Can we have a forum for "older" people with bc?
Comments
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"To keep the heart unwrinkled, to be hopeful, kindly, cheerful,
reverent -- that is to triumph over old age."
Thomas Bailey Aldrich"To know how to grow old is the masterwork of wisdom,
and one of the most difficult chapters in the great art of living."
Henri Frederic Amiel"It's sad to grow old -- but nice to ripen."
Brigitte Bardot"Say 'no' to the fountain of youth and turn on the fountain of age."
Betty Friedan"Youth is the gift of nature, but age is a work of art."
Garson Kanin"Age is opportunity no less
Than youth itself, though in another dress,
And as the evening twilight fades away
The sky is filled with stars, invisible by day."
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow"Life is the greatest art of all,
and the master artist is the man who is living the beautiful life."
J. Edgar Park"Years are only garments, and you either wear them
with style all your life, or else you go dowdy to the grave"
Dorothy Parker"The more sand has escaped from the hourglass of our life,
the clearer we should see through it."
Jean Paul Richter"It is a mistake to regard age as a downhill grade toward dissolution.
The reverse is true. As one grows older one climbs with surprising strides."
George Sand0 -
Good morning,
Since we are all for the most part well seasoned here -- I came across a small collection of quotes having to do with AGE, ahem. Well, they were all delightful and so I decided rather than picking out one that said something to me --- maybe I'd end up putting them all in and each of us hopefully will SEE at least one that speaks loud and clear. I truly liked the first and last one -- but also what Brigitte Bardot said struck a chord.
I do like the idea that I ripen as the years go by rather than turning stale and moldy. Honestly though, it seems you can feel old when things aren't working quite right -- especially for me during chemo I felt as though some age had caught up with me -- but once I felt good, "youth" returned and has hung around fairly well ever since.
I worry only so long as to position myself in a spot where I can move forward generally. I gave up on saving the world some time back and focus more on saving my sanity. What little is left anyway. Other than that I attempt to fill life ,mine and that around me with love, tolerance, good cheer and a little hope. None cost very much and the more you attempt you give away, the more you seem to have. A lot of my life had difficulty, and I've chosen to give that up and go for easy now -- that just came from realizing it was a choice I could make.
So, don't forget who is in charge -- especially when something happens that accidentally makes you FEEL some AGE. Just go back to where you were in charge and then charge ahead. Just simplify and keep on, keeping on.
Off to my chores, breakfast and my food class -- I keep having to take the thing --eerrrgggg-- because I lose inspiration for eating right and exercising. Also, it is nice that for $30.00 I can get free use of the indoor walking track however many times I have time to go during the 6 wk. class -- and free use of the gym equipment on class days. Seriously thinking of trying the yoga class as well. Not only for the stability it could provide, but also I think you can get in tune with some really good breathing practices. Anything I do has to take into consideration my little job. I won't let anything interfere with that.
The sun is out and we will get another warm day before we have to start thinking cooler. This has been such a blessing after some pretty rugged cold ( all of course further enhanced by that cruel Murphy while our furnace was out ) was taking place. Its amazing to me to have such swings going on. I note this a.m. it felt way too warm in the house to suit me and I turned the furnace down a notch. Sssh, Dh sometimes seems colder than me and doesn't always remember to take note when the coolish air has warmed almost too much. Good thing he has me to nearly rip the thermostat out of the wall in my haste to turn it down to breathable level in here. Off and running and I will check in later this afternoon. See you all then.
Blessings,
Jackie
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Di, the tests Mike had in the hospital before Christmas proved to the hematologist that he never had hemolytic anemia. It was pure coincidence that the brown recluse spider bite occurred a month before his first symptoms began in May. The internal medicine docs missed it too so I can't blame the general practitioner he was seeing. It's not a common disease. It is true that 30% of people who are bitten develop hemolytic anemia, so it was a natural assumption since his red blood cells were first affected and he had anemia. Even if it had been correctly diagnosed last spring, nothing could have stopped it. There is no medicine and no treatment for the category he has. The low and intermediate-1 categories can benefit by blood transfusions and have five - eight year survival expectation. The intermediate-2 category can often achieve temporary remission with chemo. Mike has the high category with the shortest life expectancy of just over one year. Chemo would give him a few extra months at best. That's why they are moving to transplant right away. It's his only chance.0 -
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It is a beautiful day in the Davis Mt's high is to be 65. I am having one of those ache all over days.
Sandra, thinking about you, please take care of yourself and if you need help please do not hesitate to call the groups that are available to you. When our daughter was in Chemo and we were taking care of a premie, the people I worked with would bring dinner to the house on the days she had chemo. What wonderful people.
Chevy, loved the video, thats about how it goes.
Hugs to all
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Hi everyone
Good Mon morning. Sorry I haven't been here for awhile, I've been reading and keeping up each day, just haven't had much to say. I have done a lot of "spring cleaning" - cleaning and organizing my room and closet here in Ga, which I haven't done since we moved into this house. All that's left is paperwork- yuck!
A friend from Ft Lauderdale is coming to visit her daughter (who has been one of Nancy's best friends from church since middle school) from Feb 1st- 8th. I have made my reservations to fly home with her on the 8th. We will see each other during that week as well- maybe a movie and lunch. They are about an hour from us, but the Mall of Georgia is right in the middle, so that gives us plenty of options.
I will be heading over to So Carolina at the end of the week to spend some time with Lucia. If you remember, I told you that my son is miserable living there but his wife refused to even entertain the idea of moving. Well, somehow, he got through to her and she is now open to the idea. He is spending every possible minute researching school standings from Jacksonville to West Palm. His hope is to be no more than 3 hours from camp so he can go home every weekend during the summers. He hopes to have several areas chosen by this summer, so they can spend time actually looking at homes over the summer. He says his goal is to be moved by next summer ( a year from now). My DIL's best friend came to visit this weekend, and really supported the idea of them moving closer.
My son also invited me to Lucia's first visit to Disneyworld the weekend after I get home. It will be fun watching her see the "real" characters for the first time.
Sandra- my thoughts and prayers are with you and Mike constantly. I so understand some of what you are going thru. It wasn't only Bob's blood pressure that would drop, it was aLso his sugar levels. One day he got mad at me and stormed out of the house about 10am. He came back about 4 and asked if I wanted to go out to eat that night. We went about 5:30 or so. He seemed okay when we got in the car ( I was driving, thank God), but as we drove along he got loud and seemed drunk, although he hadn't had anything to drink. Then he got really confused, holding his cell phone, telling me he had to call a guy from work, but couldn't remember the guy's name. Problem was, he hadn't worked for years. I mentioned every name I could think of, but none were right. When we got to the restaurant, he wouldn't get out of the car till he made his call. We met our DD and GS there, so I went in and got a table( there was no wait) and ordered him a coke, then went out to get him. By this time, he was calling me "Lady" and I knew we needed to go to the ER. He passed out soon after I started driving, and all I could do was elbow him in the ribs to make him grunt so I knew he was still breathing. Again thankGod my DD was with us- by the time we got to the hospital, she had gotten home aNd spoke to our neighbor who was the head of ER nursing at the hospital I was headed to. As I pulled up, there was a full team waiting for us, they took him immediately, and by the time I got thru security he was conscious, knew his name and who I was, and where he was, but had no idea how he had gotten there. Stupid man- mad at me, so he had gone to our other DD's house and watched TV all day, but ate only an apple all day! He definitely had control of his sugar levels when he chose to, but once he started dialysis, his blood pressure would drop unexpectedly. We had one ambulance ride in Ga after he passed out, and several other close calls.
I remember fighting with him at one point close to the end because he was running a fever and refused to go to the ER. My DS, in SC, kept saying to me, don't ask him, just take him. I asked how I was supposed to get him to the car. Rob said call 911and I said in have tried that before- as long as he is conscious and can answer routine questions, he has the right to refuse to go. Finally, in tears, I went to my neighbor ( the ER guy) and he said not to worry- either the fever would come down, or he would pass out from dehydration or low sugar levels since he wasn't eating or drinking anything, and then we could call for help. I finally got him to go to the ER the next day, and he was admitted. That was the infection that destroyed the atrium valve in his heart and several months later killed him.
So hang in there, Sandra- Mike sounds like he is taking this seriously and doing everything he can to help himself and you. Make sure you take care of yourself. Maybe you could get a friend to visit with Mike while you go for a cup of coffee with someone. I know it is scary to leave him, but you might both feel better after. You are both on my church's prayer chain and in my prayers constantly.
Anne
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It is so fantastic to come here and feel the love and concern going out to those who are having some sort of problem. Doesn't matter if it is you, your neighbor, your dog, a friend's dog or your loved one. The need to soothe and gather up someone in distress is very strong here.
Anne, that sounds like such torture you went through with you Dh. We can go through similar issues and problems and just sort of shake it off, but it is so difficult to watch a loved one face illness and disability. I thought it was such good advice Anne to find even a few minutes out to have coffee or something with a friend and re-charge just a little. We get so into caring for someone we 'forget' to think that we could be wearing down a bit. Probably at our age it is more than a bit.
Mommarch, wouldn't you love to just go sit in the sun for awhile.
Chevy, I loved that little comic video too. The story of our life in a minute and a half, eh !!! Well some days your the fire hydrant, and some days your not.
Sandra, I think I had forgotten about that spider bite. It is something anyone would wish to avoid -- ironic that it was -- in the scheme of things -- almost just a nuisance compared to what was coming. Well, thoughts, prayers and healing energies are on a constant flow to you and Mike.
See you all later.
Jackie
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Oh the pictures and cartoons on the last couple pages were fun to read. I think I've caught up on most of the news. Glad to see Cammi has not forgotten us because we miss her. Also glad Chevy didn't find her in the alley. I'm watching your posts Sandra and hoping each day is OK. The pictures of you in Alaska are gorgeous. Blondie hope you are feeling good today and that a little sunshine has come your way. We had sun for two days and warmer weather here. Now I need to get out and clean the yard of doggie bombs as my grandkids call them.
I've been traveling all over the area the last couple weeks. Drove three hours each way to attend a four hour face paint lesson that was excellent. And I've also driven to see that old boyfriend again - this is getting to be a habit! Frequent phone calls make me feel a little like an infatuated high school girl again. Not bad for an old bag.
Jackie I enjoyed all the quotes about aging. The one about wearing age like a garment well and in style was clever!
Cuddledud sheets? Now that is something new to me, but sounds glorious. They could really make a bedroom attached to that fancy bathroom like Chevy's would make life luxurious. NIght all. Stay as well as you can.
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“You are never more essentially, more deeply,
yourself than when you are still.”
Eckhart Tolle0 -
Morning everyone,
It's sort of sunny outside right now ( muted a bit ) but I do think we are getting another little bout of warmth -- then, well not so good. I'm not in that much of a hurry really, but am wondering a bit how February will be here. There have been a number of times when we have been outdoors in shirt sleeves, but with the g. warming it is just as likely to have snowstorms I would think.
Back to being able to lose some weight. I seem to not be so good with that ( I'm such a cheater ) unless I'm going to the NeXt class that is sponsored by our Felician Sisters and the local Rec Center. I've taken the class now about five times. The good thing is --- every time while the material is presented factually and evidence-based -- the voice inflection and often some new little found-out tidbits continues to actually keep it interesting.
No two seconds in our life are ever alike -- every one is new and brings its newness into everything. So the exact same presentation/lecture/speech always has a reward in it. Even if just for our hearing it after our seconds too have undergone change. Good thing eh !!!! I have been using the same binder and the margin notes are about to totally take over some pages. I think at some point -- I'll have to get clean filler pages if I continue taking the class.
Onward to a happy day -- a work morning for me that is always pretty good.
See you all later.
Thinking of everyone with positive energy hopes and thoughts.
Blessings,
Jackie
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Mornin' all
It's sunny and 60 in the Atlanta area, so no complaints here. Most of the time I have been here this time has been the awful gray, wet, bone chilling weather I hate. Not as cold as you northerners, I know, but just nasty and really cold for this South Florida girl. I am looking forward to getting back to the Florida sunshine on Feb 8th.
We moved there in the 70's because we both hated winter. I was feeling bad about not staying here longer, but then I realized I wasn't the one who chose to move to Georgia. I love my DD and her family and love visiting, but my home is So Fl and just like with my family in NY, I will plaN my visits here with the seasons. I usually only go to NY in Oct, but since I want to be here more than that, I will just keep my winter visits here shorter, and stay longer when the weathers better.
I'm off to Walmart today. I need to pick up contact lenses for my DD, and tomorrow my grandson turns the big 13! I bought him something for his Iphone ( or computer- I have no idea what it is but he showed it to me on AmaZon), but he also needs socks and sweatpants. And little Lucia has discovered Frozen, so I will look for a little something for her to bring with me when I go over Fri. I really don't have to -she hasn't opened any of her Christmas gifts from me yet. They wanted to wait till I was there so I can see her reaction. Seems like Christmas was SO long ago though.
So off to Walmart I shall go...
Hugs to you Sandra- hope today is uneventful
Anne
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Anne, I think your logic about visiting in nice weather is good. I normally don't mind winter but this year I am minding it. I find myself feeling a little down in the dumps and that's unusual. I'm sure the foot problems have something to do with it since those issues have slowed me down and caused me to be more sedentary.
We had a beautiful day today, sunny and a high in the low 70's. I played golf and wore a short-sleeved shirt. Pants, too! Adding that for Chevy whose mind is racing. I had to limp from time to time but I finished the 18 holes. I didn't play well but that's nothing new.
Tomorrow is supposed to be like today so one more beautiful day to enjoy before rain and cold return.
Jackie, I admire the way you always seem to be positive in your outlook. I often think about you in the morning when I'm using my Nutri-Bullet to make a smoothie for breakfast. I have used that small appliance a lot and it does the job.
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Thinking of Mike and Sandra....
the road ahead for Mike will be rocky but have hope......HOPE....... HOPE for a rainbow after his marrow transplant!
This is the booklet that my oncologist gave me in Oct 2013 when he said to me, "I believe you have myelodysplastic syndrome"......in July 2014 he said you don't have leukemia or MDS, but you are a mystery.....I see my BS on the 29th to find out whats going on on my chest wall.
Hugs,
Di
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Wren,
I am also VERY VERY scent sensitive......horrible allergies....I avoid all stores that have perfume near an entrance......and on cruise ships I avoid walking anywhere near the duty free shop that sells all the perfumes....aaaack!
Di
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Anne - it looked like Frozen threw up at our house this Christmas. I didn't know the Elsa dress played THE song and kept telling myself of the grandparent perk...noise makers go home!!! Their birthday is Saturday and I got them Legos Friends and those sets with 500+ pieces will go home, too! I'm off to meet a friend for lunch. We now live a couple hours apart and meet halfway for lunch and laughs. We've been friends for many decades and I seem to be shrinking faster, which was our latest discovery about us.
Rain and cold is headed back but the few days of 70 were so appreciated.
Di - yesterday we talked about scent sensitivity in crochet group. We don't wear scents to group because one of our members is very sensitive. I stopped wearing scents around my grandgirls a couple of years ago because one is very sensitive.
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Happy Wednesday all
My husband was very sensitive to scents, so I stopped wearing any many, many moons ago. I remember going over to wish my neighbor a Happy Birthday one year. She had gotten a perfume that was advertised to smell different on every person who wore it. She talked me into putting the slightest bit on my wrist to see if the ad was true. I don't remember if it was or not, but as soon as we went to bed that night- hours later- Bobasked why I had perfume on. I had to get out of bed and scrub my wrist before he could sleep. Until then, I had thought his "sensitivity" was more that he didn't want me spending money on luxuries than any thing else- I found out scents were a real issue for him.
We are celebrating GS's 13th birthday tonight with dinner at Chili's. His choice.
Anne
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80 yesterday. Freeze tomorrow. Welcome to Texas.
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Life is a riddle. We cannot expect to understand life's twists and turns as they occur each day, and we greatly frustrate ourselves in the futile attempt. Be content to appreciate that there is an overarching purpose, though that purpose be known only to God, and to history. Choose service. Choose joy. Accept the unknowing.
Jonathan Lockwook Huie0 -
Afternoon everyone,
Whew !!!! Went to work yesterday and stayed for 25 hours. A bit of an emergency. Should be fine, but I'm sort of tired as when you don't know something is going to happen your not mentally prepared too much. It should all be fine ---- though I'll do an extended time again tomorrow I think ( one more test needed that can't be done here ) and then all should go back to normal. Anyway, I'm off to take a nap -- and will be going to my class at 4 p.m. Normally would have gone this morning.
Hope you are all going to have a good day. I'm thinking of you all and hoping your all enjoying the sun we have again today.
Blessings
Jackie
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It's turning cold again here after gorgeous 75-80 degree days over the holiday weekend. Not looking forward to the next few days. It's so much easier to be happy these days when it's nice weather and it doesn't take much overcast weather to reverse the mood.
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Look familiar?
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Sandra, OMG!!! That was my brother's first piece of furniture in his first apartment! Oh thoses days of Dave Brubeck, The Kingston Trio, Buddy Holly and the Crickets, and that young kid, what's his name?....Elvis?
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Yes Sandra- that looks very familiar.
Jackie- what a long day- I would be totally useless for the next few days. I have always needed 9-10 hrs of sleep a night. When the kids were little and got sick enough that they couldn't sleep, I stayed up with them the first night until we could get to the Dr and get meds for them. After that, if they still couldn't sleep - Daddy took over. He could handle a 12-14 hr workday, be up all night with the sickie, then head out again to work the next day. He could do that for several days if needed. One night without sleep and I was a weepy basket case for days. Still need those 10 hrs at night.
I was supposed to head over to my DS's tomorrow to spend some time with sweet Lucia, but weather report for tmrw is awful- rain and wind all day. So I am going today instead. What a problem- an extra day with GD! Poor me! Such a sacrifice. Sit here another day, all alone, nothing to do or have a tea party with Lucia??
Only real problem is I haven't begun to pack. I want to leave no later than one because it is a 3 hour drive at the very least and I want to get there before dark.
Anne
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Positive thinking is not the destination; it is the journey. An optimistic person will be constantly challenged – by external circumstances as well as inner fears and doubts. Always remember that these tests are like a ladder you must climb. As you move past each rung, your optimism strengthens and your confidence begins to flex newly found muscle that you might never have developed otherwise.
Montague Ewards0 -
Jackie, hope things settle down with your work and you get back to a routine that suits you.
Anne, enjoy those tea parties with Lucia.
A gray drippy day here today. DH and I went to the gym and it wasn't my best workout. My favorite ellipticals were occupied so I used one that I don't like as well and also put in some time on a recumbent bike. Better something than nothing.
This afternoon I took my mother to her hair apptment and then got her a fried catfish dinner for her supper. She was hungry and really enjoyed it.
DH cooked a split pea soup for dinner. It smelled really good in the kitchen when I got home. It's nice to have someone cook dinner. I'll make a salad to go with the soup. Maybe I'll even mix up some cornbread batter.
Hi to everyone.
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Since we're on the subject of weather.... here is the northwest it's raining and cold --- well, cold for us. It's about 48 degrees. We're leaving on Tuesday for a cruise to Mexico (out of San Francisco), and I'm madly trying to complete a contract before we leave. I am getting REALLY tired of sitting in front of a PC, but I'm seeing light at the end of the tunnel, so will probably get up before daybreak tomorrow to try to wind things up. Over the weekend I really need to get packed and clean the house, so I'd rather not be tying up loose ends on this contract. And since the Seattle Boat Show starts tomorrow, hubby really wants to hit it before we leave. He lusts after a new boat....
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Sandra,
I do remember those. I wasn't quite that old -- well, maybe I was, but it seemed if I recall that they were in the homes of others who had a little more money. We did not get one until the really old portable players came out. Still we listened to Chuck Berry, The Four Tops, Fabian and most of the mid to late 50's and early 60's while I remained in high school. Graduated in 1963.
Anne, I did sleep quite some time -- went to bed at 9a.m. and did not get up till almost 620a.m. this morning. Then off once more to my employer's and put in 9 hours today. I won't go back now until Saturday night. In all fairness -- I did sleep Tues. night ( ran home here while my Dh stayed at the house ) and got pj's and tooth paste and brush, and clean undies, and other necessities at my employer's. At any rate --- it is a bit wearing but I stay in one piece pretty good and I am fortunate to always sleep well for the most part -- have to admit though, I do the very best at that when I'm in my own bed.
So today's quote is quite late, but thank goodness I'm glad to be home early this evening and get caught up with all my computer work. Hope you all have a really great day. I'll be back in the morning. Should be a pretty good Friday.
Blessings,
Jackie
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Isn't it interesting how some of us can go a very long time without sleep and others simply can't. That leads into the interesting topic of early birds and night owls. Is there a correlation between those two things? I'm a night owl who can go all night without sleeping and function reasonably well until an early bedtime the next evening. My husband is an early bird who absolutely MUST be in his bed by 11 p.m. and would just crumble the next day if he hadn't gotten sufficient sleep. What about you?
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We never had a hi-fi console like the one in the picture but the "rich" folks did. I would visit my friend whose parents had one and listen to Andy Williams sing, "I Can't Get Used To Losing You." The Kingston Trio sang a song about how Charlie couldn't get off the MTA because he needed a nickel. What was the name? I can still sing most of the words, "Will he ever return? No he'll never return and his fate is still unlearned." Was it called The Man Who Never Returned? I listened to another favorite song, "Standing On The Corner Watching All The Girls Go By" by not sure who sang it. The Four Freshmen?
At home, everybody felt rich because we had a record player. It wasn't a hi-fi, but we didn't care. I bought 45's and put little plastic yellow things into the holes in the middle and stacked a bunch up. My parents had some 78's but they were old fashioned so I never played them. I remember getting an album, 33 rpm, by the Monkees in about 1965. I graduated from high school in 1966.
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Mike got his port put in this morning. I was surprised at how long it took. They went to the OR just before 11 but didn't call me to come back to recovery until 12:30. He was still groggy and sleepy but woke when I came in. It was after 2 before we got out of there.
Poor guy. You can see he has no more muscle in his arm. The skin is just hanging.
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