Can we have a forum for "older" people with bc?

IllinoisLady

Let me not be tied down to property or praise and I shall be free. Free from the nagging ache of envy. Free from the hurts of resentment. Free to love all and forgive all. Free to do and say what is right, regardless of the unpopularity. Free to wander everywhere as inspiration guides me. -Francis of Assisi

IllinoisLady

Sun is out this morning though it's bitterly cold. I don't think much of a breeze so it will be okay, but only just. I hope those in Erie Pennsylvania do all right. I was flabbergasted when I read that and so telling myself to be grateful that we are mainly just dealing with some cold air. There are a few tinges of snow here and there among some spots where the last few fall leaves found a spot to gather. We got them all cleaned up ( thanks to a day of help from my cousin and her husband ) so there are only a few places that can hold the snow around here as it was so mild.

Now to eating all the leftovers and planning how to slough off the effects of great indulgences. I do love the holidays for the kitchen smells and getting to sample great cooking. Also the oftentimes shared memories that may be different from your personal ones.

Boy, Sandy -- the phone thingy. It is sort of amazing to be tripped up after how long of having a service/subscription or whatever it may be, working fine and your NEVER having to consider it and then BLIP and it is all changed. Makes me think things that probably aren't true at all -- like was anyone monitoring what I do and say and has either stopped or needed to flake out the old system so I'd tap into what they can more fruitfully avail themselves to use successfully. Then again -- why this yr. when things are so topsy-turvy anyway. I'm usually not a highly suspicious person -- but when things don't add up well to me, the hackles do raise just a little. Hope it is all solved for you Sandy.

I'm trying to ( ordered about three weeks before X-mas ) get an order that I used Haband for because Dh tried ( he has an unusual size issue ) them for and it turned out fantastic. So, I ordered three pr. of jeans from them. According to the chart done mainly in inches for everything -- I chose a 2X size and they ended up huge. I'm now waiting for just the Lg. size and pondering if I even should have bothered. So what is coming is of course, the replacement. I don't have to pay shipping to return or get the replacement so that is fine, but I'm starting to wonder if a person wouldn't be better in most cases to find a store where you can try them on rather then the mail system. In fairness to them they had plenty of high marks given on those who left reviews, but I still didn't like the fabric on the first time out, and the size was out of the question. Just hoping that it turns out better. Likely I'll have to call and get some help if the size that is coming turns out not as right as it should be. Got my fingers crossed. They should be turning up any day now.

Carole, sound like you have ordering on line down pat. Maybe I am lacking in patience a bit. Well, I do know that I have work to do to shed some wt. and exercises to do to move things around properly. Maybe if that is done I could have a bit more success with on-line ordering if I find the rt. store etc.

I think we are going to have the cold into the New Yr. as well. Who knows about the snow, but if it stays this cold I don't know that we would get much if any. So stay warm, and hopefully you all won't have to go out too much.

Wren44

I ordered shirts from Lands End when they sent me a 50% coupon. I had to exchange the size, but it went well. The woman on the phone was really nice and went out of her way. The new size PL is perfect. I've been looking for new T shirts forever. I'm really happy with that purchase. I discovered Gloria Vanderbilt Amanda jeans and now have those almost exclusively. Very comfortable. I lost weight so one size down would be preferable, but the larger size fits the first day. Baggy the second day. A couple are the correct size. They are widely available.

IllinoisLady

Hmmm, I know a couple other people who swear by Gloria Vanderbilt and I think Haband had some. I looked at them and wondered long and hard, but felt so uncomfortable since the size issue was already looming its not very pretty head, that I decided to stick with the area I had been in. If I can get that sizing figured out so that I have some jeans on hand -- then I might think long and hard about a couple more pair and try for the Vanderbilt ones. The Vanderbilt ones were more expensive but if I could find them to fit --- I could go along with that I think. Glad to hear someone else likes them. I wore them once long ago, but had forgotten them until my two friends from Chicago fell in love qwith them.

Anneb1149

Hi everyone

I hope everyone enjoyed the holiday. I was woken up about 8am by my son in SC so I could watch their girls open their gifts on FaceTime. It was only my daughter, grandson and me here, so opening gifts was very calm and quiet. I know I am very hard to buy for, so as I was checking Facebook, I would see odd things I liked- like a “find your keys and phones” thing. And I learned how to do a screenshot, so I would take a picture and send it to one of my daughters who sent it to the others, so I had some gifts to actually open, plus got my yearly gift cards for my kindle. My daughter had only one gift from me, and it was pretty obvious it was a book. She opened it and tried her best to convince me it was the exact cookbook she wanted. I told her to open the book, and her face got even more confused as she saw a gift certificate for Home Depot. I couldn’t continue to watch her effort to appreciate it, so I finally told her that the gift card was for $200 and was to be used on a new backyard grill which she has wanted for a long time. She really was happy with that.

My youngest daughter from Lake Placid was supposed to be here for a brunch at noon, but didn’t show up until five. That was the typical frenzy of kids opening gifts. It really is true- gifts don’t have to be expensive, especially for the little one’s. My 18 month old was thrilled with a bucket of plastic zoo animals. And my 4 yr old in SC could be heard when her little sister opened a house cleaning set saying “Daddy, that’s one we can share, right?” My daughter brought the two puppies they have left from a litter of ten. They were absolutely adorable, one being all gray, which is unusual. To stop them from peeing on our new floors, or getting stepped on, we put them in one of our dog crates. The 18 mo old checked on them a few times, and next thing you know, she’s climbing into the other, empty crate. After going in and out a few times, she wanted me to hook the door closed. As soon as I did, she’dlook at me and say “uck, uck” which is her nor newest word “stuck”. They stayed about an hour and a half, then left for dinner with her FIL’s family.

Yesterday, I had an appt for a full cardiac workup. I was there for 4 1/2 hrs. Of course, I didn’t look at the paperwork until after I took the blood pressure medicine that was on the “do not take for 24 hrs before appt”. My initial reaction was that it was over 12 hrs till the appt, and I just wouldn’t mention it. But common sense prevailed, and I told them . I was so glad I did, because they immediately changed my stress test from the treadmill to a medication one. My fear of the treadmill was partly because I don’t exercise at all, but I was also concerned about my back being stressed too much. I will get the results on Jan 9th. I was so glad I had talked my son into dropping me off and picking me up. I had asked him if he would take me to a mall closer to him afterward because I need a storage container for our Christmas tree. I was way too tired to go anywhere.

While I was at the Dr’s, my DD came home from work early, and un- decorated everything except the outside stuff. She knew how long it has been since we have had our house put together the way it is supposed to be. It was such a nice surprise.

Hope everyone up north is keeping warm and cozy,

Anne

IllinoisLady

Yay for nice surprises -- bet that was right up there with greatest holiday gifts -- to come home and have all the decorations put up and out of the way. Hope your tests bring no major surprises. Hope you can have a few days to just veg out til' the 9th. and unwind a bit. I am always amazed by all you deal with and feel I could not come close to that.

Really sounds like X-mas was pretty nice for everyone at your house. I'm still in amazement that it got here so fast, and it is gone almost as fast as well. We will soon get to start 2018. Stay well and rest.

carolehalston

I have a number of pairs of the Amanda jeans in different colors. I like them a lot. Penney's sells them and also Belk. They're usually on sale for about $25.

Anneb1149

Meant to attach this to my earlier post. Alexandria playing in the dog crate Christmas Day. She had all new toys, but she played with dog crates that have been there since before she was born

Anne

Wren44

The Amanda jeans have larger waists than many. I'm straight up and down and it's the waist I always have problems with. They stretch enough to be very comfortable.

bonnets

Jean shopping, I have to deal with lg hips and thighs, and being short. Finding wide leg petite jeans is an even harder task!

ChiSandy

I go for the Old Navy "skinny" jeans or even "jeggings" in 16 or 18 Short--sometimes Target will fit. (They're zip-front, but I just pull them on with the zipper closed). Chico's are pricey--the 2.5 is too small in the waist but the 3 is too big everywhere, and even the straight-leg version is more like stovepipe or boot-cut, which as a short person I don't find too flattering. (Long non-clingy tops--or swing jackets--over skinny pants look best on me). Chico's knit pants in 2 Short fit me perfectly, though. It's the tops that are tricky for me--especially button-front shirts or knit tops that are straight (my upper belly pooches out). But I am wearing a lot of things that are 10 or even 20 years old--I tend to buy classics and put the better pieces away rather than give them away if they stop being flattering, since my weight fluctuates. I used to buy from Roaman's or Woman Within; their stuff is oversized, but the fabric quality isn't what it used to be. And from my days in a women's trio (both my bandmates were into pagan-Goddess stuff), I have a few Holy Clothing tops & dresses. I like the embroidery and colors, and the generous fit--but I no longer move in circles where those pieces don't practically scream "aging hippie." They no longer really fit my performance style or personality.

IllinoisLady

Love the pic Anne. She is a crated cutie. Glad she enjoyed......

carolehalston

That picture is funny! Just like a child to find her own toy and entertainment.

It's cold and dreary here this morning but dh and I will put on our exercise shorts and go to the gym.

Sandy, I like a brand at Chico's. Zenergy, I think is the spelling. I have two pairs of cropped pants and a pair of shorts that did fit well but in my present bloated after Christmas state, I wouldn't be able to fasten the waistbands. I bought them mainly as golf clothes but for the most part I wear casual sports clothes. I'm on the tall side at 5 feet 7 inches. I used to be tall and slender, not so slender any more.

I was just thinking to myself that it isn't fair for someone who doesn't like holidays to gain 4 to 5 lbs!

My coffee tastes so good this morning.

Happy Thursday.

Tappermom383

My daughter and her husband had a gorgeous Malamute, who unfortunately died when we were there for Thanksgiving. They crate trained her and she would retreat to her crate for some peace and quiet. You guessed it - our grandson, now 20 months old, would follow her into the crate! On more than one occasion we found him in the crate, either alone or with the dog!

MJ

IllinoisLady

There is overwhelming evidence that the higher the level of self-esteem,
the more likely one will be to treat others with respect,
kindness, and generosity.
- Nathaniel Branden

duckyb1

Love Talbots clothes...that is what my kids always buy for me.....always classy, and fit great....my DIL gave me a gorgeous cashmere top, and a blck quilted vest with a black fur color..and other clothes......plus my Club Box seats to Andea Bocelli with drinks, food, was heavenly.....what a voice.....so many other gifts I did not know what to do with them all....cash, checks, etc.....my kids are amazing...just glad its over.....on to the New year.....

ChiSandy

I like Chico's Zenergy line for short zippered windbreaker-style jackets & leggings, and its Travelers' knit line for darn near everything else--rolls up for packing and totally wrinkle-resistant. Versatile, too--accessories can take the pieces from casual to cocktail wear. Magellan's and Travelsmith are also go-tos for me. As for Talbot's, I still wear a couple of 25-yr old pieces (a black cheetah-print knit top...that matches a black Zenergy jacket with the same print trim) and a red Ultrasuede big-shirt. If I weren't such a pack-rat (and therefore overloaded with clothes), I might pay them a visit. They do carry plus sizes up to 2X.

bonnets

Problem is getting plus sizes in petite pants/jeans!

duckyb1

Feeling good...lost 20lbs......and fit into and buttoned a pair of pants that I could not button....just wish I had done this all sooner....s

duckyb1

What was even better I did it in under 7 weeks......

carolehalston

How did you lose so much weight quickly, Ducky? I have quite a few clothes from Talbot's, too, but haven't bought anything there in the last three or four years. I usually wait for a sale. Hey, I may go check them out today! Sandy, I shopped in that big Talbots in downtown Chicago once. It's about six times bigger than our little store.

I need to have my car serviced today so may check out sales in Talbot's and Chico's. I love the long-sleeved blouses at Chico's. Such pretty printed fabric. I actually don't need any clothes since I shopped at Belk for myself several weeks ago.

The sun is out this morning but it's too cold for golf. The winter weather is supposed to continue into next week.

Happy Friday to all.

IllinoisLady

Imagination is more important than knowledge.
For knowledge is limited to all we now know and understand,
while imagination embraces the entire world,
and all there ever will be to know and understand.
- Albert Einstein

duckyb1

Carol....for starters eating mostly organic (when I can get it, and it isn’t easy)...on a clean eating program....no sugar, white flour, white rice, minimal butter, mostly good olive oil.....lots of vegetables.....trust me.....once you stope everything white, and sugar, the rest is easy......was shocked I could do it....and if I can...anyone can........stopped all wheat products too......lemon and warm water every morning.....it had to be done.....not because of any warnings......just because I needed to for my own good..........so sorry I didn’t do this years ago......I truly believe 90% of my problems have been caused by my weight.......and I inclue “cancer” in that .........yes think people get cancer......but check out who gets it the most.........plus the 1 mild heart attack.....just so unnecessary.....and brought it all on myself.....even the bad knees, back etc.....it all has to do with the weight......how much can one 5 foot body drag around...........its late, but hell if I continue to do good, at least when I die I’ll look good in the coffin........LMAO

carolehalston

Ducky, I admire you--anyone!--who can lose weight in a healthy manner. I tried on slacks today at Talbot's and didn't buy them because I REFUSE to go to a bigger size that the big size I've been wearing for the last couple of years.

I did find two pairs of pants at Chico's for a great price, $19. I also bought blouses on sale at both stores which are conveniently located in the same little shopping center. Chico's was very busy, Talbot's not as busy. Nice employees at both stores so shopping was enjoyable.

I didn't take my car to the dealer to be serviced because a man in the service department told me on the phone that they were really busy. He agreed with me that it might be better to wait until school was back in session and people were back at work.

All in all, it was a pleasant day.

duckyb1

Carole....it is doable...just start with starting to eliminate sugar and white flour, and wheat.....do organic if possible...its the pesticides......I never thought I could do it either...I know evey diet inthe book...and have doen all of them....this was the last straw....you can do this....I loved all the wrong things....still do, but have learned to live without them.....give it a shot.....plus you exercise....I don’t......you should do even better...hugs...

ChiSandy

Chico's has outlets at major outlet malls across the country. But like at most outlet stores (including Coach), not everything it sells comes from its regular stores--instead, most of its stuff is made just for the outlets, of lesser-quality materials and in less-trendy styles. Oddly, I've had better luck finding certain styles in the colors I wanted in the outlets than in the regular boutiques. Coach outlets actually do carry more overstocks from its regular and department stores. The same men's shoulder bag that was $200--on sale--at the Coach stores in Vegas' Fashion Show Mall and Forum Shops was $80 at the outlet! I bought a large tan crossbody satchel, $370 at Macy's, for $125.

CeliaC

ducky - Great news on the weight loss. Changed my eating habits very similarly when started rads last February and also found the weight gradually dropping off. (now, if I could just get exercise going!) Have had to buy a lot of new clothes, though. My favorite store these days is JJill - their jeans and pants seem to fit my body best.

duckyb1

Great Celia....good luck.....

ChiSandy

J. Jill is nice--very generously cut, high quality materials. Not quite as pricey as, say, Eileen Fisher (which I also like) but comparable in quality. I used to like Elisabeth (by Liz Claiborne) but they seem to have disappeared after she passed away and the company was sold. JC Penney carries "Liz Claiborne Plus Size," but the stuff looks sort of dumpy now.

Having to buy new clothes, in a smaller size...dirty job, but somebody's gotta do it.

CENOK2017

I am 68 and found out Dec 18 that I have BC. I am still reeling and very very anxious. I have not gotten a clear diagnosis yet except ER/PR- HER2+++. I don't know what stage or grade, unless the +++ means grade 3. I have finally found Stephenson Cancer in Oklahoma City and have an appointment Tuesday. I know the ER/PR- HER2+++ is agressive and I really am terrified. I am trying to be brave for my DH but it is hard.

We have just moved to OK, just had a great summer of boating and fun and now this. I know there are many women so much younger than this group that go through this disease but I am not ready to die! Please give me some hints on how you dealt with anxiety.

Gentle hugs to all of you and thnaks for letting me whine