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

Great morning outside. Warmer than I care for this early, but a chance for rain so we will see. The next few days are going to be cooler. So -- maybe a bit more work outside while other chores continue. I have ( from a cousin who does the kind of work I need done ) a recipe for a solution to put on our siding to clean it and discourage the moldy green that seems to attach far easier than we like. Of course, that involves bleach because that is what discourages that awful green from showing up. We have lots of mossy areas here since we have so much shade --- so eventually -- everything gets a dose of 'mossy' green.

It is haircut day for me today too. Been thinking about cutting out the perms -- maybe I will try for awhile to see how things develop. Having thin and fine hair is not the best recipe so maybe I'll try and play around on the Internet as well as my beautician to see if there is something that might have the power to satisfy me.

Hope you are all going to have a good day with decent temps.

Jackie

Anne, would it be possible for DGS to go on to the manufacturer’s website to look for refurbished models of the computer he wants? Apple does that—and some of the items are models 6 mos-1yr on the market—at savings of several hundred dollars, with identical warranties to new machines (and a better extended warranty to purchase than was available when those items first came on the market). Alternatively, you could contribute what you’d have spent on the computer and have him or his parents make up the difference between that and the machine he wants. (Someone needs to play him the Rolling Stones’ “You Can’t Always Get What You Want,” which ends with the line, “But if you try sometimes, you just might find you get what you need”).

Stormed like crazy here—began raining as we left for my EGD, heard thunder and saw downpours through the hospital window when I was recovering. En route home the skies began to clear; and when we got home, we found the same tomato plant—container and all—knocked over again, with one of its fruits lying on the deck. And the plant next to it looked like it was about to snap. We had to use up a bunch of twist-ties to secure it (and actually anchored the first plant with a full unopened bag of soil atop the surface). Two more had begun to ripen and soften enough to tempt critters, so we rescued them and put them on the sill. The ones I picked Tuesday are fully ripe now. Between those, a large yellow heirloom I bought, my bumper crop of basil and a container of buffalo mozzarella I will have an impressive insalata Caprese to bring to our block party brunch on Sat. (which is supposed to be sunny & mild). Got up to 87 here today; tomorrow will be windy and struggle to make 70, which is good news for our electric bill (and my letrozole sweats).

Speaking of that EGD, no news is…bad news. All it found was a “medium-sized” hiatal hernia (tell me something I didn’t know, though back in 2013 it was “slight”)—everything else from my esophagus down through the duodenum is utterly normal, without even the irritated lesions “of probable chemical origin” (overuse of NSAIDs) I had in 2011 & 2013. So we'll have to go "in the back door" to see what else may be oozing. (Hope it’s just my hemorrhoids). First appt. I could get is Aug. 31. Ticked off that I could have done both it and the EGD as a twofer today, like back in 2011; but my PCP hadn’t wanted to put me through the hassle of a prep and the bigger risk yet, because he’d expected a repeat of 2013’s EGD results. The GI doc, of course, couldn’t do it today because I’d have needed to prep. Bob, my PCP and the GI doc are all pretty sure the fault is in my guts and not my bone marrow, as my hgb is in the 11s and my ferritin levels are very low. So I go on iron tonight. 300 mg. of ferrous gluconate to start; if I can tolerate it, increase gradually to 3x/day. I asked why go straight to the colonoscopy (my last one was in 2011 & I wasn’t due for a repeat till 2021) and the GI doc explained that a capsule endoscopy is not just very expensive but time-consuming—someone would have had to sit by a video monitor for hours while the micro-cam in its mini-gondola made its way down the alimentary canal, and I’d have had to remain w/in signal range till I finally pooped the thing out. And most insurers won’t approve it unless EGD and colonoscopy had already revealed nothing.

Wanted to have a nice glass of wine tonight, but because the propofol (milk of amnesia) stays in the system up to 24 hrs., no alcohol till tomorrow. And no driving either—they even said “no important decisions.” They didn’t say “no knives or fire,” so I will make myself a steak and some green beans, for their iron (that’s my story) in a couple of hours. Bob’s bringing home the iron pills—I’m not even supposed to cross a busy street to walk to Walgreen’s the rest of today. There is some good news though: as long as I don’t take them every day, I can use NSAIDs for muscle aches again. I’d definitely been abusing them back in late 2012, because after weaning off Norco, Neurontin & Tramadol I took after my first knee replacement, I was taking what was known as the “Bonesmart Cocktail” (devised by the UK orthopedic surgical nurse who runs bonesmart.org, a forum brithael & I both frequented before breast cancer): two each Advil and extra-strength Tylenol 3-4x/day. My 2013 LTKR recovery was more challenging, because NSAIDs were a no-no. Took me two weeks longer to ditch the opioids & nerve pain pills.

Nice day out with some clouds making it feel even cooler. I came in from morning chores and the house felt like a furnace had been on. Most times stepping inside makes you extra cool, but it was far cooler out of doors this morning. It makes it great if you want to sit out on the deck with morning coffee. Dh has a day off today. Things have been so changeable at his job I don't even ask which day he will have off or what time he will get off. So --- I'll have to work around for the things I've put on my calendar for the day. It's okay. I'm getting used to that.

It is ( along with lots of other things ) about time for a good car cleaning and washing. Done worlds of good keeping up with my daily dust-off of my car. Up close you can see it needs washed, but I do have ( now and then ) people asking me how many times a week I wash my car. I think right now it has been nearly a month.

Anne, I don't know how you keep up so well with life and all the people in yours. I think I would have to carry around a large calendar in a satchel to figure out if I am where I am supposed to be and doing those things that are appropriate. Well, as they say, while we are hear we may as well dance and you keep up the dance really well save for that sciatic thing which I hope stays in good control for you.

Sandy -- good tips and suggestions about the computer issues. You too are a great wealth of info. I think I was quite fortunate when buying the computer I have now because my need coincided with the yearly phasing out of floor models. As it was a pc that was never actually hooked up to a computer I got mine for a mere fraction of the original price. I don't mind last yr.'s models and even more if they have not been used and only sat on a shelf.

Apple gives a student discount too.

That one tomato plant got blown over two more times—I now have a 16-qt. bag of soil as a bulwark and a brick in the pot. Another tomato got knocked off this morning, so it’s on the sill waiting to ripen. The solidly green ones on the sill aren’t ripening, but the ones with a hint of blush I rescued from imminent squirrel attack fully ripened and I will make a Caprese with them for tomorrow’s block party BBQ. The wind finally died down. It’s so cool here by the lake (down in the 50s last night, only 62 now) that I’ll be wearing closed shoes (other than my sneakers en route to the gym) and a jacket for the first time since early June. Tomorrow they’re forecasting 76 and gorgeous. A little cooler with showers Sunday.

Beauty of a morning here. So cool Dh complained, but nicely. We have been surprised before, but the surprise now comes from the fact that usually ( if anything can be usual these days ) if we had triple digit temps. they tended to stay a lot longer. We have needed at times, light sweaters or jackets for first night of the Balloon Fest in some of the Augusts past. Wondering now about this one!! Being sort of ( I'm not sure I'll own completely up to it ever ) old fogeys, we don't usually leave the house once nightfall is in full swing. Maybe it is cooler at night than I know --- which makes sense with our cool mornings. Anyway we will just enjoy.

Our days have been really nice as well. I will likely think on doing my car again in this nice weather. It is something of a chore, but only to the degree that I have a small one-step step stool that I have to use for the top of the car and for the windshield. I could pretty much do my old Blazer without a stool though it was a stretch. Didn't seem there was that much difference between it and the Equinox, but w/o my stool there is a v-shaped portion at the top of the windshield I just can't contort myself enough to get. Never dreamed washing windows would be a problem.

Been going through my cookbooks still ( the first were easy enough to let go of, but second culling much more difficult ) to figure out which will go to Maryann's Book Nook. One of the ones I'm keeping -- " Not Just Pies Cook Book " has a recipe I keep looking at and I already knew I wanted to share it before I started this entry. It just sounds like the kind I'd made once and then would keep making for life. Haven't tried it, but after all the "mental" feasting it is VERY high on my list.

Cheesy Strawberry Pie

1 (10 oz. ) pkg. frozen strawberries, thawed.

8 oz. cream cheese, softened

1/3 cup sugar

1 env. unflavored gelatin

2- 2&1/2 cups whipped topping ( I'd use Cool Whip )

9 in. baked pastry or graham cracker crust

Drain strawberries, reserving juice. Soften gelatin in 1/2 cup juice for 3 minutes, then microwave on high 30 seconds; stir and set aside. With rotary mixer, beat sugar into cream cheese then mix in gelatin. Beat remainder of juice into mixture, and fold in whipped topping. Stir strawberries into mixture by hand. Pour into pastry and refrigerate.

Mornin all,

This is a picture of my brother and I visiting our Aunt a few months ago. My aunt passed away earlier his week. Aunt Sally was the matriarch of our family, my Dad's only sister, and the baby of the 4 siblings. In this picture, Aunt Sally knows very clearly who we are, but has no idea what we are talking about. Doesn't matter- we were smiling and having a good time, so she was smiling too. She lost her short term memory several years ago, but it didn't change her personality at all. She lived a busy, exciting life with her husband (who wanted to date my Mom, but she was already dating my dad) and 5 kids in Montreal. Good thing things worked out way they did,because my Mom couldn't live 30 min away from her family- a story for another day. Aunt Sally was nothing if not Irish. The family moved here when she was a young girl, but she loved nothing as much as an Irish song h fest- whether at an Irish Pub , or a family gathering.

She had an unbelievably happy outlook on life. She enjoyed being with the whole family, regardless of the reason. The only time I ever remember her being sad was when my Dad died. He was her favorite sibling, and vice versa. She and I bonded even tighter at my Dad's funeral because we were his two favorite people. I was Daddy's little girl and every one knew that. She loved to travel and went to Ireland several times. She had plans to go to Ireland with my Dad, who had never been back, but he passed before they had a chance.

With her short term memory, she laughed along with us. The day of this picture, as her daughter got her settled in her wheelchair to go to lunch, and she handed her Mom a bright pink purse. All the way to the car, my Aunt said what a pretty purse it was, but who did it belong to? Her daughter answered each time that it was hers, she had picked it out a week ago. She praised herself for such good taste, took a breath and asked again, totally forgetting the conversation which had just happened. She was reading a book, and constantly told her daughter that when she finished this book, she wanted another one by the same author. So every time she got 2/3 thru the book, my cousin would move the bookmark back to chapter 2 or 3. Happy to say, she enjoyed reading it each time.

She was a truly special person, and there is nothing we all wouldn't do for her. It amazes me that she could maKe each of us feel like her favorite, but not cause ant jealousy at all. She was in her upper 90's when she passed and we will all miss her very much.

Off to do more college shopping, so till later,

Anne

How lucky you were, Anne, to have Aunt Sally in your life! She sounds like the kind of person each of us would love to have met. I'm sorry for your loss but so glad you got to spend time with her recently.

MJ

Beauty of a day though we had some light sprinkles already and could have more through the day. Seems from weather map lots of people may be having the same. It is keeping it majorly cool for this time of year. We have windows and doors open with fans to circulate. Won't get above 70 today or if so not far enough to matter. We are once again saving on a/c which was not on yesterday either. Works for me.

Still working on convincing myself we are already into August and feeling Fall is coming too fast for me. Still so much undone, though I really haven't quit working on things so I can forgive myself that anyway. I think that is what life is anyway isn't it ? Always refining and hoping to make something better. Nothing in life is ever totally perfect but what some even small improvement could help in some way. Something as simple as paying attention when the birds sing you a symphony. Of course I thought about that because my window is open this morning and some happy birds are singing/talking/ whistling a happy tune, or whatever. Grateful to have their company today.

I hope all of you are going to have a fantastic day.

It's so hard to lose someone.... No matter if family or dearest friend....It's just a loss.... in your heart.

Theresa, our oldest dearest friend just passed away.... Funny how, I still wait for her to call.... every night for the last 2 years that she was in Assisted Living.... At least it happened fast... I think something like an aorta aneurysm.... Called the ambulance, brought her around, then in the Hospital they let her go.... Thank God she didn't have to suffer... Hope she wasn't afraid... I just wish I could have told her I loved her once more... I did every night, but didn't think I would ever lose her...

But I have Sheri and the boys here, since last Wednesday.... Boys flying back right now, and Sheri will be here until Wednesday night! We went to the Pearl Street Mall in Boulder today, with Janie.... It was a PARTY!!! Loved every minute with them....

I think maybe God knew I would need them here, when he took Theresa home....

Glad Sunny that you had someone with you too as Theresa departed for somewhere better for her. It will always hurt because we are empathetic and loving people who cherish all who spend wonderful times with us in our life -- as well as we in theirs. Even when we know in our hearts it is a better thing for them, it takes time for us to let go of all we had and shared. We can't ever be completely ready because when loved ones go they take a little part of us with them and it takes us a bit of time to learn to not miss that part. The nice part is that where she is going she will have perfect knowledge and will KNOW how much you cared about her and how sorry you feel that you didn't get the chance to tell her so one more time.

I'm glad you have and are still enjoying your family. It is a good time to deeply feel connections we still do have near at hand. Love and healing energy to you and Theresa's family.

thanks ladies he is.....now we have another problem...his Mama, my grandaughter has something called ..Post Partum Preeclampsia...a rare and very serious condtion that happens right after giving birth.....

Her blood pressure has sky rocketed and now she has blurry vision...they are keeping her in the hospital and have moved her to another floor in maternity so she can be monitored constantly......

Complications are seizures, lung edema, and stroke....it can also be fatal...they are treating her with anit-seizure meds to avoid a seizure, and high blood pressure meds......her delivery was very rough, but she is a trooper.....love her so much.....but she looked wiped out when I saw her last night......will keep you all posted...This was taken right before she delivered........Prayers please........

Congratulation, ducky, on your new great-grandson and prayers for your granddaughter. Having a baby seems like such a natural thing - we forget what a miracle it is and how many complications there can be. I hope she will be home soon with her new little one.

MJ

Prayers, healing energies and hope for Mom and going home safe and sound to care for the new very little guy in her and his daddy's life.

Ducky, healing prayers for your DGD’s swift & uneventful recovery & discharge to home. What an adorable baby! Anne, sorry for losing Aunt Sally; and Chevy, your dear friend. May their memories be for a blessing.

Just got back from the MO—everything looks good. She’s not worried about my anemia because it’s so mild, and she thinks that despite my weight I am losing fat and gaining muscle.

Thinking of you Ducky....  has to be so hard for all of you!    xoxo