Can we have a forum for "older" people with bc?
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Minus, I said 70 something cents because I couldn't remember the exact price. It must have been 73 cents.
Another pretty day outside, though the humidity is on the rise, according to the forecast. I plan to go out and do a little yard work with the loppers and clippers, removing trees in the flower beds. They always grow back since the roots are too entrenched for me to pull them up. The rule of gardening is "Things you don't want to grow tend to thrive. Things you want to grow may not survive." Hah. I wrote a rhyme!
Happy Thursday to all.
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Life has no other discipline to impose, if we would but realize it, than to accept life unquestioningly. Everything we shut our eyes to, everything we run away from, everything we deny, denigrate, or despise, serves to defeat us in the end. What seems nasty, painful, evil, can become a source of beauty, joy, and strength, if faced with an open mind. Every moment is a golden one for him who has the vision to recognize it as such.
Henry Miller
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It has rained already this morning and sounds like we will have some gentle rain off and on for several hours, stopping sometime in the early afternoon. I sure wish we didn't have to go to Marion but it is what it is. If not much but gentle breezes and gentle rain it will be ugly gray (I'm easily weather depressed) but otherwise doable. Actually, tomorrow was billed as much worse so at least there is that too.
As to stamps, I meant to go get some forever ones before the price went up but didn't remember to do it. Luckily for me I have 18 left of what I had purchased likely well over a yr. ago. I really don't use many, but could have enjoyed extending what I do have.
We likely won't be back until around three or so in the afternoon unless the Dr. visit at 1 p.m. goes quickly. I hope so. There really shouldn't be too much to it. Will just have to see what Dr. Dave has up his sleeve.
Hope everyone has a great day and hopefully not a gray day. Stay safe, happy, healthy, warm and dry.
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Carole your cruise sounds heavenly. I’ve never been to Amsterdam or Bucharest. I have two more rads then freedom!!!! Rash is coming up on sternum and lateral breast has an itchy patch. Trying not to rub it. I have water based cream with colloidal oatmeal which has subsided the rash between my boobs. Now if “ itchy” would settle down all would be good.
I go to work tomorrow. Oh fun. We shall see how I manage. My plan is to walk there and bus home. My neighbour will come feed the kitties their dinner. Yay.3 -
Hi. Ladies. I have PCP visit today. Shouldn't be much of a problem.
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Good news. Dh has a couple of places he needed/wanted to go and that made conflict for today's appts. So, on an off chance I called in and wonder of wonders I will turn up on Tues. the 22nd. at 10:30 a.m. and see Dr. Dave, then onto get my feet done and then immediately after get an Echogram and then back home. I didn't even know an Echo had been scheduled — so I'm even more delighted that I can get three of my, and 1 of Dh's appts all handled on the same time and everything going on one rt. after the other which will make it all very efficient and save having to go the extra time.
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Quiet day. Pain manageable last night because I decided to space Norco with one at bedtime and another if awakened again in pain. PA renewed prescription today so I have enough to cover weekend. Knee still stiff but each day brings less stiffness and improved mobility. Hoping to ditch rollator by next week and switch to cane.
Trying to straighten up as much as I can since DH doesn't notice the trail he leaves behind him. I've asked him to do some light housekeeping chores I can't manage yet so he is learning what I do behind the scenes.
Today was a pleasant sunny day with temps in high 50's so he worked out in the yard for awhile.
Illinoislady, glad you were able to deviate from your plans for today and end up a winner with a change in schedule. DH and I have to synch our schedules at times because he makes appointments but doesn't reveal dates and if his book isn't handy, he doesn't remember to tell me. Right now I need him to drive so I make sure he knows when mine are. My next appointment is next Friday with the Ortho surgeon.
Hope everyone had a great day, Need to elevate knee now.
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Carole: Price of forever stamps apparently goes up from $0.73 to $0.78 in July. I will be buying another roll becauseI still mail B-day cards and holiday card to my various Grand Nieces & Nephews. The kids really like receiving something via USPS.
Have a WONDERFUL trip.
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Betrayal - loved that itinerary. The next year we did Budapest to Bucharest. The first was more scenic but the second more historically interesting. The effects of the Serbian war were everywhere. I agree that fellow passengers might be more of a pain in the you know what than the locals will be. Will be anxious to know if tariff effects will influence your spending. Dollar seems to be falling already.
Canary and Haley - do they "ring a bell" when you finish at your center? Mine didn't. Have never been able to decide if I thought it was a good practice or not.
Spent the morning at Urgent Care. Cough had gotten very bad. Only acute bronchitis but it's really draining my energy. Have cancelled all of this week's activities as I don't want to share it. Book Club was reading "The Boat People" which was a discussion I was really sorry to miss.
Owengrandma - holding you close.
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Taco - so sorry to hear about the bronchitis- be gentle on yourself. There was no ringing of the bell after breast cancer radiation nor after ovarian cancer chemo (two different hospital systems). I’m fine with that. My chemo started 3 years (almost to the day) after a dear friend passed from ovarian cancer. Emotionally I just would not have been able to do it. So if the bell ringing had been offered I would have declined.
Illinoislady - great news that you could schedule multiple appointments on one day so that you need to make the drive only once. Hoping for good results from the CT scan.
Carole - sounds like a fantastic trip. Enjoy!
owensgrandma, catherina, orknitter - thinking of each of you as you wait for results and treatment plans.Canarycat - have you had your last radiation treatment?
We are so grateful to be back in our own home and slept much better last night. I was disappointed that none of the promised ‘cleaning’ happened. The wood floors were clean but the rest of the first floor (walls, windows, blinds) is coated in dust and dirt. The only appliance that is currently usable is the island cooktop and it was covered in dust and debris with a plastic switchplate cover laying on the gas burner. Apparently safety is not top of mind for these folks. The contractors used the upstairs hall bath which is fine as the powder room which has wood floors is missing the toilet and vanity, however, they broke the toilet seat and left it a mess which displeased me. DH has been amazing. In situations like this he goes into overdrive and spent the day doing laundry and cleaning while I was at the gym. We have plenty more to do but we will get there.
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Harley07, though our punch list from the insurance company said room cleaning IT apparently meant they would clean up after themselves and that wouldn't pass a white glove test by any standard. I had to deep clean every room they worked in and every room that abutted those. Keep a list of items you need to replace and the receipts to submit for reimbursement. They broke the glass in the light at the back door and re-installed it without telling us plus ran over one of the driveway lights which was destroyed and put it back where it had been. Insurance paid us back.
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An optimist is the human personification of spring. -Susan J. Bissonette
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Taco sending wellness hugs. Bronchitis is definitely wearing and a huge energy stealer. Hope you turn that corner real soon.
Ringing bells — I think I did it perhaps for the first time when I had my last radiations treatment for the lung nodule. All the bouts of cancer and that is the only time for a bell. I was not thrilled to do it, but I did it — more for the group of caregivers who were standing there as I didn't feel it did anything much for me. I already had instant relief just from knowing I didn't have to have any more treatment. Had to wait for some healing to even find out if we did a good job of it. Frankly, that is the time I'd have felt better about ringing a bell, if ever.
Harley, I'm sorry to hear you have so much to do. I think Betrayal hit the nail on the head. Those men don't do REAL cleaning (though apparently, they come on strong about it beforehand) and just take care of most of their messes which would truly be overwhelming if left. Still, I did think being in your own home again in surroundings you were used to for a long time would bring comforts not readily available elsewhere. If I was there, I'd assist you with the cleaning. I was a 'cleaning' lady for a number of years. Oddly, I'm one of those who can be fine with other people's cleaning needs while I often drag my feet a bit about my own.
Carole, I think your leave time is coming quickly now. I think once you get a foot in the 'traveling' door you'll be more in tune with it all.
Hoping along with others that all of you needing your plans of treatments can move along with some really good resolutions to your needs.
We await our inclement weather which likely will start today sometime and go all the way through to Sunday.
Petite, I hope your PCP visit did go really well. Sending hugs.
Hope you all have a great Friday.
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Think I finally have a workable plan for pain management and realize I wasn't addressing my day vs night needs appropriately. The plan has worked for the last 2 nights so I will keep it. Leg is very swollen and bruise on calf is the size of a large grapefruit and the color of a plum. I've been icing leg during the day and at night which does help with the spasms. I am healing and that's all that is important.
I'm not permitted to do prolonged standing so Easter dinner will be prepared by DD, DSIL and Dh can gopher. He can't cook and has never shown any interest in learning. Tonight was Chinese food and I will have plenty of leftovers because I still have no appetite.
Today was lovely. Temps near 70, light breeze and sunny. Opened patio door and am airing out the house. Regan and Misty love to stand at the screen and look out. I see Misty tracking something so I wonder if the chipmunks are out and about.
Taco, I hope you feel better soon. A cough was present on the cruise and my table mates were nice enough to share it with me rather than come to dinner. I hate to cough but was glad I had thought to pack Dayquil and Nytquil which helped. I missed a special dinner because I did nor want to share it with others. Hope they gave you something that will knock the cough back.
petite1, hope the PCP visit was a non-event.
harley07, hope the clean-up leaves your house in the shape you want. I found that even when they swept up, their idea of clean was not in my vocabulary and I vacuumed behind them especially when they were preparing the new oak floors for the polyurethane. I did not want the dust from sanding to be in the new finish. They did send the drapes and sheers from the primary bedroom and the living room to a dry cleaners for me.
Need to get leg elevated again, so I'll wave hello to anyone I did not address and wish all a great day.
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Hello friends. Off to our French River cruise on Sunday. April in Paris ♥️🍾
I've been mainly MIA with being busy as the culprit. I'll post some pictures when we return. Happy Easter/ Holy days to those celebrating.
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A bell - I never saw one nor heard one at rads. I gave gift certificates to the 2 techs that worked on me for 15 days; thanked them, back to the cubicle to change into my clothes, and out the door I went.
I read stuff on here days ago and took notes but I’ve got a head cold and it’s been kicking my butt. So much so that all of a sudden, I need to nap ASAP. My notes are in another room, I’m in bed.
Betrayal mentioned NyQuil and that’s what I’ve been taking for the past 5 nights. My partner got the cold after me, and my niece picked it up from us probably Wednesday night. She slept until noon today, and by 4 was back in bed for a nap. They fly out tomorrow afternoon so I’m hoping she feels a little better by then. It’s a direct flight home, so at least there is that.
Sad news today was my gf mom who had been in a nursing home for about 2 months now I’d guess, she entered the Hospice Inn. It’s such a long horrible ordeal leading up to this. Incompetent care to say the least. At one point she wasn’t opening her eyes; staff said it was allergies; then said it was pink eye; then my gf got ambulatory to take her mom to the eye dr - where he said the eye was so infected she’d have to have it removed. Sickening. I know the Hospice Inn will make sure she doesn’t suffer, and pray she goes quickly.
Harley, I’m glad you’re back at home - even though they left it a mess.
Carole, safe journey!Betrayal, pure doing great.
Canary - I think by now you might be through rads. Work today I think you said, so I hope you were able to get through the day. (auto correct kept typing Calgary, not Canary)
Jackie, isn’t it nice when it all works out for one day of appointments!
Petite - hope your PCP gave you a clean bill of health.
Sandy, I recall you’ll be back home in early to mid May. Oh such relief you’ve got to be feeling.
Taco - I like to have stamps on hand too. I mail more cards than necesssry. The grands, we stick a $1 in and they are thrilled to get a card for every occasion.
I know I’m missing some ladies, please know I wish you well. Have a great weekend.
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When I called a friend for a ride home from the hospital, she warned me that she had a cold, but that she would mask. She did, so I wasn't exposed. Haven't had anything other than a mild but persistent COVID last year (a lot of stress then), for a long time.
I had to wait until I was finished with the year of Herceptin before I could ring the bell. Better than years and years of hormone suppressants, so I won't complain.
Went to Good Friday service yesterday. Forgot my midday meds, and was having troubles with my thumbs. Remembered, so it was OK.
Carole, enjoy your cruise!! Reader, as well!!
Betrayal, remember to do your stairs exercise. I had trouble doing that, and ended up having to get massage to loosen up some of that tissue. Now I can go down the stairs without trouble.
Tippy was using for "bike ride" lately. Asked for another last night, and I said "tomorrow." A while later he said "bedtime." I think I will have to add "wait later" and "tomorrow" next month.
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Coincidence is God's way of remaining anonymous.
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Good morning. Loved reading all the entries. Cindy, sure hope your cold is ready to fly the coop. In fact, I wish that for your whole household. San news indeed about your friend's mom. Nursing homes while still necessary can be fine if you don't have much going on. But I think it is always iffy when you share close living quarters like a nursing home. At a delicate time in life we start sharing germs we never had to before when our ability to resist is becoming less. Good CNA's who tend to spend the most time with the residents should have been taught to REPORT every change in anyone the minute it is seen —obviously seems that rule not being standardly applied.
Start day for you tomorrow, Carole. I hope you have an extremely enjoyable time. I know you feel some uncertainty. No one booking a long time back would have thought some things would be in the state they are in right now. With care I hope anything of that nature can be easily by-passed. Wishing for you and Reader as well only pleasant, stimulating, and interesting times.
Chris. sorry that you have some long Covid still hanging in. I had it too, but far as I know all traces have disappeared. Sure hope so. I so enjoyed the Tippy talk. I think you could not have done anything more perfect for you and Tippy as having chosen a I-pad especially designed for a Tippy person.
The rain stated sometime last night after we went to bed. I could not hear he thunder much but when I got up to use the bathroom a real light show was happening. One of the bruisers doesn't like storms and was howling (some cats do this well) at my door. He just didn't know what he didn't like was happening in my room too. He finally settled down. It poured for a while at 5 o'clock this morning. We have a metal roof and most rain we don't hear — so when we can hear it sounding like a bit of a roar almost even though still dark, we knew it was pouring with ferocity. It is due to rain most if not all day and will go into some time tomorrow. I guess now I have to be concerned again about possible road closures when I go to Marion on Tues. Grrr. Last time we went to Ollies (we use the same route as going to Marion) I had to find my way to the interstate and bypass going past a lake that is on both sides of the roadway on the route. May have to do it again. I would not like that since I've avoided the interstate for yrs. They are always working on the darn thing restricting lanes all the time and to boot it is a heavy truck route. Even Dh is glad to 'miss' it all the time. Sigh ! Hopefully it won't be necessary.
Hope everyone has a good day and not too much inclement weather.
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Chris, I love how you and Tippy communicate. It is amazing how he is able to tell you what he wants even if the timing is off. I like how his vocabulary is expanding for new requests.
I did do the stairs with the PT on Wednesday but haven't done them since. I will practice again when she comes this week. Haven't graduated to the shower yet because I cannot flex my knee high enough to clear the side of the tub. Since my biggest fear is falling, I'll try to practice that with her as well. The leg is swollen which makes flexing beyond 90 degrees hard.
The plan for pain management is working so sleeping has been much improved. I do nod off during the day for an occasional cat nap, too.
As far as the bell, it was available but I absolutely hated my radiation experience. It was 34 days of pure hell for me and left me with permanent reminders. So no, I did not ring the bell because I opted not to be triggered every time I hear a bell. They have one at PT and I have never rung that one either.
cindyny, sorry to hear you are under the weather with a cold. You are such an energizer bunny it seemed strange to not hear of where you were headed next. Get well soon. Sorry to hear about your gff' mother and hope that hospice will end her suffering.
reader425, I envy you the cruise of France and being in Paris in April. We are exploring a land tour that will take us back to France, including Paris, again for next spring. Enjoy it. If you can go to the L'Orangerie to see Monet's Water Lilies series. They are huge paintings.
Carole, hope your cruise is wonderful and you come back with some wonderful photos and stories.
Today was supposed to be a repeat of yesterday but with a passing shower. Right now it is overcast, 66 degrees with a slight breeze. The Japanese maple leaves are opening and at this point they look like lace. There are some tiny clusters of blooms on the ends of some branches. I'll open the patio door again so I can air the house but also experience spring. Not ready to try the steps to get outside.
Wishing everyone a wonderful Easter or Passover celebration.
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The Wish
Should some great angel say to me to-morrow, "Thou must re-tread thy pathway from the start, But God will grant, in pity, for thy sorrow, Someone dear wish, the nearest to thy heart." This was my wish! - from my life's dim beginning, let
be what hasbeen! wisdom planned the whole My want, my woe, my errors, and my sinning, All, all were needed lessons for my soul.0 -
Rain, rain, and more rain. Not so much at once, but just now and then. The closer to nightfall, the more consistent (still not heavy) it became. So, very overcast this morning. Likely will rain. My daughter made some decorated eggs to take over to her Dh's grandsons house. Too muddy and wet outside (even if not raining) so they will hide the eggs in the house. She got different sizes of eyes to put on each egg and then she drew smiles, eyebrows, etc. She made them really cute.
We (as is our usual) are planning for a quiet day. I hope all of you have a really nice day.
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Happy Easter to all who celebrate. It’s a very low key holiday for us now that DS is an adult. It’s a very gray and rainy day for us although the rain is supposed to stop later which will allow us to use the outdoor grill to make dinner.
I hope your cold makes a quick exit Cindy and you are back to feeling like yourself soon.
Petite - hope all went well at your doctor visit.
I may work on purging my closet this afternoon. I spent yesterday wiping down the walls on the first floor but have run out of Swiffer dusters so I’ll need to get more tomorrow. The countertop folks will be here tomorrow morning to repair the chips and gouges and re-install the countertops. Then we have 3-4 days of the contractors finishing up the odds and ends. There is light at the end of the tunnel!
We went to the shopping mall yesterday to pick up my new reading glasses and sunglasses from Warby Parker. The mall not surprisingly was packed. The new glasses were needed and I’m happy to have that chore complete.
Wishing all a good week.
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Left leg has been swollen so I am limiting time with it in dependent position. In recliner with it elevated and using ice pack as needed. Incision is really itchy so it is healing. Pain well controlled so I am happy.
DD and DSIL are the chefs today using my recipes for Martha Stewart's escalloped potatoes, and pineapple casserole. I had the ham in the freezer so it was thawed for them to cook. I think they will also roast asparagus as the other side. It smells divine and it is so nice to have the day off. It's nice that they wanted to replicate what I usually make though DSIL loves the potatoes as much as I do. It is labor intensive but the only recipe of hers that has ever really turned out. You top it with shredded gruyere cheese if you can find it, or substitute shredded swiss. I always make 5 lbs of potatoes because they want leftovers to take home. We each get at least one more complete meal from the leftovers, yum. I don't know what dessert is yet but know that DSIL loves dessert so it will be good. We laugh but sometimes he plans his meal around what's available for dessert.
We got sun, temps in the mid-60's so we have the patio door open to air out the house. There is a nice breeze so a lovely day. Both Regan and Misty have been sharing the sunny spot on the rug. Misty insists on rubbing all over Regan and she is unsure if she likes it or not. She leaves when she's had enough.
Hope everyone has a great Easter.
harley07, glad you can see the end of the tunnel.
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Good to read your entries. If pain is handled life can be fairly bearable and maybe a little more with itchy healing going on. Betrayal, hope you just smooth on into great success with this knee as well.
It's good Regan is doing ok with the kitties. We have always had cats and dogs and surprisingly no true upsets although I do think Lil Red pushes it sometimes. We try to catch him most of the time but bound to miss now and then.
We are awaiting possible heavy thunderstorms/poss. tornado after a gray morning that lo and behold turned to a really nice sun. I am bummed that we face what we do, but hopefully we will do fine.
Hope everyone had a nice day and good meals.
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happy Easter to all. My azalea is in full bloom today. One more rad which will be on Tuesday. Then hopefully my itchy skin will subside. You will see on the ground my next project. Tackling the pavers!!!
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@illinoislady - I’m watching the weather and it seems you will be hit harder than I will. Take care!
Canarycat - love the azalea. What is the plan for the pavers? Radiation is almost done - Yea!
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Harley the plan for the pavers is to get them looking like this next photo. It had the instructions on it for me. I’m at step 1! Haha. Big project. But I’m nearly finished my rearranging the study project.
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Be on the lookout for mercies. The more we look for them, the more of them we will see. . . . Better to lose count while naming your blessings than to lose your blessings to counting your troubles.
Maltbie D. Babcock
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