For Older People with Sense

chrissyb

H&S hope you manage to get some buyers for your mom's condo!

barbe1958

Marybe, totally funny!! I read your post where you're sure you're going to keep working and I'm sitting here nodding my head, saying good for you! You've finally decided!!! Then I read all the posts after that and I'm sitting here nodding my head, saying "she's right, Marybe hates paperwork!" hehehehehehe and then I read you post where you say NO!!! You are staying put and I can congratulate you!!! There were a lot of devil advocates and you hung on to your thinking, so you should feel GREAT!!!!!

I do want to see better pics of your garden though, for all your efforts you have to show more proportion of size, like have a tree or a paver in the pic so we know the size of everything.

Alyson, I was thinking about how much a head will bleed normally, too, so was imagining that your DH got quite the attention at the Casualty!!! It must have totally freaked out his buds...ehhehehehehehe. I trust he is okay today. Will he get black eyes out of the deal??

To all - keep cool. We got up to 130 on Thursday!!! (with the Humidex)

momoftwo526

Hi all!  My surgery went well.  Both BS and PS said the surgery was "textbook".  I came home yesterday afternoon.  It has been great having my DB and SIL here.  They have been great support.  I am feeling pretty good.  We are going to go the mall today to walk a little and to get my hair washed.  My hair dresser offered to wash it for me for the first couple of times.  I was sent home with the new thing (at least the said it was new) in pain management.  They put these wires in my back (kind of like acupuncture) and I have nerve numbing meds being fed to that.  I've got these little balls of medicine hanging down.  These will be used up by the end of today.  One thing I have noticed with these, is that my other joint pain in my hands, back and hips is almost non-existent.  I have a harder time laying down than sitting up, so we arranged my bed pillows into a wedge and that is working better.  I haven't been sleeping all that well, so I am getting a few hours of rest at various intervals.  I haven't looked at my self yet, but since the dressing comes off this afternoon, I will do that today.  The drains are a bit of a nuisance.  But I am coping and will put the pink pocket in the top I wear today.

Overall, I am doing better than expected!  I am a tough "young" bird!  Thank you all for your prayers and support.

I will touch bases with you later!

Phyllis

dragonflymary

Marybe, I'm glad you're able to keep working and are doing something you love.  That will do you a lot of good.  My husband did the same thing during his colon cancer--kept working at his business through chemo, rads, and then went back a month after his surgery.  He loved all his clients and didn't want their yards to get overgrown!  My favorite thing is to hang out at home and quilt so I would take the SS!! 

Finally the sun is out today and my black hollyhock is blooming.  Dahlias coming in as well.  Just want to go sit outdoors and sip a good Portland coffee!

DH ended up having to have a foley cath. for the weekend due to a urethral stricture but so far he has no pain.  In order to speed his recovery I'm going to try to make a strawberry/rhubarb pie.  If I don't mention it again you'll know it didn't turn out!

XOXO to all,

Dragon (Lynda) 

SoCalLisa

Mom of two, thanks for letting us know..I hope your discomfort will be short lived and I am happy to hear you have such a good support behind you...rest and recover...

BarbaraA

Phyllis, so glad you sailed through so easily. Best wishes on your recovery!

chrissyb

Barbe 130 with Humidex....WOW!!!!   Now that's what I call HOT!

YAY Phyllis!!!!  Good to gear that you are on the healing trail and everything went well with the surgery.  Hope you like what you see when the dressings come off and you manage to get a good sleep in soon.

Lynda, a black hollyhock?   Oh my, could you post a pic?  I love hollyhock but have never seen a black one.  Hope you DH heals and gets rid of the catheter soon.  Goodluck with your pie!

Dilly

Veggie gardens: Chrissy,  I wouldn't be able to do much without DH.  Last year and this are the first years he's had any time in a couple decades (and the equipment) to do the big work.  A few years ago we got him a Kubota with some implements, and then he fabricated several others.  So he makes compost now, and deerproof-fenced an area that he plows & amends the soil and we planted in a few "staple" veggies. 

Today I am thrilled because I made a few pints of pickled beets yesterday from the garden - for the first time in over twenty years, and I tasted this a.m. and they turned out great - really zingy and not at all like the bland canned ones.  Anyway - I'd have to be satisfied with a few things in pots without his machines/etc.  He's sort of "legendary" in some circles for his mind and his building/fabricating/engineering abilities, and his work ethic.  I am truly blessed.

And also by you ladies' friendship.  Hope you all have a good weekend; peace and love.

bkc

Hi ladies,

Was just reading back through all the posts. So much going on in everyone's worlds. Hope things work out for all of you.

I have a favor for anyone who may know.

My eight year old Great Nephew was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor at the end of May right before school let out here. One day he was fine the next the school called to say he was not acting normal. My niece rushed him to the ER where at first they told her he had taken drugs and treated her as though she had done something criminal and finally the next day when he was doing no better they started testing for other causes.Within hours he was life flighted to Dell Childrens in Austin,Texas and had emergency surgery to remove fluid from the brain and diagnosed with Anaplastic Astrocytosis (I think that is correct spelling)  which we were told was inoperable, resistant to radiation and chemo and life expectancy was very short but they would try everything.He then started radiation treatments shortly after and will be finishing up next week. He will be traveling to Pittsburgh PA.in about 5 weeks to start a treatment study there that they have had some success with. It is called a wafer treatment(spelling) and he will be receiving shots of I guess chemo in each leg every three weeks for 2 years. That is really all I know.

What I need to know is any information I can get on the Pittsburg area. Housing,jobs etc. My niece will be traveling there alone with her son and I am very concerned. Any info anyone can give me would be greatly appreciated.

barbe1958

Yikes! What a horrid trial for your family to experience. I'm not trying to brush you off, but surely the hospital or a local Ronald McDonald House would have info on staying in the area. Or the ACC could advise them. Pull the cancer card everywhere you go for him, as there are resources all around the world to help children with cancer. Good luck! He is in my prayers....

SoCalLisa

bkc, have they tried getting a caseworker with the American Cancer Society?

I am sure the county or city has such an office

Elisimo

bkc - your Great Nephew and hie family are in my prayers. I am sorry I do not know anything about the Pittsburg area, but do check all the resources available throught the ACC.

3jaysmom

bkc, i will be praying for your family..what a horrid disease, and it stikes the most vulnerable..kids..

   Allyson, im sorry, i never even said "sorry" about your DH..can't keep track reading, right now.. hope he's ok. ..............3jays..

chrissyb

bkc, so sorry to hear the news about your great nephew.  Cancer is a terrible disease but when it strikes the young I find it hideous and so unfair.  Your family is in my prayers.

Hoping all are having a lovely weekend!

Love n hygs.  Chrissy

chrissyb

bkc, so sorry to hear the news about your great nephew.  Cancer is a terrible disease but when it strikes the young I find it hideous and so unfair.  Your family is in my prayers.

Hoping all are having a lovely weekend!

Love n hygs.  Chrissy

dragonflymary

bkc, so sorry to hear about the little boy.  It's so hard to watch a little child go through cancer treatment.  He's in my prayers.

Will try to post a pic of the black hollyhock today!  I have this thing about flowers in strange colors.  Love anything that makes a green flower or a black flower.  Have you seen a green gladiola?  I also have a plant called black mambo, but right now it just looks like a weed in an oil slick.  It's supposed to bloom pink...

Finally we have a warm sunny day and I want to celebrate by getting wet.  May get into my daughter's pool or just run through the sprinkler.  I had some fairly bad moments trying to buy a swimsuit and realizing how weird implants look under spandex.  Finally bought a black tank sort of thing from Land's End.  I will swim, implants or no!  Yesterday got two more mastectomy bras and had a great fitter who helped me so much.  These MX bras are so much more comfortable than regular bras.  I've never had a comfortable bra in my life--they either itch or ride up or do something awful.  Can't believe I had to have the girls removed before I found a nice, soft bra.

Gotta go lie down, my back is a disaster!

XOXO, Dragon

Elisimo

Dragon - so sorry you back is giving you so much trouble.  Hope the rest gives you some relief.

bkc

Thanks ladies for the prayers for my Nephew and his family. Wanted to let everyone know that they are getting lots of help from the hospital, ACC and Ronald McDonald and Dell Children's has been awesome. My niece Susan is a brave Mama and has done and will do everything she can think of to get the help she needs for her son.

I on the other hand am terrified of her going so far away without family or friends for support. Susan has three other children aged 12,9,6 that I have been taking care of while they are doing treatment in Austin. She is planning on possibly moving to Pittsburgh and taking her other children with her for at least the two years it will take to complete Glenn's treatments there. So that was why I asked the original question about the Pittsburgh area. We have done alot of research on the Internet about Pittsburgh  and the surrounding area but thought if someone knew the area or knew someone from there we could get a more accurate idea of what to expect.

 While Ronald McDonald and ACC have been great with setting up lodging for her and Glenn they could tell us next to nothing about schools in the area or the best areas to look for an apartment, what parts of the city to avoid, things like that. Basicly was just trying to get a feel for the city. Mostly to ease my mind I guess.

3jaysmom

anyone hear from ISABELLA? i know she was having a hard time getting acess here....anyone??? ISABELLA..where ARE you????......3jays

Anonymous

I heard from Isabella and she is trying to get it all worked out...the moderators are aware of the problem.  

Hope you are feeling at least a little better 3Jays. 

Re the Pittsburg area, I think you should start a thread and put anyone know Pittsburg in the topic.  I know there have to be women who live in that area on the board somewhere.....in fact I remember a long time ago asking someone about Johnstown which was where my mom used to go for summers to visit her Aunt.  I do so hope everything turns out well for your nephew.  When things like this happen, it makes us stop and think we certainly don't have it as bad as others...at least I always do. 

If I go back and look at everyone's posts I will lose this.  I am off to work for the other hygienist today so good thing I decided to put off the SS for awhile....this will be a full work week, the lst I have done for a long time.

Congrats to everyone on test results and those who had successful surgeries. 

Thanks for the compliments on my garden....I was out there yesterday planting some more phlox.  We had some rain later in the day and I think it may finally be cooling off.

I did find out in reading that there can be interractions with Xeloda and blood thinners and since I am anti-coagulated for life ( and it is a big fat PIA) that may be the reason my onco has been putting it off.....also found in looking up names (they were the technical ones, cap something and gemcidibine?)  both Navelbine and Gemzar were on the  MDA list so maybe my onco isn't as narrowminded as I think and both were on the same page, sort of. 

Harley and I have to go for our walk.  Have a good day everyone.   Marybe

SoCalLisa

bkc I am sure a national realty company could give you those ...

SoCalLisa

played tennis this morning..now hot and pooped

BarbaraA

Hot and pooped = me.

SoCalLisa

I volunteered at the library all afternoon,.

QCA

I haven't been around for a couple of days and there's so much to  catch up on!  Phyllis, I'm so glad the surgery went well and you're also doing so well now.  It sounds like you have plenty of help and support and that's wonderful.  Hope the drains will be gone soon, too. 

bkc, so sorry to hear about your greatnephew.  Marybe's suggestion was excellent and I feel sure you'll get lots of response to a new Pittsburgh type thread.

Marybe, I just knew you didn't want to retire and I'm glad that you're doing what you want to do, what makes you happy!  Is your onco back from vacation yet? 

Hope your infection's still getting better Amyjo.  When is it you leave to meet new grandchild?  I do hope you got some of this wonderful rain we had here in Monroe last night and again now.  It cooled things off to about 92 today, which may not seem like much, but it's better than 100!

I was wondering about Isabella so I'm glad you've been in touch with her, Marybe.  Hope all is well.

Kathy

QCA

Oops, meant to add this for Lisa--how hot is it in California?  The library sounds like a great place to spend the afternoon.  Hope you got some reading in, too!

dragonflymary

Here's my black hollyhock.  I have to say I truly love this girl, and she blooms like a trooper!

Oh dear that's a biiiig picture...

dragonflymary

My "definitive diagnosis" anniversary coming up Aug. 11.  Boy I wish this had never happened.  It really seems like a bad dream.  I'm doing fine, but I have to admit I no longer feel "safe," and definitely feel a lot older than I did.  I'd love to have a day when the subject of cancer didn't come into my head!

That's my complaint for the day!

Dragon

Elisimo

Kathy - my infection is clearing up fine, in fact my ankles look normal again, but I still have a few days of the antiB left to take.  Then we will wait and be sure it is cleared up for good.  The culprit seems to be ants!  I tend to get ant bites when I go out in the yard and they think that is what caused this last time as well as this time.  So not I have to wear solid shoes when I am in the yard and use bug spray that will help repell the ants.  I have missed seeing you here.  How are you doing?  We did not get any rain yesterday, but did get a little tiny bit a few hours ago.  The rain always seem to either disappear or split and go around us.

Dragon - my ''definitive diagnosis'' aniversary is coming up Aug. 23rd. I am feeling the same way you are.  I guess if that is our only complaint we are doing okay.  I love the black hollyhock. I have never seen one of those before.  Take care my friend. 

Leah_S

Amyjo, I'm glad you're doing better. Ants! Who'da thunk!

Phlyllis, I'm glad the surgery is behind you and you're healing now.

3jays, how are you? I hope things are going better. I worry about you.

Isabella, I also worry about you. Do you know when your surgery will be? Are you gonna wrestle any calves before then? Dance with any gypsies? I so love your posts!

So, for those of you who didn't see my rant on the Stage IV forum, here's what happened with my doc appts. PS is ready to schedule surgery though he would like me to consider implants since it's an easier surgery. Then the BS. First of all, she was talking as if I'm at death's door. Heck, with only one mets lesion (bone) I'm not even in the his neighborhood. Says there's no reason to remove my healthy breast at Stage IV and dismissed my fears of an ER- new primary (which would be a treatment nightmare) as "theoretical". Said if I really wanted to have recon on the other side for QOL reasons she supposes I could though she thought there was no reason to. So I'm living on borrowed time, my fears are unreasonable, and my QOL is not worthy of consideration. The doc appt from hell. She did say she would bring up my case at the weekly onc dept mtg Tues morning (I think because PS felt I could have the surgery) so we'll see what happens. I have no intention of giving up.

Well, about my definitive diagnosis day, I have to tell you a family story first.  When we were kids my younger sister once said, "I'm not talking to Daddy on Nov.3. He did something one year on Nov 3 that got me mad and I don't remember what it was but I won't talk to him on Nov. 3". OK, fast forward a lot of years. A LOT of years. I get bc, strong family history is from my father's side, and I got my definitive diagnosis on - Nov.3. I think I'm not talking to Daddy on Nov. 3.

Leah