INSOMNIACS place to talk in the wee hours

Loveroflife

Ms. Sas, lovely finds! I especially like the cup and the cobalt plate. I was thinking....it's too late for us, but not for the newbies. What do you think about directing the people who will have surgery to the video of Dr. S and the toradol thread? Not sure if we still have the monthly thread on surgery. Not a violation of BCO rules, I hope.

Oh, hi Blessing! Just saw your post.

Sensi, I don't have anything to add to what have been said. Just wish you peace with which ever path you choose.

Loveroflife

Hi ShepK, I was editing my above post to address you. I edit often to add to prevent loosing my long post. I guess we were typing at the same time.

Anonymous

Hey Loverly!

I saw your posts after I hit "send" how funny! Dogs do love stinky things. Must be why the Huskypoo was in the loo!

Marti turned 12 last October. Coconut oil? That might something good to try! Being a Shepherd, Marti has always been a bit goofy. Over the past few months her age has been catching up. She'll sometimes zone out and stare off into space or at the wall. There have been times that she has been laying in the backyard, near the back door, and not notice me calling her to come in. Her hearing is fine; she's just "someplace else". She will always come in for the cat though. The kitty will run out, squeak at her and give little nudges 'til she comes in. (My dog has a service cat!) Marti also started repetitive behavior….some in the morning and really bad at night. She'll pace the downstairs, butting her head under the arm of each person for "force petting" and attention, lay down for a few minutes and then start the routine all over again. She's a really big dog so her head butts are messy if we are trying to eat or drink. If I use my laptop in the dining room she nudges me nonstop. It's cute, annoying and a bit sad all at the same time. She was up pacing all night until we started leaving all the lights on. Pris, the kitty, will stay by Marti's side when she is having her episodes. They truly love one another and Pris helps to soothe her doggy friend. Hopefully once we get Marti on meds, find ways to keep her mind busy and do more physical activity, she'll show some improvement – or at least not get worse.

I wish I could see Mitzy to get a read on her body language and reactions. South Carolina to California is a long ride though :-) My first guess would be a confidence issue. Dogs who are unsure of how to behave towards new people, other animals and new situations will "act out" by making lots of noise and alternating between looking happy and looking mean. She could be excited or scared. She's bonded so nicely with you, I would hope that she would start taking her cues from you as to how she should behave. Maybe try ignoring her barking and keep up a happy conversation in your best kindergarten voice while continuing your walk. Toys are a great distraction too. My fave dog book is The Other End of the Leash: Why We Do What We Do Around Dogs by Patricia McConnell. It's like a human to dog translation manual and an interesting read.

JunieB - hip pain is awful. You must be so looking forward to getting the new one! And to have something that can be "fixed", yay! There are so many here that have Fibro - me too. Cancer and Fibromyalgia are both considered autoimmune diseases.........makes one wonder? Where I live is very dog friendly with many stores that allow well behaved owners and their dogs inside. Any restaurant that has outdoor seating allows dogs. One of the steakhouses has an area that allows dogs year round and even brings out fancy water dishes for your pup!

Sas - love the glass! Visiting with family and thrifting too? Sounds like a perfect day Marti's stem cells were created using fat that was removed from her side. There is a company in California that makes the stem cells and then express ships them to your vet for the procedure. Pretty amazing stuff http://www.vet-stem.com/ Animal medicine is waay more advanced than people medicine. I'll post more on my doggie dementia treatment program as I figure it out. My fatigue is a mix of cancer, fibromyalgia and letrozole. Pain is from all the bone mets, with my spine and hips being the worst. I dread laying down to bed knowing I'll be waking up all night from pain, numbness, hot flashes.....oh, well. Suppose I should tuck myself in before my grumpy husband gets up!

Sleep well y'all!

Smaarty

for newbies. We occasionally post these. Relief from the hohums!

😵

kathindc

For those facing surgery and torn between reconstructing or not, check out "I look for other flat chested women: A rant". There are uni and bilateral ladies on that thread, some of whom "deconstructed". It will give you the perspective of those of us who chose that route. Highly informative, Nona-judgemental. It has been quite, but if you have questions, someone will pop in

Mominator

Sassy: it's my neighbor that is now on hospice. I spent this morning with her as well. When she woke up from a nap she asked "Who's there." I said "Madelyn, from across the street." While I was giving her a drink, she repeated "Madelyn, from across the street" a few times and stroked my hand. It was the most lucid I had heard in speak in several days. It was a gift to hear her say my name.

Loveroflife: I've seen you on Rosevalley and other threads on Stage IV, and maybe (?) on some of the games. I love your photos. I wouldn't call it power to change the template, I just made a few suggestions.

JazzyJuneBug: best wishes on the new hip.

Beatmon: I hope you adjust to the new placement of the buttons

Sensitivehrt/Brandi: wishing you wisdom and peace as you make your decision about radiation or mastectomy.

Anonymous

Smaarty - oooh.... I remember having pretty things like that.......... I much prefer your "good morning" to my "good night"

Smaarty

OMD!!

Anonymous

aww heck.......just foolin'........I NEVER get a rose!

sas-schatzi

Loverly, I posted the following on the Jan(dec) surgery thread-- below the line. Not sure why I didn't follow through with continuing months.......................I could do a revision. Not sure why I didn't revise it at posting. Then it would be suitable for posting month to month. With putting Dr. V's video up near the top.

Perhaps, I could do a topic thread on the a forum to be decided later. With the explanation in the box and take the two letters(Falls & mine)as the first two posts. Then take the info below reduce it allot and put a link in the thread. KInd of like a news release. Generic enough that it needs no revisions month to month. Then getting a few of us to check to see if it was posted month to month.

The problems 1. getting it in the right forum--probably the surgery forum. 2. getting it posted to the next surgery group 3. the info clearly states to discuss with doc, but is they're any legal ramification on doing what we are considering.

I think #3 has bothered me the most. "First do no harm". I may be overthinking it.

________________________________________________________________

Hi, I'm sassy. Sorry you are all here. Been through this. It's doable, but it's a strain which is an understatement. Debated about reposting this here. The information that you will find in the two letters posted on the Toradol thread about mid page include the most important studies related to potential reduction in recurrence. I do not wish to add to your worries. But this info is Evidence Based Research. Some may not be interested, others will dive in and become immersed in it.

Another BCO member asked for thoughts and I wrote this to her this morning. Thought of you all.

Hi (member name deleted), Hugs and welcome back. Sorry that you are back to worrying. Hang tight and continue to work the problem. I'm going to link to a thread I worked on this summer. If you have surgery the info there is very important. They're are numerous studies. Can be difficult. The key is that Toradol given at time of surgery may be associated with reducing recurrence. Also, the use of blocks and opiods can influence recurrence. It has to do with inflammation, release of tumor cells at time of excision, circulating tumor cells present at surgery, and tumor cells that have already embedded at a distant site but are inactive till stimulated by the inflammatory cascade during surgery and in the post surgical period. I'm sure you are shaking your head already. Trust me it's doable.

One of the gals Falleaves has written a letter that identifies the top studies, that can be copied and taken to your doc. Please, don't just depend on the letter. You need to understand the info. Falls, 123JustMe, and I did a round robin on linking the three topics. Reading the entire Toradol topic is important which you will see why when you plow through the material.

Great way to spend your New Years--studying. Bless you.

This link is to a page that includes two Doc letters. Falleaves and mine. They both encompass what the need to know info that should be communicated to the Doc and Anesthesiologist. Read the letters first before diving into the other material. It will help you focus on what's being discussed. Analogous to reading and abstract before reading the full study.

Post any questions you have on the Toradol page.

https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/73/topics/833612?page=7#post_4496841

sas-schatzi

Jazzy, you are next on the list to get a piece of glass. What kind do you like?

ShepK, You likely know this, but back when I was surprised that the only known predator of the eagle is an owl. I found that fascinating. Thanks about the salt craving info.

FF, interesting on the driving. One of Dr. Retsky's Pm's described a harrowing ride between to Indian cities over 5 hours. I think I posted already about my use of the word harrowing. But now I understand better his use of the word based on your description of the world's poorest countries. Any idea where the USA is on the list?

Junie, hope you are felling better with the throat. With the thyroid I seriously studied as I said with the Thyroid cancer. Not impressed at all with the worldwide management of Hypothyroid and Hashimoto's. Picked up in the reread that you have fibro. So many BC folks have fibro and thyroid problems. AND lot's of plain old thyroid patients have fibro problems. I read lot's on the Stop The Thyroid Maddness when I was dx'd and the book. I'd send the book to you if I could remember who I loaned it too. maybe I'll wake up in the middle of the night with the memory LOL. How far away is your Orthopedic Oncologist? We have 'medical onc--MO. we have radiation oncologists--RO, Is your ortho Onc --OO

Sorry, if I created concern about chkennels doing to many dogs. I did wander on their site when you posted it, particularly, longer when I saw her email and found she was doing doodles too. I wanted to get a sense of the scope of what she was doing. I guess that she had two web pages was a red flag for me, I was satisfied by the time I was done that it wasn't a mill. I would have said something, big mouth here. Thanks on the glass. Today I went around my SPCA thrift with post-its labeling glass. They were all laughing at me.

Blessings okay, I will post your response on the Pain and other thins thread.

sas-schatzi

Loverly, Didn't know you had IBS after a trip. Please, consider Pm'ing with JudiH on the constipation thread. Not that you would have the same bacteria as an origin to your problem, but she could describe the Infectious Disease doc that finally worked through her problem and got it solved. I think her problem was over 20 years without successful management until she met this one doc. Her bug was giardia. Your words' Stomach has not been the same since." is it literally the stomach or are you using it generically for the intestines too? Anywhooses, pop over to the constipation thread and I'll introduce you to Judi. She's great

ShepK, So, sorry about Marti's spells. Certainly allot going on. Your kitty is an amazing caretaker. What's her name? You likely told us, but you know? I love Patricia McConnell. Her book "For the Love of a Dog". Meant allot to me. DH and I were being slammed with stuff in the first 6 months of 2009. My BC/brain tumor/Killer chemo/AI pain and sx's and his dx of lymphoma and chemo. In June I was reading her chapter on 'Happiness'. I sat straight up in bed and said "Shit, were both depressed" Something she wrote just hit me between the eyes. I got us into counseling right away. I have always recommended since that should be done asap after dx. OH good another thrifter, maybe you told me, but tada.......... I have post polio/fibro too. I have noticed a difference with the change in two things. Vitamin D at 5000 units a day and thyroid levels evening out. This has been the best pain year ever. If it weren't for the shoulder and RAI131 vulva problems. I'd be a happy camper. I did pray the day after the fall and asked for a break, Just couldn't deal with both. I was given an answer. I retried something that previously helped, but didn't work really well. AND it worked YAY, pretty much. I'll take what I have, it's doable. 22 months of bottom puedenal nerve pain was disturbing(understatement).

Susiequ????? Chemoing???

Mags, I know you are reading, but time for a check in lovey. How'd your appointment go?

Meadow you too MammaRay?

Hey Beatmom

Smarrty, yummy. You would so laugh at my Donnie's stickman figure with black socks But he is so good in so many ways. Everyday is a new something.

Mom You are so sweet to her. Hugs.

I think I off to bed. Maybe I'll find that little plate.............

sas-schatzi

Fostoria, Colony pattern. It's now down to 119$ from 179$. It's only 7 14 inches across. This is the one I talked her down from 22>>18. I felt bad after I found it. I told her about it and she said that was fine.

This is a look from the top. Not perfect. The top rope and the rop on the base are perfectly symmetrical framed by the clear glass. Clear glass in this context isn't easy to make it all look right. Hence the value.

sas-schatzi

Posted this by mistake, maybe the nebwie's didn't see it. The based is raised about 3/4 off an inch. When the light hits from above that allows for the pattern to be seen and the impression is 3D. First time I have ever seen this occurrence. Took my breath away. Without a white surface and light, the pattern is barely discernable.

At first I thought it was wheat. If anyone has any idea, would love to know.

sas-schatzi

Found two different sizes on 50% off day. I thought it would be a cake walk identifying this. Nope. It's beauty is the balance, clarity. and the trapped bubble in the base. 4$

sas-schatzi

for some reason it won't let me post a different pic.

Anonymous

Hi Sas!

I did not know that owls preyed on eagles - wow. An eagle looks so much more battle ready with those big talons and long, sharp beak. Hmmm........Owlettes must be REALLY fierce!

I've been reading through the posts on the Toradol page. To call it "important information" is an understatement. I was taking notes about alternatives to opiates as I read and will have some questions for my neurosurgeon consult next week. I'm on my third night of unbearable hip pain; bone on bone and exposed nerves, all damage from mets. Opiates have no effect on pain for me. I just get spacey and throw up alot. I take the max daily amounts of Tramadol and Fioricet (along with Ibuprofen if my stomach can handle it) .......on "regular" pain days those will take some of the edge off but on bad days are not much help. Glad I have Valium too - good for muscle spasms and easing the "pain panic". I had forgotten about Toradol. I took it briefly before my official dx and got great relief. Wonder if I get some to keep on hand for the bad days? Buprenorphine is a med I've never heard of before. I will ask the doctor about both. Yay, something positive to hope for :-)

sas-schatzi

ShepK if you read the topic box we have all the topics linked in a round robin. Plus, the individual necessary papers to each topic are linked.

Toradol, should only be used for six doses. Rarely will be allowed by P.O use. But if you were only using it for panic pain, they might go along with it. I call my panic pain, flare days. It's like it moves off the charts. AI's did it allot to me.

There are two pages with the letters. They aren't on the same page---I don't think I fixed that, but maybe did. I can maybe work on it for tomorrow. Donnie's bugging me to sleep. He worries I won't get up to get him to work.

sas-schatzi

A docent at the wildlife refuge was telling stories. At the time an Owl kicked an eagle out and took possession of a nest. They're were 4 eagles nests in a certain range. Plus the owl nest. They hadn't had that many in that close of proximity. They weren't quite sure what would happen when all the young ones fledged. .

I loved the docents story about watching two parent eagles trying to fledge an eaglet. Over three day it kept coming back. He said that was very unusual. Eagles nests have been known to be used for decades. We had one documented to be 50 years old.

On the fourth day that the eaglet returned, the parents tore down the nest. No nest, no returning. I wondered about the implications for humans HMMLOL

Anonymous

Sas, I call my bad 'uns "throw myself out the window" moments

Sleep sounds good.........

Pris Kitty says "good nite!"

tallygurl1973

hi i went for my mammogram and ultrasound yesterday they took a bunch of shots of my left breast and only a few of right breast. I'm worried. Should I call them in a few days to try and get results?

Brandy

feelingfeline

Shepkitty is that your cat? Beautiful.

Sas

Info from Wikipedia - source is The World Health Organisation report (2015), data from 2013.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_traffic-related_death_rate

You can filter the list on either per 100,000 people or per 100,000 vehicles.

US is 60^th lowest number of road fatalities per 100,000 persons and 30th lowest per 100,000 vehicles. (Ireland is 14th and 17th in those categories respectively.)

Sweden, Switzerland and UK are among the countries having the least deaths per annum in each category.

The entire bottom third of the list is entirely "developing world" countries where poverty (poor roads, poor vehicles, overcrowding) obviously has a lot to do with the number of deaths.

kathindc

Sas, was on Warm and Fuzzies replying about the succulent and had a "senior moment" and talked about the wedding plans. Just wanted to let you know I wasn't ignoring your question. Well, DGD started first grade, a formal affair. So interesting how different things are done.

sas-schatzi

Thanks, FF, Wiki is such a nice resource. I added them this past Dec to my charity list along with BCO, Habitat, and leukemia &lymphoma Society, HSUS, ASPCA. I do BCO 10$ a month and the others are 25.$ a year. Habitat 50-75$. They always get me with the sales pitch.

Hi Tally, if you are up to reading it yourself. you can go to the Medical Records department of the facility that took the films---sign a release and show a picture ID. Call ahead and make sure it's been signed by the radiologist. Can't be released without their signature. Plus, ask where they are located. It's not always the same place as the imaging equipment.

If you don't think you can deal with the info on your own. Call Monday, then Tues etc. Offices usual are great about trying to get you info. Good luck

sas-schatzi

Katy, my DS's wedding. They are paying for it. I don't get to invite ANYONE. The only problem I have with that is a the Dear Friend that has spent all the celebrated holidays at my house for 20 + years, isn't on their list. We haven't finished the discussion on that one. I'm going to W&F's next.

Loverly. Bon left BCO. She had the Mods delete everything. I know their was some sort of problem on D&D, not specifics and didn't care. I was just happy she put together a nuts and bolts thread of info. So, wish I'd put it in storage. Much can be recreated from the D&D thread in the first 50 pages as lot's of folks wrote things. She did a synopsis on page 25 &26. In the new thread she incorporated the pages beyond pg 26. Bon's Bag maybe be lost for good. I can't think anywhere I C&P'd it. Once something is C&P'd by someone else it can't be deleted except by them or the mods. Oh poop. BTW about poop. I did a post to Judi on the C thread introducing you

kathindc

Sas, hubby and I are paying the majority of it but DD told him she didn't want us to invite anybody she didn't know. Glad he told me that after the fact. She and I are strong willed so we butt heads quite a bit, even FSIL has noticed it. Other than family, it would be a 30something crowd. I don't plan on inviting anyone from my mom's family, long story, and there are a couple from my dad's side I would like to invite but it would be cost prohibitive for them.

Anonymous

feelingfeline, yes, that's my Pris, thank you! We drove almost 2 hours to pick her up from the shelter that had her. She was supposed to be a big burly Maine Coon and 8 weeks old. We got there and she was palm sized, so tiny and so scared. She shrunk back from the shelter helpers but scooted right up my arm and nestled in my hair on my shoulder....and STAYED there! No budging her. She picked me Wasn't until several hours later after we got her settled at home (and finally off my shoulder) that we realized she had just a stubby little tail! She surely would have died at the shelter being sooo small and too young to be away from mama. She is a little fluffball now with a pouffy "bambi" tail. Pris looks like the standard for an American Bobtail but does have a "Cooney" face. I'll post some then and now pics later....amazing difference!

Sas, it was fun "chatting' last night! Kept looking back at your mystery wheat glass........maybe not wheat but olive branch design?

.

Edited to add that laurel was the pattern name I was trying to think of. Saw some similar designs on glass by Anchor Hocking and Fostoria on Google and eBay search - nothing as pretty as your piece though...........

sensitivehrt

Hi ladies,

Just checking in. I'm scheduled for surgery on May 6th. Taking the weekend and part of next week to make a decision weather I'm going to have one or both breast removed. I was still undecided when I met with BS today, and she told me to think it over and make the best decision for me. She did say she normally wouldn't suggest taking a "healthy" breast, but with my NF, and the cancers I have in my family, she could see where I would consider a bilateral. Still don't know what decision is best for me. Checking out the other threads, making pro can con list, and trying to figure it out.

In the meantime, getting house and yard in order and keeping myself busy. Hope everyone has a great weekend.

JunieB

Sas - My Ortho Onc. is also 50 miles away at the Oregon Health and Science University (a teaching hospital). My surgery is scheduled for June 9th. After setting the date I remembered reading an article recently that said June, July & August are the worst months to be an inpatient at a teaching hospital, because that's when the new residents start their programs and that is when the greatest number of medical & medication errors occur. Yeah for me! But on a more positive note, I've been an inpatient in that hospital twice before and for the most part all went well.

However in August 2014 when I was admitted for the tumor in my T11, I had unremitting abdominal pain unrelieved by Fentanyl I.V. + Oxychodone. A new resident had the gall to tell me that it was my fault I was in so much pain and should get up and move around more. Well within the next 12 hours I ended up doubled over and the nurse offered me some warm prune juice. At that point I was willing to do ANYTHING. The prune juice immediately came up, and I had an abdominal ex-ray which showed a bowel obstruction. I then got to experience my first Ng tube. It was a horrific experience. Interestingly, once the Ng tube was placed and the contents evacuated, I didn't need anymore pain meds. Go figure! Had tube in for 2 days.

The nurse who placed the tube reported the resident to the Nurse Practioner, who then reported him to his attending, who happened to be my Ortho. Onc. He got his A . S chewed good. The resident came back the next morning with a sheepish look on his face and told me I could stay in the hospital for as long as I felt the need. I wanted to throttle his skinny . . . . . Bleep!

This time when I go in for my pre-op appt. I will tell the P.A. that I DO NOT want any Residents involved in my case. PERIOD! Won't go through that again.

Also, That Fostoria cake plate is absolutely stunning. You seem to have the touch for finding great deals. But then glassware is your passion.

JunieB

Loverly - I thought I fully read your post in which you spoke of your mission trip to Nepal, but I just reread it and don't remember if I caught it the first time. When you went did you eat foods that were unfamiliar to you? Is that what initiated your G.I. issues? So sorry either way, but hope the overall trip was a success.

Shepkitty - Also had to reread your post and saw your account of Marti's episodes. Don't know if I read it before or missed it. Brain not what it used to be. It is soooo difficult to watch our furry friends getting older. And heartbreaking when we have to let them go. I lost my 2 dogs in 2010 & 2011.

Has anyone heard from Gingerbrew recently? Is she doing o.k.?

O.k. it's 1:47 a.m. so I am headed off to bed. Hope you all sleep well! Goodnight.