Starting Radiation October 2019
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mocame: you should send us a picture of the new family member. I would like to have a companion dog but I travel too much and they need constant attention. I do like cats but I'm highly allergic. I'm glad you are able to get the letter and bypass having to pay for a virtual visit. You'll have to let us know how the Prolia goes tomorrow.
I am having my CT scan at 6:50 am. Not sure why I thought that was a good idea. I'll set two alarms to make sure I get up. Yesterday I thought I'd try to change out my toilet paper holder. I managed to strip the screw and didn't have the right tools. Lucky for me, Amazon fulfillment center is close and I get next day delivery. I got my tool but managed to still mess up because the sheetrock gave way. Now, I'll have to hire a handyman to clean up my mess. tomorrow between work calls, I'm trying to change out all the hardware on my chest of drawer in the bedroom. It's 12 pieces. Wish me luck. My power drill is too big so I'll have to do a lot of manual screwing.
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Kamboka, That sounds like something that would happen to me during DIY projects LOL. Hope all goes well with CT scan.
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I got up at 545 to get to the hospital by 630. It was foggy and I didn't know where the parking lot was for the hospital. It was change of shift and I had to keep stopping to let staff cross the road. I was only 15 minutes late. The CT was quick and then I went for my pre-op consult. They said I didn't have all the blood work needed, urine and EKG. I just had labs drawn last week. Had two sticks to my good arm but everything was okay. I am loving the professional attitude at Mayo and the building is clean. Tomorrow, I go for my back x-ray and spine doctor consult. I can't wait. The foot neuropathy kept me up most of the night. My joints are still stiff even though it's been about a week without the letrozole. Last night I keep having breathing issues and the O2 got as low as 85. They keep saying it's sleep apnea. How can it be sleep apnea when I'm awake? Today I changed out all the hardware on my bedroom chest and nightstand. Almost finished without a glitch but two of the screws seems smaller and I couldn't get all the hardware on. I have another screw but it's too long. I need to find the Goldilocks screw to fininsh my project.
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Kamboka, glad the scan and pre-op went ok. Parking seems like a problem at most hospitals. I like valet. LOL I guess they don't have that anymore. It figures about the screws, one always disappears. I could not do a project like that at all. I had some loss of dexterity with lupus, but now with Arimidex there are days when I can barely hold toilet paper.
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petite1: I just ordered a toilet riser from Amazon. I'm turning into a very old lady. I can't get up and down so need some height. Home depot only has toilet seats 2 inches higher that what I got and it's several hundred dollars plus the plumber fee to install. This riser is $99 and I can put it on myself. I hope it works.
My CT scan came back pretty normal. I guess it's fat that making me look 7 months pregnant.
The spine consult was worried about my worsening problems. They have ordered an MRI for Saturday morning at 630. I'm claustrophobic and don't have time to arrange the nursing service to pick me up. I have two options, tough it out or I can take my own Valium and not tell them so I can drive myself home. I don't get very drowsy at all.
Tomorrow is my drivers' license interview. Wish me luck. I was hoping to have a letter for a handicap sticker but I'm sure the doctor will not have that ready for me in the morning before I leave for the DMV.
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Kamboka, The toilet riser is the way to go. You can take it off when you have guests and it is easy to clean. Good news on the CT scan. I can fall asleep very easily and drift off when having any of the scans done. I usually starting daydreaming about boating on the river or sitting on the beach under a palm tree with Jim. I get into it and can feel the heat and a breeze.
Good luck with your driver license and the sticker. Jim needs one, but won't ask for it. I think I have mentioned before he has CHF and HTN. The reason he went to Mayo was because of the CHF. It came on nearly over night and was found to be from a viral infection. He continues to have some issues due to the HTN and shortness of breath. Some of the meds cause problems and they change them about every 6 months or so.
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petite1: I know we all love FL but I don't think the humidity helps folks with lung problems. It seems to make it harder to breath that thick humid air. I guess your husband has somewhat adjusted to the climate here. I don't know how you can go to sleep in the MRI machine. The NP told me that the machine was the big one for extra large people and said I might be okay. My problem will happen if I feel hot. I need the room to be ice cold so I don't panic with feeling hot. I think I mentioned that I will probably self medicate with a Valium, although, medicines like that never really help me. I'll take an Uber just in case. I'm so tired for the last few days since I've been getting up super earlier and then not sleeping worth a flip. My feet are driving me crazy. I might start myself back on Gabapentin to see if I can get some relief.
The toilet seat came today and it was easy to change out. I've used it once and it's so much better. I have three toilets. If my mom comes a lot, I'll change out the one in the bathroom that she uses. I'll leave the main guest bath with the low one.
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Kamboka, I agree the heavy air makes it hard to breath. Do you have to wear a mask during the MRI? My last one was before COVID-19. That would certainly make it worse. It was cold at the cancer center and they put a warm blanket over me. That was a PET scan, just as bad as an MRI, I think. When husband gets hot, he can't breath. It helps him to just jump in the pool. Is it the heat, shortness of breath, feet and joints, that is keeping you awake? I have a problem with a nasal polyp or something that causes congestion on one side. It has been awful that last 3 or 4 days. That will keep me up. Last night I took decongestant and allergy pills. I was able to sleep. It will be cooling down in November and the air dries out.
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No Uber that early so I drove. I brought my Valium with me and took 6 mg. They gave me long pants and two gowns. I refused the pants as if my legs are covered, I'm hot. I also took off one of the gowns and the socks before going in. Once in the room, they let me take off the mask.It wasn't bad. The machine was extra large. I also had a towel over my eyes and they gave me headphones. I might have relaxed and dozed had it not been that my back was hurting so bad. I had to lay with a small pillow under my knees for 30 minutes. I never lay on my back. The staff was again very nice and friendly.
So your nasal polyp wakes you up? with SOB? Your husband has the right idea with jumping into the pool. When my brother and SIL were here last weekend, we turned off the heater and jumped in. It was so much nicer. I think I only need the heater in the winter. Has your husband tried that neck towel that keeps you cool. I used mine when I was have some really terrible night flashes earlier in the year. I need to drag it out again to use when I go to the beach. I can hardly stand the heat and sun.
I think my back hurting and definitely the feet tingling wakes me up. I think the joint pain might be getting better. If it continues ti get better, I know for sure it was the letrozole. I will wait for another few weeks before starting on the Aromasin.
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Kamboka, I glad you got through it. Laying on that hard surface is difficult and painful for the back. The little pillow helps some. Sometimes the polyps cause the right side to clog and I can't breath. It has been bad the last 4 days. We lost power for a little while. It would not surprise me if it goes out again, as Sally moves through the Gulf. The heaviest rains from the east side will start moving through shortly. (That's what it looks like on the radar.) The eye is just west of Tampa. Too bad there isn't away to control Mother Nature and send all this rain out west to put out the fires.
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petite1: the chance of hurricanes is what guided me back to Jax. We don't get them as frequently as the gulf side. I will always keep my fellow Floridians in my thoughts and prayers as these systems pass through. Is there anything that can be done medically for the breathing problem?
I bought one of those robot vacuum cleaners. It's been fun watching it do it's thing. I just emptied the tray and there was lots of dirty. This will be so helpful as my back does not like sweeping and vacuuming.
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Kamboka - I'm glad your MRI went well. Let us know what they say about what might be causing your pain. I hope the AI break and Aromasin will help you not hurt as much anymore.
Petite - I have lots of polyps in my sinuses and they seem to restrict breathing. Not fun. Hope you feel better soon.
I had my MO appt and Prolia injection on Wednesday. Besides the fact that my MO was running about an hour behind schedule, the appt was fine. I had bloodwork done and everything came out great. The injection also came late and it is refrigerated and supposed to warm up before given to me. Since it took so long to get it, they injected it into me cold...and that hurt! Thankfully I haven't had any side effects from the injection.
The main reason I haven't been on here lately is because we adopted a stray dog a week ago from the Humane society. He is about a 1 year old Schnoodle that is hyper and I dont think had any potty training or any other training either. So between the initial anxiety, some resource guarding of my husband, and having to take him outside many many times a day, I I haven't gotten much done at home. But he is a sweetie!
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mocame: you are a saint to take in the stray and do all that training. If I had a dog, it would have to be the best behaved in the world. I don't want any extra work. I'm too lazy. At times, I do miss having a pet as it's unconditional love.
Too bad, they didn't warm the medication. It's like when they would give the AC, supposedly over 5 minutes, but it would be more like 30 seconds. Medical care is not like it used to be.
I'm still so stiff and my back hurts but I guess either I've gotten used to it or it's not quite as bad as last week. I will stay off the letrozole for another two weeks.
Woke up this morning to hot air. The dang A/C is broken again. I called the home warranty folks and someone is coming tomorrow afternoon. I've not been sleeping d/t pain and I know now, there's no hope tonight as I'll be sweating. I would give anything for a good 8 hours non-stop sleep.
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Kamboka - I hope your pain is now decreasing. Not fun dealing with that everyday. Do you take anything for the pain? I hope you are liking Florida, the house, and happy with the move. You have had quite a hard time since it all started. Hopefully things start settling down and you have no new surprises for awhile. You need a break. How is your new job?
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mocame, Good to hear from you. Post a picture of your new fur baby.
Kamboka, Oh no not the a/c again. Hope that gets fixed soon. I will be glad when all the rain stops.
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Today the repairman came for the A/C. While here, the compressor fried and the whole house smelled like smoke. I thought something was on fire. Now, that has to be replaced. They said the warranty company has to approve and then it could take up to two weeks. Ugh. I went on Facebook and found a portable A/C for my bedroom. At least I can get a little relief in that room at night. Always something!
Tomorrow I go for my pre-op COVID test. This will be my third. I hope it's not the one that goes to the back of your brain.
We didn't have any rain yesterday or today and luckily it's not been as hot and humid. We do get more of a change of season here than in Tampa.
I was hoping to keep my contract with my existing job while I do this new job. I"m only promised one year. Now they are telling me I have to resign. I am trying not to worry that I will need to job search again in six months, just in case they don't pick me up for another year. It's a good opportunity and more money so I'll hope for the best.
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OMG, Kamboka, if it is not one thing it is another. Yes, there is more of a change of seasons up there. We even have some leaves starting to yellow, then they drop and make a mess. The grass also dies with the first frost and everything gets brown. We had a friend who would have to drive down to Homestead, where he was from, to see green. LOL
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Kamboka, I hit submit too soon. Will you have to change insurance with the job changes? Could you do COBRA?
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Kamboka - Oh my word! Well, the good news is that you should have a brand new unit and not need anything major done to that for awhile. Hopefully the weather stays cooler until you can get everything set up again. I hope everything goes well with your new job and it can be renewed for another year. A good job opportunity with more money is harder to come by these days with COVID. A friend of ours just had his job eliminated after working for the company for 35 years! Pretty much his whole working career. I don't think he will have a hard time finding another job because he is well respected but it still is a shock.
Here is my husband holding our furry hyper baby.
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mocame: "he" is so cute! Have you got him house trained now? I mom used to have two dogs similar to him.
petite1: I will be put on the federal employees insurance plan but I don't know which company. I hope it's Aetna. Right now, the Aetna I have is great. There is no co-pay and low deductible. Not sure if I have to requality for my bariatric surgery. I honestly don't think I can do the weight loss thingy again. If I was good at losing weight, I won't need the surgery.
The third A/C guy came and said that the warranty company pays for a used compressor or I could get $1000 cash. The new unit is about $4000. I told him just to use the re-manufactured part and i"ll hope it will last a year or so for me to save up for a new unit. It's on back order d/t covid so I might be a few weeks without A/C. My little portable has helped the bedroom at night but it's still not like a real A/C. I'm exhausted from the heat.
I so wish I could retire. But since I didn't save my pennies early and don't have a second income, I'm trying to work another five year. My heart is not in it but I have no choice.
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mocame, He is adorable.
Kamboka, Aetna is good. Jim has the Aetna Medicare Advantage plan. I have Florida Blue Medicare Advantage. I think mine covers more than his and has a few perks his does not. Good luck on the A/C. We had a text from one of our tenants and have to get the A/C guy out there today. (We somehow got into the rental business in 2005. The max we had was 11 houses, now we are down to 3.)
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petite1: My parents used to have three rental homes but gave them up as it was so much work. My dad was a handyman and was able to fix most things but it still was time consuming. Sometimes, I wish I had invested in rental properties. Some people can live off that income to supplement SS and other retirement money.
I'm still hot and look forward to going to my bedroom early so I can turn on the portable A/C. I had two housekeepers come today. I felt so sorry for them. I turned on all the ceiling fans to try to help. I'm sure they were happy to get out of here. It's expensive but I can't do the heavy cleaning I used to do. I think I'll try to have them come at least every 6-8 weeks. I try to keep my BR and kitchen clean but mopping and vacuming is painful.
The MO is starting me back on Gabapentin for the neuropathy. It didn't work twice before but I'll give it another shot.
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Kamboka, I can't do heavy cleaning either. These hands just can't do mopping sweepings, etc. That's why Jim got me a cleaning lady my 65th birthday. Best birthday present ever.
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Ladies, I showed up for my surgery at 830. When I arrived they said it was really 1100 when I was scheduled. I didn't get taken back to the OR until 2 pm. Needless to say, my joints and back were killing me on that thinly padded cot. I ended up telling the nurse to unhook me and just let me keep getting up and down. I had the nursing assistant scheduled from 1000 - 2. She had to leave at two. I went into the OR thinking I'd just have to sign myself out AMA and get an Uber. Luckily, when I woke up the RR nurse said another lady was coming to pick me up. She did and dropped me off. The delay in surgery cost me another $50 plus the initial $100 for the first lady being on standby. I was a bit stressed with all that going on. The doctor did not come by to talk to me so I'll have to wait for the report in my Portal to find out what happened.
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Kamboka, That sounds uncomfortable. How are you doing today?
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Found out today that the fellow who put in my new kitchen sink didn't hook it up correctly. Now the water treatment man has to correct that as well as get me straightened out for the system. That's another $500. The money is flowing out like a river.
Yesterday my back was pretty good but I think that was the aftereffects from anesthesia. Now, I'm back to the stiff joints and painful back. I'm supposed to start on Aromasin this week but I'm going to wait another week. The MO is starting me back on Gabapentin for the neuropathy. I'll try a dose tonight. It does make me drowsy during the day, which I don't like.
It's been really windy and in the mid- high 70s. I opened some windows (praying the geekos don't come in) to get a nice cross breeze. It's been much more comfortable now as I wait for the AC to be repaired.
petite1: Are you guys getting rain? I'm supposed to have my sun tunnel put in tomorrow but if it's raining I guess they will cancel.
mocame: How is the doggie. Did you tell us the name?
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Petite! - How are you doing and feeling lately? I remember you said you don't have to see your RO anymore. During my RO appointment a couple of weeks ago, they told me I will have to see them for 5 years in combination with my other doctors so that they can watch/check me every 2 to 3 months for possible recurrences. Fun times.
Kamboka - Did the Gabapentin help? Could you have asked the guy who put the sink in wrong to correct it for free? I know if something doesn't go right on a job that my husband does, they call him and he comes back and does it for free as long as it's his fault. It's part of his unspoken "warranty" work. You have had so much going on but you still have such a good attitude. Let us know how you are feeling.
Our dog's name is Brody and he can be sweet one moment and a handful the next. Between taking him out to "potty" all the time and I had to work 2 jobs at work this past week (coworker was on vacation), I had a stressful and busy week. Brody is keeping us on our toes. I call him part bloodhound even though he isn't, because when you take him outside, his nose in immediately and constantly on the ground going with whatever smell he finds. It makes potty training very hard. He also escaped from his harness again after we tightened it and escaped his harness and ran off when my husband had him tied up with a long leash outside. Took us a while to find him only for him to come back totally covered in prickly stuff. That took awhile to get out of his fur and we were still finding them hours later.
I have my PS appointment on Wednesday morning. I'm very nervous about this appointment because if I don't qualify for an exact exchange of my implants, I would probably have to get a more involved surgery to redo the reconstruction. I don't want to go through that.
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Kamboka, The guy should redo it for free. What a challenge. It is breezy . I think it is a "cool" front moving through.
mocame, Brody is so cute. Take treats with you when he is going potty. He gets a treat when he goes and tell him he is a good boy. It shouldn't take too long. Have they "opened up" at work? Down here they have gradually started letting visitors back. I think they have to have their temp taken and wear a mask.
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Yeah, the A/C company called and said my compression was in and they would be out tomorrow to install. The last three days has been breezy and perfect. I've opened up my windows to get a cross breeze. some of my windows don't have screens so I have to be careful that all the geckos don't come in.
The guy who put in my sink was just a handyman and we both decided that he should stop while he was ahead. I've learned my lesson. Even he admitted that if he had actually looked at the sink set up first, he would not have done it. I wish he had said that before he started working on it.
My sun tunnel light got put in today and I'm happy to have more light in my living room. Some people like low light but I love bright light at night.
mocame: I think those types of dogs are hyper and a handful. I hope he can concentrate enough to learn the potty rules. They do keep you company though. I'll keep my fingers crossed for you on Wednesday that they can do the simple procedure. I'm also worried that when I change jobs, my bariatric surgery will be cancelled. They could say it's pre-existing but it would actually save them a lot of money if I can stop some of my medical conditions caused by obesity. I can't get a PCP at Mayo until December. I wasn't expecting that since I was able to get the MO and GYN so quickly.
petite1: This weather has been perfect. I love the 70s with low humidity. I had some flowers planted when they put in my mulch last week so I have been watering them every afternoon. So far, they are still living. I ordered some mail order flowers and I'll plant them and see what happens.
I put up a new flagpole and plan to have theme flags. Here is my first one.
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Kamboka, Love the picture! I haven't put my glasses on, yet. Is the a magnolia in the front yard? We are taking a minication and heading to Steinhatchee. The weather looks good, only 5% chance of rain. The cats will be fine for over night and I won't contact the cat sitter.
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