thread for middle age to older Christian women.

[Deleted User]

Fondak thanks for all the info. I'm a size DD at this time, so I was really concerned about that.

There's a Hope's Boutique in the Stephanie Speilman Breast Center where I go that carries all the special bras, foobs, wigs, hats, scarves, jewelry, skin care products, and everything else than BC patients need or want to try to feel and look as normal as possible.



I see the surgeon on Aug. 22, so I'll have more of a idea of what's going on at that time. Surgery, ( mx left ) followed by Adria cytoxan & taxol. Not sure when surgery will be.



I'm an all over large lady, and I walk with a cane too, so I'm concerned about all that too.



Blessings

Paula

Kindergarten

Good morning and Blessings to all!!! Fondak and Paula, we lived 20 years in Pittsburgh and had many friends in Cleveland. I miss the East, but so so enjoy being near our family in CA!! You  both write lovely posts.Fondak,  I am on another thread called "Hi my name is", in the exercise thread. We try to encourage each other with good exercise and nutrition tips. I would love to be accountable with you. I have bloodwork next week so I want to work extra hard at losing 5lbs, cuttingIdown on carbs. Paula, please know as you are travelling down this road of BC, we are all praying for you. Your strong faith and positive attitude will get you through this. Fear and Faith can not reside together and By HIS stripes we are healed, were two of my favorite verses throughout my journey. I am so glad you joined us here. God bless you all today and everyday!!! Kathy

Rocket

Hi Lovely Ladies,



I have been catching up on all your posts. I too need encouragement to exercise. My body is weak. I can relate Jo with the lymphedema and the difficulties it presents with exercise. I've been chewing on the idea of joining the wellness center in my new town to do some swimming. My issue is vanity! I'm as white as a snowflake and struggle with the thought of putting on a swimsuit and wearing it in front of people. Shortly after giving birth to my daughter in eastern NC, I was resting in my hospital bed with my legs out from the covers. An African American nurse walked by my room, stopped, and walked back to my room saying, "Girl, why you wearing those white pantyhose?" I sheepishly replied, "I'm not, that's the natural color of my legs." Okay, does that illustrate how white I am? I also have spider veins which don't help with my reluctance to put on a swimsuit. I just need to suck it up and get over it!



I've also been struggling with a lot of joint pain. Right now my lower back is acting up. I used to be like Jo, able to clean an entire house, sew my kids' Easter outfits the night before, and make sure dinner was on the table all in the same day. Those days are long gone. Now I really have to pace myself. It's hard to desire to exercise when my body hurts all the time. Maybe it would feel better though if I did. Okay, now I've convinced myself to take the dogs for a walk (two mini-goldendoodles - Baxter & Murray). If I don't return, it's because the Lord called me home after making it up my ridiculously steep driveway. I will be praying for you all when I walk. Love you Gals!

Kindergarten

Hey, Rocket, join me on the thread, Hi, my name is : It sure keeps me motivated!!! Sorry to hear about your joint pain, prayers for relief are coming your way. It is also getting harder and harder for me as well to clean my small condo!! Hubby helps so much too, I did get all vacuuming done this morning!! Rocket, quick question, do you get your tumor markers checked using the CA2729? Just wondering what different scores mean. Thanks, hon!!! Have a blessed day!!!

Kindergarten

Jo-5, thank you for the link to the LE DVD. I do exercises that my my therapist gave me, but I think I need more. Thank you so much!!! Now if I can quit eating!!! he,he,he!!! Jo-5,  and other wonderful Sisters,what info can you give me on tumor markers, ? I am getting a little nervous , I am having my retested next week, onc did not think a bone scan was necessary yet. Mine was67 normal is<38. This was my first score ever. Other oncs did not believe in them. Would so appreciate prayers, blessings to all of you, Kathy

Rocket

As you can see, I survived my walk. On the way back up the hill in my development, my dogs were pulling me up. Good thing they are strong! LOL



Kathy, my onc doesn't believe in doing the CA tumor markers because she said they are unreliable and scare patients unnecessarily. Rather she relies on liver function tests (chem panel) and the usual blood level counts. I have had at least four bone scans due to increased alkaline phosphatase levels, all showing negative for mets thankfully. Try not to stress out too much. If your onc doesn't think a bone scan is warranted, then it's probably nothing to worry about. I am praying for you that all will be well and that you will get answers soon. Breathe my friend. Loving you..



Jo, I think I have those DVDs. I can't find them, but believe I purchased them over a year ago. No clue where they are now. :-(

Kindergarten

Dear Rocket, Thank you, thank you for your reply!!! You have definitely calmed me down. My ALK is slighted elevated as well, but it has been on and off for years since diagnosis. I so appreciate your prayers and your post. God bless you, Kathy

Mini1

When God pushes you to the edge of difficulty trust Him fully

Because two things can happen.

Either He'll catch you when you fall,

Or He will teach you to fly!

Author Unknown

Kindergarten

This is perfect Mini!!!!! Thanks for sharing this!!!!!

Rocket

So true Mini.

[Deleted User]

Good morning



I went fishing with my DH yesterday. I don't fish, so I sat on a little hill above him, read my Christian novel, and mostly just had some cherished alone time with GOD.



Today I'm trying to reclaim my home from all the clutter. I'd rather scrub floors or pots & pans any day than deal with clutter. I see the anesethist tomorrow, for pre-surgery testing. I'd like my home to be in order before that, but my husband is a pre-hoarder. I'm going to have to lay down the law. I'm certain I won't be able to handle all this immediately after surgery or during treatment.



I pray you all have a Joyful Day!!!



I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live. Deuteronomy 30:19

Kindergarten

Perfect scripture for today!!! Thanks, Paula!!! M ay you all have a blessed day!!!

Kindergarten

Dear Jo-5, thank you for your reply!!! I have not heard that stress can cause high cholesterol, but it sure makes sense. Stress is the culprit for many medical issus. It can also be heredity. Are you on meds for it? Prayers are coming your way!!!

Rocket

Hey Jo, I haven't heard that stress can increase cholesterol. Mine is up too, but my HDL level is quite high so I still don't need cholesterol lowering meds yet. My glucose is up too, and it was always normal before I joined the A-team. :-(. I know what you mean about your joints hurting. When I walked my neighborhood yesterday it was downhill all the way and my right knee was screaming until the return home, then I had to start climbing. Fortunately my dogs acted like a mush team and half pulled me up the hill. No I'll effects today however. I will try to walk again tomorrow if the weather is good. Today I went and got a pedicure. It was wonderful and I needed the relaxation.



Blessings today everyone. I hope you are all doing well. Praying for you.

macatacmv

Hello all,  

I was about to post this morning and a neighbor came up to my door with a little jack russel type dog. He said she had been wandering in the street and he was worried about her but had to get to work. Did I know the dog or could I help out. So I told him to leave her with me. She was a sweet little dog. I called the dog officer and she said that a jack russel lived up the street. I said I didn't think it was the same dog. So I put her on a leash and went for a walk. Soon I found someone walking looking for her. It was a woman who had lived here for some time, but had left for a number of years and had just moved back into the neighborhood. So I got some exercise and met an old(new) neighbor. 

I think that because I am on prednisone for my breathing that I don't feel any aches and pains in my joints 

I used to go to the Y for water aerobics. I started in May, and it was hard for me to go the first few times but I just reminded myself that no one (that I know anyway) likes what they look like in a bathing suit. And there were all sorts of people there. People recovering from knee and hip surgery, heart issues, people with walkers, I fit right in. It really turned into a something I really looked forward to, I liked seeing the same people. They were all concerned about my coughing all the way through the routine, but it felt so good to be doing something. But my MO said I need to give my lungs time to heal and I should not be doing that much exercise right now. So back to just walking the dog.

If you think of it pray for me tomorrow morning, I will be meeting with a new dr. I pray she can help me find a better pulmonary specialist so I can get a dx on this lung issue and get a definitive treatment plan in place. I need to have a clear brain and be able to communicate in a concise manner. There is probably a great Bible verse for that but I can't think of any right now. . LOL

Rocket

Lord I come bodly before Your throne and I ask that you would help Macatacmy as she meets with this new doctor. Give her a clear mind to be able to communicate her concerns. Give the doctor wisdom and an understanding of how to help, along with a patient bedside manner. Father I also ask that You would give Macatacmy Your peace as she waits for answers. Thank You Lord for allowing us to bring our requests to You, for being the Great Physician. We humbly ask for these things in Jesus Name.

[Deleted User]

Good morning Girls!



I go to have my pre-surgery testing today, and I'm meeting the anesthesist. Ive already had an EKG, and echocardiogram, so I guess this will be blood, urine, history, and perhaps a chest X-ray.



I think I'll color my hair today ( red). It may be the last time for a while. Depending on when chemo starts. At this time, my hair is long & red. I wore it in a Dorothy Hamill wedge for years, but two years ago I grew it out for my husband. We never know, do we?



I feel like I'm hanging in limbo right now. Only knowing part of the diagnosis. For the most part, I'm at peace, but every once in a while the enemy whispers in my ear, and tells me all the horrors that could be, and I have to keep reminding myself what a liar he is. My pastor say, " every once in a while, he sits the devil down, and reads him his obituary. ( Revelation 20:10 )"



I pray you all have a Joyful Day

Paula



My covenant I will not break, nor alter the word that has gone out of my lips. Psalm 89:34

[Deleted User]

Mac..I'm praying for you today, and thanking our LORD for clearing your lungs.



I cancel every assignment of infirmity in your body, and I loose the healing virtue of CHRIST from your head to your toes in JESUS Name.



I'm expecting a great report.



Blessings to all

Paula

macatacmv

So we are not giving up. How could we! even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart for us, on the inside where God is making new life not a day goes by without his unfolding grace.  2 Corth 4:16

Kindergarten

Amen, Amen to all these wonderful posts. Rocket, your words always bring comfort!! Macatacmv, may your new doctor feel the presence of Jesus all around you as he gives you new direction!! Paula, please know that you have many praying for you as you start this journey. You will do great, because of your strong faith and positive attitude. Enjoy your beautiful red hair, a symbol of strength and hope. God bless you!!!

macatacmv

Thanks everyone for your prayers.

Thanks Jo for the confirmation on the loss of brain function. LOL 

Paula, I was praying and thinking of you today. How did the testing go?

Rocket, a pedicure wins over exercise anyday! 

So I saw the new doc today. I like her. She seems very compentent and knowledable. She listened well and heard what I said. She is very concerned about my blood pressure. She did an EKG and ordered an echocardiogram for tomorrow morning. She has also put me on a blood pressure lowering med. We discussed pulmonary hypertension, lung disease and bc. She is going to collect all my records and study them. I finally feel like someone is interested in really finding out what is going on as much as I am. Praise God!!!

She wants me to see the pulmonary specialist in Boston at least one more time. So I will follow direction and reschedule that appointment.  

So here is the rest of that scripture that I posted before, it is from  the Message Bible (which I don't read very often). Someone sent it to me email and it really helped me get ready for today.

 These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us. There is far more here than meets the eye. The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can't see now will last forever. 2 Corth 4:17-18

Rocket

Beautiful Scripture. Thanks for sharing that Mac. I'm praising Him that your appointment went well and that you have found a caring doctor. Continued prayers that you will have answers soon.



Happy Thursday everyone! I hope you all have a great day!



Blessings always...

[Deleted User]

Top o the morning to ya



Thanks so much for all of your prayers.



Macatacmv I'm so glad you found a dr you feel confident in. It makes a world of difference, doesn't it?



My testing went fine. Bloodwork, chest X-ray, history. I met the anesthesiologist . They told me my EKG, and echocardiogram from last week were fine.



When I got home there was a dx on my paperwork that I'd never heard of. Dyspnea. I checked online and it's shortness of breath related to COPD. That's not something I deal with, so I called the nurse. She said, it isn't anywhere in my medical records, and was probably put that way so that insurance would pay. Hmmmm



I see the surgeon next Wednsday to discuss surgery. I'm so praying that he will wait until October, so that my new insurance will be in affect.



Have a joyful day friends

Paula



I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord. Psalm 118:17

Kindergarten

Dear Macatacmv, I am sure you are so happy to have found a doctor that you feel confident in, prayers are answered!!!! I so enjoy reading the scriptures that you share. Hi, Paula, so happy that bloodwork went well and pray that everything falls into place for you when you see the surgeon next week. The Book of Psalms has always comforted me. Have a joyful day as well. Kathy

Kindergarten

Hi, Jo-5 and wonderful ladies. May all of you have a very blessed weekend. Kathy

Rocket

Hi Ladies,



I've had the painters and the pressure washer guy here today cleaning the deck and yard and finishing the last room with paint. They did a phenomenal job! Monday I have the carpet cleaners coming and then finally new furniture being delivered after the carpet is done. Whew! This has been the most difficult move we have ever made. I don't know if it's because we are older or if we've just had more to get done. We are finally getting somewhere!

Kindergarten

Hi, Rocket!!! Wow, You had alot accomplished today. Doesn't it feel good to know your house is clean and freshly painted, just in time for your new furniture to come. I know what you mean about moving, it is so much work and tiring. I know Rich and I are done moving for a long time. Rest and have a nice dinner out somewhere and celebrate!!!!! May your new home be flled with many blessings, joy and laughter.

[Deleted User]

Good morning Girls



I'm taking the CONCEALED CARRY COURSE today with some other ladies from church, including Pastor's wife. It's a 12 hour course.



I got a letter yesterday from our former insurance company, Cigna, telling me they refused to pay for a PET scan that had been ordered for me. I was never told there was one ordered. Maybe that was for a pre-cert.



I found out this morning, DH doesn't get a paycheck for his new job until Aug.28. He started to work on Aug. 1. Oh well, GOD will provide. He always does.



Have a very blessed weekend

Paula



By faith Sarah herself also received strength to conceive seed, and she bore a child when she was past the age, because she judged him faithful who had promised. Hebrews 11:11

Kindergarten

Dear Paula, Prayers are coming your way for provision of a pet scan. God does provide, knowing your every need!!!!! Have a blessed weekend! You are so positive and faithful!

Rocket

Hi Ladies,



Carpet is clean, now just waiting until the end of the week before we get furniture in our guest bedroom. We have a slew of company coming soon. It will be so nice to see my granddaughter at the end of the month. She has just started babbling now. She is so precious! She lifts my spirits every time I'm down.



Lately it seems I have been surrounded with friends dying or becoming ill. My former neighbor just called to inform me that she was dx'd with breast cancer. She will be having surgery this week. Her name is Ruth if you would like to pray for her. She is a believer and is in her 70s. Another friend, Tony, just passed away at the end of last week at the age of 56 from lung cancer that had metastasized to his brain and liver. He was a Christian and a wonderful person who could make anyone smile. It just breaks my heart. Add to that, a new neighbor, that my husband met on his daily walk with the dogs, informed him that she is 39 years old and has metastatic, triple negative breast cancer. She has two children ages 2 and 8. She didn't take chemo when she was first diagnosed. She is now going through chemo. I HATE CANCER! It seems to be so prevalent, or maybe it is more the fact that a number of people that I know have it.



I don't question the goodness of God, but I do not claim to understand His ways at times either. I know that His ways are far above ours and our minds cannot conceive His greatness. It is for us to simply trust and obey as the old hymn goes.



I love you ladies and I'm so thankful we are all here to support one another. I pray you are all doing well. Hang in there Paula. He does and will provide for your every need. I will be in prayer that He will provide quickly.



Blessings all,