Can we have a forum for "older" people with bc?
Comments
-
petite, that’s a pain in the patoot to go to the eye dr and have them not be there!
Suzieq, eyes… I also have been told I have dry eye but not as bad as yours sounds. I can tell when mine are dry and use Refresh drops. Usually it’s around my eye allergies. A gf uses a prescription gel or ointment, she puts in before even leaving her bed. If you’re needing to do drops that many times a day, ask if you can try one of the prescription type meds. I think my dry eyes are from aging, not sure it’s related to any treatments I had for bc.
Well I ran out this morning early to see if I could get in for a pedicure, or haircut or both. I lucked out and got both! I had no appointments so I’m glad to have gotten in. Although my hair looks totally different than the way I style it, I’m still glad for the cut.
This afternoon we tackled washing down the bedroom walls. I should have hired out for that too! It’s complete, except behind a big armoire. The armoire was moved last year for the AC split install, so we know its semi clean - baseboard may have some dust but nothing compared to the whole. We need to empty it to move it, vs dressers we took out the drawers to move. As I said before, I’ll be glad when this is done.
Then after dinner and the nightly news, I promptly fell asleep in the couch recliner.Tomorrow we take down the screen house. It’s supposed to be 64 & sunny. May the force be with me!
6 -
The reason a writer writes a book is to forget a book and the reason a reader reads one is to remember it.
Thomas Wolfe4 -
1
-
We are fortunate to have good weather these last few days. I got a lot accomplished yesterday and will do more today. Tomorrow looks like good weather for last-minute steps and getting on the road.
Yes on the coffee maker. It's working well.
We're taking the owners and their daughter out to dinner tonight, so no cooking and cleaning. The restaurant is only a mile away, and we'll meet them there.
Happy Sunday to all.
7 -
@suzieq64 Dry eyes, yes. With over ten years of oral pills my eyes are a mess. My onc watches them closely as it is a known side effect of Taxol, which I am now on. I also get slight blurriness all the time, but since I don't drive anymore I have accepted it. If it gets too bad she will stop the Taxol for the eyes as she said clear vision won't return. I had cataract surgery four years ago and it greatly helped at that time as some of the oral meds were known to accelerate cataracts, but that was before the chemo. I use eye drops in the morning and when needed throughout the day, although many days I don't need them. I see an opthamologist who also keeps close tabs on me. I would suggest telling your oncologist and seeing a medical opthamologist (not an optometrist) just to keep watch. They won't do anything unless a problem develops. It is good to know there is nothing else causing the eye problems for peace of mind.
5 -
Screen house is down, it went pretty smoothly. It comes down easier than it goes up. We also put the patio set away. What’s left are 2 chairs & a bistro table. We figured leave it incase we get a hot spell and want to sit out. It was 64 with full sun, and we were sweating
I then took one of my lamps up to our library “fix it” day. The library has 10+ volunteers working on fixing all sorts of things. I saw a woman working a sewing machine repairing something; computers, cameras, a bicycle, TV’s, a woman getting a cement base caulked/glued back together. The woman said the three way switches break easily. She fixed it by installing a new switch, and I was on my way.
So a productive day all around. I’ll be glad for a hot shower tonight.
Hope you’re all had a decent day!
6 -
suzieq64 - I have dry eyes but it started with menopause and got worse with anastrozole. I suspect it’s most due to aging (I’m 69). I had 6 cycles of carbo/taxol two years ago and I don’t recall my dry eyes being any worse. If needed I use OTC drops like Systane.
Cindy - loved the cards you made.
Carole - safe travels home
Betrayal - have a fantastic cruise!
Petite - fingers crossed your home sells soon.
Our city opened a new walking trail at the local recreation area earlier this summer. For years it was used as a quarry and when it was done being mined, the company turned it over to the city to develop a recreation area with a swimming beach, marina, boat, kayak and paddle board rentals as well as several picnic pavilions. Since the trail has very little shade we didn’t use it during our hot and humid summer. Now that our weather is in the 60’s and drier it has become our new favorite place to walk.
Waving ‘hi’ to all.
8 -
You have to accept whatever comes and the only important thing is that you meet it with courage and with the best that you have to give.
Eleanor Roosevelt3 -
cindyny,
Definitely, wonky eye days, time for new contacts on 10/7.
suzieq64,
My eye doctor recommends nonprescription medication for my dry eyes.
However, never feel the need to splash water in my eyes.
3 -
There are three principal means of acquiring knowledge... observation of nature, reflection, and experimentation. Observation collects facts; reflection combines them; experimentation verifies the result of that combination.
Denis Diderot3 -
Good morning. After a quiet hurricane season in the Gulf and Atlantic, it looks like a storm forming in the Gulf. Unfortunately, that may interfere with my trip to the cabin. More on that to follow.
Today, I have a brunch scheduled with the LIFT group. We are going to a coffee shop in Inverness, Fl.
6 -
It is also rarer to find happiness in a man surrounded by the miracles of technology than among people living in the desert of the jungle and who by the standards set by our society would be considered destitute and out of touch.
Thor Heyerdahl3 -
Harley, that was a huge quarry!
Cindy and Carole, we always know when the seasons are changing! Good luck with the transitions.
Petite, I certainly hope you can sell the house and move north before the weather gets bad. Or would you rent?
Betrayal, when do you expect to shut down the gardening? How on earth are you going to maintain your physical conditioning during the winter?
I got my new HA's!! I have taken the headphones and radio out of my purse. Now I will be using the headphones for my computer. I am too close to the TV to attach a streamer to it. No need. I have "earbuds" for media on my phone, but not for phone calls.
Now the ankle brace comes up. I am getting rid of any narrow-leg pants for that, and because my knee is so sensitive.
I have reached goal weight of 140, so I am putting some treats into my diet.
6 -
Lost my post.
Harley07, great photo of that lake. I'd love to walk there because I love to be near water.
Petite1, hope you can make it to cabin and that hurricane threat is just that.
Chris, I will need to find an exercise program to replace weeding. My DSIL reminded me of the autumn leaf tablecloth I had made her many moons ago. She leaves it on until Christmas. I haven't used my serger in at least a decade and should see what materials and projects I could use to fill my days. However, I do think my DD's counted cross-stitch will keep me busy. I also have patterns for my old Saucy Walker doll and could make her some new clothes. I think I have a lead for someone who could restring her, fix her wonky eyes and make her look like new. I need to follow up on it. It won't require the physical activity that gardening does though. I don't do snow shoveling so that is out.
Had PT today and she seemed to sense my left shoulder and that side of my neck has been hurting. She began to massage it and I did notcwant her to stop. She will try to fit me in next week, but I have a follow up scheduled for my return. She feels I've made improvement in the skin retraction.
Went to Costco yesterday to fill freezer for DD. Try to find meals they can microwave ir bake. Froze muffins, ground beef, steaks, croissants and apple cider doughnuts. Meats there were less expensive than local grocery stores. Got some pumpkins for front porch, too. DS joined us and we had lunch together. Bought their pumpkin pie so that's tonight's dessert. We had an early dinner/ late lunch at Sedona Taphouse. It was good. Had a French press incident where someone overfilled pot and when served pushed plunger down, it exploded all over the table. The server was so upset. There was water and coffee grounds everywhere. Coffee was comped as a result.
DGD's birthday is 10/12 so her party will be Saturday. Hard to believe she will be 11. Wants money to spend at used book store. I also got her a gift certificate for 5 Below. She loves the store.
Have a busy schedule on return since I have lined up MD appointments. Tomorrow I'll get my bloods drawn.
Was going to contact pain management about epidural today since I had heard nothing. They called this morning to schedule it before I coukd call. That is scheduled for after Thanksgiving.
Cruise starts on 10/15 and they have already made changes in itinerary. Swapped 2 days ports, canceled one excursion due to extensive damage in Kauai and area out of bounds now. I am sure they will make some others, too. It's okay because we will miss one port, but trade off is we will be only ship in 2 ports in Tahiti. Also more time in these ports.
Hope everyone had a great day and waving "hi" to everyone.
3 -
Harley, I’d love walking trails with that view.
teka, I go again tomorrow for an attempt at new contacts. I’m almost thinking I should just pay and go to Pearle Vision or similar. The real eye drs are really too busy with medical eye issues vs at Pearle you can get in pretty easy, especially for a contact check. Dr has one more chance and I’ll be done.
Betrayal, have you thought of maybe snow shoes for outdoor exercise in winter? We have 2 pair, never been used.
Petite, I hope you’re safe from any hurricane hitting the gulf.
I had lunch yesterday with two gfs. Always fun catching up, seems like no time has passed.But once I was home SO and I had to take the bed apart; empty his armoire; and push all furniture onto the middle of the room; wash down the wall behind the armoire and the baseboard. We slept in the guest room last night - the bed was ok, although I felt discombobulated.
Alarm was set for 8, and by 8:30 I was at Sherwin Williams buying a gallon of ceiling paint, stubover $100! The painter was here when I got back and he said to return it because I had enough paint and he brought extra with him just in case. Back out I went!
He finished up the bedroom in about 4.5-5 hours. It looks nice, bright and clean too. Then he went out and finished up all the rest of the garage! I was amazed, and happy too.
The long story short, as all my long stories short go, we then had to put the bedroom back together. More work. We vacuumed everything again; washed windows; hung curtains back up; lamp shades for swing arm lamps back on; moved furniture back into spots; then took the area rug out for the first time and laid it down. Back to futzing with furniture, SO had to refill his armoire - we had piled up clothing on top of the mattress which was on its side in the hall. Once we had that done we set up the bed frame - it’s old and solid as a rock; box spring; clean dust ruffle; mattress; memory foam topper; clean sheets; blankets and comforter - WE WILL sleep in there tonight!Nothing is back on the walls yet, nor on the dressers, nor on the side table. I’m weeding out and don’t want it all back in. I’m already set to pick up a new nite stand off of FB marketplace tomorrow morning.
My dresser was covered in stuff - regular perfume bottles, tiny perfume bottles on a mirrored tray, big 3 wick candle in a big holder, a wooden angel covered in necklaces… which I used daily back when I worked. Retired, they’re collecting dust. AND my under bed storage needs to change too. I may put the leaf in my dining room table rather than keep it under my bed. Big ideas, we’ll see what becomes of them. Haha!I’m exhausted, and know I’ll sleep good tonight. Hoping you all do too.
5 -
Good morning. We are still planning on our trip. Going shouldn't be too bad, but the return trip might be. We will monitor the weather and adjust accordingly.
8 -
Every great and deep difficulty bears in itself its own solution. It forces us to change our thinking in order to find it.
Niels Bohr3 -
Caught up with posts after three days of travel and not opening my laptop. Chris, I'm envious of your weight control. Betrayal, I hope your travel goes safely and is enjoyable. Petite, I'm watching the weather, too. Cindy, your bedroom sounds lovely and CLEAN. Etc. Sorry for missing anyone.
This is a repeat of a post on the Drinking thread. We got home yesterday after three days of driving and towing a small cargo trailer. We had an emergency event in the middle of Memphis. The trailer came unhitched. One safety chain broke. The other one kept the trailer attached. DH managed to pull over. Assessed the situation. He maneuvered the truck so that we got the trailer re-hitched. We got off at the next exit and bought new safety chain at a home supply store. Back on the road, we were apprehensive for the remaining 6 hours of driving. Fortunately, the trailer stayed hitched. We have made numerous trips towing the trailer to and from MN and this has never happened before.
On arrival, we discovered a major problem in the house. A section of flooring in the kitchen had buckled. It's a Pergo product, installed many years ago and in good condition when we departed. DH assumes there's a small water leak and seepage. No idea about the source since we turn off the water into the house when we leave.
Otherwise, it's good to be home. We're watching the weather news with some anxiety. Lots to do today unpacking the trailer. Plus a trip to the supermarket for food for several days.
Happy…er.. Wednesday to all! LOL.
8 -
Trying to get an early start to get bloods drawn and woke at 6:45. So decided to get up and get moving. At Health center by 7:25 and out of there by 7:42. Came home to eat breakfast and then called to schedule mammogram in December and was able to get an appointment at beginning of month. Heard all sorts of sirens as I was leaving health center and just heard on news there was an accident between a school bus and a car close by. No details yet on injuries or what caused accident.
Have to call cruise line to get extra padding on the mattress since I find their mattresses to be too firm. Have shoulder and hip bursitis which flares up at times and is aggravated by firm mattresses. Last cruise they did put an extra blanket under the sheets and it worked. Hope to get this done before we check in. Call went well and they will add an egg crate to the mattresses.
Got a return phone call from an insurance company concerning an accident between 2 vans I witnessed on way to Pulmonologist's office in September. Couldn't stop, because if you are late, they cancel your appointment. But I did see the whole scene where first van swung wide (with right turn signal indicator on) to turn into narrow steep driveway at a residence. First van belonged to a plumbing company and I did get their name and phone number. Second van attempted to pass on the right by hugging the curb and T-boned the first van. Damage to first van was on front passenger side while second van had damage on front and driver's side. Road is one lane in either direction, so I have no idea why there was an attempt to pass on the right side. Turns out insurance company was representing second van and I emphasized that they were at fault. They tape interview so I made sure to provide facts about actions of both vans.
Waiting for it to warm up a bit because it was really chilly this morning. I'd like to get the hyacinth bulbs planted today. Now I just need to decide where to plant them. I want to use an area that is not currently mulched so it looks like it will be in the hidden garden area. I've got about 20 bulbs and they are separated by color. Last outdoor chore will be sanding patio. This cooler air is ideal for this since it is somewhat labor intensive. Don't think we will get to it today, maybe tomorrow. DH has to blow leaves off patio, we need to sweep, pour sand and then sweep again with last step being to wet the sand to allow it to set.
Doing laundry now and may start ironing this afternoon. First load in dryer and second in washer. Towels are last load for today.
Hope everyone has a great day and waving "hi" to everyone.
7 -
cindyny,
Your newer contacts, okay?
3 -
Teka, I left home before 3 and got home just before 5. They do not stock the brand I’m used to, so they need to be ordered and they’ll call me when they’re in. I basically sat reading my book for 1.5 hours.
Petite, I’m hoping you’re safe.
Carole, I hope you’re settled in, and have figured out the cause of the buckled flooring. Only thing I can come up with is water left in a pipe or the refrigerator line. Whatever the cause, I hope it’s easily fixable. We turn off the water when we leave FL, but it’s left on in NY due to radiator heat
Betrayal, your trip is right around the corner. You’re accomplishing a lot before you go.
I did get out to pick up the night stand. The woman lives in a beautiful development of larger homes. She had a few items on her front steps, and many in the garage - not sure if they’re moving or replacing items. I wiped it all down, used Pledge to shine it up and I’ve partially put items in & on it.
Still nothing on the walls, or the dressers. Ha! I had a busy day, with little sleep.
Lunch tomorrow with a gf I worked with in the 80’s. And still nothing published nor online, for a memorial service I was told is this Saturday.
6 -
Carole - sorry to hear about the buckled flooring. In March 2025 we returned home from a 3 week trip to find our solid oak kitchen flooring warped and stained due to a refrigerator water dispenser leak. We had turned off the water but forgot to bleed out the water line for the ice maker so we ‘think’ that was the cause. Nonetheless, it was a 2 month renovation of the kitchen and the finished basement below it. I hope your issue is an easier fix.
Petite - hope you are safe.
7 -
The thing we must do intensely is be human together. People are more important than things. We must get together. The best thing humans can have going for them is each other. We have each other. We must reject everything which humiliates us. Humans are not objects of consumption.
Frank Herbert2 -
The hurricane heading towards the gulf bears the same name as the one that hit this area in August 2020. Because the restoration contractors removed the gutters and downspouts that fed into our underground water mitigation system, the heavy rain poured off our tarped roof like it was Niagara Falls.
The basement prior to this had suffered minimal damage, from the tree strike, requiring only the replacement of a few ceiling tiles and a few pieces of flooring. Unfortunately, the water poured into our basement ruining not only the floors, but also the walls for several feet above floor level.
So what was to be a minor repair, led to wall and total floor replacement including painting the entire basement. The clean up was a nightmare. The project supervisor did not order the new flooring in March when enough was available, and then notified me in August 2021, it wasn't available. I had to quickly find a replacement which was more costly and it had to be shipped from Texas.
Hopefully no home suffers damage from this storm. Anyone in its path, please stay safe.
Carole, sorry to hear about your floor damage. Like harley07, we had an ssue with a hidden ice maker leak.
Cindyny, hopefully they publish info about the memorial service soon.
Today I swept and then mopped floors in laundry room, powder room and kitchen. I also wiped down the baseboards in each room. Plus did another load of laundry.
I was able to get outside to plant leftover bulbs from Easter. I thought I had more hyacinth bulbs, but the majority were daffodil. They were the fancy ruffled ones with the triple layer blooms. I hope they come up in the spring. There was a section of ground near the pathway to the hidden garden that had been overgrown with weeds. I cleared this area and did add some pachysandra, but there was a large bare area. I decided to trench it rather than dig individual holes. It makes for easier bulb placement as well as helping you remember where you planted. Our soil is quite rocky so I extracted quite a few while creating this curvy trench. I added the l larger rocks to a wall I uncovered while weeding. So they are planted and I can cross off another task from my "to-do" list.
I addressed Halloween cards for family members, too.
Tomorrow I'll work on wrapping the gifts I have fir DGD, DSIL and DS since we will the last two's birthdays.
Busy day and I am tired. Hope everyone had a great day and waving "hi" to everyone.
4 -
Good morning from the North Carolina mountains. We are warm and dry. It was a beautiful day, yesterday and should be today as well. Not so well for my friends in Florida. I am keeping an eye on the weather reports.
7 -
Count your age by friends, not years. Count your life by smiles, not tears.
3 -
We relish news of our heroes, forgetting that we are extraordinary to somebody too.
3 -
I got re-acquainted with my laundry room and washer and dryer yesterday. Three loads and the walk back and forth was much shorter than in MN. And I didn't have to put $$ in the payment box. LOL. The dryer is 30 plus years old. Hard to believe it's still doing its job. We bought it used when we moved into this house. The washer is No. 3 or 4.
DH played golf and played well, according to his report.
My relief that the hurricane won't hit our area is mixed with worry and sympathy for the targeted area, farther east.
I'm beginning to settle in mentally. The transition always takes me longer than dh. I have set up two appointments for next week. A hair trim and a wellness visit. I plan to discuss possibly trying one of the new meds for diabetes 2 and weight loss. My younger sister, her dh and her daughter have all had success taking one. Her dh's A1c is down to 6, and he has stopped several medications. I welcome any responses, pro or con. My A1c has been edging up the last few years. I take two bp meds.
Happy Saturday to all.
5 -
Good morning from the mountains in NC. Raining this morning from remains of the hurricane. Friends and family in Florida are all OK. I turned the heat on in the cabin to warm it up and dry it out. It feels pleasant. We are just hanging out at the cabin today. I have a couple projects to do then watch movies and read. Heading back to Florida in the morning.
7
