Can we have a forum for "older" people with bc?
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So very true Wren. I took it for five years. The only time I ever really had a problem was when the switch to generic came. Just as I was about to complain my body finally got used to whatever was being used to deliver the drug into my system and I went right back to almost not even knowing I was taking it.
Blessings
Jackie
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Yes, Joan, it's a long haul from Carbondale to Chicago.....about 5 hours by car, maybe a little more depending upon where you are going in the city. I agree with the others that flying is the best way to get there unless you have an extra day to spend travelling. If you do decide to go by car, stop in Bloomington and see me! :-) I'm right on your way.
Like Jackie says, it's hard to tell what June will be like with all this crazy weather that we have been having. Usually it is hot during the days but it cools down at night. You'll need jackets or sweaters for the evening hours and the air-conditioned restaurants and buildings.
Glad you're back, Cami!!!!
Welcome Lost! I started my teaching career in the 5th grade and loved it. What a great age! Then I was moved to the 7th and 8th grade science position and discovered that I loved that age just as well. That's where I stayed until I retired.
Well, we're going to a dinner theater tonight with good friends and I still have a few things to do around here. Everyone have a good weekend.
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Thanks for the Illinois travel and climate tips! I love to drive but I don't remember much about driving in IL except the road construction during the summers.
I will definitely look into a multi-stop trip...but if I drive, I will hold court with any dear sisters who would be around.
I have never stopped in St. Louis or Chicago -- just the interstate bypasses or airport. I've been in all but 6 states counting the ones I've just passed through. Always new wonders to see...LB, Oh, the power of the night....for many years I have found that a setting sun, once the beauty is gone, can lead to unbridled thoughts. The fear of the unknown will fade once you feel in control again. Try not to expect bad SEs from the AI drugs. Sometimes the initial few weeks are tough...then the drug levels off in the system and is hardly noticed by many of us. If it makes you tired or down, take it at night. If not, then take it any time. Try to keep moving...exercise lightly to keep the joints and muscles healthy. Other than that, you will know if it a bad reaction. There are several types of AI ... I did switch because of a specific symptom and now I hardly notice. My palm joints have been sore since the first month but I've learned to live with it. And it's better.
About faith...in a practical sense, the saying "worry is the interest we pay on tomorrow's problems" is true. But we also live in reality. I believe we are body mind and spirit. Our body is what is in physical touch with our surroundings...our reality...our mind is how we perceive the world, right or wrong...our spirit is where we can rise above the body and mind but only with the help of our higher power...or faith. We cannot be in the spiritual realm all the time or we'd get nothing done. We are human, bear flesh, have pains, have fears, and hope. We are amazing and wonderful beings. You will find a way to face your fears and even dismiss them. We have all been there...through the long nights...and we long for the daylight and sunshine that follows. II think it is OK to express fear...get it out there...and you will always have ears to listen here. We are all different, and no one can tell us how to feel. But we can encourage one another.
Sending positive thoughts and prayers your way...and to anyone facing fears and challenges beyond our control.0 -
welcome lostboob- I am pretty new to this site too, but visiting it has become a highlight in my day
Mommarch- as a long term resident of Florida, with some experience with the court system and custody issues, I am not surprised at the judgement. As a foster family for 5 years in the 80's, I was constantly confused by decisions made. As far as you "allowing" her to go with her mother in the first place, what choice did you have? I don't know your specific situations, but in my experience, grandparents don't usually get to choose. I have a daughter who has emotional problems and her husband is very strange. I have talked to several police officers and other professionals about the living situation my 2 grandchildren are in, generally and about some very specific issues and they tell me not to waste my time reporting it. DCF is can't keep up with the kids that are being physically abused, they don't even look at emotional abuse or neglect. There is nothing I as their grandmother can do, except maintain contact and monitor the situation. I would think that your grandaughter's wishes should be considered, especially because she is a teenager, and because her choice is a stable home, which shows she has her head on straight. Don't lose hope and I, and I am sure others on this forum, will be praying for you all,
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Jackie, your deck looks very inviting. No wonder you and your dh enjoy it so much.
Cami, glad you checked in. We all worry about you when you're absent.
Speaking of absent, where is Miz Chevy?
I've been enjoying a day at home catching up on laundry and cooking a big pot of chicken and sausage gumbo for tomorrow's dinner at my mother's house. There's no worry about cooking too much because left-over gumbo like left-over chili and left-over soup always gets eaten.
It's rather gloomy today and overcast but also cool enough that we don't need the A/C. It would be nice to have one more fire in the gas fireplace but I doubt it cools off that much. The forecast is for lots of rain tomorrow, 70 per cent chance.
Bonnets, I love your sense of humor and your doctors apparently do, too!
Joan, I'm glad you mentioned taxes. I have my return done but need to file it electronically and make sure there's enough $$ in the bank acct. to pay Uncle Sam, who wants more $$ than we've already paid him.
Hope everyone is enjoying the weekend.
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Anneb....the beauty of so many long distanced, but close in heart and spirit friends. You could and did give mommarch a really good vantage ( and highly sensible ) point on Florida and the child custody issues of the State. I am always amazed at how everyone coms through for everyone else.
Speaking of that, Joan.....you too gave a well thought out and in depth answer --- wow, to both of you. Makes me feel fantastic about problems I don't have because I know if I turned one up....you'd both, along with all the others be there with something of comfort for me.
Going to work soon, but it is a happy Spring day here which lifts my mood way, way up and I hope I'm totally infectious.
Blessings
Jackie
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My husband Mike and I had a great time at this morning's Susan G Komen San Antonio Race for the Cure. It's one of the largest in the nation.
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Is anyone using this forum?? I am 66 and just diagnosed with IDC. Still waiting to see other docs. Has anyone had IORT??
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Great picture Sandra. Thanks for sharing it.
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Ohio fan, yes we are here. No, I don't know what IORT means.
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Love the picture Sandra! We have ours here in Dallas in November. I may not get the 20 miles every day but I am working on those donations! If not, well there are plenty of things to do during those 3 days!
Hang around OhioFan, I just joined this wonderful group and believe me they can help you figure it out or point you in the right direction they will
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Sandra, you and DH look adorable!!
Ohiofan, I did not have IntraOperative Radiation Therapy. I do not know anyone who did, either. There is probably a thread on this topic. Can you do a search?
Meanwhile, welcome, and I hope you find what you need to know.Jackie, you are the most inspirational and balanced lady I've met on BCO...along with the amazing ladies here. I love how the conversation goes from what's for dinner to how to cope with life's challenges. It all matters. I am glad you have found a job that suits you so perfectly. And your clients are very fortunate to have you.
Carole, I can smell your pot of chicken and sausage gumbo...I am sure your mom is looking forward to your visit. I felt a touch of spring today...dark blue sky, breezy, warm sun...it helps! Now, unfortunately I'm with you...I owe.
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Ohiofan, Welcome. I can't remember who had IORT, but I remember a couple of people posting about it, so maybe they'll jump in. If no one offers any info, start a new thread asking about it. Sounds like you are newly diagnosed. The time from biopsy to treatment really seems to drag. There are too many unknowns. Most of us think the waiting was the hardest part.
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Welcome Ohio . There are lots of us here --- just maybe no one around when you first posted. I didn't know about the IORT either, but read up a bit. Sounded like something really great in that it only went to the ?tumor? area. I don't know anyone who has had that, but Chevy -- one of the ladies here had something a little different than most of us. I think they were little pellets that were put in for a short while, them removed. So, she only had radiation for a week I think.
You will be getting a lot of information to digest and so keep lots of notes going if you can. Also, write down any questions you have so that you can discuss everything with your team.
At some point ???? you should end up with a pathology report.....and this would help define a real plan of how to take care of your IDC. We hope you will come often. We will do our best to answer questions or point you in a direction that will help you find the answers you need.
Blessings
Jackie
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Sandra....what a great picture and huge thanks to you and your Dh Mike for doing the walk. I am so thrilled when I see the pictures of the ladies and family members who do these walks. I have to admit I've never done one. My hat is definitely off to those who do.
Blessings
Jackie
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Wonderful picture Sandra! Looks like healthy fun.
This is such an amazing group. I have to agree with Wren (I think) that people with side effects want to talk and post about them. People doing well don't have much to say. I'm on Anastrozole now for 6 weeks and so far doing OK. I know that could change, but I'm not looking for it unless it comes looking for me.
Glad you liked the joke Jackie. I liked your most recent quote about the end of the darkness leads to firm ground or learning to fly. My daughter taught me one about only look as far ahead as you can see in the fog. When you get close to the edge you will see farther.
Not seeing the horizon really is disquieting. I had not made the connection to night time though. Years ago I read a historical fiction about mail order brides who lived on the midwest prairies in sod houses. At the end of the book it documented that it is true many women lost their sanity during long dark winters with no windows and no horizon in view combined with cold and lonesomeness. I'll bet poor diet, too. A wagon would go from home to home collecting the women who were not well to take them home to their parents.
There is an interesting thread here for insomniacs! They are nice gals who kept me company in the nights before surgery.
So everyone eat well, laugh a little, sleep as much as you want or can. We don't want to get hauled away on the wagon due to neglect.
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Hope this makes you smile. It's one of the pretty little ones I painted today. At first she didn't want her face painted, only her hand. Then she liked her hand and wanted her face too. Enjoy the look in her eyes. BTW her mom said I could use her photo. Can't be too careful!
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What a gorgeous little girl. There is all the innocence in the world displayed in one little face. She is a beautiful little soul.
Mimi...wow !!!! I think the night time thing is on the same order somewhat of our usually not feeling as well during the night time hours as we might through the day. I had some nights that just were not very good because it was making my world too small with no way out it seemed. We just get too vulnerable then......and we are much more open to negative forces.
How this for negative forces....oh my. Went to work tonight....Dr. and his wife were going to a church auction. Well, they won an auction --- this huge basket of home-made yeast cinnamon rolls. Dr. B told Mrs. B to put some in a bag for me to take home. That is going to be negative calories on my eating plan, but wow....I just couldn't refuse. I did manage to hold it to 6. They were huge and I bet there were 45 left in that basket. I think they are going to be yummy at breakfast time tomorrow.
Blessings
Jackie
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Welcome Ohio,
I asked my RO about IORT and she said I was not a candidate for it because 1.) my tumor was right against my chest wall and placing the pellets that far in would be difficult...I am big busted 40 DD and 2.) I would have to have it done twice a day and I was 100 miles from treatment center so would have to wait around all day. I have read somewhere on one of these forums of others who had it. As Wren said maybe some of those will pop in here. If not just start a forum with your question. Best of luck. Waiting is the WORST! Hang in there, you can do this. (((Hugs)))
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Can I start a discussion or what? I'm taking that sleeping pill early so I don't get into that dark place tonight! Need the rest for sure. Plus, I don't want to go in that wagon anywhere.
I so love the face painting Mimi! Her little eyes are just shining. They are so wide and excited about her paintings. Pat yourself on the back for giving her such wonderment today.
I can smell cinnamon rolls now! I've worked so hard for a month getting my walking up to 10K steps a day, eating right and carrying that FitBit everywhere. In a month, I'm only 2 pounds down. Normally, it would be more so all I can think of is hormones. Either way, I might would give up those 2 lbs for a big cinnamon roll with butter and a hot cup of creamed coffee.
Now that makes for a sweet dream...
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Good Morning Ladies---- I see more newbies here--wow Welcome--these ladies are great.
Now this was on the last page so I can't go back to be sure but I think it was Sandra who posted the picture of the lady from that movie---The night the Boogieman was scared away---of course it was a C movie no one saw it but she sure looks like she's able to do that. What a thing to see first thing.
=Lost Boob I have some sleepless nites, more than I'd like--but I watch the silly old comedies and my mind doesn't wanderinto anything other than silly---Oh I'll come on the BCO if I'm really awake altho the Insomniacs thread now is 24/7 there are some who can't sleep either. Or from other countries where it's their morning. But nite time is when we're stuck from childhood somehow--really the closet door, who's under the bed, so even tho we don't believe those things now it's still a moment in time where we can easily go to a dark place. First of all everyone knows I'm the drug pusher here-take anything that helps thru bad times that works for u--talk to u'r Onc. they really try to make things as easy as possible for you.
I didn't know what IORT (I think was) but I think u guys explained it, I have read about it here and remember hearing it was good because it got everything over with in no time, so maybe it is a good idea. otherwise u'r going everyday for a month.
Carole u must be a fabulous cook, u always come up with some great things to make and eat. I used to be a really good cook, well now my grandson helps me with a can of soup, cuz he thinks I need him to help--the brat.
Sandra I love the picture of u and u'r DH I assume or the man u'r fooling around with-either way. And MImi what beautiful work u did on such a beautiful child, she's really showing it off.
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My screen hops when I write to much.
And Jackie u are so completely well balanced and u'r quotes fit someone everyday. That's why we all read them.
Well people are getting ready for the nice weather and I never dawned on me it would have anything to do with my job. People are calling for getting their a/c and generators and whatever all spruced up. So somehow it involvesme with the phones. Now I'm bossing the men around--give me an inch-- and I want more communication from them so I know what's going on--I told them I'm not just a sex symbol I have a brain altho very chemo but they better start answering my emails-and they are. I think I scared them all.Cuz a man called back and forgot what time the guys were going there??? He said to me I know call me an idiot, I forgot--so with my velvet smooth talking I called him an Idiot for not remembering and I would find out--It took me 1/2 hr to find out-Then I called him back and he did say his wife agreed with me. So I'm busier than I was, but I still wear my comfy clothes as u all know.
I hope everyone has a decent day today---
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Oh one more thing--my job is keeping me busier cuz I understand more now and I'm more involved and I unscew what the guys seems to screw up and unscrew what I seem to screw up--so there's lot of unscrewing (shut up Chevy)
And of course HELLO to anyone I missed--I'm waving--really
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Once you accept and rejoice in your authenticity, you begin
to see things as YOU are. You begin to see the authentic self
is the Soul made visible. Godspeed on your journey to wholeness.
Sarah Ban Breathnach0 -
Good morning....there is a little sun out here though I'm not sure it is going to stay with us as much as I would like. Well, I'm a bit spoiled....I crave sun -- even when I'm inside and mentally stamp my feet when it seems like there is not enough. I think tonight or tomorrow, more rain. Sigh !!! Double sigh!!!!!! It is springtime and I should just relax. If we have one of our hot, humid summers.....why, yes. I'll be the first complaining and longing for what we are having now.
Ohiofan....I keep hoping Chevy will get on here as I think she had the rads you are mentioning. Maybe I'll p.m. her and see if she will give her explanation again here.
Cammie.....You are soooo authentic. Makes you not only admirable but completely lovable. A real ray of sunshine when I see your name on here. Don't know how understandable this will be but some people are JUST who they seem to be and when you realize it.......they make your day even when they may feel they are not having a good one. Well, you are one of those.
I hope all of you have a great Sunday.
Blessings
Jackie
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Welcome Ohio, not me but they will guide u asking whoever has had it
Chevy how is hubby
Sandra great pic ours is on mothers day, my 11th year I thinks, can't walk no more lungs won't allow it but will go n sit n climb the art museum steroids like rocky, get the freebies n eat home by 10
Have a wonderful Sunday, me resting going down the shore on Tuesday on my week off, do excited
Hugs
Blondie
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Hi Ladies
Welcome to all the new ladies
Global...funny story about the dark clothes and tourists. we had fried pickles the last time we were in New Orleans and loved them. Have not had them since though.
Miini...I loved the pictures of the balloons and the picture of the little girl with the face painting. She is adorablel and you do great face painting.
Jackie.. your porch looks fantastic and very inviting.
Mommarch ...thinking of you and sending prayers that your granddaughter will be able to come live with you.
Joan...hope your feeling better soon and glad your lump was taken care of
Sandra... loved your dancing ladies and the boob lady "Wow"
Lost...late night thoughts are always the scariest. If I am up late myself I read or watch something funny on TV It helps me keep my mind from wondering to other things
Bonnet.. I wish I had your sense of humor with my Onc Dr. He seems so serious all the time.
Ohio fan...I do know what IORTis. I had a mammosit and went twice a day for a week
Carole...Your chicken and sausage gumbo sounds so delicious
BlondieX46...Our son and his family live in Wayne, PA We enjoy visiting there. It is so pretty
We have had a very nice weekend here. We only needed a jacket on during the day. Yesterday I spent a few hours outside cleaning up after the dog and picking up brances in the yard and playing fetch with the dog. Today I finished laundry and followed a tutorial on the internet to learn a new way to make a bow for our GDs.
Ladies...Sorry this is so long but I have not been on for a while.
Hope everyone is feeling good and enjoying this weekend
Emma
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Hi you guys! I've been rather tied up.... I mean DH has a torn Achille's Tendon, in his left leg, so he can't walk! I mean even ME with getting over my broken Femur, and all the hardware can walk a LOT better than him... DANG! He must have stretched it over and over, and then all the tears, made it so he could not put any weight on it!
Thought it was Gout... but all he can do is not put any weight on it, and sit/lie around and that is like telling the Energizer Bunny to sit still! He is always on the move, and we are always out gallavanting around.... somewhere! He has pain pills, but if he doesn't put too much pressure on it, he doesn't need them.... just rest.
And I am doing good with my cute little cane.... doing yard work, mixing up potting/garden soil, and filling pots, and yes, I know, it is probably crazy, but I rest sometimes.
Jackie, I ALWAYS love seeing pictures of your little home! Wow! It must be so different than being within arms length of your neighbors! So many homes going up in this area, like Townhomes, in a row.... and they sell for around $800,00 EACH! I didn't think the whole STATE cost that much! We bought our home for $24,500 when we were so very young... Or I mean we moved in, paying $60 a month rent.... then much later, asked to buy it, and it's been our, for a long time! But our neighborhood has changed so much.... All younger people now! That's all good.... But when our home, or any other older home is sold, they will scrape it, and build these 3 story expensive places! Our home is worth a LOT.... I mean the property/location, but we don't want to budge....
Was someone or one of you gals talking about Radiation with the MammoSite device? Am I imagining things, or if you know of someone, let me know...Okay?
And I saw a picture of CHICKENS! Whoa doggies! Who has Chickens?
CAMMI! You said "Velvet Smooth talking!" I fell off my chair laughing! Ha, ha! Did you guys catch that? See, she has this phone "job" where she has to take calls, and pretend she knows what she is talking about, and maybe refer callers to some sort of help, with furnaces, and things.... Then she goes out with her "Tool-Time" out-fit on, and fixes their furnaces and hot water tanks..... and gets PAID for it!
So she must be a multi-millionaire by now, and lives with what's-his-name Hugh someone.... In his mansion.... But she is okay... she has this little Grandson named Katey-kat.... or is that her Cats name.... I think his name is little Joey.... and everyone loves him.... like we do Cammi!
So Welcome LostBoob! Don't you worry about a thing.... we got all this covered.... Right now I'm having a Chocolate Coke.... Sorry about everything Mommarch! It's like you're damned if you Do, and damned if you don't.... It seems so heartbreaking and hopeless... ! At least right now.... But I know to never give up hope.....
Oh wait! Jo6202!!!!! It's YOU! Jackie said it was someone here...! I found you! Okay, You really DO have to be a candidate for that type of radiation.... For me, it was great, because I didn't live that far.... Yes... twice a day, but once they send the "radiation seeds" through those tubes, the treatment only lasts about 8 minutes. I had the Device implanted during surgery... The tumor can't be against the chest wall.... The device is like a little balloon, filled with fluid.... with tubes going into it, hanging on your outside... The seeds go into the inflated balloon.... and then are drawn out, and you are done until the next treatment! I'll try and post the video, after I post this.... but if you can't have it, I guess it doesn't matter....?
Love the pictures Mimi! Soooooo sweet!
Okay gals.... Hope your Sunday was great! xoxoxoxo
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Oh Chevy, I'm so glad you came around.....people were missing you and Emma too, but sometimes other things have to take precedence. We do have a life away from this little dandy machine called a computer. I had mine off just now for a bit over an hour. Decided to do some major cleaning in my little office and that always means moving everything around. Tomorrow I'll probably look at it.....decide its butt-ugly awful and put it all right back the way it was. I have done that so often.
I'm getting ready to put out a giant plea to some of those HGTV people who just make your house look so much better than you ever have. I did my kitchen and to me it is so much better than it was and I'm actually not going to change it back.......but my other rooms undergo "the works" every now and then and a day or two later.....right back.
I guess I complained enough....Dh is out blowing some of the winter leaves off the ground. With the nicer days they will wipe out the fresh growing grass and later on we will be hating it.
We do enjoy the summer here. All the trees and foliage make us feel we are nearly alone out here but there are a number of people on the next street. Thing is......they all have yards of I think at least 5 acres so they really aren't very close to us. The house which is to our left is still vacant. They won't ask my "expert realtor's " advice. I gave up my license a few years ago but I know what is wrong. The lake houses don't have good comps. They don't sell that often.....and most are old club houses. Meaning...some have strange lay-outs making the flow a bit jerky. Well, the neighbors are simply asking way, way too much for a one bedroom, one bath over 50 yr. old 'clubhouse'. They started out ( completely un-believable to me ) in the 90's, and over time have come down to about $62,500.00 I think. That is way too much too. We paid too much for ours but it is newer, and is 3 bdrms. bath and a half....and the full bath is huge with a walk in shower and garden tub. As well we have a huge front marble foyer. I would not ask more than $24,500.00 for the house next door in the hopes that I could get really lucky and find someone to take it off my hands for $18,000.00 The only reason for getting that much is there is a big lake behind it. But they don't ask me so I don't offer the info.
Ok.....I have to get back to work. I'll see ya'll later.
Blessings,
Jackie
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