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

ChiSandy

Celia, my son Gordy tweeted in all caps "LEONARD BERNSTEIN!" I got it instantly. Tempted to comment "...and I feel fine." but I'm now worried sick his company will go under if its raison d'etre doesn't rise from the ashes. (He's a fraud analyst for Vivid Seats, and they're making him work from home on a company laptop the next couple of weeks).

We still don't know the results of Bob's medical partner's second stereotactic biopsy (ipsilateral), so we won't know how much time she'll need to recuperate after surgery, length of radiation (should she choose lumpectomy), or if she'll need chemo. She hasn't said whether it's invasive or in situ, ductal or lobular. Heck, she didn't even tell her boyfriend till a couple of days ago.They won't know node status till the day of surgery. Bob's workload will double, as he will have to see her patients; and there goes retirement, as they have to keep the corporation alive so she can still have health insurance till she qualifies for Medicare (she's only 62).

MCBaker

I am waiting on more material for my doll project. Making plans on adapting the patterns and instructions to suit my own style of sewing. In the meantime, sewing a long piece of six 2 1/2 strips of quilting fabric, to be cut into (hopefully) 12 1/2 blocks. Then will use sashing and alternating horizontal and vertical stripes. This to deplete the club's binding-box, which has gotten full.

Yesterday I got my hair cut, went to the gym, read the newspaper at the library, asked the local gallery owner to find someone to paint doll-faces for me. Tippy was grouchy when I got home; I was gone only 2 1/2 hours. He has his haircut scheduled next week, next door to the place where I get my hair cut. I decided to go ahead with my haircut, because his takes so much longer. He is a real mop, hasn't had anything more than a trim since the end of August. I hope to be able to have the clippings spun into yarn; he is a lamb who barks.

My chemo hair is almost gone. I just parted it, now I will see how long it will stay in a part.

Sunday after Mass I will raid Wal-Mart for groceries so I won't have to leave home for shopping. I have been ordering non-grocery items from Amazon, like a neti-pot; I usually just use my hand, not sanitary enough in times like these.

My daughter is visiting family in Kansas City area. She dreads going back to California, because of the necessity of distancing herself from people for the next two weeks once she gets back. She decided to visit family now rather than wait until it gets worse and more complicated or impossible. My son is in a safe situation, his Asperger's anxiety and OCD will not be significantly problematic. She was worried about me, but I am confident I can avoid it, especially with schools closed and other proactive measures. We are close to a fairly large city, and at a major interstate intersection and at an Amtrak depot, so best to be careful.

IllinoisLady

Perhaps good for the times we are in right now.

I am not bound to win but I am bound to be true.
I am not bound to succeed but I am bound to live up to
what light I have. I must stand with anybody that stands
right; stand with them while they are
right and part with them when they go wrong.

Abraham Lincoln

Sweettalker52

Hello, everyone. I'm about to turn 68 (March 25). I was diagnosed in early December and had a lumpectomy December 18th. Started chemo January 29 (4 rounds of dd TC + Neulasta). Just had Round 3 on Wednesday.

I'm blessed with a supportive husband. My son and granddaughter are also here, and they help so much. My daughter lives 600 miles away, but keeps in touch via cellphone almost daily, and is coming to visit (and bringing my other granddaughter!) soon. I also have siblings and friends and extended family to support me. And I signed up with ChemoAngels - what a nice bunch of people. The cards and little gifts have been very uplifting.

But the information (articles) and forums here on this site have been the most helpful to me in connecting with other patients and survivors and learning so much about treatments, side effects, and how BC is affecting everyone's lives. It is very uplifting. Glad to have a place to turn to with so many of us Seniors. Best Wishes to you all!

IllinoisLady

Welcome Sweettalker52 . Glad you found us here. I hope you will come often. The majority of people here have finished most if not all of their treatments, but we have found comfort is continuing the caring and sharing with each other. It is not necessarily a club that anyone wants to join but here we all are and it just feels good to spend time with those who have had this shared experience.

I hope your last chemo goes good for you and yay for you having lots of support for home so you can focus more of your energies on getting to and maintaining wellness. I hope you can come often. We share many things here -- even a recipe now and then, and there is always room for another chair around the fireplace. Hugs.

Jackie

CeliaC

Sweettalker52 - Welcome, ditto to what IllinoisLady said. Gentle hugs & healing thoughts.

CeliaC

ChiSandy - Commiserating with you about worries for your son's job outlook. DD in NYC had to quit her job as server/food preparer at a fancy tea restaurant in the LES after working last weekend, as 2 paychecks bounced. Luckily, the replacement check for the bounced ones she picked up on Tues. has cleared, but not sure if she will get paid for her last 2 weeks. Not a good time to job search in NYC due to coronavirus & the need to use public transportation. Has her Theatre degree from Butler. Lived in Chi (Rogers Park) before returning home & then moving to NYC (Astoria & now in Harlem). Had a good run for about 2 yrs as stage manager for an off Broadway play, which closed a few months ago. Not sure what her next work "adventure" will be. Luckily, her partner has a fairly stable job & they live in a nice, very roomy, rent-controlled studio. Of course, there's always the Bank of M&D (Mom & Dad) in a pinch.

Bagel & Lox - Yum!

IllinoisLady

The mere thought of walking outdoors on a brilliant golden-blue day causes fire-works of delight to go off in most people's psyche. It gives one an instant feeling of happiness and that is meditation! We are not only in touch, at that moment, with the physical splendor of nature, but also with the beauty of merging our own spiritual nature with it. -Karen Zebroff

CindyNY

Heads up ladies - the prevention of COVID-19 spreading is causing some states to close down bars and restaurants. I've heard Illinois, and NJ - where they can still do take out.

IllinoisLady

Illinois is going to be closed by tomorrow night save for drive thru or take out. I know someone in Ohio that is home as we speak crying because she is out of work for the same reason. Illinois now has 93 cases with 13 counties being affected. I knew ( even in our tiny berg ) that it was just a matter of time since we do have some large areas surrounding us.

Cindy, I think we have just seen the tip of the iceberg which likely is going to expand daily, likely hourly as people do what they can to avoid as much as possible this illness. Our area ( though there are plenty enough families ) is more of a retirement area. I also think governors will have to step in and make decisions. I was upset that Pritzker ( Illinois Governor ) at first was saying gatherings couldn't be any larger than a thousand people. REALLY !! That many could sure make an impact if there were illness present. I thought 500 were too many when I heard that number. I think while the governors are trying -- a lot of people are going to have to use their own intuition. I myself, would be nervous at being with 50 people right now.

It is going to be rocky. I haven't been out to the store lately and I'm wondering how things are going to be. I'm hoping for all of us that we get through.

Wren44

Dr. Anthony Faluci said 5 was about the largest crowd we should be in.

MinusTwo

Thanks Wren. That confirms my gut feeling to stop going to Silver Sneakers for awhile - even though we could keep the chairs 6 ft apart, and have been sanitizing the weights & balls. I take the classes at a major, large gym and I have been somewhat concerned about the exposure.

MCBaker

I went to the gym today. My first time with disposable gloves. I don't trust some people to wipe down the equipment adequately. My feet are so messed up from the chemo and a few other things that I cant walk far without them bothering me. Hiking poles take the weight off, plus give me some upper body work. I can walk there, work the machines, do half an hour. Gym is going to start tuesday and thursdays balance class, I hope I get into the routine of doing that. I just can't avoid the gym, but the gloves should help immensely.

I simply can't get the exercise I need without going to the gym.

ChiSandy

Welcome aboard, Sweettalker52. Hope the final chemo isn't too rough on you. Ironic how such a small and early-stage tumor in someone our age can still be an Oncotype 28. I'm hoping that with this coronavirus going around I live long enough to have to make a decision about going past 5 yrs. on letrozole. (At our age, triage may rear its ugly head should we get sick).

Friday night I did go out to my friend's combination farewell party/band gig. There were maybe 30 of us there, so though we couldn't stand 6' apart we weren't crowded cheek-by-jowl like the millennial drunks jamming the River North & Lakeview bars Sat. (idiots still thought the city would be dyeing the river green, despite all the cancellation announcements). I'd never have forgiven myself had I passed up the chance to say goodbye. He's moving to rural western SC to be with his wife--their trial separation turned out to be a "mistrial" (thank goodness). Other friends of mine retired & moved to the Charleston area a year & a half ago--and they're building a house. They recorded a hilarious coronavirus Dave Clark Five parody--go to FB and type Jackie Rodenkirk into the search box. Then click on the graphic.

Still on the fence about going to the SW Side tomorrow for my annual eye exam---had planned to take the new Rx (if any) to Warby Parker, but they've closed all their boutiques. Would have to do online try-on. I also think I'm gonna cancel Heidi's vet appt. on Wed.: it's a "well-baby visit" for shots & bloodwork. Thurs. is my ENT appt.--second time I've tried to go and had the rug pulled out from under me. The pulsatile tinnitus started in early Jan. but N.Shore insisted I see an audiologist first (who confirmed I need an ENT), and the earliest ENT appt. I could get was 2/26--which I had to cancel to go to a funeral in S. Bend (in a snowstorm). Now, if this is just due to a sinus infection it won't kill me--but if it's due to an AVM or tumor it might. However, if surgery is necessary it would be a low priority compared to COVID-19 patients.

I have a bunch of stuff on my DVR, plus 30 hrs. of mandatory CLE (in order to maintain my law license) videos to watch to keep me from getting too stir-crazy. I have some fitness equipment (stationary upright & recumbent bikes, treadmill, fitness ball, resistance bands, hand weights) so no need to fret about not going to L.A. Fitness. Odd how procrastionation sometimes turns out to be prudent: dragged my feet about booking our flights to NYC and B'way shows in May (a timeshare trip), and was going to get my strength-training eval with a new trainer "mañana."

Here in IL all restaurants & bars will be closed to inside service from close of business tomorrow through at least 3/30. Our fave neighborhood joint (which has had to cancel its upcoming Tuscan wine dinner), where we went Thursday, last night and Bob went to brunch this afternoon, will have its final $6 burger night--but by reservation only, to keep occupancy below 50 at any given time tomorrow evening. Then it'll be GrubHub-only, till Fri. when curbside pickup will begin.

Meanwhile, we're fairly well-stocked with fresh & frozen stuff (including plenty of veggies & salad fixings). Still rationing T.P., though. I can stay home, and my housekeeper should too (her DH is on dialysis and she needs to avoid picking up anything to infect him). But Bob has to go to work--he's a doctor (cardiology, internal med., & critical care). And we still don't know his partner's full BC diagnosis--all she's told us is that it's bi-focal and one tumor is ER/PR+ IDC. Still awaiting biopsy results on the second spot, as well as Oncotype DX. She's 62, so his plans to retire and shut down the practice have to be on hold till she turns 65 and can get Medicare--her insurance (and our Part B premiums) are paid by the practice.

CindyNY

The YMCA back in Albany, NY area closed. Stepson who is a Dr has told us to stay out of the gym - workout at home. The truth is that the hospitals are not equipped to handle this should we start to peak. Scary times.

petite1

Welcome Sweettalker52.

carolehalston

I miss going to the gym but I believe the social distancing is a good policy. Yesterday I played nine holes of golf with another woman and walked, using a push cart. She walked, too. It was warm and my clothes were wet with perspiration by the time I finished.

I commend our governor and the mayor of New Orleans for their leadership in this health emergency.

My plan for today is to do some yard work. That is guaranteed to make me tired without going to the gym.

Wishing all of us good health.

kathindc

DC is allowing restaurants to be open but no bar service, no standing service, no more than six people at a table and tables must be six feet apart. My DD who lives in the DuPont Circle area was walking downtown on Friday night and said hardly anyone was out and it felt eerie. The restaurant they went to had very few customers. The city has also highly recommended that those 60+ not be in a group over 10 people.

ChiSandy

My ophthalmologist has decided that today was as good a time as any to retire. The doc who bought his practice is still seeing patients--but if all I need is a refraction, I'll wait till Warby Parker is up & running again. We had used our ophtho (who is a friend) for annual eye exams ever since we had our cataract surgeries because Medicare doesn't cover refractions so he did and billed for the whole megillah. No need to enrich a stranger. I can always use the computer or even reading glasses and enlarge the screen images.

I will go to Cellars tonight. Bob says to eat the brioche bun on the burger, as any bread--even low-carb--will be in short supply. The loaf of low-carb whole wheat I bought last week already got moldy, so all we have is what's in the freezer. If I am told to go on maintenance--which means I can have a daily slice of normal whole wheat--I will dust off my bread machine and "roll my own." But I've gotten used to meals where starches are unnecessary.

Bob has decided to close his offices, as patients are cancelling left & right and the staff is freaking out. He will curtail his hours and just go into the hospitals to see already-admitted patients, as well as Union Health for urgent care appts. (he's taking routine followup calls online or via phone). My housekeeper is coming in, to keep from dying of boredom, as long as everyone here is still healthy. We're still staying quite a distance apart. I have an Instacart delivery coming from Jewel on Wed.--let's see how much of what I ordered will be in stock by then.

Not taking Heidi in for her vet checkup--the only health problem she has are cataracts, and there's nothing they can do for them in cats. I just rotate her food dish so whatever she needs to eat is right under her nose so she can see it. She had been a dainty, picky eater--but has begun to "stress-eat," sensing the tension in our house. (Still picky--will eat only Friskies non-fish food at that--but suddenly wants a tablespoon of it every 2-3 hrs.). Resigning myself to cocooning. At least I have non-news stuff to watch & read, instruments to play, and exercise equipment to use--and I had my hair and mani-pedi done before the shutdown. If my gels begin to lift, I will soak them off and either go bare-nailed (as thin & ugly as they are) or just use regular polish.

IllinoisLady

Perhaps the final step in the healing of all wounds is the discovery of the capacity for compassion, an intuitive knowing that no one is singled out in their suffering, that all living beings are vulnerable to loss, attachment, and limitation. It is only in the presence of compassion that we can show our wounds without diminishing our wholeness. - Rachel Naomi Remen

kathindc

DC has now closed restaurants except for delivery. Have the TV on. Nationwide groups are to limit themselves to 10.

ChiSandy

IL is on lockdown except for takeout/delivery (food, goods, mail), grocery stores, pharmacies, and certain medical facilities. The CTA is still running but instead of adding buses & train cars to aid in social distancing for those who can't drive/bike/walk/stay home, ridership is down so much they may eliminate some service.

I get to take online voice lessons every day now--keep my "pipes" in shape (I had a "bowed" vocal fold for all those years of not singing and not publicly speaking, and it made my singing voice not as clear and professionally "edgy" as it should have been; and to keep the "edge" I regained, I need to use it or lose it).

My ENT's NP just called to tell me her clinic is closed for the next 6 weeks.

MCBaker

I was feeling good, thinking that if I were to get coronavirus my age presents some risk of serious complications but that is the only risk factor. However, I researched, and the immuno-suppressive effects of chemotherapy are still present a year after it is completed. Disgusted. Praying for those of us who are still going through chemo.

ChiSandy

My PCP cautioned me that even though I didn't get chemo and am >4 years post-radiation, having had 4 lymph nodes removed does slightly immunocompromise me. Add to that being 69 and asthmatic...

On the bright side, got my DEXAScan results back: am "normal" in my lumbar spine and only "mildly osteopenic" everywhere else. Guess the Prolia worked!

IllinoisLady

Yay Prolia....good to hear good results. Way to go.

CindyNY

Happy St Patrick's day ladies! 🍀

MCBaker

Gotta put my corned beef in the crockpot. I didn't get lunchmeat at the grocery store because I will have enough left over for sandwiches. Still getting used to restricting my lifestyle further.

petite1

MCBaker, Sounds good. The store probably didn't have lunch meat. The publix near me was out. Strange times.

carolehalston

DH just left to go to the supermarket for sandwich makings. Will be interesting to learn if there is any to be bought. People have been in a grocery shopping frenzy. I am cooking a pot roast today that should be good for more than one meal.

Today is my youngest brother's birthday. He turns 58.

In these isolated times, it's good to communicate with all of you. Hope we all avoid becoming ill with the virus. My serious bout of pneumonia last year has me concerned of any illness affecting the lungs.

Now for a walk on the street for exercise.

IllinoisLady

We should so live and labor in our times that what came to us as seed may go to the next generation as blossom, and what came to us as blossom may go to them as fruit. This expresses the true spirit in the love of humankind. - Henry Ward Beecher