Can we have a forum for "older" people with bc?
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Chevy, Good to know you are O.K. Was getting worried , not to see you.
Sorry about your friend. Having worked around both many stroke and dementia patients, back when I was a nurse , both cases scre me. I also have had migraine type Tias, which are experiencing having a stoke. I always say its like being trapped inside of your body. You are thinking O.K. , but can't get it out. VERY frustrating! As we get older all these possibilities stare us in the face. o sad when it is friends and family. Went on a tour of a new assisted living facility here , a few weeks ago, just to be aware of what is available. Lovely, but we flet cold. One thing was they won't let you bring your own furniture. I know when my Mom was in extended care , having her own things helped in the her adjusting. AAAh the golden years!
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That's just what it seems like.... That she is trapped inside her own body! She can say a word or two, and gets so frustrated when the words can't come out... She had been laying by the faucet for many hours.... don't know anything else... But she and her fiance' have had such a fulfilling LIFE, traveling to other countries, both volunteering, and nothing could slow her down.... but this just stopped her in her tracks...
We never think it could happen to us.... She HAS long term care insurance, I wonder if it would cover her at home? I know it doesn't even kick in until you have been immobilized, or are in a nursing home for 90 days. She is slowly improving her Son says... You can tell her brain is working HARD to communicate, but then something just stops it...... And I would try and help her finish what she was saying....
I don't know HOW she could make it at home... I've just never been around anyone with so much going on.... or how to help.... She is in this tiny room, divided by a curtain, and another lady room-mate... You are right... just a little bed, night-stand, and a TV... I know she wants to go home... but maybe they all can figure it out.... thanks Bonnets... I feel so helpless around her....
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Happy Mother's Day to all the Moms here...
Just think of all the people who would not be on this earth if it were not for our moms and ourselves!
Have a wonderful day...It's been awhile since I've been here...I have some pages to read to catch up.
Work is winding down for a few weeks...hope to spend more time with what is really important.Hugs all around...
Joan0 -
Compassion is not religious business, it is human
business; it is not luxury, it is essential for our own peace
and mental stability; it is essential for human survival.
the Dalai Lama0 -
You are all so wonderful here, and I hope your day is as special as you are.
Blessings,
Jackie
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Chevy,
You have been busy and so much that is taxing. Hard to watch someone 'suffer' some of their personal losses. Takes the steam of out your sails just a little. With Theresa and Eddie --- they did have a long life together and I think that would go a long way in helping to soothe distress. Different with your friend at the Care Center. It will likely be a difficult road back for her. I hope she is able to make it. With my stroke, I got my speech back fairly quickly --- but I do recall being very "anxious" all the time until I learned some patience.
It is upsetting when you KNOW things that you knew just fine before and are now maybe impossible to express for awhile. You want to blurt out things --- because you think if you can just get them out quickly ( they are in your head usually right where they always were or so you feel ) but it no longer works that way. So, the first thing I had to learn ( very, very hard ) was to slow down --- and express everything slowly and as clearly as I could. Physical/Occupational Rehab was over-all at least three yrs. and lots of office rehab hours as well as those at home. Well, I had nothing but time --- at that time, and eventually it all came together. I'm 98 % of who I was beforehand and that is not bad.
Life is a magnificent thing and none of us know what challenges might come along for us. Strokes, broken hips, fibromyalgia, losing loved ones. God gave us the breath of life and we just have to keep rising up to meet everything head-on, do the best we can and then let it go.
I hope things settle out for you too Joan. We miss you too when you are not able to share your thoughts and wisdom with us. I look forward to every post here that anyone makes with great anticipation. Back in my woods and sometimes leading a life that holds little for surprise it is refreshing to try and look through your eyes from what you have written and feel as close as possible what you may have been feeling.
Saying hi to all who don't get to post as much here. Sandra ( hugs to Mike ) and Blondie ( healing energies to you ) and sweet Camille ( lots of hugs ) Mini ( wonderful clown lady ) GG, and anyone who shares here. When you can't come --- know you are really missed. When you do come --- it is loving appreciation that we get to hear from you and know your ok.
See you all later --- need to get to town and feed my kitties.
Blessings,
Jackie
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Well, I WANT to tease Cammi, but I don't know how she is feeling! So I'll just wish her a beautiful Mother's Day! Along with all you gals! xoxoxoxoxo
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Chevy, my thoughts go out to your friend who had the stroke. I hope she recovers as fast as possible. I hope your old neighbor Therese can enjoy the rest of her time even though she'll miss her dh.
Mommarch, so far so good if fatigue is your main SE from the chemo. Keep us posted on how things are going.
All these situations that occur with older folks are now in the realm of possibility for all of us. Scary.
I'm hoping to get my house cleaned today. Plus I need to catch up on laundry. I have that "get your ducks in a row" mentality before Wed., surgery day.
Hi to everyone posting regularly and to those who haven't been checking in. The weather map looks like we might be having some rainy weather before the day is over.
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When we choose not to focus on what is missing from our lives but are grateful for the abundance that's present--love, health, family, friends, work, the joys of nature, and personal pursuits that bring us pleasure--the wasteland of illusion falls away and we experience heaven on earth. -Sarah Ban Breathnach
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Good rainy morning,
I thought our rain would be done ( really done as in no more for a while ) yesterday. Not so --- although we had a couple of late afternoon sun -- and even took a bit of a walk around our neighborhood, while we were talking to a friend along the road ---- storm clouds moved back in and we barely made it back to our car. Since we have one lg. dog and two cats who will take off walking with us, we have found that we have to get in our car and drive to the first turn in our lane. We park and take off walking from there. Ah -- all these adjustments. It was really nice to be out though and we really enjoyed it.
Off and on ( I think mainly on ) it rained through the night and we had some lightning and thunder too. It is raining this morning as well and will for a few hours, and then we hope stop for a couple of days. I think we are getting April showers but who knows for sure with the crazy weather.
I have to get things organized here a bit --- mop the floors again. This kind of weather is not great for my flooring ( laminate ) as we along with the animals are leaving damp footprints everywhere. We could keep extra shoes at the door --- but doesn't help with the damp paw prints --- so we finally quit and just deal with it. Lots of mopping during the wet days. My cousin ( who only has one dog ) keeps a towel at her back door and the dog gets his feet dried thoroughly before being allowed on her laminate. Those were the days ( the ones we didn't appreciate then because we didn't know we should ) when we only had one dog. As much as I adore animals --- there are times when it gets tiresome. Well, I'll just have to think back to when I had carpet and be glad I don't have it now and have something that is mop-able.
I hope you all have a really good day.
Blessings,
Jackie
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I made some headway on housecleaning but there is more to be done tomorrow. I will skip going to the gym in the morning and try to finish up. Tomorrow afternoon I have an apptment with the podiatrist/foot surgeon. I had a phone call from the surgery center today and have my instructions for Wed. I report to the center at 9 am and surgery is scheduled for 10 am. It should last about an hour.
We had rain this afternoon and there may be more during the night. Fortunately, no lightning and just rumbles of thunder in the distance.
Hope everyone had a good Monday.
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Carole - I'm assuming it's outpatient? I'm already gearing up to "be" with you Wednesday.
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Carole, sending good vibes and prayers your way for a successful surgery on Wednesday. You don't have long to wait now.
mommarch...glad to hear that the start of the chemo is going well. Heck, there are days that I feel fatigued, too and I'm not doing chemo right now so you can get through that part of it. :-)
Joan, it's always good to see a post from you!
I hope everyone had a great Mother's Day.
It rained all day today until about 3 o'clock so I worked inside and wrote some more questions. I hope it gets nicer as the week progresses because I want to get my plants for my planters. I'm not going to put out as many pots this year as I have in the past but with all the shade around our house, I need something with some color to "spice it up." I always end up coming home with more than I intended!
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While holding positive thoughts and emotions is advantageous, positive
thinking itself is not "Hallmark Card thinking." It's really an ongoing
awareness that all truly is well with the world, with life, and with oneself.
It's also a commitment not to mindlessly pass on fears but to bring
positive energy, images, ideas, and feelings into the lives of others,
to help them attune to the wellness at the heart of the world.David Spangler
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Chevy -- that was so cute with the cat and kitty door. Our rain finished yesterday and today and tomorrow will be nice
but then another four days of rain. The only up-side is that it seems like after the rain each day the sun will come out. I think there is going to be some humidity in our future very soon. Actually there is some now, but it is only in the very low 70's so not too bad. I think it will stay that way as well.Usual things on my program. Go to work, to the gym immediately after, and then home to get some work done. Dh will work on Wednesday and then Thurs. is going to S. Dakota for a few days. I'll have the house to myself which I likely won't mind. Lots of work going on taking care of everyone here but no other human to "fret" over but myself.
I don't mind spending some time alone -- never really have, but a steady diet of that would get to me, I think. We do seem to find some sort of adjustment for whatever happens to us, so who knows -- maybe I'd do really well. By the day Dh gets back the yard will need a lot of attention. The straw that was down with the grass seed underneath is starting to disappear and so it will be time to mow all that fresh green grass. Wish a bit more had grown ( I think a bit more straw would have been kinder to the seeds ) but what has popped up ( a fair amt. ) sure is looking good. Waiting on the first mow a little bit will help those roots really take hold, so I won't mind a little extra length this time.
Hope you all have a fantastic day.
Blessings
Jackie
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A nice cool breeze coming in the windows. Supposed to get to 85 or more today , but cool off tomorrow, back in the 60's. DH was mowing, again, takes about twice a week, even with no rain to speak of. Me, I weeded some more and sprayed poison Ivy. Trying not to get any more, as my arm is getting better. Must be the weather, my bursitis and the foot I hurt when we were in l. are both hurting today. Hopefully do some errands after lunch. I need to get a present for my BFs birthday. Taking her to lunch on Thurs.
Carole, hope your surgery goes well. Mommarch, thinking of you and chemo. I know some are easier than others. Hope this is an easy one for you.
Have a good day everyone.
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Saw my podiatrist today and discussed last minute details before surgery tomorrow. I learned I can have a pain pump. Yay! Such a relief. I told him if insurance won't pay, I will pay. My surgery time was changed to the first surgery of the day. Now we have to arrive at the surgery center at 6 am. Surgery will be his first of the day at 7 am.
I went to Target after the apptment and bought a couple of pairs of loose-fitting pajamas to lounge around in. Also I'll wear one pair to the surgery center. The pants length is mid calf. I guess I will have to lounge in bed for a couple of days with my foot propped on a pillow. I have a pair of crutches and a walker with a seat. I can rest my knee on the seat and hop along. For a week, I'm not supposed to put any weight on the surgery foot. Going to the bathroom will be challenging.
Today I finished cleaning the house. That's it for household duties for a while.
Hi to everyone. I'll be checking in.
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Carole,
What good news. I always think being first is good. No time to get tired or be left waiting if more time is needed than the estimate you were given. Also since so often you have to fast --- you may not have to go so long on an 'empty' stomach that way.
Sounds like you really have everything under control --- all except for the bathroom part, but in the long run that should become more of a week long annoyance and necessary for you to have a foot that no longer causes so much distress for a pretty active person.
I'll be thinking about you and hoping it all is a great success story.
Blessings,
Jackie
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Carole, Best wishes for tomorrow. Hope your recovery is speedy. Practice one-footed using the bathroom today when the consequences won't be dire if you put your foot down.
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Does anyone know how to make the print larger? For some reason, the print is now so small that I can hardly read it. I have no idea what I did to cause this or what I should do to correct this.
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Good luck tomorrow, Carol! Check in as soon as you are able.
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We had a beautiful warm day but the cold air is moving back in....that's OK - I'm still working and indoors most of the day. The AC is on and it is cold -- so I wear "fall / spring" clothes all year.Carole, thinking of you and hoping your surgery is on schedule so your recovery can begin as soon as possible.
Jackie, I did love your quote about "practicing" a positive view of the world. So much of what we feel is perception and viewpoint. There is beauty in each day and we can find it if we choose.
Rita, good to see you....I am still reading back. As soon as I publish final grades (tomorrow) and send in a few purchase orders, I will be ready to catch up on things I want to do.
I have a new office and it has brought some quiet calm to my day. A window...fresh air...new furniture...no clutter...(yet)...I still have a work space in my old room where I take care of my preparations and lab supplies and maintenance. But being able to retreat to a quiet spot has helped greatly to relieve stress and encourage focusing.
I am thinking of those who are dealing with health issues with themselves or with loved ones.
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Having problems with leg cramps and jumpy legs. It goes away about 2:00 AM. Today I got breakfast and took my meds at 9:15 by 10:30 I was in bed and slept until 12:30. Did a few things and then by
2:30 back in bed and slept until 4:30. Got dinner and back in bed by 9:30 and have been up and down since then. I have my first blood test on Thursday. I hope this is good I have noticed that my appetite is better. I was only able to eat a couple of bites of food before I was full.
Carole thinking about you. Foot problems are no fun. I hope everything is ok with Sandra.
It is raining here in the Mountains tonight sounds so nice. I had better try to go back to bed.
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Morning gals... Carol I was reading back, and trying to find if you talked about what they are going to do with your foot... I knew you were having a lot of problems, but didn't know your diagnosis... or what they will repair it.
It's such a PAIN, when you can't get around like you are used to! I still use a cane sometimes.... like when we go walking around the Colorado Mills shopping center... And THAT is hard, trying to hold my purse, packages, AND a Starbuck's!
One time I had to stop in one of the stores and buy an umbrella, because we were 1/2 way around, and my cane, of course, was left in the car. But it worked... and then later put a rubber tip on the bottom. Saw a lot of people using one for a cane, when it was raining outside... Ha! I even found one of those fancy schmancy ones with feet on the bottom, that stands, AND it has a light! Like I'm going to be out wandering around at night somewhere, or even in my house!
So good-luck, we'll be thinking of you....xoxox
Mommarch, could it be your meds causing that problem? Hope you can weather yet another "storm"....
Visited my friend Carol, who is in a Care Center getting rehab, after her stroke last month... She is a "little" better, but still really struggles to say more than one or two words... Can move her right arm a little more, but can scoot down the hall, using her wheel-chair with her left leg....
We can make her laugh, but I'm just so worried about when they release her, and send her HOME! I know she wants to GO, but she lives alone, and will need a lot of help, just getting around, or communicating when they let her go..... Her Son seems to have things under control, so I sure hope so.... I don't think she could even use the phone..... not yet anyway.
Hi to Joan, Rita, Teka, Wren, Bonnets & YOU little Jackie! And everyone else on the last pages... Ha...! Talk to you later!
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Mommarch, Please try Melatonin 5mg at night for your jumpy legs. (I found that Benedryl and some IV meds pre chemo made my legs restless.)
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Cammilegal
Happy Bithday! Haven't heard from you in a while. Hope everything is ok.Anne
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Cammi - we really do think of you every day. Happy B-day. Check in when you can.
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Happy Birthday Cammie --- I hope it is stupendous.
Just like you.
Blessings
Jackie
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As I look back at the entire tapestry of my life, I can see from the perspective of the present moment that every aspect of my life was necessary and perfect. Each step eventually led to a higher place, even though these steps often felt like obstacles or painful experiences.
Wayne Dyer
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0kgTfbL21G8