Can we have a forum for "older" people with bc?
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Thanks Betrayal. It is warm here also. I don't feel any better but am trying to enjoy the family while they are here. My DD is baking cupcakes and preparing party theme stuff for my DGD party tomorrow. We are all going out to dinner soon which is great so I don't have to worry about cooking tonight. I'm just extra tired and sluggish and feeling like crap. I envy you your energy. If I can't get through feeling like this I don't know what I'll do...
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Intolight, I'm praying for you.
I'm starting PT for walking. My assignment this week is simple. Concentrate on walking heel-toe with my right foot. She has signed me up for two months, twice a week. I am totally frustrated because of the results of a bad sprain 40 years ago. No PT, no surgery, student health was cutting costs a bit too vigorously. I can't walk very far at all without getting tired. Plus, I can't sleep on my left side without my lower leg aching and waking me up.
Went to the city for the ordination of six deacons, one from our parish. He is also Director of Religious Education. With my hearing loss, I was pretty well cut out of everything. But at least I got a chance to socialize with three other women.
I nearly have my second mitten finished. My mind was really muddy when I first knitted it, have ripped it out several times. More so because I am switching to Continental (yarn held by left hand). Subset Norwegian (picking yarn which rests on tip of left index finger). Supposed to be less stressful for hands, and my OT agrees.
I am going to have to make more scrunchies for holding my hair back. I think I will use silk scraps with iron-on interfacing. I certainly have enough. For those recently here, one of my hobbies is making skirts, and shorts with pullover tops out of sari fabric.
I have given up on finding a recipe for keto bread that is tolerable. I will be making 100% WW bread in my bread-maker. I have almond flour, coconut flour, soybean flour, chickpea flour, oat fiber, psyllium husk powder, chia seed, and ground flax seed. Zilch, nada. When I really want to double down, I can buy the keto bread at the grocery store— a luxury at $6 and $7 a loaf. I can use the exotic flours for pancakes and tortillas and maybe muffins. Maybe I can substitute one cup of exotic flour for a recipe that uses four cups of WW. Have also decided to convert recipes from cups to weight. Much more accurate. Especially with lumpy exotic flours.
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Hope you will send a pic of your stork when it's done, Betrayal. I'm having trouble visualizing it.
I've been sprung from my compression stockings so I'm a happy lady. Expect they will add strength exercises next week.
Intothelight and Chris - holding you close.
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Intothelight, I hope you feel much better soon.
Chris, hoping your PT brings improvement.
Betrayal and Cindy, I'm feeling exhaustion after reading about your activity. I, too, would like a picture of the yard sculpture.
We will be having hot temperatures this week. I am almost dreading our planned excursion to Fargo on Thursday to attend a Red Hawks baseball daytime game. We thought it would be something fun to do when we bought the tickets.
I intend to do a load or two of laundry today. That chore involves walking back and forth to the laundry room so I will clock some steps.
Happy Sunday.
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Here's a photo of the stork. I need to do a touch-up on the beak where the black ran under the painters tape. It looks brand new. So one done, a few more need to be repainted and I will share the results. They are all formed from garden implements.
The German festival has been permanently canceled and I will miss it. I have been going to it since I was a child and it always had vendors such as the one I bought these from.
Enjoy.
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“There are two ways of spreading light: to be
The candle or the mirror that reflects it.”― Edith Wharton
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Betrayal, your sculpture is adorable! I love it!
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It is 83 degrees and humid. There is a breeze, but it doesn't offer much in thexway of cooling. The brief rain we got last night did not do much for the patio flowers so I watered them by hand so I didn't have to drag the heavy hose around. DH loves the hoses, but I don't because they are hard to manipulate and subject to kinking.
Had DH get the birds with orange feet and beaks thst needed a refresh painting. I was planning to finish what appears to be a flamingo. It has a trampoline spring for a neck which unfortunately took a direct hit from a heavy branch and as a result has a floppies neck now. It is done except for the white on it's legs. I may have to use a brush for them.
I did the feet and beaks on 3 others, but each of them have areas that must be hand painted so they remain unfinished. There are 2 that look like ducks though one looks more like a wading bird due to its legs. The odd looking one is purple, white and orange with black accents. It will have to be hand painted. I am learning I would have failed as a graffiti artist and I am disappointed with how thin Rustoleum spray paint has gotten. Controlling the direction and scope of the lspray has been a challenge. It wants to spatter.,
Here's the nearly completed flamingo.
Chris, hoping you are comfortably mobile soon.
Intolight, I am hoping you can enjoy your family visit and that you get some relief soon.
Carole, I hope your planned trip ti Fargo turns out to be very enjoyable and you have pleasant weather. I love to go to baseball games.
Cindyny, what did you accomplish today? Seems like being able to be fluid about ones "to-do's" does manage to get them done, even if in not the order you prefer.
Taco, I have to wear compression stockings every day and even though they are lightweight and mikd compression, they are still uncomfortable. Be diligent with exercises so you can regain mobility sooner. Hope your pain is manageable and ask fir more when doing PT.
Hoping everyone had a great day and waving "hi" to everyone.
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Giving frees us from the familiar territory of our own needs by opening our mind to the unexplained worlds occupied by the needs of others.
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I like the sculptures. They are charming.
We're having a rainy day on dh's birthday. He isn't happy to have to miss men's golf, but nature is in charge.
We got the tickets to the baseball game printed. It gets tricky switching printers. My laptop can't find this printer but, fortunately, his laptop does find it.
DH has been wearing knee-height compression socks for a number of years. He doesn't seem to mind. He has some that are neutral in color and others that are colorful. He has poor circulation in his legs.
Happy Monday to all.
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Hi everyone, I haven't had the energy to check the website but wanted an update. I just had a 3 hour surgery, double removal. Armpit came positive and dr cleared 1-2 levels. Not sure what any of it means.
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justforher, I did not require axillary dissection so I will leave that to those who know respond to that. Please be kind to yourself and rest up as much as possible. You had major surgery and recovery will be slow so plan on that, too. Your biopsy results may take awhile to return and that can be frustrating, but will give you a clearer picture as to what is next in your treatment plan. Your MO will be the person who can assist you with this and I hope you have managed to find one that is compassionate. ((HUGS)) for when you can physically have one.
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justforher, I have not had surgery so I can't help there, but I can send prayers, hugs and support. I was dxd ten years ago Stage IV from the beginning (de novo) so it was already too wide spread for any surgery. Rest and accept as much help as is offered.
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Justforher, hugs and hopes for successful treatment.
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I see possibilities in everything. For everything that's taken away, something of greater value has been given.
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Good Morning.
Betrayal, I have to wear compression stockings. I remember that you are short. Where do you get compression stockings that fit? Also love the yard art.
Got to run - back later
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petite1, my legs are short and these have been the best I can find for this. I was given this information by a vascular surgeon. since I only require mild compression from 8-15 mm Hg. The online company is discountsurgical.com and I order the "Absolute Support Sheer Compression Knee Highs". They list at $10.95/pair, but I usually buy them on sale for $9.95/pair. They offer sales frequently and will remind you to reorder every 6 months. I usually buy 10 pairs/order and don't reorder every 6 months since I rotate them every day. They wear well and breathe which is what I wanted. They do offer them with open toes, thigh high and also pantyhose, but I've not tried any of them. You might get a discount as a first time buyer, too.
I have finished painting the birds today and am pleased with the results. I am waiting for the last 3's feet to dry on the bottom and then they will be placed around the back gardens. I decided I will not use spray paint in the future, but will buy small cans of paint instead. The spray paint was really hard to control for this type of project and I think the guy who made them painted before assembly. I did manage to find his name and address online and will send him a letter asking where they will display this year since the German festival is defunct. There is a new venue there and we do plan on visiting it on 7/3 to see whether it is any good. Plus we'll be able to make a stop at Longacre's dairy in Bally for their ice cream (to bring home) and to have a hot fudge sundae.
I had my cardiology visit yesterday and everything seems fine and I will see her again in 6 months. I had an EKG and it seemed normal. My BP was low last week at the MO's office and even lower yesterday so she did advise me to take 1/2 dose for both HCTZ and KCL which I take for leg swelling, not my BP. I started today and she requested I take my BP at home twice a week, keep a record of the readings and send her a report via the portal in 2 weeks.
Today was the Pulmonology NP and discussed cost of distilled water in Ireland which is $18.75/liter(quart). I need it for my CPAP machine and I had to purchase 2 though I did not finish the second one. Expensive water which I purchase here for less that $2/gallon. Seems they don't use it regularly and it is only available in pharmacies. She will lower pressure again since higher pressure wakes me due mask issues. I will see her again in 6 months because I am doing well. We discussed resuming Wixela and I will give it another try. I have been okay without it, but need to give it a solid 3 month trial to see if SE's continue. I was having raspy voice issues and loss of taste for some foods.
I got a call yesterday from the lymphedema PT office saying they had a cancelation for tomorrow at 10:30 and was I interested. Yes, I was and I am so happy that I can get this swelling addressed before it gets up to my neck. I have been seeing this PT intermittently over the last 10 years after trying 2 others and finding them to be not helpful. One was difficult to get appointments with and the other was a PT aide who had me doing exercises at our visits, which did nothing for the swelling. There are so few in this area and they are in high demand. This one is also part-time so getting appointments is challenging.
DH went to get Chinese food takeout for dinner. We haven't had this since before our vacation. I'm tired today after all the running around. I also went to the Dollar Tree for some items including birthday cards, some pretty peel and stick wallpaper panels I'd like to use for crafts ,and some disposable roasting aluminum pans that DH can use when he installs new straps on lawn chairs. They need to be immersed in boiling water prior to attaching to the chair. This way he can work outside and not in the basement.
Waving "hi" to everyone and hope everyone had a great day. Weather was warm with a breeze so tolerable for the most part.
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Here are photos of the last 3 birds. They each needed one more touch-up so that's why they are on the colorful cardboard. We have some interesting colored grass, too.
I finally resorted to spraying paint into cans and using brushes on the detail work. If I have to do this again, I will purchase cans of paint. I am pleased with them and tomorrow they will go to their spots. Enjoy.
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Betrayal, I love the bird sculptures. They are so colorful, creative and fun. Brightens up the day!
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Happiness can only be found if you can free yourself of all other distractions.
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Betrayal, good news on the open appointment. We find that an earlier appointment usually happens when we put ourselves on a call list.
Last night we had a storm pass through at 3:30 am. Thankfully, it must have been fast-moving. I heard some hail pummel hit the roof but not a lot. With luck, our Ford pickup truck won't have dents. At home it's under the carport but has to be parked outside here in MN.
Tomorrow is the baseball game in Fargo. I'm not sure what the weather will be. I'm thinking I'll take my rain jacket with a hood. I don't know whether all seating is outside or some is covered. At least it won't be as hot as the last two days at midday and afternoon.
Today is gym and a stop at Walmart's with a short list.
Happy Wednesday.
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Good morning.
Betrayal, thank you for the information. I will try them.
I am heading to yoga this morning and lunch with a friend. I am heading back to North Carolina, Thursday.
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The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever.
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Did laundry today and worked on genealogy making print outs of family groups mainly married couples for relevant generations, individual information on each person and citations for source documentation. I arranged them by marriage surnames in a binder using dividers and will focus on some that need more work before I print them out. Some families I can go back to the 1770's, but all Irish lineage was post-famine and sketchy records since I don't want to pay the additonal fee for Ancestry Europe record access. I won't be able to validate it, so it will have to remain blank.
Woke really early today and tried dozing with no success. I gave up and just decided to start laundry. Of course, now I am tired, but c trying to stay awake at least until 10.
Last night we had intense thunderstorms roll through the area so the plants got a good watering. One clap of thunder was so loud it sounded like a bomb going off. Can't image what it is like for those in actual war zones after that. Regan headed to the basement.
Very hot and humid today. Didn't want to work outside because at 5:30 am it already was oppressive when I let Regan out. The air was thick.
Hope everyone had a great day and waving "hi" to everyone.
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I see the world being slowly transformed into a wilderness; I hear the approaching thunder that, one day, will destroy us too. I feel the suffering of millions. And yet, when I look up at the sky, I somehow feel that everything will change for the better, that this cruelty too shall end, that peace and tranquility will return once more.
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"Irish by Ancestry" on Facebook helped me find my great-great grandparents and the village they came from.
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Chris, thank you. I'll have to check it out. I know where one family originated and have church records from there. It's the ones who I have not been able to locate naturalization papers on that are the puzzle as well as the females who apparently married in Ireland.
I just went outside to plant the remaining plants I had saved for DD and she keeps forgetting to take them, so I potted them today to keep them alive. One had bit the dust, but the others are now planted in 2 pots and watered. We are getting thunderstorms again this afternoon and we need the rain. I wish they would last a bit longer, though they have managed to do some major damage in surrounding areas taking down trees and large branches. It is ungodly hot and very humid. I forgot to put my sweatband on and regretted not doing it. I
My vacuum was not working well this morning and it showed a red line indicating it was blocked somewhere. So I checked the long tube and the hand portion, but both had great suction. So it was the vacuum head and I found large bunches of mingled dog and cat hair, removed them, but still had blockage. I used a back scratcher to explore the neck of the head and encountered a blockage between it and the opening in the head. It took some doing, but what I found was a shaggy, soft, round cat ball that looks like it has been in there for awhile, but just started to obstruct. I got it out and will toss it and any more I have like it. I was wondering why it didn't suction well when I last used it, now I know.
Will finish vacuuming since family room and dining room are done. Next is living room and then I will change heads to do the wood floors and kitchen travertine. So this will finish first floor and tomorrow I can tackle upstairs.
I slept well last night and was in bed by 10:30 and awoke at 8:30 this morning. Hate when I have those sleepless nights, they throw my whole body and schedule off.
Postings here have been slow lately and I am hoping those who haven't posted are okay.
Waving "hi" to everyone and I hope you have a great day.
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When you are old and gray and full of sleep, and nodding by the fire, take down this book and slowly read, and dream of the soft look your eyes had once, and of their shadows deep.
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Checking in - recovery from knee repair going well. Walked over 2 miles several times last week. Missing golf and will be anxious to get back in 2 weeks. PT says I'm ahead of schedule.
DD had to wear a heart monitor for a week and we are still waiting on those results. Vascular surgeon cleared her to go back to work but she's still working short days. Needless to say, she's too far away.
I too am missing several folks. Hope they check in.
Have a good weekend everyone.
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When you get into a tight place and everything goes against you, till it seems as though you could not hang on a minute longer, never give up then, for that is just the place and time that the tide will turn.
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