Can we have a forum for "older" people with bc?
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Yes betrayal, it was a nice little experiment there. Yeah, it will be less stress on my thumb. One handed typing is just not fun.
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Chris, great to have you back. My new orthotics so far haven’t cost me anything. I think Medicare covered it. I have a follow-up at the end of the month, I’ll post if I need to pay.
Petite, or errr Tiny… tee hee, I’m glad you’re enjoying the cabin. And it sounds like a lot of projects are happening soon too. We used our mini split as heat a few days ago. I closed off the kitchen to keep the heat in living/dining room. It was good, but I discovered I had a learning curve. I think if I put it on again, I’d turn on my ceiling fan and switch its direction to pull down the heat at the ceiling.
My “shrinkage” comes from compressed disks in my back. It’s 1/2” to 1” from their measurements at drs offices. I wanted to get my back looked at while I was in NY, but never got around to it
Canary, love that picture. I did look up endometrial stripe, and hope all your tests come back good.
Betrayl, loved your pictures too. Good use of pumpkins.We took the screen house down today. We remarked on how easy it comes down vs goes up! We’re getting old. I’d love something I don’t have to take down. I’ve seen some prefab screened in cabana type things with a hard roof, that stay up in winter: $2-5k. Then I think to add in the installation costs, cement pad, building permit, and I’ll probably be putting this up until it falls apart, or I fall apart.
That was it for today. I showered as soon as I got in the house, covered in sweet & dirt.
Baseball has been on most of the day. I chose to catch up on shows that are recorded on my FL DVR. They store to the cloud and I can watch them on my phone. He’s happy, I’m happy too.
Hope you all have a good night!
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A sure sign of the seasons changing - Carole is back in LA and Cindy is heading to FL. Happy to hear Carole is safely back home. Cindy - hope you get your ‘to do’ list done with minimal stress before heading to Florida.
Chris - it’s great you have voice to text on your computer! Your post came through perfectly and we’ re happy to hear your ‘voice’ again. This should give your thumb time to rest while allowing you to communicate.
Betrayal - your fall decorations are beautiful. Sounds like a wonderful and yummy visit to Lancaster. How’s packing coming along for your trip?
Canarycat - hoping all goes well with the endometrial biopsy. I had the same issue two years ago and it turned out to be benign polyps. Wishing you a benign result as well.
Petite - glad to hear you are enjoying your cabin.
Wren - wishing you no to minimal side effects with the new drug.
I expect Sandy is deep into moving back into her home. I think her HK was coming for a visit so I hope that can wrap things up.
Teka - thank you for the wonderful welcome to October.
Seems that many of us are losing height as we age. At one point I was 5’9”. Now I’m 5’7.3”. Oncologists are very precise with their measuring. And yes, I’ll take that extra 0.3” as it makes my BMI slightly better. I like to joke that my height rather than my weight is the issue.
Have a wonderful Sunday.
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There are amazingly wonderful people in all walks of life; some familiar to us and others not. Stretch yourself and really get to know people. People are in many ways one of our greatest treasures.
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Lovely porch decorations. I like the variety of pumpkins. The critters are in for a treat.
Petite, or Tiny, how nice that you're enjoying your cabin and exploring the region.
Cindy, our neighbors Mary and Lyman in MN have a screen room on their deck that has a stout frame that stays up year round. They remove the cloth curtains and the panels on the roof when they leave for the winter. It works great for them since they're up early in the morning, smoking. It also has netting but they don't use it. I think it cost around $2000 when they bought it four years ago. It has been a great buy for them. Other folks have screen rooms on the deck, too, but not as big. The frames stay up year-round.
Good post, Chris. Now we can hear from you.
I thought I was having a rare sleepless night last night, but my watch pegged me at 8 hours sleep overall and 40 minutes of deep sleep. I must have been dreaming I was awake. Strange… A problem on my mind was finding a handy man to help dh with replacing the food disposal in the sink. I may have come up with the answer, a nephew who could use the money.
I worked up my courage and stepped on the wicked bathroom scale this morning. It gave me very wicked feedback on weight gain. Sigh…
Happy Sunday.
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Laughing. I just took a look at the soles of my summer shoes and threw them out. That wear pattern is typical of me.
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Totally off topic - various social media reports of major ICE crackdown in Chicago. With even stealth fly overs, to toss in more fear. I was hoping Sandy would clue us (me!) in to reality. It seems major news carriers aren’t reporting on it.
It’s 66 but heading up to 82. An October heat wave. But by Thursday our high is 58.
I don’t have any plans for today, but feel like I should! Maybe a walk. I can put the orange poles in the ground for the plow, while the ground is still soft enough to do it. Putter around the garden. I think it’s early to take out the garden solar lights and spinning things, but if the mood hits me, I might put away some of it.
I know today for my SO is another day filled with baseball and football. He’ll help out in the garden if I need him but I’m not moving anything that would require some more muscle. He’s off the hook.
I hope it’s sunny where you are, and you can enjoy the day.
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71 years old. Diagnosis: DCIS, Moderate Grade, Stage 0, ER/PR+. Diagnosis per stereotactic biopsy of one area of calcifications. Have multiple areas, some not biopsied. Treatment recommended: Mastectomy with DEIP simultaneous reconstruction.
I have read several articles saying that a diagnosis this late in life would be less likely to result in IBC before death by other reason based, I guess, on average life expectancy.
I would like to consider just doing active survellilence, vs mastectomy, but am concerning because of the rest of the areas of calcifications not being biopsed. I am also considering having a breast staging MRI and some genetic testing referenced in these comments before I make a decision.
Is anyone else in the same boat that I am? If so, PLEASE let me know what you have done or are thinking about doing! I would be greatly appreciative for ANY advise and counsel you could offer.
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chdar919, welcome to this forum. Have you spoken to just a breast surgeon? If so. you may want to talk to a Medical Oncologist for a recommendation. I had a mixed dx with DCIS, IDC and ILC so I can't offer any other recommendations about your diagnosis and proposed care. I've had a stereotactic bx (and will never consent to another) for calcifications that were benign. Not a pleasant procedure.
Perhaps someone who has had a DIEP can offer you some insight as to what to expect. As far as average life expectancy that is a consideration, but it depends on your current medical hx. Do you have any other major health issues?
Whatever decision you make for treatment we will offer to support you as much as you want or need.
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chdar919 - a warm welcome. I second betrayal’s suggestion to meet with a medical oncologist (MO) and / or get a second opinion to better understand your risks. I had IDC at the age of 63 and have a genetic mutation. My breast surgeon refused to do a mastectomy so I had a lumpectomy and radiation.
Cindy - I live in the Chicago suburbs. If you look up local stations such as wgntv.com or nbcchicago.com you can get more info. They are in the city and the suburbs although I am not aware of them in my town yet. My son is adopted and is Hispanic and Native American (the ‘original’citizens). He was born in the Chicago area to a U.S. citizen and carries a U.S. passport. I am terrified for his safety. He had an ugly incident about 7-8 years ago in downtown Chicago. He had gotten off of work and was waiting at a bus stop on Michigan Avenue while scrolling on his phone. Some (presumably deranged) woman start screaming at him to go back to his homeland. He has been mistaken for middle eastern at times, not that it should matter. She claimed he was trying to blow up buildings using his phone. She started screaming for the police (who regularly foot patrol the area) and he was quickly surrounded by 3 cops. They determined he was not a threat, told the woman to leave or face arrest and waited for my son to board his bus. He was pretty shaken up. I have not slept well in the past few weeks and fear it will only get worse.
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harley07, what a horrible experience for your son. I can understand your worry especially with the unhinged ICE roaming in cities and using "skin color" as a determinant of one's citizenship. They don't ask questions first, just gut reactions to their perceptions. I pray for his continued safety.
I spent about an hour doing a preliminary pack of my suitcase, but realized I need to add a raincoat since we are expecting to encounter some in Central America and a light jacket because I sometimes find the A/C on the ship overwhelming if I am just sitting. I still need to decide which jewelry I am taking, so that's a task for tomorrow.
I sorted out my daily supplements and have the daytime meds all counted out in original containers (such a PIA) so I can just discard them at the end of the trip. I will add the nighttime meds on Tuesday night. They go in my carryon so easy to add. I just realized how many meds I take, and would seriously like to see if some could be eliminated. Many are supplements to correct my iron deficiency, B12 to cover that deficiency and D3 for the same reason. I am fair skinned, and use sunscreen liberally, so I am D3 lacking even though this is included in the Calcium I take for osteopenia, it is not enough to keep my D3 above 50, thus the supplement.
cindyny, yeah a day without an injury! You sure keep yourself busy and it seems like you are on target for heading back to FL.
Carole, had a chuckle about your "dream" and thinking you were awake. As far as scales, I will weigh myself at home and agonize at times, but refuse to do this at a doctor's office because I refuse to have my shoes and clothing weight as part of my BMI number. They always say they deduct a few pounds for them, but I have caught them in their lie. Remember what the one meme said about our bodies mostly being composed of water so you are not overweight, you are "flooded". Or as harley07, said you are too short for your weight. I'm using that one since I have not gained any weight, but I sure have shrunk (another thing I won't let them measure).
Now that the Jewish high holiday is over, maybe Sandy will chime in to let us know how things are going.
petite1, love your plans for making the cabin yours. Loved your "used to be petite, now, I'm just tiny".
I got my Flu shot today and ironically the woman ahead of me had the same first name, so we both responded when the pharmacist called out the name. This is the second time this has happened to me in the last few weeks. In the first case, the woman ahead of me in line, had the same name. We got a laugh out of it since it is no longer a popular name.
Trying to finish up some housework and was able to vacuum the living room and dining room rugs today. I even swept under some small area rugs and was surprised to find gritty dirt under them. I have no idea where it came from.
Just need to finish family room and wash the kitchen floor, but that will wait until tomorrow. I'll do a load of wash on Tuesday so there will be minimal dirty clothes waiting for me at home. We get free laundry on the ship, so I'll use that to minimize what laundry I have to do when I get home.
DD and DSIL stopped by last night with DGS and DGD in tow. They had gone to the local high school band fest, which they enjoyed. DGD invited us to her birthday party, but unfortunately we will be on the ship. She was a bit disappointed, but I told her I would bring her a surprise. I already have addressed birthday cards (her and DSIL), and Halloween cards for all of them including cash. DD will take care of handing them out.
It was a beautiful day, Sunny with temps in the mid 70's and low humidity. I hope everyone had a great day and waving "hi" to everyone.
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chfar, I had DCIS and IDC. I saw 2 surgeons for their opinions and a medical oncologist, before any surgery (lumpectomy). I second, or third, the other ladies to get a second opinion.
Harley, that’s a horrible thing that your son went though years back. I can understand your fear now. It’s such uncertainty. While we vacationed in DC, daily we saw ads on tv recruiting for ICE. In conversation with another guest, she said similar ads are running in NYC recruiting for cash bonus money for sign ups. We’re in upstate NY and had never seen such ads on tv, and were frankly shocked.
Betrayal, SO & I both got our flu shots today too. We usually wait until 2 weeks before we leave, but checked online and CVS had an appointment at 4 so we took it.
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A broken bone can heal, but the wound a word opens can fester forever.
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I have not been dx yet but it is imminent. Biopsy is 10/14.
Im 63yo and have a suspicious palpable solid in a duct. The experienced sonographer strongly feels it is confined to the duct. She actually said to me that even if its not benign, they just remove it and you can forget about it. It's 8mm (sonographer said 11mm), somewhat vascular and has some angular margins. When I felt it, it felt like my other cysts: rubbery, somewhat mobile, oval with smooth margins. The radiologist report made no mention of the margins. BIRADS 4b.
Im hoping its DCIS at worst.
Anyone here have an intraductal solid that was about 1cm and it turned out stage 0?
Im just afraid that by the time it is biopsied and removed, it will spread to stage 1 or 2.
Did anyone feel this way?
Also, I'm done with my breasts. Regardless of the outcome, I want a double mx.
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Hi Bopsie, welcome to this forum. I hear your worry, it is as palpable as the mass you are feeling. I think not knowing what it is at this moment is something we have all experienced. That said, I will caution you to wait until you receive the biopsy results. I haven't had your experience and think that if someone on here has had a similar one, they will reach out.
They can only determine stage when they do the biopsy, which will also determine what the mass is, and if it is benign or not. The results can take up to 7 days to receive. Once you have them then you can consult with a breast surgeon or two (sometimes a second opinion is necessary), a medical oncologist and a radiation oncologist if needed. Most breast lesions take 10 years to develop and to be detectable; thus the majority are slow growing.
You are in the early stages of care for this so I encourage you to try to find some form of diversion that takes your mind off this. Easier said, than done, I realize, but worry doesn't lead to logical thinking or decisions.
We are here to offer you whatever support you need, so please keep us in the loop and let us know how we can support you. I offer you (((HUGS))).
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boopsie, welcome to the group no one wants to be a part of. I don’t know enough about birads to really help you. In my head I don’t think between now and 10/14 it will jump to stage 1 or 2 - but you haven’t had a biopsy yet, nor seen a surgeon or Medical Oncologist. Deep inhale & exhale, I know it is STRESSFUL. Once they have results of the biopsy, if necessary you’ll be directed to both a surgeon and an MO. They’ll help you make informed decisions on what’s necessary and in your best interests. We’re here to support you, this is a good group of ladies.
It’s 84 out! I started pruning dead wood out of my rose bushes. I tried staying in the shade because boy it’s hot. I’m waiting to prune them down sharply until later, they have a lot of blooms still on them. By Thursday 56 will be the high, so I felt I had to go out and do something today.
I also put away some garden decorations but left some too. I’m weird - I don’t want to put them away too soon because I like looking out at them - solar color ones especially; but I don’t want them frozen in the ground, which I admit has happened before.
We have the big 12x12 outdoor carpet to get into our garbage bin tonight. Trash pick up is tomorrow. It’s so dirty, it lays on the lawn - which it kills, the bottom will be filthy. And getting it up and into the bin - we will be filthy too! May the force be with me.
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Welcome Bopsie and Chdar919. The time waiting for a definitive diagnosis and a treatment plan can be the hardest. Hang in there. We'll be here, hopefully with answers for your questions but always with support for your journey. I agree that age and other health issues should enter into your treatment plans. I would make different decisions today than I did 8 years ago just because I'm 8 years older. Don't let anyone talk you into something that you aren't sure about - and then don't look back. I suggest you take someone with you to your doctors' appointments to take notes and help you get clarity about what is suggested. As someone already mentioned, you will see at least 3 specialists in pulling a plan together.
Chris - I noticed the difference after you mentioned it but how wonderful your computer can do that. I don't think mine can.
Harley - how scary for your family! Our daughter is also adopted but isn't biracial.
Carnarycat - loved the pictures, especially the one where your cat was posing so perfectly.
Betrayal - are you going through the Canal? I seem to have forgotten.
Did a Cosco run for our food bank while Ella was skating. Lots of protein. We'll drop it off on Wednesday. I was out of there before I remembered that I had intended to also get cereal. Not only do more folks need help but it's harder for the FB to get food.
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Bopsie and chdr919 - hang in there and do your best to distract yourself. We’ll be here for you. Most breast cancers are slow growing so an extra week or two or three will not likely impact the stage or treatment. I was where you were 5 years ago and my anxiety was through the roof, so I get it.
Taco - our small food bank is in the same situation - need is up and it’s harder for the FB to get food. We are running out every week.Betrayal - I believe you are leaving on vacation in the next few days - have a fabulous trip!!!
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Your living is determined not so much by what life brings to you as by the attitude you bring to life; not so much by what happens to you as by the way your mind looks at what happens.
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Betrayal, that quote is so Jackie. Her philosophy of life. I'm still somewhat in denial. Her passing took me so by surprise.
Welcome to our newcomers. You have gotten good advice from some on our thread. Don't rush into a decision about surgery. With time, the panic will ease, and you will make peace with the new normal. I recommend finding or creating a group with your similar diagnosis, surgery, treatment. A support group of women in the same situation is wonderful to have. Meanwhile we are glad to share your experiences.
Hi to all.
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I am enjoying the mountains and my little cabin. I hiked for 6 miles yesterday. I am heading to another trail today. I have pictures, but need to down load them.
Welcome to the new folks. I have the mutant gene, but did not have a complete mastectomy.
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carole, thank you so much for your comment. I, too, miss Jackie, and while I realize I could never fill her shoes, I would like to think picking up the gauntlet of the daily quotes, is an homage to her spirit.
My DS and his baby sitter were best buds. Both of my children called her Mrs. and her surname. However, she always addressed her husband as "Hon" and they adopted this as well. She did explain he was the Mr., but they were not buying it, he was "Hon". When she died unexpectedly, my DS was very angry at her. When I asked him why he was angry at her, he said "because she never said good-bye". He was only 8, and had been with her since he was 3 months old, so the attachment was really strong. I did explain that she really never had the chance to say good-bye to anyone, he understood, but it still left him bereft. Now, I can understand why he felt that way.
I need to finalize packing today, so I am doing last minute laundry so there is none waiting for me on return. I still have to do the jewelry packing, but that won't take long. I have my carryon to pack because it contains medications, jewelry and a book and crossword puzzles for the plane. Plus, I have to change purses, which only requires moving somethings from my wallet to the travel wallet, since the bag itself is always prepacked with necessities. I also pack a genealogy folder that I am trying to finalize revisions to one family story on. We have sea days and I use them for this project. I work in short spurts and hope to finish this one on this cruise.
Yesterday, I finished vacuuming and mopping the laundry room, powder room and kitchen. So today, my back hurts. I mailed my ballot, renewed some subscriptions, and took care of all things needing to be mailed. Watering all the plants today so DD doesn't have to do it for at least a week.
We leave early tomorrow morning for San Diego and board the ship for our cruise through the Panama Canal and an extra week in the Caribbean on Thursday. I won't be able to post daily quotes from 10/8 to 11/2. I will resume on my return. I will most likely be able to read posts on my phone, but may not be able to respond. We'll see since we are supposed to have computer/ internet access this trip. However, it is supposedly very slow and difficult to access.
It is a sunny day with temps in the low 70's but humid. A slight breeze and the leaves are falling, but the canopies are still full. They haven't really turned colors yet.
I hope everyone has a great day and I am waving "hi" to all.
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Betrayal, enjoy your trip! It sound like a great way to see the canal.
I puttered outside today. It was overcast, and windy but 78. I picked up giant pine cones and tossed them in the yard waste bin. Then I investigated why a low voltage spot light wasn’t working. I was afraid it was from me digging out the invasive grass, maybe I had caught the wire. But I opened it up see the light bulb had broke. Fortunately I had and extra, so I removed the old one and put in the new. Fingers crossed it works tonight.As I key this I realize I need to rest the timer on the yard lights. Last night I think it went off at 8; I’d like it about 6, but feel that too will switch to 5 as it gets darker earlier. So maybe I’ll set it for 5 and be done until I’m back in May.
I also wrapped Christmas gifts. Laugh as you may, I leave some gifts here and I’m trying to organize “stuff.” I feel like I have a handle on it now, so less stress for me.
I may put up some Halloween stuff before it’s too dark. After I come in from resetting that garden light timer!
PS - timer went off, spot light still not on. Investigated, it looks like the wire is rusted - coating is gone in a spot. I’ll need to replace it.2 -
Have a great trip, Betrayal. We've been through the Canal twice, once in each direction. Great memories.
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Life is full of beauty. Notice it. Notice the bumble bee, the small child, and the smiling faces. Smell the rain, and feel the wind. Live your life to the fullest potential, and fight for your dreams.
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Enjoy your trip, Betrayal. I admire your ability to organize.
Cindy, I admire your homeowner's maintenance skills.
I plan to go to senior exercise today at the current time, 11:30. I went on Monday for the 12:30 time and missed it. The time was wrong on the website, which obviously isn't kept up to date. I went to chair yoga yesterday and was surprised to see how the class attendance has grown. When I first started the class, it was small.
Petite, I always liked hiking. Good for you hiking that distance.
After exercise, I plan to shop for diapers for a nephew's autistic child and a great-niece's little girl. The nephew and the great-niece struggle to make ends meet and diapers are quite an expense. I didn't realize how expensive they are until recently.
Happy Wednesday.
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Carole, for my grandniece I called myself the “diaper fairy.” I bought her diapers until she was out of them! My niece was a single mom and I figured why not. It was a great help, as I’m sure you purchasing them will be for your family.
Well the low volt spot light ended up on last night. I looked out and to my surprise it was shining brightly. I think from rain, it might have acted like a conductor of sorts on the rusted wires. Because tonight it’s not working, and there is no rain (yet). The 2 new ones showed up tonight. That’s a job for tomorrow in the daylight.
Busy day tomorrow - thyroid ultrasound first, with endocrinologist follow up in the AM. Oral surgeon in the PM.
High tomorrow of 57. I’ll get out my jeans and long sleeve shirt tonight for appointments tomorrow.Not much else happening here. Hope it’s quiet where you are too.
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betrayal have a great trip!
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We are under sail leaving San Diego to encounter 2 days of a tropical storm. Great table in dining room. Room is nice since we always have a verandah for sea days. Hope everyone had a great day. Waving hi to everyone. I will take pictures to post later.
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Betrayal - have a wonderful time. Look forward to your pictures.
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