Meet other women who are similar in age and dealing with age-appropriate issues.
Posted on: Feb 7, 2009 06:29PM
Northstar wrote:
I am an "older" woman with breast cancer (I was diagnosed at 65 and am now 66). I notice that most of the posts seem to be from people younger than I am (often by quite a bit...). I'd love to "talk" with others my age, exchange info about their diagnoses, effects on their lives, etc. I see that there is a forum for young women.
Someone suggested that maybe it's that older people aren't so computer-savvy or aren't used to being in online discussion groups. However, for those who are, it would be great.
Posts 38251 - 38280 (38,685 total)
Dec 31, 2020 02:13PM Wren44 wrote:
We'll probably be asleep by 10pm. People shoot off fireworks at midnight, so that will probably wake us up. It's our anniversary and our big celebration is ordering takeout (and being alive and together to enjoy the occasion).
Dec 31, 2020 05:19PM Taco1946 wrote:
jul - sorry about the fall. Sadly, it's a risk at our age. I'm always afraid of tripping on the dog's toys. He seems to know how to retrieve them from the basket but return them.
Dec 31, 2020 10:28PM ChiSandy wrote:
jhl, my sympathies over the fall--been there, done that. Hope you had no facial fractures. I second the advice about the arnica gel. I hate uneven sidewalks--in Nov. 2005 I caught a toe on the raised pavement edge, fell forward on my hands, and sprained both my R wrist and hairline-fractured the "radial neck." I was part of a duo with another woman folksinger at the time, and we were on our way up to a folk conference in SW MI. She had broken her ankle that Sept. and used a knee-scooter (which we nicknamed "Trigger") to get around because she was still in a cast & non-weightbearing, so she couldn't drive. I was able to steer with my L hand, but couldn't turn the ignition key, so she did it for me. We made quite a pair!
By the time midnight rolled around last night, it hurt to even breathe or burp--it was like my L chest had a traveling gas bubble. I'm feeling fine now, thanks to 2 Aleve, 2 Tylenol, 1mg. Xanax and a CBD/CBN gummy at bedtime last night. Slept >10 hrs!
Bob won't be home for at least an hour--about 45 min. ago our Peking duck dinner arrived and I'm keeping it warm. (I did sneak a small bowl of the duck soup--there's a quart & a half of it). Have the sinking feeling it'll be tomorrow's brunch. Got Bob's Drinkworks machine up & running. Hope he decides not to go in to work in the morning, because overnight we're gonna get ice, then rain, then snow--and snow again Sat. night.
Jan 1, 2021 07:29AM petite1 wrote:
Happy New Year.
Jan 1, 2021 08:37AM karen1956 wrote:
Welcome 2021! Hoping that this year will be one of good health and getting to visit with family, friends and some sense of how life was prior to march 13, 2020!
Have a great day!
Jan 1, 2021 10:06AM IllinoisLady wrote:
Love is an act of endless forgiveness. -Peter Ustinov
Jan 1, 2021 10:07AM carolehalston wrote:
The fireworks in this neighborhood began sounding off about 9 pm and continued until after midnight. The noisiest I can remember. People must have been venting their frustration with 2020.
I will be cooking a traditional (in this part of the South) New Year's meal of black-eyed peas and cabbage for luck and prosperity. The peas will be seasoned with a smoked ham hock and the cabbage will taste better with the addition of carrots and a corned beef brisket. There will be just the two of us. Hmm, isn't that a song?!!
The governor of Louisiana has announced that seniors of 70 years and older will be eligible for the next round of vaccine. I'm not sure what steps we should take. Get a prescription from our doctor? Make an appointment with a pharmacy?
Like Jackie, I am hoping that the political histrionics will settle down and we can benefit from calm leadership beginning later this month. There's one thing for sure. No matter how long you live, you can expect surprises in the behavior of your fellow citizens.
Jan 1, 2021 10:15AM IllinoisLady wrote:
Good morning all. Happy 2021. We stayed up but only because we napped. Didn't watch any celebrations though. Just knowing that much better opportunities were coming was enough -- so we stayed with programs already in progress.
It rained overnight and turned a bit icy at some point. It didn't feel like hard ice though that could change. The lady I help out at the farm called and gave me the day off. So, I'm waiting to go out period. I will later on go feed the feral cats and do the other lady that I do. It will all work out fine I'm sure. I'm actually glad to have a little extra rest. Didn't look for it, but nice to start the new yr. out on a less strenuous beginning. I seldom take time off, and so I will enjoy getting to start this yr. with a bit more quiet deliberation. I am grateful for how far we've come and am sooooo hopeful we all can persist until and as things hopefully become much better.
Jan 1, 2021 01:31PM Wren44 wrote:
Happy New Year! It finally arrived! A counselor here suggested that we think about intentions rather than resolutions. His point was that we feel bad when we don't keep our resolutions. An intention is something you continue to put into place without judging how well you're doing it.
Jan 1, 2021 02:28PM - edited Jan 1, 2021 10:42PM by ChiSandy
Happier New Year! In a cruel irony, Bob's medical partner has yet to get her first vaccination and doesn't know when & where it'll be available. After she had her radiation tx (she has low-Oncotype Stage IA/Grade 2 IDC like me), she decided to stop visiting hospitals, just seeing office patients; and now that she's been diagnosed with a-fib, Bob wants her doing only tele-health visits for now. The city announced earlier this week that all medical workers could get the Moderna vax, and medical practices needed to register with the city in order to get the go-ahead to make appointments for the shots. Unfortunately, earlier this year Bob & his partner closed their Midway-area office--w/in city limits--because the rent was just too high for their revenues. Their only office now is in Hickory Hills, a SW suburb. And Cook County hasn't followed the Chicago Health Dept.'s lead. She isn't even eligible for the third priority round, since she's only 62. (Unless they include those of any age with comorbidities with the 65-74 age group).
Jan 1, 2021 10:19PM Taco1946 wrote:
Happy New Year Everyone. Dare I wish for uneventful!
The vaccine "line" certainly is confusing. I have no idea where Maricopa County is on the roll-out. Just know that Arizona's per capita infection rate is second highest, only after California. No information what how one will be notified that it's one's turn or where to go.
My 90 year old friend in independent living got her first dose this week - don't know if it is because of her status or because her 92 year old husband is in the nursing home section of the same facility. Haven't seen her since my fall to get any details. Our friend's daughter who cares for covid patients in her Normal, IL hospital got hers. Haven't personally heard of anyone else but I am isolating enough that I might not hear. Tonight's news about high rates of infection for grocery store workers of course has me worried about our daughter.
We're willing to wait. I've been NED since my lumpectomy 4 years ago and we don't live in congregate housing. How many months will it be before we quit talking about this????
I'm going to have to try harder to be grateful for every day.
Jan 2, 2021 01:07AM CindyNY wrote:
Happy New Year!
We had my niece and her daughter here for celebrating new years and her birthday on 1/1. I made meatballs and pasta, with Texas toast. We cracked a bottle of champagne and one of sparkling grape juice. As we watched the ball drop, yelling the countdown, we toasted the new year. Then I ran to open the front doors, littlest ran to open the back doors, and we tossed out 2020! Some neighbors a street over were setting off some very beautiful fireworks high in the sky. We started hooting woo hoo, they were beautiful. It seemed like we needed it. Then we put candles on a nice carrot cake, sang happy birthday (48) for my niece. Cake, presents and it was 1:30 AM as they left.
Last year they were with us at our FL house, and today we would have been at the beach. But this year we made the best of it. Today was just us, broiled filet mignon for dinner and just loved it. We haven't been eating a lot of red meat.
So to add to my first day of 2021, partner stepped into pantry and announced his sock was all wet. Say what?? Our washer is in there and I thought - don't even tell me it's leaking, if I have to call a plumber again I'm going to lose my mind. So I started pulling everything off the floor - too many bottles of rum, laundry detergent, bleach, 2 giant Windex refill bottles, plastic storage containers, bags of vacuum bags, a juicer, a little steamer - yes, more crap than what should be there. I cleaned out the whole area, which in truth, needed it. It's an area easily overlooked (by me anyway). It turned out a gallon jug of distilled water was the culprit. Transferred the water into a recently cleaned out gallon of milk and life was good. There must be a word for forced cleaning when a gremlin or a fairy causes a mess you can't ignore. Food for thought.
Jhl so glad you weren't more seriously injured in your fall. May your bruising heal quickly and swelling go down too.
Sandy - glad your son & future DIL made it home safe. And that you're ok.
Our next grandson was due 12/26, no baby yet. I said in think he knows what a shix show 2020 was and doesn't want his birthday associated with it. They see the Dr today/Saturday for an update.
Covid vaccine, I'm totally unsure when I'll qualify. I'm not over 65 so maybe after group 1c? If BC and being on an AI for another 2+ years qualifies for any earlier shots I'll take it - granted I do not want to line jump. Partner of 25 years, he will be 65 on 3/1 so he may get something in March, may not. All a crap shoot.
Our hospital distributing the vaccine is looking for volunteers to help give injections. I thought I'd volunteer, I had given shots to my diabetic father, I'd have no problems giving an injection. But they are looking for all types of medical workers: EMT, 1st year nursing students, even dentists. I could help otherwise in the setting but at this juncture I'm still a remote school helper for my nieces daughter thru 1/29. I'll give them a call Monday to see what's expected.
I've rambled on forever. I hope everyone had a nice first day in the new year. It's snowing here now, 32 out, supposed to get windy tomorrow afternoon. Have a great Saturday!
Jan 2, 2021 09:34AM IllinoisLady wrote:
The roots of love sink down and deep and strike out far, and they are arteries that feed our lives, so we must see that they get the water and sun they need so they can nourish us. And when you put something good into the world, something good comes back to you.
Merle Shain
Jan 2, 2021 09:45AM IllinoisLady wrote:
Not looking too bad here. Cloudy right now. Who knows -- could rain some more I guess but I hope not. Rained ( heavy, heavy mist at times ) yesterday and I am in need of sun. I likely should be thankful it wasn't snow. We have only had one very sm. snow this season and wondering now if that might be it. Jan. and Feb. can be iffy as all get out here so not sure of anything.
Cindy, so glad nothing too drastic was going on in your pantry -- but so right about "something" forcing you to do what you should have done, but can ignore to the nth. degree. My pantry is small and something ( again who knows ) seems to require Dh try to toss everything in there, whether it bears any relation at all to what you might find in a pantry. So, I end up cleaning my little pantry way more often that what would be otherwise 'normal' for me.
I thought the same thing about your ( delaying his start time in the world ) grandson when I read the late Dec. due date. Here's hoping all is well and he soon shows up safe, sound, and happy to not be a part of 2020 after all. Let him bring in love and sunshine and happiness.
I hope you all have a wonderful Saturday.
Jan 2, 2021 10:08AM IllinoisLady wrote:
Hmm, I spoke too soon. I got done typing which I gave heavy attention to since I hate proof-reading. Looked up and lo and behold -- it is snowing. Oh just yikes, but it will be okay. Out to feed the feral cats, check at the post ofc. for a box and then back home here where I will make waffles for breakfast.
Jan 2, 2021 01:34PM Wren44 wrote:
We have 1-3 in rain predicted by tomorrow night and a flood watch is in effect. I'm not near any rivers, so not a concern for me. There may be rain in the mountains contributing snowmelt to the rivers or snow in the passes, making cross Washington travel really miserable. It's supposed to be 51 here so no snow in the lowlands.
Jan 2, 2021 08:56PM - edited Jan 3, 2021 02:05PM by ChiSandy
We're expecting another 1-3" of snow overnight. Whatever fell last night melted off everything but the grass, and because it's stayed above freezing there was little ice up here. Looking at highs near 40 through Wed.
Bob brought home dinner tonight from a Japanese-Chinese restaurant in Evergreen Park, near Little Co. of Mary Hospital. Evergreen Park is just the other side of the Chicago city line. To his shock, the parking lot was packed and people were waiting in line outside--not just to pick up takeout but sit inside! He says he saw (at least thinks he saw) those indoors wearing masks, but seeing as how it's right next door to right-wing Oak Lawn, I suspect many of its customers are COVID-denying maskholes. At this point, 2 weeks after his first Pfizer shot, he's got about 60% immunity, but I am disgusted by suburbs that ignore statewide mitigation protocols because "they make it impossible to run a profit." Oh, boo frickin' hoo--what makes THEM more entitled to stay open than law-abiding businesses? Evergreen Park is incredibly venal & corrupt: they bust people for smoking cigarettes while out walking, and for turning right on red lights--from protected turn lanes with deliberately small and hidden "no right turn on red" signs. Fines for stuff like that make up its main source of revenue. So you think they'd enact and enforce a mask mandate, as well as enforce Tier 3 mitigation state regs against indoor restaurant service, right? It'd be a no-brainer of a cash cow. Nope--the cops don't want to wear masks and the city officials want to eat & drink unimpeded--and not get voted out of office.
Meanwhile, I haven't been out of the house--except to retrieve stuff from my porch--since Christmas Eve. My mani appt. is this Thurs.--if the salon is allowed to remain open. I keep asking Bob if it's safe, and he always responds "everything has its risks, and we have to look inward to see which risks are worth taking." Fortunately, travel and indoor, even tented, restaurant drinking & dining are risks he's unwilling to take until I've been vaccinated. He's due for his second shot next week, assuming Little Co. has reserved it for him. My next "must-leave-the-house-no-ifs-ands-or-buts" appointment is Feb. 23 with my ocular oncologist--and you can't do ultrasound via telehealth.
Jan 3, 2021 09:28AM IllinoisLady wrote:
As I look back at the entire tapestry of my life, I can see from the perspective of the present moment that every aspect of my life was necessary and perfect. Each step eventually led to a higher place, even though these steps often felt like obstacles or painful experiences. -Wayne Dyer
Jan 3, 2021 09:32AM IllinoisLady wrote:
We were due for rain this morning, but it turned into snow. Warm enough that it didn't really stick although there is a layer on top of my car. I think the roads will be fine. Likely is anything else it will be rain as we warm up more during the day. Well, I need some sun so I won't be liking it much. No special plans for the day. Playing it all by ear. Tried out my waffle maker yesterday and it worked great. I was tired of buying frozen ones which are fine in a pinch, but barely for me.
I hope you all have a good Sunday.
Jan 3, 2021 10:04AM MCBaker wrote:
I have been passing up on the opportunity for pancakes or french toast. Too many calories.
Jan 3, 2021 11:11PM CindyNY wrote:
Best news of the year, grandson was born 11:34 this morning, 8 pounds, 20.5" long, mom & baby doing great. I'd post a picture but they haven't put one out on social media yet, so I'll wait. I could eat up his piggy toes and play with his little dimpled hands!
The rest of the day was crap. Toilet still not functioning properly, washer drained and sucked air from toilet bowl. Washed a pair of dark blue jeans by themselves in cold water, I dry them on the radiator. Took them out of the washer and they had clumps of liquid softener on them, had to re-wash them. Then when I went to look for them, they were already in the dryer. I ran to grab them but...already dry & shrunk over my ankle. Other small pathetic annoyances spotted the day. Pandemic, stuck in the house too much, with each other doing nothing. Calgon take me away!
Jan 4, 2021 12:08AM karen1956 wrote:
Cindy - mazel tov on your new grandson
Jan 4, 2021 08:37AM IllinoisLady wrote:
Our rushing and our busyness create a fog layer that
encloses us, surrounding us with thicker and thicker
layers externally and building denser and denser fog
layers within. Pretty soon, we have lost touch with
that which guides our lives. We need contact with
our spirituality to be the people we would like to be.
Anne Wilson Schaef
Jan 4, 2021 08:40AM IllinoisLady wrote:
Cindy -- congrats on the grandson. Hopefully, your days ( jeans and all ) will finally straighten out. Here's to a long stretch soon of no problems. Time to have some respite from what has become the daily grind -- except for that grandson. That is spectacular.
Back to work this morning. It is frosty outside, but no snow. Hope it does warm up though. Don't see any wind so that is a plus. # 4 chemo tomorrow and when done I'll be half way home with that.
Hope you all have a great day.
Jan 4, 2021 08:42AM karen1956 wrote:
Back to the daily grind. Winter break is over!
Jan 4, 2021 09:31AM - edited Jan 4, 2021 09:38AM by MCBaker
Mrs. Illinois-- are you losing your hair? A friend had chemo recently and he kept his, although they told him that he might lose it.
Jan 4, 2021 09:50AM carolehalston wrote:
Congratulations on the grandchild, Cindy. Too bad about the jeans but they can be replaced.
Another beautiful Louisiana winter day here. Cold this morning but sunny and will warm up. Supposed to get colder later in the week.
I guess I will go to my senior exercise class today. I'm trying to balance the benefits against the dangers as the Covid numbers rise. Some pharmacies around the state are supposed to be receiving about a hundred doses of the vaccine. The list will be published and those in the 70 and over category can call and make appointments. Good luck with that. Maybe the new administration will do a better job of getting our nation vaccinated. We can hope.
Wishing everyone a good day.
Jan 4, 2021 10:50AM Betrayal wrote:
CindyNY: Congratulations on the new grandson. What a great New Year's gift.
As far as the jeans, you can try this:https://www.wikihow.com/Unshrink-Jeans
It's worth a try to see if you can resurrect them or they become cutoffs for next summer.
Jan 4, 2021 05:06PM IllinoisLady wrote:
MCBaker, I am so fortunate this time around. The chemo goes directly into my bladder, so no hair loss, no nausea, and actually so far, not anything that could be called a side effect. The chemo is put in through a catheter and once I've held it in for 2 hrs. ( during that time I lay on my back 15 mins., then roll to one side for 15, then on the stomach for 15, then on the other side for 15 for a total of one hr. Then I do it all over again for the second hr. ) After all my turns I am free to go use the bathroom and start 'losing' the chemo.
The theory is making all these turns the bladder gets completely coated with the chemo and whatever is used just directly kills the cancer that is there -- because it is on the exterior of the inside of the bladder. I don't think ( because I'm thirsty by the time I am done and drink lots ) any of it remains once I am home. I was told though to flush the stool at least two to three times each time I use it for the rest of the day. It felt strange to me at first -- this not having side effects. When I did my 6 mos. of chemo for the breast cancer ( not to upset anyone who may be doing any chemo now ) I had a number of issues. Much nausea, and some vomiting, a lot of tiredness, aches, bone pain, and each chemo since cumulative took a longer time to get over and start feeling better.
I am used to it now so hope I continue to be side effect free. The worst is in order to not have to get up and go to the bathroom I've found that I can't eat or drink ANYTHING on chemo day. I am fortunate that it is in the morning -- about 9:15 each time, so all I have to 'endure ' ( word used lightly ) is some VERY mild discomfort around my head. It feels like I am about to get a headache but I never really do. We drink half and half coffee so guess it is why I don't actually get a full blown headache. Once home I get a cup of coffee immediately while sipping water too. Coffee generally stimulates the kidney/bladder so that along with the water gets me able to release any left-over chemo.
Jan 4, 2021 06:01PM petite1 wrote:
Cindy, wonderful news on your new grandson
It was posted in our Sunday paper that the DOH will start vaccines on Jan. 7 for those over 65. It is first come first served and it is drive through.
My bean soup was wonderful. I ate it for 3 days and froze some. I cant remember who posted it, but thank you for the idea.