Can we have a forum for "older" people with bc?
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I ran to endocrinologist office this morning. Ultrasound, follow up with Dr, and blood work. All seems normal; one nodule has gotten bigger but so little it’s not necessary to biopsy. Bloodwork T4 & TSH: ranges all changed from last time but within normal ranges. I have appointments for next year, with a dexa scan included.
But the crazy part was my BP. It was 142 over 78. I’ve always had it run on the low side (105/55, 106/60, 110/70, 118/56, up to 120 max). Usually when a nurse takes my BP, the dr does it again to confirm it, because it’s on the low side. So I’m blown out of the water with 142/78. I have a wrist cuff BP machine and will start using it in the morning to see what is going on.
Oral surgeons office in late afternoon, they did a panoramic x-ray. The bone graft looks good. I can stop with salt water rinses, and knock down the prescription rinse to just before bed and then brush my teeth. Crazy part here is I requested a referral to get into my FL oral surgeons office, and asked when I should try to get an appointment. He said it takes 3-4 months from the graft to begin the implant. So looking at the calendar I think December 18 is 3 months. It’s crazy thinking about implant vs a bridge. I guess I should be thankful it’s a molar and not a front tooth. “Overwhelmed” fits how I feel. Maybe that’s my BP trigger. Hahah
I took my grandniece to a ceramic painting place tonight. She’s had a rough week and I could use some time with her. I had a card for hours of studio time and figured it would save me some money. Well the worker let me know it expired. I pointed out it didn’t have an expiration date. She said they don’t charge studio time any more, it’s based on the one price of the piece you pick. Let’s just say I spent $70 to hang with my grandniece and get some giggles. She had fun, I did too. I just didn’t realize the cost. We pick up our items on Thursday of next week.
It’s been a long day. I didn’t get to hook up the new spot light outside. I’ll get to it tomorrow. Tonights temperature is going down to 30 overnight, plants be damned. I’m headed to bed, with the electric blanket.
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Cindy - glad to hear the endo visit went well except for the BP. Was the BP taken with a machine or manually? Hopefully just a one-off high reading.
You are a wonderful aunt with all you do for your niece and grandniece.
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I had taken the battery off my bike for the previous two nights. Yesterday I tried to put it back in, but it wouldn't slide in to the contact points. In frustration I used my cast, but finally went in and got my hammer. I used it as a wedge between the battery and the tire and FINALLY got it to slide into place.
I have an appointment for toe nail care and another to get my hair professionally washed and cut. I lost my little right toenail for the tenth time a few weeks ago. Have it taped into place so it won't disturb where it is till anchored.
Brke my budget a month ago buying some long sleve tees. They are so noce, slide over my cast so easily. Just ordered some magnet and claw necklace closures, and eager to continue sewing silk tops also to wear with the tees. Moving on to some different styles.
I convinced Tippy that he is my medicine when he curls up beside me so I can pet him. I could almost see his pride. He seems to understand the mutual help contract between dog and person. We had a break in our relationship a few months ago when I drugged himand groomed him. I think he is getting over it. Particularly since I can't groom him right now. When he goes in for dental surgery at the end of the month they will also cut out a couple of matts for me.
No apologise for the typos!!!
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It has cooled off, and I plan to do some yard work today. As usual, invasive trees and vines have flourished in the flowerbeds over the summer. I can't remove them because the root systems are too established. I use loppers to cut them off near the ground. They always grow back.
Our grass mowers, Lila and Tony, came yesterday to be paid for four months of mowing. Lila is my age and Tony is about dh's age. We always pay them cash. I offered at the beginning to pay them after each mowing, but they refused. They don't need the income but insist they enjoy the work. They have a grandson about 18 years old who helps them. He was home-schooled. I can tell that he is autistic.
Hi to everyone on this nice Saturday.
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I thought I posted last night but guess with everything going on, I never hit send.
My gf dh was taken via ambulance to the hospital. She was in one room watching tv, and he in another watching a different program. She heard him yell, and thought he was yelling at the TV, but went in to check - he had his knee replaced on 9/29. Turns out his defibrillator went off. She called 911.
I had an update this morning - his heart was shocked 4x last night; couldn’t get it to stabilize; intubated him and put on a ventilator; sent for a full body CT, thinking maybe a blood clot from the knee - no blood clot found.
Just got a text, they’re moving him to Boston on Monday to have an ablation done on the outside of the heart.
I’ve known him at least 50 years, longer than my gf. I’m asking if there is anything I can do to help her.
My BP was 113/56 this morning. We’ll see what tomorrow brings.
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Hoping for a good outcome for your friend's dh. What a nightmare experience.
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First port of call Puerto Vallarta. Found a nice t our of the city with a local driver and traveled with 2 women from our ship. Took us around the town to see sights tgecwomen had heard about from the presentation. We hadn't gone so were lucky to find them. Here are some photos.
It rained near the end of the tour .
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More photos.
House where Richard Burton and Liz Taylor lived.
Cathedral.
City symbol.
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Today plans changed. Gf dh is now going to Mt Sinai in NYC. Apparently his insurance wouldn’t cover Boston, it’s out of network. So now the plan is NYC. I spent 3 hours sitting with gf at the hospital this morning.
We need to talk tonight. I’d like her adult daughter to go with her, I’ve offered to answer phones at their business. If she doesn’t go, my SO & I have discussed me talking the train down with her - getting her to the hotel to check in, and walking her to the hospital, then I’d train back home. I’m calling her now.
Betrayal, love the pictures!
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betrayal, good way to tour the city. Nice pics.
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More photos.
4 men climb to the top of this pole, tie a rope to one ankle and then spin down upside down to near the beach. Enjoyed it but not something I would ever do.
cindyny, prayers for your friend's dh.
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Betrayal - great photos. Glad you are enjoying the trip. How are the temperatures? My son went to PV two years ago for a friend’s wedding and loved it.
Cindy - keeping your gf and her DH in my thoughts. Hopefully they can help him at Mt Sinai. You are a good friend to go with her and help her get settled in.
We are having absolutely gorgeous fall weather and trying to make the most of it.
Waving hi to all.
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Cindy, you are being a true friend to take the extra steps to get your friend close to her hubby.
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Thanks for sharing the photos, Betrayal.
Cindy, you're a true friend.
We spent half of yesterday am installing a replacement disposal. DH comes up with clever ways to do things. He used a jack to hold up the old and then the new disposal. And he lay on a couple of pillows. I assisted by handing him things. Lowe's wanted $165 to do the job.
I plan to go to the 11:30 senior exercise class today.
Hi to all.
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carole, I always ended up holding the disposal when dh replaced it. Thank your dh for his ingenous replacement. I always felt like I was going to pop a shoulder.
harley07, humidity in PV was so high, you didn't sweat. The temperature was high as well but much like our summers so not unbearable. It was nice to get off the ship. Sea days today and then 2 days of scheduled tours.
Waving "hi" to everyone.
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The latest update: His dr believes he’ll be stable - so they lowered his meds and removed the tube to the ventilator. As of an hour ago he’s awake and breathing in his own. So far so good.
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Cindy - where in New York are you? I can't imagine why they would want to take your friend to Boston. Good for you for offering to go with her, even if it's a turn-around trip.
Great pics, Betrayal. I have a wonderful memory of a tour that took us into the countryside around PV which ended with a cookout with fresh shrimp wrapped in bacon. I too would pass on the hanging upside down and being swung around.
Chris - losing toenails? How are your hands? You and Tippy have something very special. I think dogs always know when their people are feeling badly. Maybe that closeness is the best medicine. I know I will be very sad when I can no longer have a dog.
October is doctor month for us. We've both had our teeth cleaned and gotten flu and Covid shots and I've seen my primary. Ken sees his cardiologist tomorrow and his internist on Friday. Oh, and then he goes back to the dentist.
Got my poster printed for Saturday's rally. I had trouble with it and the young woman in Office Max was very patient. She told me and the person ahead of me that there would be no charge for our rally posters. I appreciated it but hope she doesn't get in trouble with her boss.
Hope everyone has a good week.
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Yesterday I broke through a mental barrier and took my car to the carwash. I had trouble at the kiosk and the manager came out and helped me. DH has been badgering me for a couple of years to start using the carwash myself instead of having him take care of it. My answer has been that he uses my car almost as much as I do when we're home in Louisiana.
In MN I went through the excellent car wash with him in his pickup a couple of times and did it on my own a couple of times. Anyway I was impressed with the number of vacuum stations at our local carwash and used one to finish the job. Now I have a sticker on the windshield that will let me bypass the kiosk. Here the vacuuming is free. It wasn't free in MN. I'm not sure I'll wash my car often enough to justify a monthly pass but we'll see. I can always cancel my part of our family package.
I'm forcing myself through another mental barrier today and playing golf with three other women in the Tuesday/Friday group of which I'm a member. I don't play well and embarrassment over my game factors in. I used to be a much better player and played three times a week, participated in the women's weekly league and played the tournaments. Now I'm happier going to the gym. But… Today I'm going to the golf course.
Hi to everyone.
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The trip back home was very slow. A lot of traffic from North Carolina to Florida. I did stay over in Tifton GA, because I had been on the road for 8 hours. I couldn't take it any longer. The next day traffic was not as bad. I was a zombie for 2 days. I think part of this is from the adjustments my new PCP is doing to my meds. He lowered my levothyroxine to a place it has never been before, but I have never been this old before. LOL
I am attaching some trail photos
The first are from Murphy River Walk
The last are from Piney Knob Trail System
They got out f order. Trail of tears goes with River walk
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Beautiful pictures, petite. Really nice to be able to have a home away from home, but yet not all that far.
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petite - those trails loook lovely. Hope you enjoyed the hike.
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Second port of call is Huatulco in Oxaca. Lovely beaches. Guide said best time to visit is October and November because rainy season is over and vegetation verdant. They have an International Airport here and supposedly non-stop flights from US daily. I liked it better than P V. Our tour took us to several sights including Santa Maria Huatulco, a mescal distillery where I tried 4 different ones, but they are not my taste. Too strong. Bought the local chocolate drink powder to take home. It was delicious. We visited the church in Santa Maria; space on exterior but beautiful 17th century interior. Then wEe had tamales and tacos at another place. I got to make a corn taco from dough ball using a press and then cooking it on a hot fire. Not a fan of tamales nor corn tortillas. Enjoyed the tour of the botanical garden. Enjoyed the tour and the guide was excellent. If you are a beach person, this is the place to come. 57 beaches.
Photos being posted.
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Above are Santa Maria.
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Mescal distillery. Escalated made from agave plant that is at least 7 years old.
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Making tacos and botanical gardens.
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Gardens and Mr. Tom who was strutting hus stuff.
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Such exciting pictures!
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petite1, loved your photos. Sorry your return home was so difficult.
Waving "hi" to everyone.
Sandy, hope you are reaching the end of your challenge and were able to make order from the chaos.
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Taco, we’re in the Albany area. Gf dh needs an external ablation. Apparently the heart drs here don’t do it frequently, whereas the heart surgeons at Mt Sinai in NYC, and at Brigham in Boston do it a lot. It sounds like a speciality.
Carole, as long as you’re enjoying the golf, I say go for it. Any outing is better than not going.
Petite, the hiking looks good there, as does the Bigfoot warning! Your traffic was probably influenced by us snowbirds returning.
Betrayal, the pictures are great.Gf dh had the intubation tube removed yesterday, after they lowered his meds over a period of time. He did great. His surgeon here believed he was stable enough to stop the ventilator.
Then they were set up to discharge him from our ICU to NYC Mt Sinai ICU. My gf called, she was booking train tickets - earliest were sold out - we were scheduled for 10:05. Ambulance team was ready, when it came thru that the surgeon in NYC couldn’t fit him in, no availability. Thankfully gf took insurance on the tickets, told her daughter we’re old and need the insurance, she cancelled and received all her money back. They were told it could be a week before they send him down.
Today he was moved out of ICU to another floor, they described it as a step down with similar oversight.
GF is hoping they send him down sooner than later. The stress of waiting around is exhausting.
Add in next week - I’ve got mammo & ultrasound on Wednesday morning, and eye dr with dilation on Thursday. If he doesn’t go down to NYC before then I won’t be able to accompany her.
I’m getting my hair cut tomorrow. When gf said they’re moving her dh, I thought to NYC and I’d miss my hair cut! Selfish, I need a haircut badly.I completed the Christmas & birthday cards that I leave here with cash gifts in them. I made a trip to the bank. I ran to watch my grandniece help disabled kids in a bocci league. She went home with me after we stopped at McDonald’s, then her aunts. Later we went back out to Whole Food for a mystery bakery bag - oatmeal raisin cookies, a 4 pack of blueberry muffins, and a dozen small croissants. And yes - we tried everything!
I’m heading to bed. I hope you all had a great day.
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I like corn tortillas and always order them instead of flour tortillas if the corn is available. I have a tortilla press and usually make tortillas when we're home. I would have enjoyed your hands on experience, Betrayal.
I managed 17 holes yesterday but skipped #18. Humidity was lower but the temperature still got up into the 80's. I didn't embarrass myself with my game. I was very tired when I got home and dehydrated despite drinking a lot of water.
I have a hair appointment today but do not have a "plan" with my hair. The last two shampoos, I didn't blow-dry, but just combed out my hair and let it dry. It will be interesting to see what my stylist suggests. I plan to keep the new length, which is down past my ears.
Afterwards I will meet a friend at a coffee place. Her dh recently passed, bringing a difficult adjustment in her life. Similar to what Petite has gone through the last couple of years. I thought it might be good for her to get out of her house and do something normal.
I'm down 3 lbs on the wicked bathroom scale, which weighs 2 lbs more than the gym scale. I've been eating less and exercising more than I managed in MN.
Hi to all.
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