Can we have a forum for "older" people with bc?
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Glad you made it home safely, Cindy. I completely empathize with your adjustments to a different home.
It isn't raining this morning, so far.
Hope all the mothers on our forum have a happy mother's day. DH and I consider ourselves very fortunate to have had our mothers.
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Good morning!
A very Happy Mother's Day to mothers young and older, whether it is 2-legged or 4-legged family, or both.
Enjoy your day!
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Haven't been able to post or display photos due to iffy wifi access on coach and late dinners at hotels. So I think I will hold off on posting any photos for now. I have many so will be selective when sorting.
It's been a lovely few days and we arrived in Kinsale today. Not only is it Mother's day but also our 51st wedding anniversary. We will celebrate it on a night when we don't have a group dinner. Happy Mother's day to all. Hope it is a wonderful day and waving "hi" to everyone.
Taco, hope surgery goes well.
Cindyny, glad you have reached your summer home and know you will be back in familiar digs soon.
Carole, safe journey north for you, too.
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Betrayal, Happy Anniversary! And a Happy Mother's Day to everyone whether two-legged or four-legged or those who take care of others.
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1946taco
Thank you for uploading your beautiful picture! Your happy smile warmed my heart. Still trying to get used to this bald head. It feels wet all the time. Not liking scarves or hats.
Today, for the first time in a long time, I took a walk up to the church parking lot which has a view of Mount Monadnock. My daughter was here for Mother's Day and completed a list of "to dos" from me.
While out for a walk my neighbor commented on my lovely oversized earrings (deflects from bald head). He happens to be bald. He laughed when I mentioned the reason for the large earrings. I took off my cap and we stood side by side. He thought perhaps he'd get an earring! Ha! Ha!The travel pictures are just fabulous. Those of your sharing …thanks. Right now, I spend my time watching out my back window for wildlife to pass by. Just a deer and fox this week. Hoping my bobcat will return soon. Bear comes when I am sleeping. One of these days I hope to catch it walking by. The owls and blue heron are fun to watch in the basin behind my home.
Yesterday, I saw a groundhog and totally forgot about my surgery! I was shaking the bells that hang in my art room window and smacking the walls! Cute as it is, I prefer it to stay in my neighbors yard. I thought my port was going to pop out of my chest. From now own, I'll open the window and bark like a dog!
Happy Mother's Day!
thenewme26
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Betrayal, Happy Anniversary!
Carol, safe journey to you. Do you have a date? I think you posted it but I can’t remember.Thenewme, I got a chuckle out of picturing you barking out the window.
We spent the day trying to catch up. I had a list and at 7 AM I couldn’t get back to sleep, so I just got to completing my list. Then we went outside after lunch, attack the yard. Pool, sadly had a dead squirrel floating in it. It’s water is green and full of pine needles & cones - for another day. I did get the winter cover rolled up to go in the garbage - which goes out tomorrow. Also filled two yard waste bags. SO’s car, we couldn’t get it started. My cousin is swinging by - he was a mechanic in another life, and he usually gets it going.
We probably should hire for a full spring clean up before we leave in November. We’re not getting any younger.Hoping you all had a great day.
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Happy anniversary Betrayal. What a significant milestone. I'll look forward to seeing pictures.
Cindy quite a welcome back but hopefully things will get sorted and back into shape shortly.
Our pool is open, but for the south our temperatures have stayed stubbornly low. Hoping for pool- worthy temps soon.
Hello to all. Wonder how Sandy is faring. She had so much going on last she posted.
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@1946taco - Happy 80th birthday! 🎂
What a beautiful photo, and such a strong, radiant smile. You look amazing.
The Mods
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Taco, belated happy birthday.
Our first tour will end on Wednesday in Limerick. We will spend Thursday doing laundry and looking around Limerick. On Friday we will pick up clean laundry and then leave by train for Dublin where we will pick up second tour.
My Fitbit reported I walked 32 plus miles in the past week and I am amazed with that total. I have been doing an average of 11,000 steps per day, I think and that is surprising since I average far less at home. Now that it is spring and I can begin gardening, I hope to be able to continue higher step averages.
I will post more photos when I can match them with town site. Wifi access changes by hotel as wifi on coach is non-existent for the most part.
Had fun with this group and met some nice people. Hope the next group is small as well and friendly. Great guide. Recommendation for anyone coming to Ireland, plan tours in April since season starts in mid May. Not as crowded now, but know summer months are a nightmare with huge crowds and competitive tours.
Hope everyone had a great day and waving "hi" to everyone.
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I ran to the town landfill on Monday to get rid of a computer tower- still need to destroy the hard drive, ah but for another day. Being I was taking the trip, I threw the pool winter cover in the trunk. Just easier than trying to stuff it in our garbage bin.
Yesterday we spent hours in the yard. Cool temps but sunny, perfect yard work days. I was cutting hydrangea stalks- doesn’t look like it will be an amazing year for them; and pulling weeds. SO mowed everything, which took forever because we have a battery operated mower. With tall grass it was killing the mower battery fast. He also moved dirt our snow plow guy digs up - plow has to pull snow out from the driveway, then push it up on my lawn…with the dirt from the whole corner it appears. He was able to seed it, as well as over seed the rest of the yard - we knew it would rain today & tomorrow. I took dead stuff out of other plants too. A lot of work. I was showering at 6:20, in my robe & jammies before 7. At least 4 more bags full of yard waste; and we munch grass, so no clippings in the bags.There is still more to do. With the rains for two days, I’m hoping to get to weeds growing in the space between the house and side garden. They’ll pull out easily by Saturday; I’ll just have to sit & pull. We’ve got stones 2-3 feet from the house to the garden, which can fill with random weeds if not pulled. The new mini splits are there too - I’ll cut down anything close to them.
I guess I should be glad it’s raining. It helps soften the earth, may add an inch of water to my dirty pool, and allows me to rest up inside for another day. I’ve started taking my Naproxen again, as even my fingers hurt.
I’ve got to run to CVS and Walmart for pick ups. Enjoy your day!
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1946taco,
😏80🙂
Wish you an easy knee repair on Thursday.
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Finished first leg of our Ireland tours and are in Limerick. Our hotel is right on the River Shannon and the view from the windows us lovely. It can't decide if it wants to continue raining or to clear. Rain heavy at times, but sun trying to break through. Will take some down time today since tomorrow we need to pick up clean laundry before taking the train to Dublin to pick up our next tour.
Tour guide was very informative and personable. Coach driver was very skilled when you see some of the sheer cliff drops on their roads. He had a great sense of humor, too.
Nice travel companions as well. Only 26 in the group and this next one should be the same in size. Prefer smaller groups than the up to 50 on some tours.
Hope everyone has a great day and waving "hi" to everyone.
River Shannon in Limerick
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Beautiful photos. Thanks for sharing.
I purchased my all-time favorite raincoat at Jack Murphy's in Dublin. Hooded, mid-calf length and lined with flannel so it works in winter as well. Took a trip last year that included Dublin, Liverpool and Cornwall - rainy places all - and it was a lifesaver.
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Good morning. I am back in North Carolina. It is so green. I have flowers and butterflies, but still have the mouse. The exterminator is coming back this afternoon. I plan to do some yard work and make a run to the dump. Then go into town for dinner.
Cindy, I had a dead opossum in my pool once.
Welcome thenewme.
Happy Birthday, Taco
Great pictures Betrayal
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Thankfully we are missing the nightmare of the PGA since it is at Aronomink CC in our town. Aronomink CC is one road over from our house and as the crow flies we are directly across from the fairway for the 14th hole. There is a large hill separating us that my son and his friend used to climb over when they were younger.
Seems some neighbors are capitalizing on using their yards to selling parking spaces at exorbitant costs. The ritzy hair salon is charging 100 to 150 dollars per space during the week and doubling it on the weekend. I would never let anyone park in our yard or on our grass. Not my cup of tea to gouge people either.
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Leaving Limerick today to take train to Dublin. We will pick up next tour there leaving tomorrow morning. We are traveling across the interior portion seeing some towns previously unvisited. This includes a trip out to the Aran islands which we have not visited in spite of our many trips to Ireland. Hoping for good weather. It has been cooler than anticipated so I wish I had brought a few fleece pullovers.
Here's a photo of the swans on the River Shannon.
Waving "hi" to everyone and hoping everyone has a great day.
Taco, hope your surgery went well and you get a good outcome this time. Take your pain meds and follow PT instructions.
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Good morning.
Mountain Laurels
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We did a road trip yesterday to have lunch with my middle sister. It was three hours both ways, and my younger sister and I rode in the back seat. of our pickup. During the night my back ached, making it difficult to find a comfortable position. This morning it's still bothering me. I'll do my back exercises and take Tylenol. I canceled golf and will start doing some packing today. When dh gets home from golf, I can hang clothes in the pickup. It has a handy clothes rod.
Betrayal, you sound like you're enjoying your Ireland trip immensely. You and your dh are seasoned travelers.
I'm not looking forward to 2 and 1/2 days of road travel, but I'm like the little train. "I can. I can."
Taco, hope you are doing well. Please check in when you feel up to it.
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I did something this morning to my "bad" right shoulder. I already know I need a replacement so I'm hoping this was not "the something" that moves me closer down that road.The surgeon said three years ago " avoid it as long as you can." I have an underlying autoimmune disorder that complicates things. We are/were to leave for a new England road trip in early June. We are going to see how the next few days go, as car travel seems to worsen it (and all my joint pains in general). Need to make the call to go or not in a week or so. Getting older does have its challenges.
Otherwise we have Maryland friends visiting for the next 5 days and I'm going to try not to overdo. It will be great to spend time with old friends.
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I'm home. Lots of pain, which I understand from previous surgeries that I would have. I was so impressed with post-op. Even had a mini-PT session with one of the many who checked me before leaving.
Reader - I agree that one day it's just a given that you're tired of the pain and get it fixed. Hope it isn't today for you but that trip could get hard. "Aging isn't for the faint of heart." Betrayal probably could tell us who said that and I would give appropriate credit.
Mods and thenewme26, that picture was taken at my 71st birthday. Had just finished Taxol and my sister was with us. I wish I had been "braver" about going bald in public as I didn't think I looked too bad even with my steroid face. Top of hair never really came back and I've become quite a hat collector. Recently bought a bunch of cowgirl hats at a yard sale and am having fun with them. I'll see if I can find the New Year's Eve pic.
If that's too much. blame it on the pain meds!
Taco
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Taco, hope the pain goes away. Love your fancy hat photo.
Reader, I hope you can make your road trip.
We've been watching the PGA golf at the golf course next to Betrayal's property. It makes watching more interesting to know she lives nearby. It's a difficult course and is making the golf pros look foolish when they try to make putts. DH wonders how the members are able to play the course. He said they must be scratch golfers.
Today is clothes packing day. Time to get down "to business."
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Taco, your picture made me smile. Love the glittery hat!
I have a hat that I can slip on, but the scarves don't seem to like the stubble. I swear I could scrub pots and pans by placing them on top of my head!
Yesterday I thought I had burnt my finger cooking (first time since my breast surgery, as friends have supplied food for me). I called the doctor's office and they had me go out and buy healing cream. Apparently, it was not due to my cooking. Good gravy… living in a small town with one pharmacy left makes it difficult. And no cotton gloves, so I headed to the one store JOB LOT to look for white socks. Settled for a pair but didn't notice the compression area near the arch section. So I went to bed with socks partway on both hands and lots of cream. It was quite a sight! Trying to turn off the light or answer my phone was like a comedy show. Thanks goodness for Amazon… gloves arriving Wednesday.
I envy all of you doing your yard work. I love mowing my lawn and tending to the flower beds. However, new knee last year limited my ability to do those chores. I had to hire someone. Now, I have the limitations of my surgery, chemo, and hand-foot syndrome.
My latest adventure involves keeping the birds off my porch! I do love my neighborhood birds but not on the porch. It's really the only place I can sit right now and enjoy being outside. If they nest on the porches, they dive bomb you while your trying to read or sip coffee. Sooo… I tried various methods. They started in my basket of pansies… I quickly put up tinfoil on hand rakes… they found another place. If I can, I will try to download my
"science experiments" relating to bird distractions!I have always hung prisms in the door window panes to deter them. It usually works but obviously not on cloudy days… So I put a chunk of tin foil over the inside of the windows… nope… that night I hung a hung piece of tin foil over the door so it hung over the wreath… my neighbor across the street woke up early and saw me pulling the darn thing off. He thought the chemo had sent me over the edge… nope… just me determined to win the battle.
Next, after seeing two finches sitting on the wreath, I decided to attempt to put twinkling holiday lights. It's working!!!!!!!!!!!!
Rather sad to think that my days are filled with bird chasing… they have a huge area and plenty of places to be. Just not on my porch!
It's a gloriously beautiful sunny day here in Peterborough. Need to enjoy the time outside. Second chemo session on Monday. The last one was a rough week.
Wherever you are enjoy your weekend.
Thank you for the welcomes… I love being able to escape my world and just be with others who have shared this experience. Your comments make me hopeful that life might, once again, be normal…even if it is a new normal!
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I’ll post this in a couple of other discussions as well. Two days ago, I developed an abscess in my vagina. Yesterday morning, I had it drained by a gynecologist under local anesthesia, and it hurt more than childbirth. Shortly after, I lost strength in my hands and eventually had to be rushed to the ER after trying to manage it alone at home for a few hours. My blood pressure dropped to 4 and my fever reached 44°C. I am now in intensive care with septic shock. The chances are not looking great, and all of this because of chemo... I’m feeling a lot of frustration toward the doctors right now, and toward my decision to do chemo, but I just wanted to live. Well, look at me now.
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Dear Justforher,
My heart goes out to you. I just said to my sister this morning that I hoped all I am going through will make a difference. We don't know when we take a path in life where it will leave us. I chose to do the chemo and have no idea how things will end. Luckily, I am at peace with whatever comes. I can either remain here on Earth to continue to watch my children and grandchild grow or I can join my husband on the other side. For me, it's a win/win.
After I lost my husband in 2022, I've spent the last few years reading on life after death and different beliefs in various cultures. I also know things that have happened to me after loved ones have passed. This has given me great strength to know that our time here on earth is a journey planned for us to learn and grow. I have to say, I'm not sure I have learned the lessons I should, but I clearly know I have done the best that I can.
I am not certain what your beliefs are, but I hope that you can believe that what's to come is far better than what we have dealt with in our worldly life.
I used to say to my husband jokingly, "I think someone/something put us here on earth to see how we survive in it as well as in society in general. I think we failed!" He'd laugh because the world seemed to be getting crazier by the day even back then.
I will pray for you and wish you peace and comfort no matter which way this turns.newme26
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Some battles in life are easier than others.
Here are the bird's nest science attempts to deter:
I need to count on my doctors, team, family, friends, and all of you to keep me grounded and hopeful.
But the reality is is… we need to just appreciate each new day. I am blessed with a huge community who pray for me daily. I treasure that.thenewme26
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reader425,
Wish you a pain free weekend.
1946taco,
Also, wish you a pain free weekend.
If only I could look as good in a hat. 🤠
carlehalston,
H & I am watching golf and softball this weekend.
justforher,
Hopefully, doing your own posting and slowly on the mend.
thenewme26,
May 2nd chemo session be an easier week.
petite1,
Mountain Laurels……lovely.
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Taco, Justforher and thenewme26 - keeping each of you in my thoughts and prayers for a good recovery. ((hugs)))
Taco - hope your daughter is doing well. Love your NYE hat.
Betrayal - sounds like a fabulous trip. If I recall correctly you should now be in Dublin starting the 2nd tour. I hope your tour mates are as easy going as the first group. Enjoy!
Carole - safe travels north.
petite - I hope pest control can rid the cabin of your intruders.
Cindy - good luck with cleaning out the pool. We used to have frogs slip under our cover and go for a swim until they got caught in the skimmer and then it was lights out.
Waving hello to everyone..
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I am so surprised you say this. My husband is going through the same thoughts as he mourns the possibility of losing me. He’s been researching different cultures and moralities, and even visiting churches and mosques despite never believing in anything before. He’s even started wondering whether this world was created by AI. He also says that, for me, death is easy, because I won’t have to suffer my own disappearance afterward the way others will. It’s the loss of someone that is truly painful.
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The newme26 and justforher, I wish you relief from your pain and issues. ((Hugs)).
Taco, I understand your pain. Please take pain meds as ordered, move around, do exercises as ordered and elevate leg. Use ice for no more than 20 minutes at a time, I slept in a recliner to keep knee straight and prevent flexion contractures. Get to PT ASAP. The first few weeks are the hardest.
We went to the Irish National Stud, Strokestown house and the National Famine museum yesterday. Stud fees can be as high as $300,000 euros for proven winners versus $7,500 euros for new stallion winners. Saw newborn foals and wow are some of the mother's highly protective. They huff at you. House was owned by an English man who made his money off the backs of the impoverished he later shipped to Canada when they outlived their worth and most did not survive the coffin ships. Marched them from western Ireland to Dublin to save fares and many died during the walk. Beautiful home, but tinged by how it was maintained. This diminished house to me. People starving to death outside their doors, but a sample menu showed food to excess within their walls. Adage of only the rich survive held true. Famine museum is ironically on their grounds. Showed sad plight of thise shipped overseas.
Here are some photos from yesterday:
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