Can we have a forum for "older" people with bc?

I take my letrozole at night too--that could be why I don’t feel the SEs.

TTfan, I take Arimidex and get it direct from Astro Zeneka. So far (5 months) I am OK on it. It is $30.00 a month and they send a 3 months supply automatically, if you sign up for that. Look up Arimidex/Direct online. If you have problems, or want more information, just PM me.

So glad you all shared stories from your 5 yr. pills -- whichever they were. We are in it together and just hearing about how others deal with ALL the issues that could come up makes the path have a lot less thorns.

Got up, and shortly thereafter saw the first SNOWFLAKES of this winter season -- quite late for us. According to the weatherman, quite skimpy will be the order of the day. I actually like snow, but what I don't like about it is the QUICK changeover we have had a few times already --- from moderately cool, to overnight artic feeling cold. Just before this and the last rain three days ago it was 55 degrees out here in our woods. Now with the wind chill we are below zero. Seems before we have had the time to acclimatize before 'artic' weather.

Going to be a quiet day here I think -- good chili weather. See you all later.

Jackie

I woke up in the middle of the night with shoulder pain and thought oh no, it's started, but this morning it was gone!

Great news Linda that you are nearing the ends of your rads. They can be a pain for a number of reasons, but I've always been happy that I did them. Most people though, as I did, find them mainly time-consuming for the fact you have to go daily through the week and going, un-dressing, and getting positioned properly on the table takes lots more time than the actual rads. Still, I think the prevailing thought for a majority of people went something like -- you had an operation, had a number of chemo txs. for several months, and how you might castigate yourself if you had a recurrence and had skipped the radiation sessions afterward.

It is always up to you and your Dr. just what will be done, but I know going through all I did, plus having a real time of it getting through chemo, I didn't have any good reason to turn down the rads. In fact, my feeling was definitely the opposite. I felt like if I didn't do all I could, when I could, that I'd never forgive myself if I left out an important part of the over-all possible protection. That covered the five yr. stint taking the AL as well.

This is another really chilly morning. I don't know what the actual temp. is, but do know that with the wind chill factored in it is below zero. I try not to let the actual numbers register --- then I tolerate the outside air a little easier it seems. There is sun outside and that helps as well though a few clouds too --- so not always as bright out as I'd like. Well, we finally do have our winter here.

Hoping all of you are fine and not having it all be too un-pleasant.

See you all later.

Jackie

Carole, I doubt it is for the same reason, but I'm not doing well wt. wise either. I can't say I'm actually gaining -- but if so, it would be in sm. ounces at a time. I'm just not losing and it is because I'm not eating enough at the right times. I tend to be up for several hrs. before I eat --- then lunch and later cookies and coffee -- then too big a dinner at times. Later --- popcorn. Dh likes to put real butter on it too -- though often I don't taste it in mine. I likely kid myself into thinking I'm not taking in calories which I'm sure I do. But ultimately I feel like the real problem is having to do a long list of things in the a.m. and not having the 'kind' of breakfast I should and at a time where I can eat the rest of whatever I eat that time at a more appropriate time. I'll have to try and do better.

This has become such a habit I tend to do it even on my days off --- so I think I'm going to have to get tough with myself. I'm going to the gym and working out so I really do think it is how and when I eat. Since I'm not gaining no matter what I eat --- its not enough and not at the right time.

Jackie.

Hi Ladies,

Once again it seems like it has been fforever since I've checked in and I've been trying to catch up on your posts. It looks like most of you had a nice holiday season and have started the new year with goals and positive vibes.

I enjoyed the week before Christmas with my son and his family. We went to Dollywood and toured the Biltmore. Quite an experience! Then I got home and started packing for Florida, which is where we are now. I must say that I do not miss the 5 degree temps that they have back home today! It has been cooler than usual in Florida but we snowbirds don't complain. We just toss on a sweatshirt or sweater and continue on with our plans for the day, happy to be here.

Dave is golfing today and I am going to get my hair done this afternoon. Tomorrow is ladies' day at the golf couse!

I have been walking alot more than usual since I've been down here. I am hoping that I can lose a few pounds over the next couplle of months and start out the year in better shape. It seems to be a constant struggle, doesn't it?

Everyone have a good day!

Rita

Thanks Carole --- I had totally forgotten that part about hanging onto wt. perhaps because you've turned it into muscle. Sure hope that is partly what is up with me. I otherwise feel fine -- so I think I'll quit worrying about that and focus on just staying well and feeling fine.

Going to work today and the gym afterward. Then back home to work on some projects I hope. Sometimes adding the gym to work makes me lazy when I finally get home and I'm not so enthused about some of my ongoing projects here at home.

It is another cold day, but we have a beautiful sun ouside so I'm feeling positive. It is going to warm up somewhat ( not as much as I'd like ) but I've settled into the idea that winter ( at least the cold ) has finally arrived. We don't have any snow -- though we have had two very light snowfalls, just not enough to stick. That doesn't upset me even if I love snow ---- I like it around Christmas, so by now in a 'normal' yr. my good feelings about it would be wearing down rapidly. Since we didn't get it at the time we usually do, I can be just fine with none at all.

Hoping you all have a spectacular day.

Blessings,

Jackie

So happy for all of you Sandra4611, been praying...

As to the kindness you mention, I wish I could have been of more service to you than I have been, but if I had, the only thanks that I should desire are that you would always be ready to serve any other person that may need your assistance, and so let good offices go around, for humankind are all of a family. As for my own part, when I am employed in serving others I do not look upon myself as conferring favors but paying debts.

Benjamin Franklin

Hi Susie

Welcome to a great group of friends. We are here, number one to support you through your treatments in a way most family and friends cannot- we have been there, and there is enough diversity among us that chances are one of us will have faced whatever issues you may have and reassure you that you are not alone physically, mentally and emotionally.

We are also here to remind you that you still exist beyond the confines of BC. You will see us discussing lots of things that either are not related to cancer at all- our families, trips, activities, pets, etc. We also talk about living healthier lives - cooking, weight, exercising, energy levels. Some of us were living healthy long before our diagnosis, some are just starting to learn, and some are content with where they are- or at least not discontent enough to change. We welcome you to join in with whAtever is on your mind. You will find support, advice and encouragement.

I was diagnosed on Sept 25, 2012. I did chemo first, then a double mastectomy, then radiation. Because I was HER2+, I continued to get herception infusions for a full year. I lost my husband of 42 years to complications of diabetes 13 mos before my diagnosis. My 5 children stepped up and were with me thru every step. And I was with my daughter in Ga when diagnosed so big kudos to my SIL as well. When Nancy couldn't get time off for Dr appts, Scott cheerfully stepped in- one day he took me to 3 different appts.

Since my husband passed, I have been rotating between my daughter here near Atlanta, with my 2 oldest grandsons, andmy own home in Ft Lauderdale, where three more children and 3 more grandchildren live. When in Atlanta, I would visit my son in SC, usually for a long weekend. Then he had a daughter 2 1/2 years ago. I went straight to him at Christmas time and stayed for ten days, then came to Atlanta, and just got back yesterday from another 5 Day visit with Lucia. I really couldn't pick a favorite grandchild, they are each so different and unique, but I do have to say, I love the age (or stage) Lucia is at now. She talks so well and thinks so clearly. Yesterday, her mom ran to the store before I left and when I got Lucia dressed, she wanted to go meet Mommy. I said I didn't have a car seat for her- she ran to the front window and pointed and said "Grandma, you're car is right there". Then I said it was too cold- she looked at me as if I Was the child and she the adult and said "just put on a jacket" Not at all fresh, just logical.

My keyboard is incredibly slow again, so I will try again later

Anne

Welcome Susie, I had my chemo summer of 2014. Knowledge is power, but be careful where all you research on the internet, there's outdated and inaccurate stuff out there. breastcancer.org was a site my onc recommended. Be sure and check out the discussion forums for chemo, there's usually a current one going for those actively taking chemo. There were about 30 of us in mine and we became our own support group.

Compassion becomes real when we recognize our shared humanity.
--Pema Chodron

Susie, it is difficult to know what to ask when your are wandering around trying to figure out where you are in the cancer/chemo maze. Most of us start out feeling really insecure about much of this journey we don't want to take and are often completely taken by surprise that we need too. Just keep taking deep breaths ( yes, so many people say that, but it does help ) so that you start to concentrate on that and not the jillion possibilities that keep your mind in an uproar.

I don't have too many other suggestions other than you may want your husband to go with you on the first chemo or a really close friend. Just to give you something and someone really familiar to help you traverse the beginning while your looking for your sea legs. My husband went to all my chemo infusions -- in fact, he basically never left my side through everything I went through. I think he needed the assurance that I was getting treatment and watched over as carefully as he would do it. Some husbands don't handle things real well and that is ok.

Most of us do fine, and the centers are staffed with well-trained people to take care of you --- but a familiar face sometimes truly has a calming effect. I'm with Wren, there is little I think that your children could do and may be they and you can pick a time in the not too far off future -- like a month after your last chemo or something when you might be feeling a little more energy and enthusiasm and the glow of having an important part of your treatment behind you.

You have a whole lot of company and we keep coming to BC. Org as some very gracious and beautiful people were here to help us all through our maze. Now we wish to pay back by going forward to stand with those just beginning. We are with you.

Blessings,

Jackie

Welcome, Susie! This is quite an overwhelming time in your life. Visit us often and we will try to help you get through it with some smiles an hugs. I will add you to my prayer list.

Rita