Can we have a forum for "older" people with bc?
Comments
-
I took a “felting” class last evening with a gf. We each made 3 pumpkins and had a lot of fun. But we were rushing a lot to get the last 2 completed. The class was 2 hours and we think we probably needed 2.5-3 hours to be completed.
We were sent home with extra wool and the needles to finish up at home. I made the smallest one white, because it was too similar in color to the medium one. Home sitting on the couch going at my own pace, not racing the clock, it was very enjoyable. If you ever get a chance to take a class, I’d say to give it a try.
Today was the memorial services for my gf. I found out when I text a gf on Thursday saying I wouldn’t be attending, guessing it was private because nothing was published. She sent me the link, it was on FB which I’m not on. The memorial was very nice, but sad as well. Three of us reminisced about how we all ended up in school together since 7th grade.
Once I got home I kicked off my shoes, pulled off my dress and put on a sweatshirt with fleece pants. And later made myself a drink. It was that kind of day.
Tomorrow’s weather, rain starting around mid morning and continuing all day. I’m not looking forward to damp & cold.
Carole, I have a few friends taking glp1 drugs. One is from obesity not actually a1c issues. But a gf and her husband have been on one for a few years for diabetes. Their weight was only minimally lowered, but the a1c had dropped to a manageable level.
Petite, I’m hoping your FL home is ok. Safe trip back.
4 -
Around us, life bursts with miracles--a glass of water, a ray of sunshine, a leaf, a caterpillar, a flower, laughter, raindrops. If you live in awareness, it is easy to see miracles everywhere. Each human being is a multiplicity of miracles. Eyes that see thousands of colors, shapes, and forms; ears that hear a bee flying or a thunderclap; a brain that ponders a speck of dust as easily as the entire cosmos; a heart that beats in rhythm with the heartbeat of all beings. When we are tired and feel discouraged by life's daily struggles, we may not notice these miracles, but they are always there.
3 -
Beautiful day. This afternoon I plan to attend a choral concert. Two of the women singers are friends. I'm meeting two other women friends and letting dh off the hook.
5 -
Hi All,
cindyny- love the pumpkins.
carole-I know several people that were on glp1's for diabetes and for obesity. They all had good results from them. My one friend was able to stop taking insulin. The other lost almost 100 lbs and she looks great. We are having rain all day so we made cowboy candy.
Hubby chopped jalapenos and I water-bathed them in a sugar-vinegar sauce. Our tomatoes and peppers are winding down since it's much cooler.
My friend gave me a pixie cut, since I looked like Gallagher (the comedian). I am debating a wig. Final chemo is Wed 10/14 and I am anxious to be finished.
Prayers for everyone affected by the hurricane, and those that are traveling.
Have a great week.
6 -
85 deg today yesterday and tomorrow.
3 -
SusieQ, thank you for the feedback on the new weight loss meds.
I enjoyed attending the choral concert yesterday. I met Cindy, a gym friend and member of our Wednesday lunch group, and sat with her. The music was old favorites, and there were lots of solos. As I was about to enter the building, a woman stopped me and asked if I was going to buy a ticket. I said yes. She had an extra ticket and gave it to me. So the concert didn't cost me any money. I tried to pay her, but she said she had been given the tickets.
I'm looking forward to senior exercise class today. I expect to be challenged after a long lapse in doing the routines.
Happy Monday to everyone. I hope you have a good day.
6 -
Back home to Florida. All is well.
7 -
Started packing yesterday and finished today. I still have items to add to the suitcase on Wednesday morning. Our flight is early because it was the only non-stop to San Diego meaning we have to be there early, too. I can't sleep on planes anymore, so I will read and watch movies if available. Can't remember if cross country flights have screens available or have to watch on phone. I usually pass on the latter. It's hard on my neck.
It's hard to plan a wardrobe for a 35 day cruise and we stick to one bag each though I have seen others with up to 3 bags each. Too hard to manage and to keep track of. So I will have repeats on tops, but we have laundry privileges so clothing is clean.
Weather here was rainy with high winds starting Saturday night and lasting all through Sunday. Happy to hear some of you came through unscathed. Today is overcast, but looks nice. Temp in high 60's.
Cindyny, loved the felt pumpkins. Sorry to hear about the loss of your gf.
Carole, glad you enjoyed the choral. As far as the glp1's, Medicare at this time only approves them for diabetes and not weight loss as far as I know. However, some prescription plans through Medicare supplements might pay for them. I do believe Medicaid approves them for both diabetes and weight loss.
On Saturday, DS and DDIL threw a birthday party for DGD. She is 11 today. She received some nice gifts and had a good time. She is now taller than me. DGS had to work at 1 to cover for someone and was supposed to be done at 9. He called saying his co-worker would come in at 5 so he didn't need to stay until 9. He's really shot up, too, and is taller than both of his parents. We enjoyed seeing them since we won't see them again until Thanksgiving. I left their Halloween cards for them to open later.
The cross-stitch has been on pause and will wait for my return. I had made significant progress before I stopped.
Cleaned primary bedroom and bath. Will run vacuum tomorrow to finish it. Plan on dusting and vacuuming family room tomorrow as well. Bought these new microfiber covers for the Swiffer dust mop. They were inexpensive and really worked well with cat and dog hair. Had bought ones for the Swiffer spray mop and think they are better than the disposables. I had been using microfiber cloths attached with rubber bands, but these worked much better. Seem to have more texture.
Hope everyone has a great day and waving "hi" to everyone.
3 -
Betrayal, 35 days is a long time! I bug out on any trip around day 17; then I’m ready to go home. My niece, Army girl, rolls everything for packing - you can fit more but boy it is heavy! I overpack for week long vacations, I can’t imagine what I’d need for 5 weeks!
I started dusting and using Pledge on everything downstairs, then made my way upstairs. Once in our bedroom I started purging things.
I threw out perfumes and body lotions, found 12 pairs of pantyhose still in the original packages, a pair of black tights brand new tags still on them too. A bunch of bathing suits that forgot I had, now too small. Haha
I washed a bunch of shirts size small to donate. And washed other long sheets shirts that do fit, but I forgot all about having. We’re not here thru winter and out of site, out of mind.
Darkness has fallen and the temperatures are dropping again. I’m hoping to meet a gf to walk tomorrow morning but it might rain. 🤞
Hope you all had a good day.
4 -
Cindy, my reaction was the same as yours. Thirty-five days is a long time. Our Viking River cruise in Europe was twenty-some days, and our friend Linda found that the cruise lasted too long for her. I'm glad we took that trip. It was really memorable. I get positive reactions every time I see the commercial on tv.
I enjoyed the senior exercise class yesterday even though it's overcrowded. The maximum number of people allowed in the gym is 54, and that restriction is enforced because of safety regulations. Class participants sign in and get a number. I arrived with 20 minutes to spare, and my number was 50. Consequently, my spot in the gym was toward the back, not to my liking. I guess I will have to go earlier if I want to be nearer the front, where I prefer to be. I'll bet younger gym members think the place is over-run with old people. LOL.
A floor installer is supposed to be coming at 10 am to look at our warped kitchen flooring. DH has a list of installers, and this man was first on the list. We'll see if he shows up. I have no commitments today but may go to Chair Yoga at 1 pm.
Happy Tuesday to all.
5 -
I met 2 gf’s to walk and catch up today. We got in just over 3 miles. I haven’t walked in a long time so it felt good. We were spared rain, although as I pulled away it started sprinkling.
Walking alone I was listening to books. I put on a Greg Isles book, “Southern Man” last in a series which I absolutely loved. Well, the reader just isn’t even close to the “voice” in my head as I read the other books in the series! I know it’s ridiculous, but it throws me. Oddities of me. I’ll get back to it eventually.
The rain didn’t hit my house until 4 PM. We were able to put away all my garden decorations, the 2 chairs & bistro table, and pick up all the pine cones - raining down in us in the wind. Still have the hose to put away, wound up on the reel, but still out. Our grill is still out too. Roses are still blooming and growing like a weed; I’ll cut them back before we go.
Tomorrow is the endocrinologist. They called to see if I’m ready for my appointments. I said yes, I’m bringing a book. 12:30 dexa scan; 1:00 ultrasound of my thyroid; 1:40 visit with the dr to go over everything. I’ll need the book.Tomorrow night is dinner out with a gf, after we see the play “Boop!” It was the only play option for us before I leave for FL. I hope we like it.
Betrayal, safe travels!
petite, glad everything was ok at your FL home.
Carole, good luck getting a good contractor to fix your flooring.Chris, your temps are high!
Suzieq, woo hoo to tomorrow being your last chemo treatment! I’m happy for you.
5 -
Suzieq, I celebrate your last chemo treatment too. Hope you can feel my smiles.
Cindyny, My DH and I have been listening to the Harry Potter audio books. Don't laugh, it is the fun we need as we travel back and forth between appointments. These books use the voices of the characters and they are pretty close to the movie ones so there is no conflict in my mind. They are enjoyable. We get about 40+ minutes each way. Our DD and DGD live with us and my DD really likes the original HP so we play along, but I find myself looking forward to my infusion trips in a different way. Make sure you buy the ones with the voices instead of just a narrator—so much better! I will have to look for "Southern Man."
5 -
Intolight, I loved the Harry Potter books and movies. Think your advice about audio books is a good one.
cindyny, good luck with your scans and doctor appointment. Glad you were able to catch up with gf's on your walk. Seems you are preparing for return to FL. Safe travels.
Carole, our vacations normally are planned for about 30 days at a time due to airplane ticket cost and with Europe being our destination mich of the time. This cruise is to an area we have not visited once we get beyond Hawaii. It is also a heritage cruise. We have done long cruises in Europe for up to 28 days and then spent days in London or Rome after. We enjoy not having to unpack more than once and the amenities on cruise ships. So not everyone's cup of tea, but we enjoy traveling to new places and sights.
I will not be posting daily quotes until I return for those who enjoy them.
Hope everyone has a great day and waving "hi" to everyone.
6 -
DH listens to audio books at the gym and in his workshop. On the long trips to and from MN we listen to books on his phone in the Libby app.
We filed an insurance claim yesterday and started the process of curing the water leak problem and restoring the kitchen. DH called a plumber who came here and started work. Allstate sent a man from a restitution company. I think that's the right word. Maybe restoration. Tomorrow a company will come to pinpoint the water leak, which may be in the concrete slab. This house was built in the 1970's.
Cindy, your walk with GFs sounds nice. I admire the way you maintain contact with women friends.
Betrayal, we will miss your quotations but understand why you won't be posting them. I hope your trip is as interesting and entertaining as you envision it to be.
I plan to go to exercise class today. I guess I will go early to get a lower number and spend the extra time doing some cardio on a treadmill or upright bike. As soon as the weather cools off some, I will have to do some yard work.
SusieQ, it must be a great feeling to finish up with chemo treatments. We celebrate with you in spirit.
Happy Wednesday to all.
5 -
suzieq - thinking of you as you finish up chemo! May it be smooth sailing from here.
Betrayal - have a fantastic time on the cruise! Happy cruising!
Carole - good luck with the restoration.
Intolight - thinking of you as you continue the infusions. Good for you for finding a way to make the commute a little more enjoyable.
Chris - we’ve also had temps in the 80’s but I think we’ve seen the last of them as we are forecasted to get rain tomorrow followed by cooler temps.
Cindy - busy as ever. The picture of your walk looks like a perfect fall day.
Waving hello to all.
5 -
The small water leak in the kitchen was located today and turned out to be a break in the tiny water hose running water to the ice maker. I called the young plumber who was here yesterday. He came within an hour and replaced the length of plastic tubing. Tomorrow, the restoration people come and take up the flooring and replace it. I hope the work gets done in one day. I plan to be away. A hair appointment in a town about 40 minutes away and lunch with my niece and, hopefully, her mother.
The good news on the water leak is that plumbing in the concrete slab wasn't the problem. This problem was easily fixed. I asked dh a couple of times about the plumbing for the ice maker and he dismissed my queries.
Today has seemed long and has been inactive. Between the plumber and the leak detection expert, we paid out $900. That almost adds up to our $1000 deductible.
6 -
Yeah, Harley, rainy all day today. Frost expected tomorrow night.
I got an injection in my left shoulder yesterday. Went down for a nap an hour ago, and Tippy thought that was a bad idea. He doesn't want to go outside in the rain, I remember when he loved the rain. Age falls on all of us.
5 -
Carole, before we started leaving NY for FL my uncle had us change out from the plastic tube supply line to the ice maker to this:
But it goes to the basement.
In FL, it’s plastic and snakes from under the kitchen sink, behind cabinets almost in a big U shape (many feet long) to reach behind the refrigerator. It’s leaked before! On the morning we were leaving for NY. Fortunately for us it’s all tiled. But I feel your pain. If it’s not one thing, it’s another.
Last nights play “Boop!” was cute. Phenomenal voices! But Betty was before my time, so some of the references mentioned in the play, I looked up this morning. We had great seats.
After getting home last night I made appointments for us to get the flu shot this morning at CVS. So that was our only outing today, with a side trip into the grocery store for my yogurt.
Tomorrow looks like rain all day. I’ve got to get moving on reorganizing the bedroom. Donating a lot too.
Enjoy your night!
5 -
Cindy, our setup is similar to yours in Fl.
I'll be glad when we get some cooler and fall like temperatures. I've had enough of summer heat.
4 -
I slept in this morning. I was awake at 8:30, and just didn’t feel like getting up & hoped I’d be able to go back to sleep. Well I can report that I did in fact sleep until almost 10:30! Shocker, I got about 7.5 hours of sleep.
We went outside around 2 to pick up the yard. He was picking up pine cones and I was raking them, without killing my shoulder or back. Then I hooked up our mower with the bagger, dropped the mower to the ground and used it to vacuum up the pine needles. We filled 3 bags. Just as we were completing the job it started raining. We got everything put away and got ourselves inside before the sky let loose with a heavy downpour.
We had to wait for the rain to stop to go back out and get the batteries out of the mower to recharge them.
Tomorrow I need to bring in the deck plants to the back porch. Our freeze warning is for overnight Saturday. It’s been a few years now that I’ve overwintered the deck plants in the basement. But first, back porch safety - when the sun is out it warms up the unheated back porch nicely.
I might remove the caulk from around the tub tomorrow. It needs it before we head to FL. I’ll have to make sure it’s all nice and dry before redoing it. We might not be able to use it tomorrow night as usual. But there is no “good time” to do it, so best do it when I’m in the mood to deal with it.
Tomorrow’s high might get to 50. Our first true COLD day. Hoping your day is warmer than mine!
4 -
The high here in south Louisiana is forecast to be in the 70's following a cold front coming through. The only negative is wind gusts. We're invited to an outdoor fish fry, so the lower temperatures are welcome, but not windy conditions. The event is also a potluck. Yesterday dh made a pasta salad. I'm so glad he did and I don't have to make anything.
The restoration workers didn't come yet because the insurance company hadn't received the report from the leak detection company. DH sent copies of payments to the plumber and the leak detection company. I was glad to have a day with no workmen in the house.
I enjoyed lunch with my younger sister and her daughter yesterday. They both take GLP-1 meds and I asked them questions about early SEs.
Happy Saturday.
4 -
Carole - good to hear the source of the leak has been identified and that it was not in the slab. Hopefully all repairs can be made quickly.
6 -
I pulled the tub caulk out. Messy to say the least. I sat in the tub to do it, and let’s agree I’m not getting any younger - my legs don’t fold up nicely, and I even thought I might need a hand to get out of it. I had a tube of silicone caulk but I sealed it improperly and it dried out. I tried cutting it back, 3x, without luck. So I’m off to buy a new tube. It’s such a messy job and I’m no good at recaulking. I’ve had live demos, videos, YouTube’s - boney thin fingers just don’t help me. I may grab the caulk and see if my cousin is around. Haha.
Temps are low, hit 50, but it’s sunny. I’m off to Lowe’s in a sweatshirt.4 -
I've dropped in but been quiet. Sorry I missed Betrayal's departure. Sounds like too long for me too but each to their own.
Carole, hope the kitchen doesn't turn into the messes that Harley and Betrayal had. We are still using W & D that are over 20 years old. We talked about replacing them when we did the kitchen appliances and were advised not to - the new ones self destruct in 5-8 years - so we should just keep these as long as they worked.
SuzieQ - hope you are feeling better. What is your final decision about AI's?
Haley - where is that beautiful quarry? I thought I had a pretty good sense of the Chicago suburbs.
Finally had some very much needed rain - the west side of the valley has been especially dry this season. We've actually had a few days where we could have the house open all day - that's my definition of fall arriving.
I picked up a cold from somewhere, probably the mall where I hang out while Ella is skating so have been dragging. Feel a little better tonight but I did bow out of the Saturday dinner and was sad to miss the local demonstration this morning.
Sending hugs to all who need them.
6 -
The a/c has been turned off for a couple of days. The last two nights we slept with a window open in the bedroom. It's cool enough today for me to get out in the yard with loppers and attack some of the trees growing in azalea beds. I have to pull out vines, too. I probably won't get around to weeding the front flowerbeds next to the house. They're "weed beds." When I'm doing the work, I'll try to take inspiration from Betrayal.
The outdoor fish fry we attended yesterday was very enjoyable, thanks to the cool weather, delicious food, and pleasant people, all about our age. The location of the host's camp is on a bayou and a nice place to hang out. We were seeking sunshine rather than shade.
Tomorrow morning I have a 9am appointment to drop off my 2014 Prius at the dealership for oil change and troubleshooting on why the backup camera and radio aren't operating. I miss the radio more than the backup camera, which isn't nearly as helpful as the one on my dh's newer pickup. I'll probably do more yard work since I won't have transportation to the gym. Dh is booked up with medical appointments.
I'm hoping the restoration work on the kitchen floor will begin tomorrow. It's probably too much to hope for that it will begin and finish in one day, even though the area involved isn't huge.
Happy Sunday to all.
5 -
Hi All,
Lost my post so I am starting over again!
I've been lurking all week. Rang the bell and got a certificate for finishing chemo. My head is filled with questions regarding my treatment options going forward. When I first started this journey the cancer was small, found early, no chemo only 5 radiation to be scheduled and it morphed into a something far more involved. This is how my brain has been scrambled by all the questions.
We had frost early this morning. I didn't bring any plants inside so I expect some damage to my fiscus on the front porch. Hopefully it's minimal.
I am praying that betrayal is have the cruise of a lifetime with smooth sailing and starry nights.
carolehalston- Good luck with the weeding. That is something that I need to do as well. Hopefully the restoration on the floor is quick and well done.
intolight-Prayers for your infusions that you have no or minimal side effects.
1946taco-Still not sure about taking anastrozole since the side effects seem to be very concerning. I see the oncologist on Dec 2 to discuss further. I would like to know if anyone has an opinion on them 1st hand. I am open to any comments regarding taking/not taking them.
My dad's birthday party is Saturday and we have 50-60 people who RSVP'd that they are coming to it. My sisters and I have split the duties, but they are doing the lion share of it cause I've been pretty pooped lately. I am thankful for them and their thoughtfulness.
I hope everybody has a wonderful Sunday and an even better week ahead!
5 -
@suzieq64 Congratulations on getting to ring the bell. Getting through chemo is a huge accomplishment. I will pray your continued treatment works well and is easy on you.
I have a PET scan tomorrow so this is PET food day for me… So I have bacon in the oven and will eat scrambled eggs and bacon for breakfast. I am already missing my morning coffee!
6 -
cindyny,
Did newer contacts come?
Perfect felt pumpkins for Halloween and Thanksgiving charm.
I've added "felting" class to my bucket list.😉
BBL
5 -
suzieq64,
I find lurking less stressful than posting. 🤪
Pleased you rang the bell and got a certificate for finishing chemo.
I'm sure your care team will guide you through treatment options going forward.
3 -
Intolight, hoping your PET scan went well.
Teka, no new contacts yet. On Saturday night I was using a makeup remover pad and slid my contact off my eye, up under the lid. It randomly happens, not often, but usually comes out in the corner of my eye within an hour or two. They’re so thin now, there really isn’t any pain just minimal discomfort. Which is good because I did not get it out until 1 AM Monday morning! New lenses better show up soon, I’m on the last pair I own.Tub - my cousin caulked it for me! He said the house being so old, settling, removing plaster & lath for dry wall - it’s all uneven so that’s why I have a problem with it. He went over it several times - some areas are deep, some shallow etc. I’m just happy it’s done. I have no problem in the FL house caulking, only this tub cause me pain.
Today I met a gf for a walk, same place as last week. We got in over 3 miles so it was nice. Much cooler but we work up a sweat.
I collected some leaves to send to my FL gf’s that miss the change of seasons. I hope they get there before drying out to brown. LOL
We tackled the backyard again. SO had pine cone duty and he was skimming out the pool of pine needles and cones. I stained “ rot boards” that were under a part of the fence work. I put out the reflecting posts so winter plowers can see where the garden stone edging is. Then I took the hedge trimmer and went to town on the barberry bushes. My back was killing me but I got it all done. But I left the debris for SO to pick up. It filled 2 more bags; I was brutal to those shrubs. They might need to be pulled out next year I planted 2, 25 years ago, now there are 4.Carole I’m hoping your floor work gets started.
I need a hot shower, and maybe jammies on the early side I’ll wait until after the news,Hope you all enjoyed the day!
5
