Can we have a forum for "older" people with bc?
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I'm trying hard to imagine having snow outside, but it's a struggle! We have a smoke haze here today which is very unpleasant, a side effect of bushfires north of us. It makes it hard to breathe.
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Neither our means, nor our worth, are measurable by our money. If one has a fat purse and a lean heart, a broad estate and a narrow understanding, what will one's "means" do for one—what will his or her "worth" gain that person? What sadder sight is there than old people who have spent their lives getting instead of growing? If they have piled up books, statues, and paintings with their wealth, they may be strangers among people. How poor they are if their souls have shriveled to those of misers, and if all their nobler instincts are dead! -Orison Swett Marden
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Our rain ( all day affair is what is billed ) but not quite as early as predicted. Should be over by tomorrow morning. Dh mulched some leaves yesterday. They have started to drift off the trees by quite a bit. I'm pretty sure with the newer gasoline push mower ( Husqvarna ) we got when the Sears Home Town store was having its final closing sale, I could likely help. I can do so much with one hand and some minimal assistance for now from my left are/hand. The mower is really easy to use. Un-like our much older Craftsman's -- it does not have the baffle that when pushed pulled gas into the carburetor. With this one -- one pull and the motor roars into life. Makes getting out there pretty much of a breeze. Last yr. I did almost an acre of mulching with it since the big tractor needed some repair. Not great, but sure helped some of my least used muscles.
Hope you all have a good day. Stay warm and dry if you can.
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Rainy day here. I will probably to Silver Sneakers exercise at the Y later on.
Petite, glad to hear that your rad. treatments are more tolerable
Jackie, good luck with the therapy. I wish I were celebrating weight loss but I don't envy you the reason you dropped lbs.
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Smoke haze continuing here from the bushfires, finding it hard to breathe, which isn't great as I have bronchitis. I saw on the news the air quality was 'hazardous' yesterday!
I know I am supposed to have my daily walk, but can't go walking in this air. Crossing my fingers it will clear soon. -
My brother had to evacuate because of one of the fires in California. He did not have to fight the traffic because he rides an electric bicycle. He is staying away from home for a few extra days because of multiple respiratory conditions. I didn't go to the gym yesterday, will today. I quit going for two months, but during that time, I quit losing weight. Was losing at 5 pounds a month.
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The news coverage of the fires in CA make me nervous and anxious for the people who are threatened.
It's dark and rainy outside. I have three appointments today, two medical appointments and the last one at 3 pm to get my hair trimmed by a new stylist. My stylist (beautician) had surgery and won't be working until after Thanksgiving. This is one of those days when I wish I had a substitute of myself to send out there.
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It need not discourage us if we are full of doubts. Healthy questions keep faith dynamic. In fact, unless we start with doubts we cannot have a deep-rooted faith. One who believes lightly and unthinkingly has not much of a belief. One who has a faith which is not to be shaken has won it through blood and tears--has worked his or her way from doubt to truth as one who reaches a clearing through a thicket of brambles and thorns. -Helen Keller
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Not looking too good outside here, but I think/hope all the rain has dispersed. The ground ( lots of wind outside, plus a super pour-down through the night that woke Dh up ) is now really full of leaves. Dh mulched some a day or so ago, and while I haven't looked I'm sure plenty are back on the part he cleaned. That is about how it works here. Off and on g. cover till most of the trees are bare.
Lots to do today, but mostly inside till I go for my first appt. for arm rehab therapy. I think of it as MY day. Have looked forward to being able to start for what seems like quite some time.
Needing a plumber to run a new, bigger gas ( propane ) line to our house. We need this compliments of the new tankless water heater. They are improving them but along the way -- some of the older ones that did fine with smaller gas line, are no more. Change one thing, you have to change other older ones to fit. Progress does have a price.
So, that is on today's list as well.
Hope you all have a really good day.
ETA: Lots of hope and thoughts for California. My two children and a couple of other relatives and friends live there so that state is always in mind. Now a whole lot more.
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Good morning, all. I have had no more problems with radiation. 5 down.
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We have lots of leftover Halloween candy. Even these tough northern kids couldn't brave the mini-blizzard last night. We got about 2 inches of snow and at times it was snowing sideways, the wind was so strong. I have to make an appointment to get my tires changed!
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No leftover Halloween candy here since I don't buy any. We don't turn on the outdoor lights, having learned that our street with few houses isn't a Trick or Trick hot spot. I hate to sound Bah Humbug Halloween but do kids really need a bunch of sugary candy?
We're having our first wintry temperatures this morning. It's in the 40's on the South Shore, the New Orleans side of Lake Pontchartrain and was even colder here on the North Shore where we live. Some places had high 30's during the early morning hours.
All three of my appointments worked out well yesterday. My BC doctor's NP examined my underarms and chest and decided I should come back in six months because the implant on the left has thick edges. My implants are smooth, not textured like the ones that have caused concern but Heather wants to opt on the cautious side. She said that Dr. Celentano, my bc surgeon, has been removing the textured implants from behind the chest muscle and placing new implants in front. I won't have anything done at my stage of life unless it is necessary.
My 2nd appointment was my podiatrist, who tended to the callous on the sole of my left foot. It was no big deal. He moved the little hard knot and scraped a little tissue. He said he has the same tendency because his foot bone structure is similar to mine.
The 3rd appointment was with a new hair stylist. She was alone in the salon and we hit it off and had a good conversation while she cut my hair. The style is slightly different, allowing the back of my hair to curl naturally instead of using a round brush to restrain the curls. I go short hair because it's easier. My hair is too thick to go with longer hair that would require more time to blow dry.
I will probably go to Silver Sneakers exercise at 11 am. Once again I won't make it to Pilates at 9:40.
Have a good day.
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Gratitude bestows reverence, allowing us to encounter
everyday epiphanies, those transcendent moments of awe
that change forever how we experience life and the world.
- John Milton -
Being out in the country here we don't have any trick or treaters either. It is one of the things I really appreciate. Though I got to trick or treat as a kid and my children did as well, I'm more with Carole. Just my opinion ( based in part on the kicking and screaming I see and hear at Walmart ) but it seems to me kids get a fair amt. of candy all the time. I can't see a huge need to add to it. Also, many places here are not well lit and I feel there is even some danger in being out when it is really dim or dark. When I worked I often felt near terror driving home on some of the streets ( many I couldn't avoid ) with kids popping up seemingly out of nowhere. I would rather see our Rec Center or even a big Church if possible have an event for the kids and if candy is given that it be in measured amts.
After a couple of cloudy days and some rain ( a lot overnight ) the sun it out today. That so welcome but I'm not sure it will feel warm. Dh says it will get to 57 today. I'll believe that when I see it. I do feel a ice bright sun will indeed make it feel better.
Did well at my first therapy ( arm rehab session ) yesterday. Of course I was told that I couldn't expect FULL use of my arm again which I've known all along. All the Dr'.s I've talk to say this and I don't blame Dr. S for giving me the caution as well. At 74, and being retired pretty much as well -- I don't feel I really need FULL use -- just good enough to do the things older people do w/o too much trouble. I did ask because frankly that part was what worried me most, if Dr. S. thought I was locked up anywhere and since he was in the middle of manual manipulation he said no. That was a great relief to me. I did have a couple of extra wks. tossed in before I was able to start therapy and it was on my mind a lot.
Anyway, I have homework but Dr. S seemed amazed at what I could do. Well, I am determined but I didn't go farther than mild distress -- but he thought it was outstanding. I haven't had much for actual pain. Since leaving the hospital ( first wk. that I broke my arm ) I have only had two aspirins. I don't take anything if it is just a jolt of pain which then backs off -- were it to stay consistent that would be different. I sipped doing any thing yesterday after I came home. Seemed to me like I had done plenty for first time out, but I have one my reps already this a.m. and likely will do them a couple more times today.
I'm still anxious to straighten my arm out as far as I can while hopefully building up strength in that sort of flabby arm at present. I'm sure getting the muscles in better order ( more supportive ) will help alleviate any movement distress.
Hope you all have sun today -- and some warmth with it if possible.
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Hope your PT proceeds apace, Jackie. After my ulnar-shortening arm surgery (basically, a deliberate fracture with subsequent hardware), scaphoid fracture repair and wrist TFCC debridement, I too was skeptical I'd ever regain full use of my L arm. But here I am. Yeah, it still hurts at times 15 mos. later, but I'm not so sure I want to go through another surgery to remove the hardware (plate, screws & pins). Topical CBD & lidocaine make it tolerable.
I hate Halloween even worse than I hate Yom Kippur (during which you at least stay inside a nice warm temple with the door closed, and get bathroom breaks between the services). We had 1000 kids, snow notwithstanding (some years we get 2000), because we're on a long double block and the word has gotten out that our 'hood is sort of an ATM for candy. Exhausting. Back & feet hurt. Couldn't even turn around to refill the candy bucket without kids pounding on the door. And it's just me--Bob & Gordy work evenings. I ran out of candy at 7:30--earliest ever. Still, even with the porch & foyer lights off, kids kept knocking and yelling. (Made worse this year by the next-door neighbors, who'd gone all out with lawn decor, being away at a friend's party--so I caught the grumbles & gripes of the older kids who felt cheated). I deliberately buy candy I don't like so I'm not tempted.
Over 2" of thick wet snow here by the lake--and today it melted and dripped off the trees to form a pond on my deck by my kitchen door (which may freeze overnight--we had a hard frost last night, so b'bye, tender perennials--gotta buy basil again and try to grow it indoors). Happy Winterween!
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When you honor your most authentic self--your Spirit--you are
allowing your Light to shine and touch the world. Living
authentically, in its simplest terms, is living your Truth, the
truth in your heart and soul. It's allowing yourself to be guided
by Divine Truth and Wisdom, each and every day, and doing
your Highest, most authentic work in the world.
It's joyfully creating and living your Highest purpose!
Valerie Rickel -
Good morning. 6 radiation treatments down. We didn't have any trick or treaters. I bought candy, but no kids until late. We had turned the light off and some teens came up and where carrying on. We didn't go to the door.
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Churches and various organizations have Halloween parties in this area. Children do love dressing up in costumes. I get that. But Halloween has become big business like all the other holidays. I forget the number but the money spent on costumes nation wide is huge. I'm sure the money spent on sugary candy is huge, too.
It's a pretty day here. I plan to go to the gym and do some cardio and strength exercises.
I woke up this morning worrying about having to get up early tomorrow morning to get tee times for my golf group for Tuesday. The pro shop starts answering calls at 7:15 and early callers book the preferred tee times. The time change will work in my favor.
Petite, your name reminds me that I was never described as petite! I was always a big kid at school and stood in the back in group pictures.
Jackie, I hope you prove everybody wrong and get full use of your arm. Knowing you and your determination, you will give it your all!
Happy Saturday to all.
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Sun today though not getting too warm. How did we get to Saturday so fast. Well, I have plenty to do inside. Had breakfast early so I'm pretty much free to do as I like. Lots of leaves on the ground. I may give a whirl to running the push mower in some of the areas the big tractor can't get into. I would get out my blower, but hmm, that may be getting into it a bit more than I really want too.
Not ready so much for the time change though I admit it feels better to wake up to daylight rather than the dark we do now. We/I am usually up around 4:30 a.m. so am in the dark for quite a while here in mid Illinois. Since I retired I don't have as much to do at night before I settle down so seem to fall asleep earlier than I could before. That's okay, but then you do end up getting your 7 or 8 hrs. in and past that -- I just can't lay in bed much longer. If I'm fully awake it is hard to enjoy laying about. Up, and I can turn on the coffee ( its pre-set to come on ) and turn on the t.v. while I'm waiting. I'd sit still and wait, but the dogs wants out....and then the two or three cats that are indoor/outdoor each have to take a turn on the deck. Then once they have seen what is out there ( not too much of anything ) they all tend to come in separately -- so while I wait for the coffee, I'm playing door lady.
Remember that show Rhoda. She and her sister lived in an apt. building and they had a door man named Carleton. He was always in his cups but I'm always telling this to my in and out morning group -- this is Carlita your door lady. Sigh !!! Gets tiresome but they love their routine.
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Awe enables us to see in the world intimations of the divine, to sense in small things the beginning of infinite significance, to sense the ultimate in the common and the simple, to feel in the rush of the passing the stillness of the eternal. -Abraham Joshua Heschel
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Almost 9 a.m. here -- not really. We never set our clocks back the night before. I assume Dh thinks we will be confused by it. Of all the things you never ask someone, but plenty of TIME I guess. We have only been together 45 years now. Sort of nice to know I'm not as LATE as it seems. I did end up getting up at my not usual 3 a.m. I cheated and fell back asleep in my rocking chair with my hot cup of coffee.
Sunny out and while I'm not fond of DST we will adjust like we always do. Leaves everywhere. Maybe we can do away with some of them today. Arm is doing well so far. In fact, a little achy ( not enough to take anything ) but it actually feels just a bit looser than it was. I can pull my jeans and adjust my clothing. I can still do the housework and cook too, eh. Dh sure likes that part. He has been a major help though.
Hope you are all going to have a pretty Fall day -- and hopefully not snow or rain.
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Most of our "clocks" (iPhones, computers, TVs) automatically reset at 2 am. I manually reset those on the microwave, stove, coffeemaker, landline phone handsets and Bob's bedside clock radio (mine synced with my iPhone when I plugged it in to charge). But I was up so late and then roused several times with digestive issues (from first iron pills and then what I took to combat their side effects) that I overslept and threw the kitties' feeding schedule out of whack. Bob went downtown at 10am for his 4x-yearly haircut and was disappointed I didn't want to come with and have brunch after, but I was sleep-deprived and food was the last thing I wanted. It was all I could do to eventually choke down a poached egg on low carb toast, coffee, and the water to take my pills. Don't even feel like drinking plain water--due both to bloating and to the gastro-colic reflex of consuming anything. Guess I'll just have some bone broth or "faux phô" (lo-carb noodles, bone broth, basil--afraid that the bean sprouts will be too much fiber). Bob had a big brunch (lox benedict, tuna niçoise), and will figure out his own dinner (or order out or have me make him something simple).
Feels weird to see it getting dark before 5pm, especially knowing it'll happen earlier & earlier till late Dec. Confuses the cats too.
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This we know. The Earth does not belong to people; people belong to the Earth. This we know. All things are connected like blood which unites one family. All things are connected. Whatever befalls the Earth befalls the sons and daughters of the Earth. People did not weave the web of life; we are merely strands in it. Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves. -attributed to Chief Seattle
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Good morning. I don't care for for the time change. I hate it getting dark so early. The cats start meowing for food too early. They don't like time change either. Rad treatment number 8 today.
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The true end of education is not only to make the young learned, but to make them love learning; not only to make them industrious, but to make them love industry; not only to make them virtuous, but to make them love virtue; not only to make them just, but to make them hunger and thirst after justice. -John Ruskin
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petite -- good luck on your day today. Hoping you continue to do well with your rads. I'm with you -- time change gets everyone a little turned around. We are better since we are BOTH retired but the animals ( cats and dogs ) never cared much anyway. I did get up at a better time this a.m. but I still feel ( so far ) the effects of its getting dark too early.
Will have a pretty today, but we had some rain last night so cold for a couple of days. Will get warmer, but not that much nicer. More leaves will come down since we will have freeze temps. overnight. Winter is coming.
Doing well with my rehab. The therapist noticed a big difference in how far my arm could go compared to my first visit. Well, that means I really do have to keep pushing ( not over-doing ) but making sure I don't skip my 'homework' if at all possible. She was so glad about the progress that she didn't change my exercises or add anything to them. Going to get all we can out of what is having great positive effects. I'm with her.
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petite, I'm with you! Would prefer to stay on DST. Our dogs were trying to get their dinner hour earlier before the time change so now we are working to convince them that their dinner is in the evening not the middle of the afternoon.
Good to hear your rads are going better. I thought I used to drink a lot of fluids but now really concentrate on getting enough. Makes a huge difference in how I feel.
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My cat gets treats at 9pm and comes in to find me if I'm not in the kitchen. Sure enough, at 8pm last night he was in here asking about them.
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I sleep in so I don't care how late the sun rises--but sunset at 4:30pm is truly depressing, especially here on the eastern fringe of our time zone.
My landscaper came by to re-route the trench he dug for the electrician to lay the new line for the garage. He figured he might as well prune away the berry canes along the inaccessible gangway, as well as the grape & ivy vines strangling the cable & satellite lines running from (respectively) the pole & the dish into the house. The shears slipped and...b'bye, DirecTV. He did splice that line back together, and we got signal back...but not the HD versions of our local channels. Troubleshot the receiver on my own, to no avail. Tech support via phone was similarly unsuccessful. So the installer is coming Thursday to run a new line & set things right. I really, really hate hanging on hold, then not only getting bounced from tech to tech and having to repeat all my identifying info and re-describe the problem and all the futile steps I'd taken. I killed a good hour that could have been spent showering & doing my hair before heading downtown for rehearsal.
And to add insult to injury, the kitties are rebelling against their respective prescription wet foods. Happy had been eating like a horse, because the vet said he was likely not absorbing nutrients efficiently. Heidi has been a picky little princess for months. They are basically just eating each other's prescription kibble. I figure they ought to enjoy themselves rather than be miserable, so I just gave up. I put the food out--if they want, they'll eat, if they don't, they won't (as the punchline to a Leo Rosten shaggy dog story in The Joys of Yiddish goes). It could be that Happy has gotten better and is absorbing nutrients again so no longer needs to overeat--he is still extremely playful, tearing around the house chasing invisible mice and running away from Heidi's assaults. (His latest antic is to hunker down in the tub waiting for me to toss him paper bathroom cups for him to leap & catch on the fly, then bat around).
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Humility accompanies every experience wherein we let ourselves fully listen to others, to learn from them, to be changed by their words, their presence. Each opportunity we take to be fully present to other people, totally with them in mind and spirit, will bless us while it blesses them. Offering and receiving the gift of genuine attention is basic to the emotional growth of every human being. -unattributed
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