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

Teka's graphic.

Jackie

Teka, I like your picture, too. Glad you're over your cold.

Morning,

Carol- I know quite a few people with Roombas. One turns it on at night as she goes to bed and let's it run over everywhere except her bedroom. They can be very helpful.

We woke to a slight dusting of snow this morning. From the news reports, it had sounded like we were either getting a blizzard or would be covered in ice. Glad it was not more.

Heading back to Fl next Wed, and will be there, except for a week or so late Apr, till mid- summer. Hope to get back here in Apr for oldest DGS's 17th birthday and a check-up with BS. My DD ( the one that is living in a warehouse) is having a baby shower Feb 7th, then the baby is due late Mar. I really am not sure how this whole thing is going to work out- her youngest is 7 and she has no baby equipment at all, plus there are no walls where she can separate the baby from the 2 that go to school. Until the new one is sleeping thru the night, my guess is no one will be sleeping thru the night. She posted a video of a "container home" the other night. The inside was beautifully done with all designer level upgrades. I told her it looked beautiful for a rich couple's vacation retreat, but not at all workable for a family of 5. Aside from the fact that they would need 4 bedrooms, every room was no wider than 8 ft. Hard to fit 2 adults and 3 kids in an 8x10 living room.

Need to get moving so, till later

Anne

Sigh !!!!! The tiny houses/container homes --- I don't think ANY of them are actually designed for family. In fact, when I watch HGTV which often runs a segment just for that style of living --- the most I've seen is two people with one pet. As you say as well, upgrades could be rather expensive and to my knowledge ALL of them were used/taken as living quarters to areas where water supply along with power sources were easily available. I've looked at them lovingly, but it really wouldn't do for us. In fact, right now and since we bought our leases from the city we now have "covenants" about what you can have and build on the land.

I know you have no choice but to stand by and I'm sure its difficult. The whole idea -- aside from a mid-sized family is much better suited to couples or even singles. After the yrs. of having fair sized apts., mobile homes, or homes, though I wouldn't mind scaling back somewhat --- I doubt I could make THAT much of an adjustment. I do know a man and wife who converted what was a double-car garage with one small add on section and have been VERY happy with their life-style. They are fairly well off --- so it is more a matter of convenience for them. They don't want the up-keep and duties of owning a big place, and spending a huge amt. of their free time seeing to assorted home repair, refurbish, up-date and all the rest of the chores going with a lg. home. They are modest and are very happy with their life. That would be more in keeping with what I would probably like if I/we could down-size --- but with our pesky "covenants" that will never happen where we live now.

Running really late today and the sun is out giving a lot of lift to life for the day. I was up and out early ( still have some morning chores to catch up to ) as I thought my friend needed me to help her with some moving chores. Turned out she actually didn't -- so all is well, but while some things got done early I'm going to be playing catch up for awhile. I may go to work tonight as well --- waiting on a call to find out.

Hoping you all have a great Saturday. I really feel for the people getting hit with the massive storm and praying all will be safe. Sounds like plenty of records might be set.

Jackie

It is a beautiful Sunday morning here. The sun is nice and bright and all those rays from it along with the 45 degree temps. should easily help us get rid of the snow ( nothing fresh ) that has been on the ground since our earlier snow storm --- first of the season. The warm temps. sound like they may be hanging around so I can forget the 4-wheel drive button in my car. That will be nice. I haven't minded the snow much that we got as it stayed minor and we did get our road plowed early on. We ( both have 4-wheel drive vehicles ) have managed to always get out of here --- even when we did NOT have 'city services' which would provide plowing. Have gotten thru ( some difficulty ) in 8 to 10 inches ok.

Sad to hear though what some are going through. Was hoping that New Jersey wouldn't have issues at the beach, but more flooding going on. I hope it doesn't get worse.

Hope you all will have a good Sunday.

Jackie

Do you take "almost 60s?" In many ways I fit into the older group. I was forced into disability retirement at 52, because severe arthritis left me unable to sit, stand or walk much at all. By mid-50's I was on Medicare and qualified for "Silver and Unfit" (inside joke). I'm getting senior discounts without asking. Must be the cane ...

I've already suffered through the loss of career identity: The I'm so and so and I'm important because I'm such and such, to the I ain't s**t and what a relief!

And re-evaluating quality-of-life in a different way than young people with a family. I don't want a long time so much as a good time.

So, do I fit, or must I wait 1.5 years

Leslie, Welcome. It sounds like you'll fit in just fine. How is the Femara treating you?

Leslie --- you definitely qualify. I'm so glad you chimed in so we can get to know you. Most of the ladies here are pretty much done with treatments, but we have found such comfort with the people that put up with us while we did txs. that we don't want to leave and instead choose to walk together as a group sharing parts of our lives. We have other groups too --- but this one has remained pretty steadfast. You think as soon as you get done with what you have to do ( kicking C's behind ) that you'll be off and gone before you know it --- but this bond is different --- so here we are to welcome you.

Susie -- good to hear from you again. You know --- you have every right to be upset and scared. I was terrified, and felt so un-sure and hesitant. Then again, when have we ever willfully taken poison willingly with a smile. So, I inched my way into the chemo recliner and watched EVERY move, everyone made, and listened hard to everything that was said, and held my breath and expected ---- hmmm, well, I don't quite know just what I thought would happen. Big surprise, but basically nothing really happened.

We are far better prepared than we know -- or put another way. We can dream up every scenario that it is possible for our minds to conjure up, but almost 100 percent of the time not a one of those things will actually happen. So, my hope for you is that you will go, and later on walk out of the chemo suite feeling pretty much like you did when you went in --- but far better since it is likely you will have skipped all the "drama's " that seemed possible. Before very long at all --- I was walking into the chemo room without much thought at all --- just looking forward to being done because we weren't very far from a Steak &Shake and would always go there for something to eat afterward. The first couple of times are oppressive -- you don't really get used to it -- but you learn to take it in stride as something you need to do to help the medical professionals get you well again.

Leslie -- You have a real point. Getting this disease does change your life -- sometimes quite drastically. Can't remember how others felt but for me, I didn't have a fancy career or even a fancy job. I only realized after I got sick that I was just coasting through life --- not paying much attention to anything -- putting in time without actually knowing how precious time actually was. I didn't see my surroundings much anymore and was I think a little numb. Since I ran into the boulder that had a big C on it --- all that has changed. You did all that a little earlier, but you know --- whatever it takes for us. I'm glad you found us and hope you will stay. You too Susie.

Blessings,

Jackie

Welcome Leslie, nice to meet you...

Bonnets, hope you can shake this horrible cold and get back to feeling good. Let us know as soon as soon as you learn something about the scan. Will be thinking about you.

Has anyone on this thread taken Effexor generic and then weaned off it? I started taking it in 2009 as soon as I was dx'ed with bc. 75 mg to help with menopause since I was stopping HRT cold turkey. It definitely helped and also changed my personality. I became more good-natured, I guess you would say. But I also seemed to lose initiative and don't get a lot done. So I decided to wean myself off the drug and see if I could become more like my old self in some "good" ways. Also, I don't like taking a prescription if it's not really necessary.

Now I'm down to twice a week. I am a little "grouchier," I guess. But I also seem to have more aches and pains. So I'm wondering if I should just take the Effexor generic since it's not expensive. $10 a month. Maybe it helps with aches and pains? I'll see what I can learn online about the pros and cons of taking it. If anybody can shed some light, please do.

It's gray outside this morning. We'll go back into a warming trend and no doubt it will get humid again. This morning the temperature is 50's.

Wishing everyone a good Monday.

Bonnets, I too hope you get total control very soon of your cold. Seems like some of the treatment while helping is also stirring up some issues that had been far better beforehand. Lots of healing energies and hope that it all sorts out very much to your benefit.

Carole --- what a dilemma in a way. Good natured is a fantastic thing, but if it also turns you into someone who has to nearly force yourself completely to accomplish things --- that is not good at all. I've never taken any of that class of drugs so I sure don't have an answer. I am just sympathizing with you more than anything.

As far as grouchier -- I relate to that too. I sure had that ( un-recognized for a few months ) with the last yr. I was taking Anastrozole. I did get far better once the drug was totally out of my system, and I see myself as still like you grouchy at times, but also feel a lot of that is due to the impatience and annoyances that go on around me all of the time. I guess I find myself working most days to not let it get the best of me. I hope someone does come along who can offer some ideas and information for you.

Overcast so far here today but it will be about as warm today as yesterday --- at least in mid-40's if not a bit more. I think some rain may be in our future. I thought more of our snow would melt with the sun out all day yesterday. A lot did, but we still have some on the ground. I'm ready for it all to be gone.

Going to the gym tomorrow --- maybe even later today --- not sure. Dh is having a lot of headaches again so don't know if he will feel like it. He had lots of headaches when we first got married 40 yrs. ago --- then for the last few years they were a rare occasion thing, and now they seemed to have made a return. So today is a wait and see while I do all my other 'normal' duties.

Jackie

Jean, glad you are checking this out. Darn if I understand ANY one, including but even more so a Dr. thinking you should just give something a number of months which can make s huge difference when you have a very clear and problematic history. Hopefully you will get very clear-cut answers and some peace of mind. Also a little questioning about your having to take it on yourself ( knowing that in this day and age the older style of Dr. is likely hard to find if possible at all ) to remind the Dr. of your medical issues. I guess Dr.'s nowadays don't have time to look through a patients' medical chart before they see you. There are many instances when the good ole' days really were just that.

Jackie

Hi ladies,

Welcome to all the newcomers. This is a great group of ladies.

I just went off Femara after 5 years. I learned to take it at night. I had hot flashes at night and joint pains in the beginning but the joint pains subsided as time went on.

Bonnets, I had the cold and bronchitis in Oct. and ended up going to the pulmonary dr because an exray of my lungs showed a small nodule in my right upper lung. The pulmonary dr. had a ct scan done and felt it was not anything and very small. I have another ct scan in March to check on this spot. I too am worried about mets but he seems to think it is nothing to worry about. Please let us know what you find out about yours.

I have an ear ache today and for the last few days. Not sure if it is an infection, from sinuses or from the work I had done last week on my teeth ( cap taken off, then cleaned area out, cap put back on and 2 cavities taken out and replaced in the teeth next to the cap) also had many numbing shots since I do not freeze easily when I'm nervous.

BIL in Maryland said they have 29 inches. We have  not heard from our ds in Philadelphia.

DH and I are heading for Florida to take care of his mothers affairs. She is 89 and forgetting quite a bit. She does not want anyone in her finances or coming in to help her at the house so this should be a fun trip. We are talking to a company that has people come in during the week to help with things until we are able to move  to Florida. Our house is suppose to be ready sometime in April.

Hope everyone has a good week.

Hi, everyone. Seems I go a few hours without posting and BLAM--63 unread posts! Yike!

Susie, Leslie, welcome aboard!

I am now truly an Official Older Woman as I turned the Big Six-Five on Saturday. It was wonderful. The day before, I had to renew my D/L, and there was NO line at the DMV....an hr. before closing on a Fri.! The cashier did a double-take when he saw my birthdate--“you're HOW old?!" he exclaimed. “You must have had some work done." I replied, “Yup--had both my knees replaced and my trigger thumb released." Stopped short of adding “....and a chunk taken out of my right boob." Medicare has been treating me well, though neither it nor my supplement will pay for my LE sleeves/gloves (therapist wants me wearing compression for both exercise and guitar sessions>1/2 hr, and because I got some finger swelling on a transatlantic flight--I still say it was the sodium in the over-salted airline food--the LE doc wants me wearing a glove instead of a gauntlet). Got fitted Thurs. for a second set, then ordered a fun set from LympheDivas. Unfortunately, the sleeve and the fingers of the glove were way too long; I can get the sleeve in Short (equivalent to Juzo's Regular--LD's “Long" is what they used to call their “Regular"); but the Small glove is the only size they make and they don't do custom finger lengths. I must be one of the world's shortest-fingered string players, at least among adults. Hope the Juzo small glove fits better. Can't play with a gauntlet, because the fabric doesn't lay flush with my palm and it mutes the strings.

We went to Tru Sat. night--9-courses (small portions, so we didn't get stuffed) with matching wines (1-1.5 oz. ea, so no buzz, just a nice glow). It was a relaxing 4 hrs., and one of the happiest family dinners we three have had in a long time.

For my birthday, I got my first Pandora charms for my MedicAlert bracelet. Bob got me a heart with the flag of Spain, a New Orleans medallion, and an Eiffel Tower to represent the favorite places we've visited together (the store didn't have an Italian flag). Carrie, my housekeeper, got me the pink ribbon (Swarovski crystals). Gordy says my gift is coming this week--so I'm holding off on getting more charms but ordered some spacer beads instead (four with silicone stopper rings inside), and a bracelet-donning aid (the more charms, the tougher it is to just slip the bracelet on & off).

Supposed to go to my local songwriter circle tonight--going to do my newest song as a work-in-progress, as I haven't really played it through more than once and I'm still experimenting with the chords and the bridge. Of course, I could cop out and do my update of my 2010 a cappella Sarah Palin song “Let 'Em Eat Moose." (It was sort of a folk radio hit back then). The meeting is inside Dinosaur BBQ, so I can bring home dinner. Parking is always a problem, though--maybe I'll just stay home & practice for my gig Wed. night in Madison!

Back in 1996 I was on Redux when I was hit by a car and had to have major orthopedic surgery and inpatient rehab to repair my shattered tibia. While I was recuperating at home, Redux was yanked off the market, so I had to find another SSRI. The rehab medicine doc suggested Effexor--and it was awful. It made me jumpy and queasy. (My friends liked to call it “Side-Effexor"). So I switched immediately to Prozac, which I was on before Redux, without any withdrawal symptoms at all. (Eventually switched to Wellbutrin because it helps with carb cravings). Glad I'm on an AI and not Tamoxifen, since Effexor or Celexa are the only SSRI/SNRI/SDRI antidepressants that don't interfere with Tamox's enzyme pathway.

Speaking of AIs, I've been on letrozole (Roxane generic) four weeks. So far, so good. No weight loss, but no gain either.

Termite,,,,Sounds like the Bobsey Twins! That's what mine said too. Good to hear you had the same situation!