Can we have a forum for "older" people with bc?
Comments
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Hi everyone, thanks for the warm welcomes. I'm sorry I haven't been back to post in a while. I was dealing with getting the MRI done and getting it approved by my insurance company. I had to have an open MRI because I'm claustrophobic and have COPD too.
So, that was done on Tues. and in a whirlwind, the surgery is tomorrow at 9am. I know you'll all be praying and I am for all of you SURVIVORS.
I am a huge Dr. Dyer fan (RIP) and also Louise Hay (Your can heal your life book). My friend sent me a you can heal cancer CD with meditations and positive affirmations to help the surgeon get rid of the cancer. I'm going to bring it with and see if they'll play it during the surgery.
I'm grateful for all of you who have experienced cancer and survived, and telling me that 70 is the new 55. I'm going to be 61 in November and I plan of really living now. My spirit wants to soar, laugh and have fun.
I will check back after the surgery - maybe on Mon. or so depending on how I feel. Hope it's OK to get online.
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Linda,
Good to see you. Also, glad that you are on your way to getting things handled. It actually feels good to be doing SOMETHING to change your situation to the better. Knowing you have something inside that isn't supposed to be makes you feel like you are sort at its mercy until you start handling it.
We will all indeed be praying for a great surgery with all good after surgery indications and quick healing. Hope you can get back to us and let us know you are ok.
So tomorrow just know that we will be holding you in our hearts and minds and sending positive healing energies for a great outcome.
Hugs to you.
Blessings,
Jackie
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Carole - haven't seen you at all this week. Hope everything is OK. Maybe you're in transit?
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Imagine your mind as a garden and thoughts as the seeds you plant. Habitual negative,
unhealthy, self-critical thoughts produce the weeds and thistles of depression, discontent,
and anxiety in the garden of your mind. Luckily, the opposite is also true.
Consistently planting positive, healthy, constructive thoughts will yield a crop
of beautiful feelings, such as gratitude, love, and joy.Sue Patton Thoele
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Good morning,
It's a great day outside -- rain has stayed quite a distance from us ( actually stayed in Missouri ) but we could get a sprinkle. Sounds likely that nothing until tonight. Then we may get it good.
Last night the new puppy came home to where I work. I had an invite to come over but had much to do yesterday and felt not only would I be ragged by the time the puppy was going to get there --- but felt like the family should spent her first hours with her. I may find some time to stop today just to see how it all went. Will work tomorrow night --- but would like to see Sammy first-hand beforehand.
I finished my work ( though I will do a couple of odds and ends later ) at my friend's house. Today she should be getting her flooring finally. Dh mentioned to my friend that using someone local here might be a big help. Easier to check things and also set up appts. for work. Where the flooring was purchased screwed up and the process is dragging. Fortunately the motel room my friend has ( authorization ) will run till the end of the month, but it would be far nicer and easier for the daily chores the friend has if she were able to get back into her house.
Will be about 90 today with some humidity attached so not our best but you just do what you have too. I will stop and see how the newly bathed kitties are doing. It really is sad that the mommy kitty disappeared/took off/ or whatever happened but the kitties do seem to be faring just fine. I keep offering to buy food etc. to help out. So far, I think they are still eating what I originally brought. Maybe I'll just go get some and leave it.
Hope you are all going to have a fabulous Friday.
Blessings,
Jackie
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Benign...such a lovely word. Congratulations!
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The moment of grace comes to us in the dynamics of any situation we walk into. It is an opportunity that God sews into the fabric of a routine situation. It is a chance to do something creative, something helpful, something healing, something that makes one unmarked spot in the world better off for our having been there. We catch it if we are people of discernment.
Lewis B. Smedes0 -
Good morning,
I did indeed get to MEET the wonderful Sammy ( Samantha ) yesterday morning. Oh she is just gorgeous and I'm in Puppy love again. She is mainly black though lots of silver underneath and a lot of that silver will come out as she ages and begins to have regular visits to the groomer's. I call it the beauty shop, but no Schnauzer cut too soon. Just a really good trim --- that way her puppy look can be maintained for awhile.
She is rather shy at the moment and both she and the other house dog ( a two and one half yr. old Yorkie ) can't quite figure what is going on. I think the Yorkie will just take off "playing" at some point and then the bonding will happen quickly. Sasha wonders why suddenly this new puppy person is being allowed to enter and muddy up ( to an extent ) her territory , but she isn't resistive so much as just not having figured out that it is indeed a permanent situation. I will go tonight to work and see how much time I may have to between my first duty function and keeping the two dogs ok with everything. It is a very large house for a very tiny dog --- so we will have to see how things go.
I think I may have mentioned that I finished my work at my friend's house --- but things are starting to go somewhat quickly ( all the new flooring and carpet was installed yesterday ) and I'm going to help Mickie re-wash the inside of her cabinets, put in the rubber mats/liner after, then re-wash all the dishes etc. and back into the cupboards they do. She thinks a couple of hours. That would be great, but I think it could be longer. No small thing to redo a total emptied kitchen. I think I will run to Walmart's, and get a small pkg. of flour sack towels. All of hers were tossed out. Anyway --- I will try to get her going well.
Otherwise --- just sort of the same old thing with much nicer weather. Yesterday was hot and humid, today will be not humid and much cooler. A great almost Fall day --- some leaves drifting off the trees ( but thankfully not too many yet ) squirrels hard at work eating nuts and hiding nuts, and a beautiful blue sky up above. Just going to be one of those mainly perfect days that keeps the inside of you silently humming.
Hope everyone else is going to have a fantastic Saturday. Thinking of all of you always. Hi to all who for whatever reason don't have time to stop in and chat a few moments.
Blessings
Jackie
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I just wrote a long post and lost it all. Will try to redo later
Anne
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Isn't that maddening, Anne!!!!! I hope you are able to get something in later. I've done that a number of times. I use to long ago hit preview --- and which later I found was meant to allow you to see what had been written on opposite pages so as to fully respond. I thought at the time it was more for sort of proof-reading what you wrote.
That was back in the days I was still attempting to LEARN my way around my computer and it pains me to say how proud of myself I was then that I could CHECK my work and afterward -- submit my post so well.
Other times, and it happens it seems to fast, I don't know exactly what I have done but poof --- the whole post goes into some outward bound entries invisible folder, to be I presume lost forevermore, totally irretrievable in any way. I don't do it too often anymore and I'm so happy for that.
We feel what we feel, when we feel it --- and later on we usually are never quite able to duplicate not only what we felt, but the perfect way we described it when we had the original first thoughts we wanted to share. That is I'm sure what makes everyone that has done it so frustrated and irritated. All the energy of an original thought generally only happens once --- even a few seconds later, it is beyond duplicating since each moment we live is a completely new one inspiring even minute changes in our own perception. Grrrr.
Jackie
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Hello all you wonderful ladies! Sorry to butt in here, but we're wanting to hear your perspective.
We just posted a request for Survivorship Stories -- would love to have some of you contribute!
Survivorship generally refers to life after immediate treatment (surgery, chemo, radiation), though a patient may still be on ongoing treatment (hormonal therapy, targeted therapies, complementary methods, etc.). To coincide with an new, upcoming section on the main Breastcancer.org site on Survivorship, we're looking for stories from members who have gone through the active treatment rollercoaster and are now experiencing life after a diagnosis. Specifically, we're wanting to hear your experiences with longer-term side effects of diagnosis and/or treatment, such as sexual issues, weight gain, chemo brain/chemo fog, bone and heart health, exercise and nutrition issues, menopausal issues, lymphedema, infertility, neuropathy, joint pain, skin/hair issues, relationship issues, work and career hurdles, and emotional issues including fear of recurrence.
Some things to think about for your story: Have you gained a new perspective on this other side of treatment? What life lessons have you learned? What advice would you give your newly-diagnosed self? How does your "old" self compare to your "new" self? What impact has your breast cancer diagnosis made on your life? If you've become a Breast Cancer Advocate, what is your mission and how are you fulfilling it?
If you're willing to share your perspective of your life after diagnosis and treatment, we'd love to hear from you! Please send your story via PM to the Mods along with a picture of yourself or something that represents you, and a note about how long since you've been diagnosed. Seeing these stories will surely inspire our new members, along with members just going through treatment now, to see that you CAN get through treatment and get to a new normal on the other side.
Your story will be included with the other Members Stories photos on the main site, and may also be used in part throughout the website and/or in fundraising or event materials.
Thank you for considering!
--The Mods0 -
Gratitude bestows reverence,
allowing us to encounter everyday epiphanies,
those transcendent moments of awe that change forever
how we experience life and the world.
- John Milton0 -
I'm 73. Diagnosed last Dec. Lumpectomy in January, clear margins and clear sentinel node. Stage 1 lobular invasive, her+. Right after surgery, had severe pnemonia. Then had 28 radiation treatments. I am now refusing hormone therapy. I am done. Have CHF, implanted pacemaker/ defib, Parkinsonism, fibromyalgia, spinal stenosis, IBS, oh hell, the list goes on.
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Mags314 --- welcome to the Older Women. Glad to hear you have clear margins and clean sentinel nodes. Fortunately, we do get to make choices about our care and no one here would ever say anything. It is a personal choice between you and your Oncology team. You do seem to have many issues and I am sorry to hear that. It is a lot it sounds like to deal with everyday, but you also sound like you have a strong sort of feisty spirit. I hope you will come back often.
The door is always open here with a bunch of wonderful women inside and we do all we can to appreciate and enjoy life even though we do have some burdens to shoulder from time to time. Sharing with others gives you the opportunity to help carry someone else's burdens while they help carry yours so it works pretty well that way for us here.
We talk about almost anything and try to share a lot of the good things in life because we do have down days. Others will chime in as they come on and find you. Stay tuned and come often.
Blessings,
Jackie
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VERY belated Happy Birthday to Jackie.
Judi, so sorry about your bad news. Keep us updated.
Bonnets, happy about your good test results.
This will be our last week in MN in 2015 if plans work out. Have been enjoying Sept. with some golden days. Will probably depart next weekend.
Minus, your trip to New England is coming up soon. Scenery should be lovely.
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Thanks for the warm welcome! I think feisty is a good word for me. I have always been one of those hands on hips, wide stance women who doesn't put up with fools and laughs at my own foibles (which are many). 0 -
Welcome Mags.
I led an Audubon fieldtrip to Duluth this weekend to attend the Hawk Ridge Festival. We saw over 2000 Broad winged Hawks and 39 Bald Eagles fly over the ridge in an hour. Beautiful sunny weather. Highlight bird this morning was a Parasitic Jaeger who flew right over us putting on a show harassing the gulls.
I didn't take this photo, but it's what a Parasitic Jaeger looks like.
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Well, that is an interesting bird -- I'll go have to look him up.
Jackie
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Puffin, what beautiful weather for your field trip to Duluth. Looks like we'll have two more perfect days and then the rain may start on Wed. We need to take our 1-ton truck to the Ford place tomorrow for attention to a wheel. This afternoon we'll take the boat out of the water and bring it here to the campsite. On Wed. we take it to the marine business where it will be shrink-wrapped for the winter. I'll take a picture and post it.
Our day for departure will probably be Sun. It will be good to get home but I'm already missing summer in MN in my mind.
First things first. Off to the gym this morning.
Happy Monday.
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Befriending the life in others is sometimes a complex matter. There are times when we offer our strength and protection, but these are usually only temporary measures. The greatest blessing we offer others may be the belief we have in their struggle for freedom, the courage to support and accompany them as they determine for themselves the strength that will become their refuge and the foundation for their lives. I think it is especially important to believe in someone at a time when they cannot yet believe in themselves. Then your belief will become their lifeline. -Rachel Naomi Remen
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Good Morning everyone,
How are you doing this morning Mags314? Hope it will be a grand day for everyone. We are starting out cool. Our nights get downright chilly most of the time now. The lawn and trees are getting a tired look and some beginning leaves have even left the trees, while there are others that have a brownish/gold cast which will continue what is fairly minor right now.
Carole, sounds like there is plenty to do ( even though it won't entail pulling/towing your house, home ) for you up till your departure day. Partly I guess dealing with your boat. Is there anything special you will need to do to your home and deck. Still thinking of the deck as such a good idea --- as it does I think give the appearance of a permanent home. I'd probably be sad as well -- but then I think La does get a lot of 'warmer' weather if I recall correctly things you have said in the past before Fall kicks in really well.
Nothing much on for today but some of the usual things. I need to go to Mickie's this morning --- but I won't stay as long as there are things that need doing here at home and I have agreed to help her out when my BIL goes away for a few days. That will be double duty as she needs to go to her house at least twice a day to feed her kitties that lost their mother. Big hopes that her furnishings will soon be returned to the house ( Serv-Pro cleaned all the smoke smell ) and with that, she should be able to leave the motel where she has been staying and go home. I think if no before BIL leaves, then hopefully a couple of days after.
See you all later when I check in again.
Blessings,
Jackie
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Good morning,
Got up and it was 46 out! Fall may finally be here. I got ambitious and exchanged the summer with fall clothes. Left a few short sleeves, just in case! Another beautiful sunny day.
Off to lunch at our senior group. Have food and they will come.
Going to try and get an ortho appt to see what my options are for my knee. Since I got tripped in April it had gotten worse, used to occasionally catch or slip, now that is much more frequent. Hoping I don't end up having to do a replacement. I've read about a gel treatment. Need to do some more research on that. Got to keep the doctors in business! Have a blessed day, Jean
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Parasitic Jaeger feeding behavior:
This species steals food from other seabirds such as terns, puffins and gulls. The jaeger attacks the bird in mid-air, harassing it and forcing it to drop or regurgitate its prey in flight. Jaegers may sometimes attack their victims in small groups and chase down the poor bird which regurgitates its food.
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They sound rather a nasty bunch don't they Puffin. They look a bit large which I think would square with the size of a lot of the water/sea birds. Their wings remind me of hawks wings. The tail seems noteworthy as a bit unusual but may not be. Although I like birds -- I've never really studied them so all of this is just observation.
Jackie
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A life of love is difficult, but it is not a bleak or unrewarding
life. In fact, it is the only true human
and happy life, for it is filled with concerns that are as deep as life, as
wide as the whole world, and as far reaching as eternity. It is only when we have consented to love,
and have agreed to forget ourselves, that we can find our fulfillment. This fulfillment will come unperceived and
mysterious like the grace of God, but we will recognize it and it will be
recognized in us. -John Powell0 -
Love that Teka --- because there is a world of truth to it.
Jackie
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The wheel on the Ford truck is repaired to the tune of $250. So it should be good to drive to Louisiana.
DH winterized the Yamaha outboard this afternoon. Tomorrow morning he will take boat and motor to be shrink-wrapped for the winter.
We played our last round of golf for summer of 2015 in MN. I cleaned the golf clubs this afternoon.
Lovely day with high in the mid 60's. The weather at home has been nice this week, too, with a high in the 80's.
Hope everyone had a good day.
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Aw --- many times.
Glad the wheel of your truck Carole is ready to take you where you need to go. It has been pretty ok around here weather-wise the last few days. Some un-likable weather will still happen, but we are pretty much into the period where nothing stays so long that you get miserable. That's a bonus for sure. Bout ready to give this up and go find my recliner. See you all in the a.m.
Jackie
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"We need to give each other the space to
grow, to be ourselves, to exercise our diversity. We need to give each other
space so that we may both give and receive such beautiful things as ideas,
openness, dignity, joy, healing, and inclusion."
-- Max de Pree0 -
Mornin everyone,
I can't believe it has taken me so long to get back here after I accidentally deleted my last post. And of course I have no memory of what I said. I got back to Ga on Sun afternoon. Everyone was so happy to see me. I know they are genuinely happy I am here, but with me comes food ( meals and snacks), drinks, and catch up stuff. For example, Andrew needs a new shoulder piece for his violin, Michael's eyeglasses are being held together with painters tape, etc. This trip is a little different because, on Oct 16th, if all goes well, I will be selling this house to them. That has always been the plan, and they finally qualify for a mortgage. As with all home sales, there have been little glitches - for example, Scott was calling yesterday to switch the insurance to his name. He called Geico, which I am assuming is where they have their car insurance. For the same coverage I have for just over $800/yr, they want over $5000/yr. Their is no way they can afford that. So we will see what happens. Can't wait till the appraiser comes today and finds out both the buyer and seller are already living here.
I think I have already told you that my youngest daughter - the one who asked if her and her two kids could live with me for a year- is pregnant. I went with her for the first sonogram. It was supposed to be an internal one where you can just see the heartbeat but she is about 3 weeks further along than she thought, so it was a regular full sonogram. The baby's hands moved and the whole body stretched. No matter what the circumstances, that is an awesome sight. Jamie has agreed to wait till I get back to have the sonogram to find out the sex, which will only be a week or two beyond the earliest date possible.
That said, I had her other two from Thurs to Sat before I left. They moved in to the warehouse. It is not a studio above the warehouse as I was led to believe, they are actually living in a warehouse. Her husband has put up some temporary walls and built a temporary kitchen- it has a sink and a countertop. They bought a second hand refrigerator, and have a two-burner hot plate and are buying a countertop little oven. As far as I could tell from the pictures on line, you can cook a whole chicken in it, but no casseroles or biscuits. So, there are 4 1/2 people, 2 cats, a very large dog who has never been an inside pet, and some kind of hydroponic fish farm living in the warehouse along with Phil's business of customizing video game controls. He has, by the way, taken a full month off for the move. Just hope his supplier doesn't find someone else. Jamie says the good news is that the warehouse has central air- their house didn't - the bad news - it has NO windows, not one!!
Tracy is back to work finally, after 11 weeks in a wheelchair. She is also back to her old Negative Nellie outlook on life in general. She saw her surgeon on Mon and he said if the pin doesn't break by the time he sees her again in a month, they will have to surgically remove it. Then the day I went to the Dr with Jamie, we no sooner got their than Tracy called me to pick her son up from school. He had an exceptionally rapid heartbeat. I told her I would go as soon as Jamie was done. Jamie had already asked me to pick her two up from school that day, because of the move, and they thought the closing. It happened to be an early release day, so the kids got out at noon. We picked Dougie up about 11:15, dropped Jamie off, had just enough time to get Dougie home before going to pick up the other two. By the time I got them home, Tracy had made an appt for Dougie with the pediatrician who is a half hour away. So me and the three kids trooped out to the Drs. She has no idea what is causing it, says it could be the meds he takes for ADHD, which she really doesn't think, cause he's been on them for 4years and hasn't even increased the dosage in a year, or it could be hormones, or something else. He is seeing a cardiologist tomorrow.
Guess you can see why I don't post very often, and then, when I do, they tend to be very long. Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers for the next couple of weeks, cause I have appts with all my cancer Drs, my GYN and a dermatologist. I feel okay, just can't help being nervous.
Hugs to all,
Anne
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