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

I bought three pairs of pants, one fitted, the other two loose yesterday at the church rummage sale. The fitted ones were already capri. Cut 7 inches off the loose ones for capri length and re-hemmed them. We have our annual rummage sale during tractor-pull weekend.

I am going to use one of my saris to make kaftan plus bloomers. It is dancers in green and ruby red, not one of my favorites.

I took Tippy over to the fairgrounds to show him that it was no good for off-leash. Had to take him over there another time, as he thought it was interesting. Both times he stayed in the basket of my bike (recumbent electric trike, for newcomers).

Taco, the pictures of the pups are beautiful. Nice that they have both chosen places of honor. And a more peaceful introduction to each other, since they are similar sizes.

I had significant problems with my stomach last night— bought some iron pills after Mass. I am confident that the problems will be taken care of.

No, Jackie. I think the shortage of doctors is a long-term consequence of COVID. So many died, and others just couldn't take it anymore. So they are going to teaching hospitals to "grow" new doctors. I don't think that the political climate will end up with a catastrophic loss of basic medical care for those who don't have the $$$$$$$$$$$. There will eventually be a massive pushback, and their goal of a two-class society will be repudiated. Yes, there might eventually be a two-level medical system like Canada and England have. I have not been as demanding as I might ought to have been, because I don't want to be what others might call me… a parasite. Should I have died from an easily-treated BC? I think not.

Teaching hospitals can more easily treat patients who have minimal resources.

Cardplayer, congratulations on your five years cancerversary. It is quite an accomplishment. I had my nine year cancerversary in May. I was dxd stage IV de novo on May 20th 2016. Keep fighting!

I applaud all of you who garden, like Betrayal, and ride bikes, etc. as I can't do any of it anymore. My DH and DIL helped me finish potting my annuals on my deck this year and I am delighted with the outcome. I was able to do a few of them out front last month sitting on the steps with my DH moving them and bringing me the dirt, etc. but I struggled. I live in Colorado Springs at 7000ft elevation so we have a short growing season and potted flowers don't do well in the winter; therefore annuals it is! Perrennials for this zone do fine in the soil but not flowers in pots. I was able to ride 13 minutes on the recumbent bike at PT last week so that is something. Of course there is little resistance.

I enjoy the stories on this thread and gleaning a little about all your lives. It helps with the loneliness that comes with being so homebound. Good friends stopped by last night to watch the high school fireworks from our deck—a great view! That was nice. It was last minute so I wasn't able to provide refreshments other than water and sodas, but they don't mind. They came from being outside all day at a ham radio event so they didn't need anything.

It is 75° outside right now with afternoon showers on the way and it will be in the low 50s tonight. Gotta love the Rockies!

We took the bikes to town yesterday about 10 am and biked 6.25 miles to the next town, Dorset, and then back to Park Rapids. DH seemed to have no problem biking 12.5 miles with his new knees. I was hungry and wanted to have lunch in town. We went to Dairy Queen which has a good parking lot with a spot for the pickup truck with the bikes on the bike rack. It turned out to be a great choice. Quiet and clean at 2 pm. I had the $7 special. Small cheeseburger, fries, drink and sundae. I had the hot fudge sundae. The amount of food was perfect, not too much, and everything tasted delicious.

When we have a late lunch full meal, we don't get hungry for dinner. Good thing because after a shower, I collapsed in my recliner and did NYT games. I inherited sweating and muscle cramping from my dad, so I had some leg cramps. A hint from dh's girl cousin who ran marathons was to eat yellow mustard for cramps. So I had a couple of teaspoons and a couple of Tylenol for arthritis. I slept very well last night with the a/c off and fans blowing. It's 63 degrees, according to my laptop.

Betrayal, I hate weeding. I'm training myself to appreciate the "natural" look. LOL.

I missed your post about your cancer anniversary, Reader. Congratulations.

Sounds like a good buy at the rummage sale, Chris.

Sandy, I know you're awaiting that time when you're settled in your new/old house and living life again without all the homeowner's headaches.

I have to go to Walmart today and have my glasses repaired.

Wishing everyone a good Monday to start off the week.

Good morning. I think pretty warn here again today. So far, only the one brief rain when we were to have several days. Seems to happen around here more often than not — never generally getting what is predicted. It is usually better but I was hoping for rain, if nothing else than to cool us down.

Sandy (so easy for me to say) I am looking forward to your getting to move back into your house. Knowing it is an enormous amt. of work, some fairly detailed, but mainly just thinking of getting to go back to the 'routine' you had for many years before an un-timely fire's disruption. We LOVE home. We have lived in the house we have now longer than any and it is hard to imagine being anywhere else. So nice if you could just walk in and start "being" there again, but after this time around, and as always with the hope that at that point things come singly and well spaced so you don't have to over-load on problems to solve.

Carole, sure enjoyed your Dairy Queen experience. We have always enjoyed our local one although we don't go there now due to my diet restrictions. We do stop on our way home from the Marion, Il V.A. though. Only each get lg. fries — no salt. We have to wait till they are cooked so always quite fresh and hot. I get lots of pepper for mine as does Dh. I have learned to ENJOY immensely the flavor of fries with only pepper.

Interesting about the yellow mustard for cramps, which for me means my iron is a bit low. I need to remember since I do get occasional ones — usually in the arch of my foot or just below my toes on the underside of my feet.

As always, I delight in hearing about your weather so I can dream of something much better than what I'm having. Sounds like it has gone back more to the standard there.

Taco, Harley, Betrayal, Chris. Intolight, Cindy, Keywest, and anyone I've missed. I hope you all have a great Monday.

Niece, that several months ago was diagnosed with an aggressive form of BC, just finished chemo. She has one more hurdle ahead in July but son't know what it is. I know this only because they did a "go fund me" for her and I donated. She is my 2nd brother's daughter, married with 4 children and lives in NJ. The "go fund me" helped them cover medical expenses until she could meet insurance threshold. Sadly, I don't hear from them unless it is bad news or they need money for themselves, their charities, etc. For example, DB sends email to say he's having cardiac bypass surgery and that's the last I heard from him. According to my 3rd brother, he isn't doing well. 2nd brother used his religion (and proselytizing) to cause a wedge in family so none of us really hear from him. I wish her well and hope the chemo did its job. She's very sweet, a great wife and mother.

cardplayer, congratulations on cancerversary.

Sandy, if you are moving back in in mid-July, were you able to extend your contract at your current place? It sounds like you have a good plan in place for the return of some items and are working on coordination for others.

PT today was not as good as with my normal PT person, but that happens when there is a sub. They don't know the routine and it doesn't help that I was one of the last patients today because they were closing once I was finished. I skipped the stepper because it can trigger the sciatica. I think Wednesday will be better but again it is with the sub and then there is no PT on Friday due to the holiday.

Carole, weeding to me is one of my therapies because I like how the garden bed looks once they are pretty much gone: clean and orderly. However, the weeds are so far ahead of me I feel a little pressure to try to catch up but I will stick to my 1 hour to 90 minutes per day on days that are not overly hot or humid. That means today is out because it is both. The weeds are winning at this point and it does help if it rains before I weed. I envy your DH riding so far on his bike but I did make 9 minutes today and hoping on Wednesday, I can make 10, my goal.

I love DQ and could go for a Peanut Buster parfait right about now. I haven't had any meals there in a while but DS, as a teenager, used to work at the one near our house. He was a cook there and loved the job. It was a large one with an indoor eating area, but was knocked down to build a bank, which has since closed. Our township will not permit drive thru eateries. Loved the bank because during the summer they would distribute Dilly bars when you used the bank. The DQ we go to is not close by and very busy because it does have a drive thru as well as walk up windows.

It is sunny, 84 degrees with high humidity. I drove for the first time today and DH had to rinse car off because after 2 months in the garage it was quite dusty. It felt good to drive for a change and now I'll get back to running errands like taking a gown to the seamstress for shortening. It's a knit so not one I want to try shortening.

Chris, nice to hear you are back to sewing. Let us know how your new projects turn out.

Hope everyone has a great day. Waving to all not mentioned but in my thoughts.

I hung at the pool yesterday reading a book. I was able to charge the battery to the garage security camera and got it going again. We were able to put algaecide in the pool - although nothing seems slippery (pool owners know what I mean) and partner had used towels to scrub the entire liner - there is a greenish/yellowish tint to the liner. I hope it goes away with strong algaecide. I’d hate to think it’s a permanent stain

Cardplayer, congrats on canceraversary.

Taco, love the dog pics!

Carole, banking compliments, I like that DH biking again is good to hear, his knee isn’t giving him problems. You did quite a few miles for his first out. I’ve never heard of mustard for leg cramps, I learned something new.

Harley, 13 miles is near half a marathon!

Chris, nice buy on the pants into capris.

Intolight, it’s nice you had friends stop by for a visit!

Sandy, your hands are full and your plate is overflowing with things to do! When I worked for a state agency that was closing, being abolished, my mantra was: This Too Shall Pass. I still have the stone coaster. I’d mail it to you but it would just be one more thing for you to pack.

Jackie, we had the first non rainy weekend since November 2024! The weather was beautiful. Today might be 88-90, and it’s so nice to be able to be outside. I’ve got a few things to attend to inside but hope to be back at the pool reading - new Wally Lamb book.

I hope you all have a great Monday! And hello to all I haven’t mentioned

I have two extension pieces in my table for sewing. Glad that with this furniture arrangement I can sew and eat from the same table.

Got a phone call saying that the nurse will be sending me instructions on what I need to do to straighten out my medical problem.

Tippy and I went over to the fairgrounds. It was an enjoyable smell-fest for him. I think he ate some muddy fried cheese-curds. Impossible to get him from eating garbage.

One of the things that really helped me cut down on sodium was switching away from table salt to "kosher" salt (Diamond Crystal) like chefs use—flaky, larger surface area so you use less. No iodine, but we eat a lot of fish anyway (and snack on nori). I salt from way up high so it falls evenly; and if I salt anything after cooking I use Maldon flake salt or French "fleur de sel." Again, just a little goes a long way. I use kosher salt for pasta water (in a "Fasta Pasta" microwave cooker that uses much less water and is really fast) even though it's more expensive than table salt. But what really changed the game for me was when a client paid me for defending her traffic ticket with a huge gift box assortment from Penzey's. I love using herbs (fresh when in season), spices, extracts, oils and vinegars (especially the little bottle of 25-yr-old Aceto Balsamico "Tradizionale" I dole out in drops over strawberries and insalata Caprese).

Hit the farmer's market today—jackpot! Tart cherries, raspberries & blueberries from MI; strawberries, heirloom tomato, bell pepper from IL; and a sourdough from a local bakery. The empanada lady was sold out; I still have lots of coffee beans and haven't scooped any of the rhubarb sorbet so I skipped those stands as well as the Greek olive oil guys (I have a full set of Graza olive oils from Spain: Drizzle as a condiment, Sizzle for light sauteeing, Frizzle for higher heat—I use that instead of butter for fried eggs). And noticed that back at the house, some of our black raspberries are ripening!

Messaged the derm last night about the cyst, and her nurse called this morning to get me in today. Turns out she's not going to excise the cyst just yet—the plan is to calm it down and shrink it. So she switched me to a different antibiotic that has a little anti-inflammatory action, and injected a little steroid into the reddest part. Wouldn't you know it that tonight I happened to tune into "Dr. Pimple Popper" and the blobs-du-jour were epidermoid cysts! I now know more than I ever wanted to know about them (including what they look like beneath the skin, eeeuuwww).

We went to the wake for Bob's nurse's 22-yr-old son who was shot point-blank in the head. Turns out it was retaliation for dropping out of his gang. The funeral home was packed, and there were guards and police galore. Will be missing the funeral tomorrow (in our old neighborhood, Andersonville, where we lived before buying our house) because Bob has to work and I never met anyone there. Afterward, we went out for tapas. For dessert, I'd been jonesing for Oberweis' black forest chip ice cream, but when we got there it was out of season. Normally, I'd have chosen another flavor, but thanks to Zepbound I was able to turn around and go home. (I did indulge in some "Rebel" keto triple chocolate from the freezer—which we've started to clear out).

We were able to get a 1-month lease extension on the rental house—but from the landlord's housing agency, not State Farm which refuses to cover any more rent. I'm seething: swung by the house to get mail today and found nothing's been done in over a week. No way in hell could we have moved back in today—we'll be lucky to do so by 7/15, when our new bed will be delivered. I don't know who to be angrier at: the State Farm adjuster who suddenly decided to cheap out on us, or the contractor—who is directly responsible for costing us an extra $8500 (July's "rack rate" rent). I got the reconstruction check today, but am not endorsing any of it over till we are satisfied. Tomorrow they'll be doing the exterior painting on the rear wall (window frames & shingles), which is an "extra." (I paid, but according to the specs it was supposedly included, and the summary list said it was supposedly completed and billed to State Farm). Meanwhile, can't have the fridge moved back till we get the water line…which they can't do because they're busy painting (and having to remove much of the ivy to do it). Tomorrow I finish measuring the windows, take delivery of Bob's new radio/CD changer, and weed out the pile of junk on the master BR floor. Will postpone the window-treatments appointment till next week. Still have to order twin mattresses and at least 2 sets of linens for each bed—will see how much was salvaged by the textile-cleaners. Somewhere in that pile are a bunch of curtain rods and shades (though the latter are 40 years old and in rough shape). Will also call RCN to resume internet & cable (but not landlines)—can't make an appointment till we get the hardware & its furniture back from storage. On the fence about resuming satellite DirecTV, because we've gotten used to streaming it here, which avoids "storm fade" because the dish is not part of the system. Of course, we need to shop for a new TV and two large enough stands to accommodate it and the other one we're moving up front.

Probably have BFFs over to grill on the 4th—one last hurrah with the Weber kettle (unless there's a "no open flames" advisory, in which case we'll use the panini press instead). Not going to Skokie see the fireworks—we'll just watch them (DC, NYC) on TV. Will be too hot to spend much time outdoors.

Good morning. Well, it's mainly good. Public works has to come out and remove a tree from the end of our road. We can't get out till they do. The tree is actually on the front of the first neighbor on the lane. We are in the middle and Dan who is on the end only comes on week-ends. Thankfully, we are all well so no problem waiting for the work to be done.

It sure seems to me one would have to wonder —- at least two people and somewhat a third have had a number of issues with contractors and work people where Ins. is concerned. I can understand some of it, but the fact that things are not very timely (something of an understatement) or are sloppy, broken or substituted is just a bit beyond. What is a contractor for if they don't try hard to follow an agreed upon program. Well, I have to say I sure hope nothing happens here like what you ladies have gone through. Then again, it does seem at times living in our area we are less impersonal in general.

We have no real plans for the 4th. At our age and physical ability most things are a bit difficult such as crowds, darkness etc. Partly we don't want to get in the way of others who are not as slow as we are now. We have enjoyed the 4th. for a long time now and don't feel the need to be direct participants anymore.

Our ground outside this morning looks pretty wet so hopefully it did rain long enough (much slower) to get a fair amt into the ground.

Hope you all have a fantastic day.

carole, some of the salt substitutes use potassium instead of sodium. People with kidney issues usually need to avoid those,, but they are used by cardiac patients.

We had a storm last night that was the worst I have seen in many years. My mother used to say when it was thundering that it was God bowling. Well if that were true, last night he was sponsoring a tournament and threw massive lightning bolts in when ever someone bowled strikes. Leo, my cat, was all over the place and couldn't settle. The rain was so heavy you could hear it on the roof and there is an attic above the primary bedroom so that will give you an idea of how loud it was. One lightning bolt turned on all the lights in the bedroom. Not a good night for sleeping and left today super humid.

I went out shortly after 8 am and spent another hour addressing weeds in the flower beds that abut the upper driveway. I did not get as far as I wanted, but after an hour, I was tired of sweat in my eyes. I don't climb the hill where the daffodils are planted and will have to get DGS to do the upper level for me. I am not quite steady on steep inclines yet so I do go halfway up or as far as I can reach when in the bed from a lower level. Half a black leaf bag done in just an hour so I called it quits.

Saw the two fawns playing tag in my neighbors wood area. They are so cute at this stage and so full of energy. I don't know where the moms were but they usually don't stray far from them.

It's only 78 degrees but the humidity is probably in the 90's. It is sunny and a breeze would have been welcome but no such luck. We are predicted to get more storms this afternoon and they might be as bad as those last night. DD is getting a new hot tub delivered today and DH was to help install the electrical outlet.

DD and DSIL stopped over last night so we took them out for a belated birthday dinner at a local restaurant. We ordered the early dinner which includes soup, entree and dessert. DH and DSIL ordered off the menu and had the bread pudding dessert which is so delicious. DD and I ordered their homemade rice pudding. I brought my soup and rice pudding home.

Sandy, if the outside painting was on the original SF specs you should not have to pay out of pocket to get it done. Dispute that.

I discovered I had been working on one family line since approximately 1982 and still have many unanswered questions. I have written a family history of them and have uncovered so much information over that time. It is my maternal ggp's family and he served in the 8th PA Calvary in the Civil War. By occupation he was a carpenter but seemed to have great leadership skills during the war because he ended up as a Major by war's end. He's the one I told the British taxi driver about when he said he was an American Civil War buff.

I'm reviewing this monograph again to see if I can fill in some of the blanks now that I am using Ancestry. Most of what I found was by visiting the Historical Society of Philadelphia and spending many dusty hours reading old books or trying to read microfiche. I actually went to Washington for a few days to visit the National Archives to get copies of his Civil War records and other information not available locally. My cousin and I spent many hours in the City Archives looking for birth, death, marriage and will info as well as traveling to different historical societies in NJ. The National Archives has the inscription "The Past is Prologue" and I think that is very evident today.

We also used to visit local cemeteries looking for grave markers both in PA and NJ. She doesn't drive so I gladly played chauffeur. I miss those outings. Her husband was a huge hulk of a guy, so one cemetery that we knew was in a shady area, we dragged him along. The 2 guys in charge were like dumb and dumber and the cemetery had suffered from years of neglect with debris which made it look like a dump in some areas. Trees had overgrown the area where my ggf and family members were buried and he should have at least had a Civil War GAR marker. It has since been sold, is doing burials again and undergone a huge cleanup but I haven't been back to see if they addressed his area. I may take a ride there someday but will make sure I have someone with me.

Hope everyone has a great day and stays safe from the weather.

Looks like I missed several celebrations - Congratulations whether it was a birthday, anniversary, or canacerversary - I think that how you put it. Also, Happy Canadian Day, canary cat. Enjoy the fireworks.

Dogs still doing okay although I think they both think we give to much attention to the other. Bella discovered the toy box tonight but they each found something to make them happy. Bella is actually at least 10 lbs. lighter than Mutz but is emerging as the alpha dog. She rushes to get ahead if she falls behind on the walks.

Ken saw cardiologist today and he's putting him on another medication and asked him to consider a Watchman. Don't think he will. The last two times he had a stint put in, he arrested.

Heat is breaking. It will be under 110 for a high for the rest of the week!

You are goodness and mercy and compassion and understanding.  You are peace and joy and light.  You are forgiveness and patience, strength and courage, a helper in time of need, a comforter in time of sorrow, a healer in time of injury, a teacher in times of confusion.  You are the deepest wisdom and the highest truth; the greatest peace and the grandest love. You are these things.  And in moments of your life you have known yourself as these things. Choose now to know yourself as these things always.

Neale Donald Walsch

harley07, lovely photos and I admire you for the long hikes you take. I need to work back up to long walks.

At PT I had the substitute again today and skipped only the stepper. Rode the bike for 10 minutes so I reached my benchmark. No PT again until next Monday and will be glad to see my PT again. I will do home exercises in the interim. Yeah, I get to sleep in for the next couple of days.

Taco, hope DH does well on his new cardiac med. Loved the dog photos and am glad they are getting along. Mutz is so cute.

canarycat, belated happy Canada day. Sounds like you had an enjoyable one. New Balance are my favorite sneakers because they have such good arch support.

carole, glad you had a beautiful day yesterday and hope it continues. I guess DH had some resectable skin lesions the dermatologist didn't like. Good that he got them taken off.

cindyny, hope you are enjoying the pool.

Illinoislady, I like to be near water, too. I love the stream that runs through our property and the ponds that are on properties down the street. There are Canadian geese on one and their fledglings just flew off.

Didn't get out to weed yet and may wait until this evening. I am doing laundry and the washer is now announcing it is done. However the load in the dryer isn't. It rained overnight and there were brief showers this morning even as I was driving to PT. It's 78 degrees and humid again. Tomorrow is supposed to be low humidity so I may be able to weed for more than 90 minutes.

I have to change the nectar in the hummingbird feeder and brush Misty to finish the chores I had planned for today.

Hope everyone has a great day.

Cardplayer, I have a lot of hand & finger issues I never thought of the anastrazole. I’m unfamiliar with the games you mentioned.

Canarycat, belated happy Canada Day! I too hope you enjoyed all the festivities.

Today was my appointment to get my stitches out. I told the tech I didn’t want to watch, so I laid down and talked her ear off to take the focus off. But I did look before she started - two rows of stitches and 2 stitches on top of the toe; the 4th toe is a SAUSAGE, 3rd toe is bruised. She put steri strips on multiple spots. They X-rayed it and the dr came in.

Dr said I can put weight on the foot, flat, but no flex at the toes to push off - I’m still in my heel walking Velcro shoe. I can’t get in the pool for 3 more weeks. But I explained I don’t really swim, I’m a book reader who gets in to cool off. He said the chance of infection is low but… I asked could I wear the shower cover to keep water off if it to get in the pool. He didn’t say yes but didn’t say no either. I take that as a win.

The not great news is I will still be in the shoe on out first vacation 7/15 at Canandaigua lake. My follow-up is 7/23, 3 days before we leave for Cape Cod. At that appointment I believe I’ll be able to stop wearing the beautiful Velcro shoe and use my sneaker. But I’m also thinking of purchasing a pair of hiking sandals just in case my foot is uncomfortable. (Prime days sale)

First shower tonight without a shower cover - he said not to scrub the toes, just let the soapy water run over them. But once I was out of the shower to dry the foot off… TMI sorry. Enough.

I’m heading to bed. We had a beautiful day today. Tomorrow we might get some rain before noon, it would help water my plants but that’s about it. I’ll be able to do a lot more outside now that I don’t have to worry about getting the foot wet. 🤷‍♀️