to share my good news. Have a great weekend. Thank you all for your prayers and encouragement. It means the world to me.
Love,
Nancy
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