Can we have a forum for "older" people with bc?
Comments
-
Congratulations, termite!
0 -
It’s simple things, like a glowing sunset, the sound of a running stream
or the fresh smell in a meadow that cause us to pause and marvel
at the wonder of life, to contemplate its meaning and significance.
Who can hold an autumn leaf in their hand, or sift the warm white sand
on the beach, and not wonder at the Creator of it all?Wendy Moore
0 -
I'd like to add my congratulations, Termite. It's fantastic to reach the good milestones -- even that of being able to be off Femara. We have learned to sort of count on some of those milestones -- since we are not totally sure if those things we do ARE the ones that got us to where we are. I do recall ( its been a good while now ) that I felt some apprehension in giving up my Anastrozole. I really, really needed too -- the se of my getting angry really quickly had kicked in big time -- but it was it seemed my Insurance policy that I was ACTIVELY doing something to ward off bad possibilities.
Once you have adjusted you do begin to realize that life is what it is -- and though a medication has provided some small assurance --- if you are meant to be here you will be and it will not be dependent all that much on a pill. Not meaning that we shouldn't avail ourselves of these aides -- but that we can stand on our own again when the time is right.
Oh yikes -- we are getting our rain. Will get up to 50 or so today --- but that won't last. I think from the sound of it we could get another few inches of snow -- though the warm rain will melt some off that is here. Don't really know how much. Hmmm, will I regret telling Dh not to spend the hours it takes to put the snow blade on the tractore. Sigh !!! We will just have to plow through I think -- no matter what.
Hope you are all going to have a good day --- I'm starting to YEARN big time for Spring. This is all very tiresome, but likely a great part of the global warming issues. Fingers crossed for all of us.
Blessings
Jackie
0 -
HAPPY BIRTHDAY PAULA
Hope you have a great day!
0 -
Wishing you the happiest of birthdays Paula -- and many, many more.
Birthday Blessings to you,
Jackie
0 -
Happy Birthday Paula!
And Congratulations to YOU Termite! Every day IS worth celebrating...!
Just try that Bonnets! Maybe for at least a month.... I started drinking de-caf ONLY when I was going through that..... same with Chocolate, and sweets.. anything that normally gives you an insulin rush....
I still drink De-caf in the mornings, but I'll get a regular iced Starbucks when we go out....and I only have problems when I eat a little ice-cream too soon to going to bed..... what did I just say? I MEANT, I can't eat sweet things before I go to bed. YOU guys know what I mean......
Hi Jackie..... snow again for today and tomorrow..... But we set the clocks UP this weekend? That means Spring is really on it's way.... so they say.....
0 -
We are having some rain earlier which has turned into really heavy mist with fog. Problem will be the night time temps. May leave ice on some of our country roads. We won't know much until the morning. I did not have to go to work today -- but will tomorrow. Don't know if I'll have two or three days in a row again this week or not.
Whatever -- we get what comes. I think it will get spooky out later when the fog gets heavier. I sort of like that but only if I don't have to go anywhere.
Anyway, I'll catch you all later.
Jackie
0 -
Hey all am glad to b sleeping in my bed.
Happy birthday, anniversary n the 5 year anniversary also. Paula
Am ok. Ankle hurts, pt will b here, george is being very helpful, michael not so much..
Vacation is over, but was awesome, got taken good care of, got 3 meals a day plus snacks 4 7 weeks. Sorry i had 2 hurt myself to get taken care of, made some friends n grateful 4 who i have in my life, including all of u who were right there dvery step of the way. Still not kver, have 2 get thd bar out, but no more drama 4 a while, lol
0 -
Congrats on your 5 year mark Termite.
Happy birthday Paula.
Blondie, know you're glad to be home. No that's not the way to get taken care of! Hopefully if I ever or when I need it my DIL will help out. No kids around here.
Chevy, tried that for 2 years, no caffiene. Didn't do a thing, but I'm being good for a while. MIss my tea and my chocolate. Decafe tea I really don't care for. I'm a tea tea person, my DH does the fruity ones and green teas , not on my Coumadin!
Snowing here since about 3PM. Supposed to turn to ice, then more snow Wed. into Thurs. Yikes! Hope the power stays on.
Went to the gastro Dr. this afternoon had the runs bad all morning, probably from the type of Penicillen I'm on. Nothing new there, basically approved of the treatment I'm on. Pain is almost gone.
Glad to be home but after the last 2 trip I'm almost afraid to travel. We really enjoy it, but my medical problems seem to be cropping up when we are away. Also you have drs who don't know you!
Have a good night. Jean
0 -
Nature is another important aspect of nourishing the soul. After a hike in the mountains where we live, for instance, I feel a remarkable sense of gratitude and awe. My mind quiets down and allows me to see more clearly the beauty of creation. And through that gratitude, the beauty of the universe is reflected back to the Creator. -Joan Borysenko
0 -
EYE, or I or me ---- more snow three inches or so expected to start shortly. Later on --- week-end 60 degrees -- go figure.
Back later, it's an early work morning today.
Blessings
Jackie
0 -
Happy birthday, Paula.
Bonnets, what a bummer that your health issues crop up when you travel. We drink decaf tea because dh doesn't tolerate caffeine. The Earl Grey decaf is really good. Earl Grey is my favorite. I've been on a coffee kick for the last year. Regular up until around 2 pm and then decaf if I decide to make myself a cup of coffee. I bought myself a one-cup maker a couple of years ago and have used it a lot. In the mornings we have a pot of decaf. The dark roast decaf tastes pretty good. Doesn't decaf contain some caffeine?
It's sunny out today and supposed to get up to 80 degrees. Then overnight the temperatures plummet and tomorrow will be cold and windy. I cancelled on golf today because it's so wet from the rain we've been having. I may skip going to the gym and go to Sam's Club instead. How's that for a swap? LOL! I have some prescriptions there to pick up. I always end up buying some things, too.
I also got a March birthday coupon from Belk's dept. store. I may go there and take a look around.
Wishing everyone a good Wed.
0 -
Dear Anne & Jackie - Thank you, thank you for the beautiful b-day photos & wishes! Such a sweet old fashioned little girl & the b-day cake looks so good, I can taste it! Thank you too for the b-day wishes ladies. You are all the best.Termite--What wonderful news - 5 years cancer free! Good for you! This is my goal, and every success story gives us all hope.
Teka - I say a big "I"!!! Cannot wait for spring. Had to cancel our joint b-day trip to Charlottesville with friends because 7" of snow predicted tomorrow when we were to leave. Celebratory party with kids and 7 grandkids this Saturday. There is no better gift to me than having all of us together. Pure joy.
Anne - Lovely posting of the sad day of your cousin's daughter's funeral. Gone too soon, but the love for her and the love your family shares was shining in your post.
Jackie - Thank you for all your posts. They all resonate. I never feel more spiritual than when I'm out enjoying nature, either at the beach in NC, or just anywhere where I can feel the sun shining on my face.
I am so very grateful for this last year. I started chemo last year just 3 days before my birthday. When I think back about what I've been through, I feel victorious that I'm here and cancer free. My hair is growing, my watery eyes that have plagued me for 6 months have finally been diagnosed properly after 5 opthalmologists, my energy level is fully restored, and I'm just so happy!! (BTW-If anyone out there develops clogged tear ducts or dry eyes post Taxol, please PM me and I will give you details on what finally worked for me.)
I am now supporting my DIL, Jenni, age 38, mom to a 6 yr old son & 2 1/2 year old boy & girl twins, wife to my son Scott who is a stay-at-home Dad. They decided when their son was born that he would do this until the kids are in school. He is a wonderful dad and supportive husband. Almost one year after my diagnosis last January, Jenni was diagnosed with ER+, PR+, Her2 - breast cancer. Stage 1 initially, but they found one tiny micromet (1mm) in one of the two sentinel nodes, so maybe now it's Stage 2. Chemo may be on the table in addition, of course, to rads & Tamoxifen. Jenni has lots of issues, very bad IBS that was recently diagnosed as Crhon's disease and anxiety issues. If she has to have chemo, it will be a challenge for her, but we help with the twins especially and offer her support and encouragement. I just hate it that she has to go through this. I will go with them to meet with my MO on Friday.
I think of each of you who are facing challenges now and keep you in my prayers. This is a group of strong and special ladies.
XXOO Paula
0 -
Carol, I never have cared for coffee, love the aroma but not the taste. Same goes for beer! When in college others said , "you just have to get used to it", why bother when I don't like it. Though in St Louis at Budweiser tour I tied blueberry, not bad, doesn't taste like beer !
DH is on the tractor plowing snow. Son in -law says it's like led to shovel, blowers don't work when its like this. more snow maybe tomorrow! But next week looks like it's finally warming up a bit and we will see the sun again! We are ready Teka!
hugs, Jean
0 -
bonnets, since January 15, 2010, I've been off caffeine, decaf only. It was hard giving up my favorite diet coke from Sonic. Being caffeine free does help my blood pressure but I don't know about tachy.
Happy Birthday, Paula.
Yeh for Termite
I'm tired of rain, cold.
Here's my sweet rescue girl, Charli. I tried to take a nap today and she decided to sleep on top of me. She must have been chasing something in her dream. I didn't sleep
0 -
Charlie is beautiful Teacher! She reminds me of my DD's dog Penny.... Only she is white and black....
Carole.... Yes, I've heard de-caf DOES have a little caffiene in it.... but not enough to really bother me.... I just can't drink a Starbucks after 1 in the afternoon.... I like the "sweetened iced coffee grande'" And then I add cream ......
Mommom.... so sorry about your DIL! I'm sure their Children love that you are so close in their lives.... I just can't imagine.... You are their guardian angel you know..... xoxoxox
0 -
Teacher, Charli is so pretty. Her eyes seem so bright. I'm really glad Charli was able to nap this afternoon. Ahem !!!! I too am really tired of the rain, cold, and snow. On the way to town we saw two cars off in the ditch. Can't quite figure why --- the roads have been kept completely clear. I feel bad for whomever it was -- the one car was even submerged in some water though it was not deep water. Just thankful that so far my car stays in the road. There people were headed in the direction of town apparently -- so who knows.
I once had to give up coffee and drink decaf for awhile after my heart got jittery. I was in my 30's then, and I drank Sanka decaf for a long time. Then one day had regular and never drank decaf again. Don't know when I got over the "jitters" but glad I did. I do enjoy coffee though I'm sure if I needed to I could also do without it. I'd probably go to tea which is actually really good for you --- though Dr.'s do say that even coffee can be "good" for you as long as it is not overdone.
I'm going to my recliner. See you all tomorrow.
Blessings,
Jackie
0 -
We took a break from house renovations to go with Mike to the hematologist this afternoon. He is holding his own. Hemoglobin was 8.1 today and has been going up one or two tenths each week. The first round of chemo worked it's magic already. Unfortunately his platelets are only 34...not good. Next chemo cycle was supposed to start Monday but can't if platelets are still in the toilet. Without chemo his hemoglobin will drop again, which means he'll have to have another transfusion...and that's what they DON'T want to happen. The more transfusions, the worse his chances of surviving the transplant are. They are hoping to put off the transplant for a couple of months since his chances of surviving it are less than 50%.
Mike's sister Lisa will be coming to San Antonio on March 15th for two weeks of testing, preparation, and the bone marrow/stem cell donation procedure. The plan is to freeze the stem cells so Lisa can go back home to Indiana. A younger donor is still being searched for since the ideal is a male, 18-44. When the chemo stops working or when Mike begins to require transfusions every 2 weeks again, we are out of time and he has to go to transplant right away. Lisa's stem cells will be available whenever that happens, even if a younger matching donor hasn't been found.
Every day is a work day. I've spent two days chipping away at bathroom floor tile and the 40 year old linoleum underneath it. It's an agonizingly slow process. Daughter Allison and I have made good progress in the rest of the house in three weeks but on the big scale, I'd say we've only done 10% of what needs to be done. Daughter Stephanie was here over the weekend but was not helpful in the renovation process and instead was emotionally draining. She didn't want to do any of the hard labor things Allison and I were doing. She wanted to talk endlessly about how she feels and I just didn't have the energy or time to listen. She feels left out of the family dynamic and is really mad about Allison being first in the Power of Attorney listing. She and her sister fought over it a bit as well. I finally had to tell her that I was sorry she was having a hard time dealing with her father's illness and the fact that she lives 2,000 miles away, but I did not have any resources to deal with it. I'm doing the best I can and she can help by manual labor, not telling me how I could be doing things better.
In the meantime, Mike's continues to be short tempered. It hurts but I don't have time to deal with it. There's too much to be done to get the house dust, dirt, mold, and spore-free.
0 -
Morning Sandra.... Man, you have a lot going on.... Sometimes just take a break, from everything ... so you can catch your breath....
Some of these Daughter's of ours just might feel either jealousy or entitled, or just plain miffed. Just like when they were teenagers.... And it's sometimes better just to avoid any hassles and stay out of their road....
Glad Mike is holding in there.... yeah, I remember when DH had just gone through surgery for the Pace-maker.... they can't handle stuff like we can, and they just get cranky to say the least.... does something to their brain I think.... I remember I couldn't get out of the house fast enough one time.... just to get out and go for a WALK! Hopefully things will calm down...
Can anyone else help you guys do that hard work? Janie and I tried putting the Laminate down in the bedroom one day.... Once we cleared EVERYthing out of there, it wasn't bad, but getting down and up, and pounding the pieces together, matching, cutting was a PITA.... But we finished it ourselves.... laughing the whole time!
THEN we decided to call this "handy-man" to come do the living/dining room... It was worth the couple hundred dollars... Our knees and backs couldn't take any more.....
Yes, DH and I also pulled up that old 30 year old carpeting, and what was left of the padding... pulled up those tack-strips, filled in holes in the ply-wood sub-flooring, and painted it... just to make it look cleaner.... It IS a job... but I think you need help.
Jackie, that's AWful! About the other cars off in the ditch.... We see some when we go out also....! People just driving too fast for the conditions...
Our alley is so full of ice and snow still... but supposed to warm up this next week, up in the 60's! But we are driving on top of about 4 inches of ice in our alley! The streets are better, and some cleared, but where the sun does not shine, it stays frozen.
Gee, I feel so bad for Peyton Manning only getting 15 million for this next season.... Can you imagine? Sports figures, celebrities are all spoiled brats.
0 -
People who are “being” are fully present. They are totally engaged in the moment. This engagement includes an easy appreciation and sense of connection with whomever or whatever they are relating to at the time. These people are aware of a job well done or a difficulty surmounted and will respect and often acknowledge the person who has accomplished it. “Being” is a state of heart and mind that is receptive and able to listen carefully. -Sallirae Henderson
0 -
Good morning.
It is bright sunshine and we are going ( not so much today though ) to start a good warming trend -- maybe as high as 60 some time over the week-end. Just can't believe going from snow and ice to 60 all in the space of two or three days --- wondering about that picture ?????
Sandra,
I think Chevy is right --- even if you only go out on a ten-minute walk -- or make a small side-trip to a favorite store when you go out for groceries -- do it. You need to expand your horizons, if only for a brief time, from the confinement of illness and hard work. You have been sort of forced by circumstances into this narrow space and it is all you get to look at --- and that is draining.
Also, you know you have done your best with your POA and other life details. You are right --- you have to let it go and move on. I think with your daughter 2,000 miles away, I think you made a very wise choice. Someone who is right next to you and totally available ( if willing ) I would see as the best choice anyhow -- no matter the age or anything else. My sister was older, but my Mom chose me as her POA and executor partly because she knew I would do it right and be glaringly fair, and I also was here where she was. I think everyone has times of Mom loves you best when it should be me --- but life goes on and if we are fortunate -- we learn through these instances things that will ultimately help us. I just do wish you were not having to have the extra burden of bad reactions from your daughter -- even though she will hopefully come to "see" that you made the only choice you could for you and her Dad.
Sending love and hope and sunshine and peace for you. Take a walk -- even if you have to force yourself. If you are fortunate to walk to your 'inner' strength, and be refreshed and able to see clearly ,you will have done a good thing.
Blessings
Jackie
0 -
Sandra there has to be an organization that would come in and help. Try habitat for humanity
0 -
Sandra, I agree - it sounds like you need some physical labor help. That would allow you to just be present with Mike. Maybe your daughter is just plain scared. Sometimes when we are frightened, our actions and words come out all wrong and inappropriately. Prayers to you both and everyone else going through tough times right now.
Paula
0 -
Sandra I have been praying for your family. The daughter will be ok as they say this too shall pass. 3 degrees here with 5 1/2 inches of beautiful snow and looks so peaceful. Sometimes peace is found in simple things. Shuf
0 -
Blondie so glad you're home......no place like it!
Happy belated Birthday Paula!
Sandra, happy to hear Mike is doing well so far. I'm also pleased that his sister cared about Mike enough to submit her bone marrow for testing which must at least be somewhat uncomfortable. Maybe this experience will bring them closer together.
Bonnets, so sorry about the attacks of illness you've had. Now that we are heading into the 2nd week of March we can only hope the snow will melt with no flooding, the sun will shine and you can swing into Spring!!
, Our Oregon winter has not been normal either. Since mid Jan daytime temps have averaged 60-65 degrees with very little rain.....which Oregon is known for. In fact the cherry and Apple blossoms are in full bloom along with all the perennials, leaves are sprouting on trees . This is at least one month early. Next week we're going over to our vacation home in Central Oregon and bring out the deck furniture, and maybe play some golf That should bring on the rain for sure, lol
Wishing everyone a good day tomorrow!!
0 -
Luvmaui, good to hear from you. Your weather sounds nice. You aroused envy with your mention of golf. Today is one of my two golf days and once again the weather isn't suitable for getting out on the golf course.
It's unfortunate that the term "global warming" was used to describe what's happening instead of "climate change." The prediction was that the weather would become more dramatic with bigger swings and more violent storms. As the ocean rises with melting glaciers and the ocean warms, we'll see "dramatic" weather. Climate change is always going on. We've had ice ages and times when our deserts were huge lakes. But we're told by scientists that this change is happening faster than in the past. I don't understand why accepting what's happening has become politically controversial.
Not playing golf has freed up time for me when I can/could do chores I neglect because I don't like doing them. Things like housework.
Happy Monday to all.
0 -
No pessimist ever
discovered the secret of the stars,
or sailed to an uncharted land,
or opened a new doorway for the human spirit.
- Helen Keller0 -
Lovmaui,
I wanted to pack up almost and come see Cherry and Apple blossoms. It just sounded so delightful. That said though, it is getting up to 40 or a bit more here today with full, bright sun. Soooo, snow will melt ( and become mud ) and the temps. will pretty much stay up thorough all of next week --- getting as far up as 60 or more. I think Spring will be trying its best to make ( though it may be quite small right now ) a nice appearance. I think it will be coupled with moving the clocks up an hour giving us the extra daylight --- and of course, having the sun in the sky in better places to wake up the brambles and bushes and help bud out the trees.
Carole,
You are likely correct about the choice of words between 'global' warming and 'climate' change. My guess ( and it is only a guess ) is the ones who say global warming are doing it as so much is predicated on the things that MAN is doing and the changes we are bringing to the Earth. The pollutions of different kinds, destruction to rain forests, and trying to eradicate some pests and over-doing the eradication agents.
It does seem though that the majority of world scientists are in agreement about it - whatever we call it. I hope we can do something that will help decelerate the problems and that it won't get toooo much worse. We never know --- seems tied into politics so much now. Too much is resting there.
Anyway, I will be working today --- through the better part of the afternoon to very early evening. Good for me --- I can use some extra funds to go to the car-wash more since all the sun and heat will be melting snow at a rapid rate and making a ton of mud to end up on my car. Trying to mop the floors here before work since I want to try and stay ahead if I can. The dogs will go out and come back in with muddy feet. Always easy to notice when you have wood ( laminate ) floors only. Rugs don't do much with three dogs. My cousin keeps towels by her door, but she only has one dog. I don't have the discipline needed to stop three dogs and clean their feet every time they go out and come back in. Not me at all.
I'll see you all later.
Blessings
Jackie
0 -
I haven't posted or kept up with you for a very long time. I wanted to up-date those...who remember me, of my successful reconstruction. I finally had my 1st consult with Dr. Michel Saint-Cyr, at the Mayo Clinic, Rochester in September 2014. Surgery was January 13th of this year. I can't believe the transformation. My sister-in-law went with me and we stayed at the Hyatt which is connected to everything via skyways & subways for 2 nights. The Mayo is an awesome place. I have only wonderful things to say about my whole experience. I spent 1 night in the hospital after the surgery. They cater to your every need.
To refresh everyone, I am cancer free 20 years and through the years my non-cancerous breast became very large & droopy. My previously cancerous breast became small and compacted by long term radiation side effects. They can't do any surgery on radiated tissue so my surgery was a reduction in size on the one side. I could no longer wear bras as I was a 46GG on the one side. Everyone now tells me the disparity was very obvious and well very unbecoming to say the least. I can now see how very apparent it was, by all the before & after pictures they take.
Saint-Cyr reconstructed my breast to match the size and shape of my other breast.. I am now a 46C and I am extremely please with that. 3 pounds of tissue was removed. I can now stand straight, shoulders back and do not walk leaning to one side. I can now see my abdomen on that side, which I guess is a common comment.
I am still getting used to my new look and the clothes that I can now wear. I now have the confidence to go out in public and walk into a room of people with my shoulders held high. I would do everything over again, especially having Dr. Saint-Cyr do the surgery.
I am writing this in the hopes that someone in a similar situation, does not wait as long as I did to have the reconstruction. I have to look forward and not back as to why I waited so long. I am 62 and it is never too late!
I had my final visit with Dr. Saint-Cyr yesterday and everything is healing well. I am more than pleased, I'm ecstatic with the outcome. I had my surgery just in time as Dr. Saint-Cyr is accepting no new patients at this time. He is finishing up with the patients he has now. He is leaving the Mayo for a new position in Texas, the middle of June. I would fly to Texas, he is that good. By the way I learned of him through his patients on this site. All of you supported me in my decision to have the surgery. Thank you.
I am truly very fortunate & thankful. I wish all of you the best in your journeys.
Barb Mix Kern
0 -
Barb,
What a wonderful story. I'm so glad you chose to go ahead and do what it takes to normalize your appearance. Much of our good health is our good attitude and nothing says attitude adjustment like doing all you can to improve your appearance. Your great outlook got to come along for the ride. So glad you shared with us. As you say --- anyone who may be on the fence about things now has the yardstick you have presented.
Let things always be well for you as you continue to look good with head held high.
Blessings,
Jackie
0
