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

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  • illinoislady
    illinoislady Posts: 46,506

    Well, it's good afternoon again. I needed to take my car to Salem to the supercenter there and have them repair my front tire. Apparently picked up a screw from somewhere. SIL bought me two front tires for my car and paid extra for the warranty (life of the tires) so I need to go in a couple of days to Marion and didn't want to risk my tire choosing to misbehave going that far.

    Went before breakfast but as I expected, although they put me in line — it did seem no one was in a real hurry. Fortunately they didn't seem busy at all — but we were there longer than I had hoped.

    Intolight, I hate to admit several times I wanted to say something to you (likely responding to something you mentioned) and for some reason I kept thinking Limelight ugg, but all is well. Intolight is actually much better and should be easier for me to remember. I guess using first names here just makes it all seem cozier, and friendlier. We do feel I think quite a kinship with each other as most have been here for a fair length of time. I, myself have been around almost since the very beginning of the thread. Also, I think many moons ago we were more inclined to not use real identifying materials, but while on some threads it might still be that way we here are a small group and share so much else — recipes, travels, vacation homes and areas, and many things that have more to do with how we relate in daily life — making cancer important, but not necessarily the major focus. Of course, if you are currently having issues it will be addressed and respected as we definitely need to offer care and any assistance we can. That pretty much goes for anything.

    The thread was started because the issues we older women face are a bit different for our younger sisters. Also, we generally have our children raised and mainly out on their own —- and many of us are retired and don't have the consideration of cancer and a job — so our little area here was a bit different from the start.

    Anyway so as not to make this too long, the sun is out although it may be brief. We did have a real pour-down yesterday not long after I mentioned the possibility of rain. For a good while, but once it stopped, it became more of a slight drizzle — not bad at all. It is 84 and not too bad out, but that has been because it has been cloudy most of the day so far.

    SIL has most of our little pen done, but needs to do the gate now. We are working on our screen room at the same time since we have a sliding glass door in it which will be used for Lil' Red to go in and out, directly into his pen. I'm working on trying to figure how to take a picture as I'm not schooled in pics and being able to transfer them to the computer.

    I hope you all are having a great Monday and that the week-end was good to you as well.

  • intolight
    intolight Posts: 2,832

    illinoislady, thank you for responding. I do respond to my name as Chris on another thread but I am also used to Christine in my more professional world and sometimes the medical world so that would be okay here too. Intolight is a bit bulky and I do struggle remembering the odd alternate monikers in my prayers so I appreciate the first names.

  • illinoislady
    illinoislady Posts: 46,506

    Happy 68 Canary — just wow — I'd have never guessed and a wonderful cake too. Loved the kitty on the card. And the boots — just awesome. Good news on the boob pain. I guess we do more posts around her than I thought. I presume because I post daily it doesn't always seem like that much is going on.

    By the way, Dh here had Honda's for many yrs. and I think 1 Yamaha. I'm not sure how well he would have kept a Hog upright. He was 5'5" and about 120 #'s. He could have done a Harley, but I think considering center of gravity he did better with the Honda's. It is one of the reasons I never rode with him, as well as the fact that I would not have known how to 'properly' be a passenger.

  • illinoislady
    illinoislady Posts: 46,506

    Intolight — or Christine. I'm am going to have to practice now. I say that but it is partially training my memory to go elsewhere now that I've got intolight down pat.

  • harley07
    harley07 Posts: 574

    A very Happy Birthday Canarycat! Wishes for many more! 🎂🎊🎂

  • betrayal
    betrayal Posts: 5,560

    Sandy, I purchased this stand on Amazon for our two TV's, the largest being 55" and they work well and are very steady.

    https://www.amazon.com/dp/B083J64Z67?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title

    The name is Rentliv Wooden Base Universal TV stand TV Tabletop Mount Stand for 37" -55" Adjustable. Both of ours sit on table tops rather than being wall mounted though. There are other variations by other vendors as well.

  • illinoislady
    illinoislady Posts: 46,506

    Life rushes us along and few people are strong enough to stop on their own. Most often, something unforeseen stops us and it is only then we have the time to take a seat at life’s kitchen table.  To know our own story and tell it. To listen to other people’s stories.  To remember that the real world is made up of just such stories.  Until we stop ourselves or, more often, have been stopped, we hope to put certain of life’s events “behind us” and get on with our living.

     After we stop we see that certain of life’s issues will be with us for as long as we live.  We will pass through them again and again, each time with a new story, each time with a greater understanding, until they become indistinguishable from our blessings and our wisdom. It's the way life teaches us how to live.

    Rachel Naomi Remen

  • illinoislady
    illinoislady Posts: 46,506

    Good Morning. It is somewhat sunny but diluted by some clouds. I think rain in late afternoon. One bill to do today for sure and other odds and ends.

    Cindy, I'm always clapping any time someone can save a bit on something. Have a granddaughter who is a whiz at coupons but she has small children — and we here can't eat the same way a young family might — so not in the least practical, but thinking as well — we'd have no room for all the extra's that one seems to have to buy for it to really pay off. Generally we don't buy warranties, but on some things almost always — like the tires and a lot of times — first year on major appliances.

    I was really giggling on the hair color being used on your ear. Made me think of someone else (your nothing like him though) who has a bronze face while the outside edge somewhat hidden by hair is as white as marble. It is sooo what I would do and likely all of us have taken something of a turn at things like that — be it hair or nails or eyebrow tweezing etc.

    Sandy, it is always ongoing isn't it??? I know you are steadfast about getting organization done properly, but I'm afraid I'd be lacking some hair by now. Just wow !! Hats off to Betrayal for giving you a lead on the tv pedestals. That would be a nice item to know you could take off the plate easily. Loved your descriptive picture of what you go through with all the twists and turns of moving back home. Just think — in a few weeks you'll be all settled in and just have NORMAL daily hassles of everyday living under your own personal somewhat new roof.

    Taco, Harley, Chris, Christine, Petite, Canary, Betrayal, and all who post here — hope your day is great.

  • betrayal
    betrayal Posts: 5,560

    Had a dental cleaning this morning. I am on a 4 month cycle and now that I have to take an ABX before the procedure I need to reach out to Ortho for a new prescription having just taken the last 2 capsules. I am going to ask for 6 capsules so I do not have to keep contacting them since they order 2 at a time. Waste of my time and a container for jusr 2 capsules. I also need to ask them for how long I need to do this because dentist wants specifics.

    It is warm today with lower humidity surprisingly after a very loud thunderstorm last night. Regan doesn't like storms and I send her to the basement with DH where she can get on the couch. Not allowed on the couch in the family room and she does try to get up on it. I am going to do some laundry today though I should try to get some plants in the ground. May do that later.

    Happy belated birthday, canarycat. Loved your cake and it just reminded me I forgot to add a canteloupe to my grocery list. I'd love a cake like that since I love fruit.

    Sandy, your "to-do" list continues to grow as you realize what you are missing and what you need to replace. I hope the boxes you have stored there are labeled as to contents so you know which ones you need to revisit and those that can just be donated. I know it helped me when I had to restore rooms with their contents. My clothes went to a dry cleaners and I had a master list of all that were sent supplied thankfully by them. They had been contaminated by insulation as were my drapes, shoes and bedding.

    cindyny, loved your story about the blonde ear. You have such a good sense of humor and l like when you share your escapades with us. Humor and hope are what keep me going. So thanks for the laugh. I hope your foot ahs recovered from all the walking.

    carole, hope the smoke from Canada dissipates.

    harley07, where have you ridden to lately?

    We hated the clumping litter and since we use pan liners in our litter boxes we don't have a litter sticking or residual odor issue. The cats hated the clumping litter when we were forced to use it during Covid and when Fresh Step was having clay availability issues. We don't have fancy litter pans, just the standard ones with a lid and one on each floor of the house so they get changed weekly after daily scooping.

    Hope everyone has a great day and waving hello to anyone not mentioned.

  • betrayal
    betrayal Posts: 5,560

    Meant to mention when we used to fly to AZ to rent a car to spend 3 weeks exploring the state, one of the trips was to the north rim of the Grand Canyon. We stayed about 50 miles away from this rim and drove in to see the Grand Canyon from this perspective after having visitied the south rim on other occasions. The Grand Canyon Lodge was a beautiful building with huge timbered interior and we arrived around lunch time.

    We spoke to the restaurant manager about a table and since we were willing to wait he flagged a table overlooking the canyon for us. It was a spectacular view and we could actually see small fires on the other rim from our seats. Fire season there is not unusual. I am so glad we got to visit it before learning of its fate.

    Wonder if it will be rebuilt considering how the National Park Service is currently being treated? We did hike one of the trails for another vantage point and though underrated, it was a lovely visit. The cabins lining the road in, were used by park employees and they are gone as well. Sad.

    So glad it wasn't El Tovar on the south rim. It, too, is spectacular and we've had many a meal there. Hope they can contain the fire soon. It is the place to be if you want to see the Condors fly. We have seen them several times and they are spectacular.

  • illinoislady
    illinoislady Posts: 46,506

    I am going to attempt to have my daughter take a picture of our dog pen from a couple of angles and see if we can figure out how to get it to go on my computer. That said, I copied a picture of a pallet fence just in case. In viewing them — there are all sorts of designs and other intricacies' to aim for, but we were not interested in fancying anything up. We wanted an area where there would likely be shade at least part of the time as well as large enough to not feel too confined. Later we could likely paint the fence but we will see about that. Ron is working on the gate section now which is all that is left.

    I'm looking forward to being able to get him out in the fresh air and learning how to spend a bit of time on his own. He has little idea right now how to be solitary.

    Without furthur ado:

    image.png

    I would add our fence is connected to the side end of our house as well as the side end of our screen room. My SIL is very talented and has put up many fences of different materials. This likely though is his first pallet fence. The basics are all pretty much the same though. Good sturdy mental for overall support every so often along the fence line. He will make caps for the end pieces as well as a rail at the top. I'm eager to take Lil' Red out for the first time. All of it, a good learning experience for all of us including Lil' Red.

  • 1946taco
    1946taco Posts: 381

    'CanaryCat - love the cake. What creative friends you have. You don't look 67 to me! But 80 is staring me in the face.

    Sandy - hope a month from now you can relax and say "love my old/new house."

    Carole - be careful with the smoke.

    While no lives have been lost to my knowledge, the north rim Grand Canyon fire is really sad. So much history and memories for many. It is hard to get to so much easier to get around up there and it's cooler than the south rim. Off park housing was not much though. Who knows when they might find it in the budget to rebuild. Right now they can't even find enough firefighters.

    Betrayal and Cindy - hope you haven't had too much flood damage.

    Christine/Intothelight - I liked your handle after you gave us a little biography. Hope you're doing better. Sounds like your decision to move was a very good one.

    Uneventful week here.

    Taco, AKA Marge

  • intolight
    intolight Posts: 2,832

    illinoislady, love the fence. Your SIL is very talented. Unfortunately we live in an HOA and the fencing has to be done a specific way, and even painted a specific color. We hate that, but love the house and the neighborhood.

    CanaryCat, love the "cake." Watermelon is one of the things I eat well…

  • cindyny
    cindyny Posts: 1,572

    Grand Canyon fire is very sad. I’ve only been to the south rim. But all the hits to the park by the current admin, we know it would most likely have to be private funds to help rebuild.

    Jackie, I love the fence! Reduce/ reuse /repurpose. So many things can be made from the wood of a pallet.

    Taco, I’m in upstate NY so thankfully we’ve been spared from that flooding. I fact I haven’t had rain in so long my poor lawn is a mess. Thank you for your concern.

    I had the second wake to attend this morning. My gf who had the uterine cancer was going with me, I offered to pick her up. But as the time got near, she called to say she didn’t feel up to it. We’re not sure if it’s residual from chemo, or the daily radiation she’s getting now. Every day she’s taking a strong anti nausea med, 2x a day. She sees her RO every Wednesday so tomorrow she will be asking her RO what’s going on, and if necessary get a script for more of her anti nausea med.

    The wake itself was very sad. I remember her as a young kid of 10, and they had the video display set up on the tv of all kinds of pictures as a kid, on up to this year. Tears just fell from my eyes. I’m glad I attended.

    It was another hot & humid day, it hit 90 again. I shocked the pool this afternoon, knowing we leave tomorrow morning I want to give it the best chance to stay algae free. Tomorrow morning before we hit the road I’ll need to water everything or come back to dead or dying plants.

    I’m packed, and have a list to check off. I’m hoping to get on the road by 9:30, but won’t be surprised if it’s 10. I’ll check in and post as I can. Be well!

    Weather is on the news: 93, feel like 98 for tomorrow!

  • reader425
    reader425 Posts: 1,030

    We're In the dog days now...heat, humidity but thankfully still coastal breezes here where I'm at.

    Been busy taking care of our boy cat. We recently found he has what they believe is lymphoma. Lost weight etc. He's on 'pallitive' care at home but have been told there's a slim chance the medication could provoke a remission. We told the vet we know he will tell us when it's his time. I'm heartbroken as he's our friendly, cuddly cat and "picked me" from the rescue. Our feisty girl cat picked DH. He here is looking sweet.

    1000011983.jpg

    Saying Hi to all. I continue to enjoy these threads and being part of each other's lives in this way and welcome the newcomers.

  • illinoislady
    illinoislady Posts: 46,506

    I'm not here to be small, to compare, to judge (myself or you),to fit in or to be perfect.  I'm here to grow, to learn, to love, to be human.

    Sue Fitzmaurice

  • betrayal
    betrayal Posts: 5,560

    Reader425, your cat looks like my Leo who is my spooky cat. He was abandoned twice before I found him and he would crawl into my skin if he could. He's now 14 and I wish I could keep him young. Enjoy what time you have with him and cuddle.

    Our Smudge developed abdominal lymphoma at age 12 and didn't respond to therapy. Our vet tried her on steroids but she never really responded. She let us know when she was ready to go. She became very cuddly at the end and she had "picked me" at the rescue, too.

    intolight, I had a Russian blue female who developed thymoma at age 12. She was adopted right around Thanksgiving as a 4 month old.and at Christmas time she kept climbing the tree. Her head would pop out on different levels on the branches and we had to laugh because she was the cutest ornament ever. She only weighed about 4 lb. when we got her so no danger to the tree. She had blue eyes.

    So hard to lose them but so blessed to have had them in our lives.

  • illinoislady
    illinoislady Posts: 46,506

    Good Morning. Yes — Cats. My mantra was that I never met an ugly cat, but did know some that were quite pretty. They do tend to steal your heart if your an animal lover. Our life with cats really happened because as renters (in our beginning years) we were allowed cats, but not dogs. Go figure — cats can be a mite destructive, but that seemed to be the rule then. So, we never had dogs, only cats at first.

    Didn't take long to appreciate how easily they take care of themselves if their is food, water and a litter box available. You provide those things and there is joy and hours of delight watching their inventive play. And they do tend to pick a special person often. It was easy to turn into a rescuer because it was so easy to love and appreciate how much there is to a little kitty that turns into a ball of furry love. Our rescue days are done, but we still have our last rescues to adore. They definitely go a long way in making life still a very livable joy.

    Ah , today. who knows. Some sun out but not real bright. I'm waiting although I don't see clouds where I'm sitting. Could be a mid-morning shower, but as always here - wait and see.

    Hope you all have a great day.

  • carolehalston
    carolehalston Posts: 8,977

    Good morning to everyone. It's sad to lose a pet but often part of being a pet owner. We have our own stories.

    It's 57 degrees here this morning but will warm up and the forecast is for rain this afternoon. I'm thinking I will not go to the gym but take care of some things I need to do.

    Yesterday we took a road trip to the Costco at Baxter/Brainerd. The drive each way was about 2 hours. We paid for a Costco membership at the new Costco at home in Louisiana but continued to use Sam's Club because shopping there was familiar. DH did go to Costco's and buy some tee shirts he liked.

    The store at Baxter/Brainerd was packed with shoppers. We bought a few items and ate lunch in the cafe. We had been hearing about the pizza for years from various people during our rv travels so we each had a slice of pizza. The sauce is delicious. I sprinkled my piece of pizza with pepper flakes.

    The cheese selection was better than Sam's Club. I bought a big hunk of Romano to grate as wanted and dh picked up a large hunk of Gouda. We snacked on the Gouda instead of having a regular dinner last night.

    Enjoy your trip, Cindy.

    Good luck with all your challenges of moving into your house, Sandy.

    Belated Happy Birthday, Canary Cat. I would have enjoyed your birthday cake.

    Happy Wednesday to all.

  • betrayal
    betrayal Posts: 5,560
  • illinoislady
    illinoislady Posts: 46,506

    Chris I love the haircut and it looks cooler a well. Still loving every Tippy story you choose to give us.

    Reader, got so busy talking about cats I forgot to tell you my heart is with you. It is an experience one must have if you wish to let a cat or dog or whatever own you. We have lost so many and despite feeling I have grown stronger through the years, ( I'm sure I have ) I still shed a lot of tears and feel pain from the loss. I have learned though to think at the same time that my precious pet is now done with any suffering, or pain and is on the bridge waiting for me.

    Today we relax a bit and tomorrow we will have to be in Marion about an hr. earlier than we usually are there. I'm glad of that. Hopefully w/o too much issue we will be able to get home earlier in the day — but likely will post late that day.

    Wow, Cindy, seemed your time sure went fast this time. I'll be thinking of you as you travel back to Florida. Haven't listened or looked at any weather reports for your area ( near Marco Island if I recall ) for some time but weather seems to have been odd this yr. almost everywhere.

    Have a trip to Walmart and Aldi's on today's list. Don't need a lot, but since coffee is on the list we have to go.

    Hope you all have a fantastic day.

  • betrayal
    betrayal Posts: 5,560

    Chris, is your wallhanging withe the green background holding crocheted doilies? I have a collection that I had put into 3 -D frames over the years that I use as wall decorations. I have a collection I have acquired over the years that I use to protect furniture from sharp edged decorations. Don't care if they are not in vogue, I love them.

    Inner aspect and outer aspect of knee areas are very sore lately. PT added some new stretches today to see if they will help decrease pain at night.

    Temperatures in mid-80's but humidity is very high so it is uncomfortable outside. Did not work in yard due to heat index readings of 100 degrees. We have already had one good shower around 3 PM which I am sure the plants will appreciate. Supposed to storm later around 1 AM. There is a heat advisory for tomorrow with temps to feel in excess of 105 degrees.

    I do not understand how people can forget an animal or their children in a car during this weather. We just had a relatively new and young K-9 bloodhound die when the A/C failed in the car while the cop was in the station. Why wasn't the dog in the station? He was fired and I am sure those who donated the dog were dismayed.

    Ironed this afternoon after doing 2 loads of wash this morning. So I am caught up, now I just need to make my bed.

    DH went to DD's to do the electrical work on their new hot tub. He's been there since early this morning because they ran into some issues. Whenever he says, easy job, it is a warning it will not be. So true to form it wasn't.

    Taco, I live on a hill and while we do have a stream running through the front of our property, if it floods it only affects the lower part of the yard where it is street level. So we are safe. Thanks for the concern.

    Hope everyone had a great day.

  • mcbaker
    mcbaker Posts: 2,096

    Yes, betrayal. Not just crocheted. There is a knitted one from Poland. There are multiple examples of bobbin lace, one set of three and another set of two. Also one piece of tatting. I had them in frames until a year ago, but when I moved last year, I decided that putting that many holes in rented apartment walls just wasn't what I wanted to continue to do. And I don't know if I will stay here or eventually move.

  • reader425
    reader425 Posts: 1,030

    I appreciate all the kind expressions of sympathy regarding our kitty. We love dogs too but DH is allergic to everything but cats per his allergist.