WOMEN AGES 50+ FOR JULY 2021

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  • Whidislander
    Whidislander Posts: 3,820 Member
    Hugs Julie!
  • bananasandoranges
    bananasandoranges Posts: 2,410 Member
    Machka9 wrote: »
    bananasandoranges wrote: »
    Squamous skin cancer diagnosis this morning by phone call. Lot's of various thoughts below.
    DIAGNOSIS
    I know some of you and your loved ones are dealing with or have dealt with things much more serious.
    I had a little fast growth a few weeks ago on my neck and was finally able to get a dermatology appointment a few weeks ago. She removed it and we both pretty much thought it was nothing. I found the ugly bandage a shame and there was barely a dot after removing the 1 stitch. But she called this morning to tell me it's squamous skin cancer. I know nothing about this other than what I've googled in past hour or less. On the paper sent is says "invasive" (fast growing) Indeed it was growing very fast on my neck and that's what made me push for an appointment which I luckily got.
    I'm sure some of you know more.
    I know I have a couple of friends who had skin cancer and it didn't seem to be a major issue for them.
    I might call one of them.

    FOLLOW UP
    But the doctor says I have to get it operated within the next month probably, at the hospital. She only removed the "bump" and it would seem likely that it's spread a bit below the "bump" and the hospital called me right away and so I'm going to get 2 ultrasounds of ganglions to be sure it hasn't spread there upon her diagnosis : one cervical today and one under clavicle tomorrow, so they can discuss my case at the hospital on Tuesday morning, and I guess schedule me according to results.

    The rush is not reassuring. It says it's "invasive", on the form received,, but on the phone she had said it had a good prognosis, when I asked, which granted is not very specific.
    She said I could call her back after reading the results she sent, so I will do so, as I was out on the street. She says I need to now see her every 3 months to check the skin.

    MILDLY FREAKING
    At first I figured it was not very big deal (and it probably isn't) but after reading a bit It's kind of freaking me out for a moment anyway, about the invasive version being worse. Doesn't help concentration on other stuff.
    I can now understand very well my friend who freaked out about having prostate cancer, even though prognosis is excellant. To say one has cancer (even a much less serious cancer) is not super relaxing.
    I feel pretty upset with myself for being behind already. I was just getting into a good work flow. I just want to get through stuff I have to do and be bogged down with unhelpful worries about something that is very likely not very serious, at least for now.
    It seems like another reason to procrastinate.
    And yet it's not totally unusual, to feel upset about even a non-serious cancer diagnosis.
    I know some of you are dealing with far worse.

    I'm annoyed with self for not being able to work normally so far. It's not ideal neither, to be so impatient with self I guess, as I spent most of the time working on getting appointments and about an hour looking up stuff.
    But sitting on sofa freaking is not exactly helpful either.

    I had an appointment with osteopath immediately after call, and told him, and I think it freaked him out a bit. He also says I need to get more exercise, that my body feels kinds of stagnant, which wasn't great to hear. Ok for the exercise part.

    Just dozed a wee bit since the night was not so long. I think only slept a few hours or so. Feel a bit better.

    After having to take Tuesday off due to intense anaesthesia with tooth root work, and generally being way behind on writing work.

    NOT SHARING ABOUT IT
    I'm having dinner Friday with a fairly close friend who said cancer is very normal for him as he has many around him who have had cancer of passed from cancer, not yet his parents, but most notably his sister, only sibling, died a teen and think it was pretty rough, he said, for his parents, and for him to be their only remaining child.

    So I think it's probably for him and more possible to have a fun/pleasant evening and better not to say anything to him, at least while I'm in the checking-things-out stage. Not wanting to hide but no need to go in depth about every boobo.

    Then I'm wondering if such a minor diagnosis could contribute to (explain) fatigue.
    And of course the risk that it's possibly related to other ailment.

    And remembering we wrote about this when I had possible pre-cancerous diagnosis some months ago (blood stuff that time) that seems to NOT be likely cancer, nor likely to evolve to cancer, after a good scare, and is just watch and wait. I was wondering who one should tell, not tell, and decided to tell almost no-one.
    Now it's not a possible diagnosis but a real confirmed one. I think I should tell my siblings because the dermatologist said it was partly because I have fair skin, but really my skin is not very fair- my siblings all have fairer skin than me, so it would be good for them to have heads up and protect their skin.

    CAUSE
    Since I tanned easily - back in teens and 20s I would get "tan" in summer. Not sun-godess worshipping, but back then, a tan was seen as attractive, and no-one was talking about cancer nor even wrinkles from sun, as far as I can remember. Then I started wearing 50 sunscreen especially on the face from about 35 on, at the advice of a 10 years older friend who suddenly majorly got into skin care. But much less so recently. On and off. Sure if I go to the beach, but not all the time when out, since I live in the city and don't spend days on end in the sun all year round.

    EFFECTS
    I wonder if that can make one feel tired. If it's just the tiny little few millimetres, I would think not so much.

    DIET
    I wonder if I will feel impelled to start eating healthier: less deserts, no more occasional red wine?
    I enjoy deserts and also the occasional glass of wine.

    Seems to me my father had a Squamous skin cancer on his leg a number of years ago. It was treated quickly and I don't think it has caused him any more issues.

    But I know a bit about the feelings ... I was diagnosed with pre-cancer (female organs) twice (2015 and 2017) and was rushed into surgery both times. It's a little bit of a shock and can occupy your thoughts. I'm glad they're doing things quickly for you.

    As you say, however, not nearly as serious as some of the others here.


    M in Oz

    Exactly. about all.

    I was able to get ultrasound today. The MD was supposed to only do one of the 2 areas (and I had another appt tmorrow !) but she did both plus a third. All clear! that makes a big difference. It was a bit of a shock to get the call and have to rush to get exams today. In France things REALLY close down a bit in summer, especially in late July and August. So if it's no big deal, no problem, but on the outside chance it was serious taking a few extra days in summer could mean being a month or two, late - no biggie, but the nature of the thing (not benign) is that it's growing so definitely much safer to get even tiny things dealt with quickly.
  • bananasandoranges
    bananasandoranges Posts: 2,410 Member
    kizanne2 wrote: »
    exermom wrote: »

    kizanne – Colemans Botanical Insect Repellent, I don’t remember ever seeing it. Where do you get it?

    Michele NC

    Michele - I got it at Bass Pro shop. I'm sure you can order it online too. Amazon has it with 4.5 stars and 500 reviews
    https://www.amazon.com/Coleman-Eucalyptus-Naturally-based-Insect-Repellent/dp/B004R1RPOW/ref=asc_df_B004R1RPOW?tag=bingshoppinga-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=79989522876884&hvnetw=o&hvqmt=e&hvbmt=be&hvdev=c&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=&hvtargid=pla-4583589114625061&psc=1

    Julie Hugs and prayers. I would find that scary and I think getting it removed as fast as possible is the best. Meditation and getting out of your head can help with the stress but speaking as a mild hypochondriac I know that can also be impossible.



    So I may or may not get to post much as we are heading out of town but I am taking my computer so who knows.

    Today is Thursday so my WI is 200.6 which I think last week was 201.1 so down 0.5 pounds. BUT I start my gallbladder cleanse so I'm sure next WI I'll be back to a higher weight. On a really good jag I usually lose 3 pounds a months so last week's big drop was more than expected and this weeks drop is just the cleanse.

    I am enjoying my new eating style as I'm getting in so many veggies and enjoying the fats of low carb. Best of all not being hungry. I do feel better than before I started just not all the way healthy, It's a journey.

    I dread starting work Monday. The new eating style is so clean and unprocessed but that means a lot of prep. I just don't think I'll be able to find the energy.

    My new favorite slogan that I stole from a food company. Eat like your life depended on it. :)

    Also bummed as I keep track of my own blood measures and when I opened my triglyceride test box today inside the box was HDL test strips. So I couldn't take my measurements. My triglycerides have dropped to a healthy level since starting low carb but I wanted to keep and eye on them.

    Well gotta go pack. Have fun

    Kiz
    North Florida


    thank you! post when you can, what you want. have a nice trip.
  • bananasandoranges
    bananasandoranges Posts: 2,410 Member
    Whidislander wrote: »
    Hugs Julie!


    thank you!
  • bananasandoranges
    bananasandoranges Posts: 2,410 Member
    lost the working day today, but ok am clear for tomorrow which is good.
    it's 6pm and I popped into the café to try to work but my mind is not very focused. the book is not earth shattering either! LOL

    I tried listening to this which is pleasant, but so far the concentration is not A+++, far from it!

    "beats to relax and study to"

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5qap5aO4i9A

    I almost never listen to it, but have when noisy people settle down next to me in café which happened today. not really noisy but very close and a bit talky. they moved over and I put the music on.

    it's not making me work better but it is relaxing type music. (not for all tastes though and could get old quick!)
  • grandmallie
    grandmallie Posts: 10,098 Member
    edited July 2021
    Julie - we are all in your pocket my friend..
    Hope Lisa is alright.. havent heard from her.
    And Mary - wasnt she in New Mexico from Minnesota.. and had a dog name Shep..
    Just sitting waiting for.Dan to get out of work...its a scorcher here today..
    Yes I know how Tom works. I will not let my guard down. In my opinion alot of men and women for that fact can be sweet as pie when they want something...
    I think I told you I talked with my brother ,should have left well enough alone.. i hadnt talked to him in a few weeks and he still.was yelling at me...oh well will let sleeping dogs lie
  • Katla49
    Katla49 Posts: 10,385 Member
    edited July 2021
    M in OZ & Heather— Moderation is often the best choice in many areas, from food consumption, to exercise, sleep & rest. When I see a stooped older woman, I suspect the person is not eating healthy foods and/or not getting adequate exercise. I also suspect they need to take calcium to help their bones. TUMS seem to be helpful along with some other products. In addition to that, I also take alondrate weekly to help bone density. Exercise is necessary and important for over-all health. I enjoy walking, bike riding, yoga, dancing & other pleasurable activities. Deliberately having fun is good. :flowerforyou:

    Allie— My son has used a C-pap in the past. He said it did wonderful things for him. I don’t know if it is still something he is doing. We have a couple of neighbors who have also used a c-pap as a good support for heart health and rest. :star:

    Rebecca— Your middle son will enjoy the chocolate chip oatmeal cookies. :smiley:

    Bananas— Congratulations on the “all clears” from your doctor! :bigsmile:


    We are in the process of replacing our old microwave and oven combination, that wore out after 24 years, with a new microwave and oven. A local company will remove the old and install the new. I can hardly wait!!!

    A boat mechanic was scheduled to work on our sailboat today, but so far he is a no-show. I will try to get in touch with him. I want to make everything ship-shape on the boat, and then sell it. I have loved our adventures on the boat, but DH can’t even go down onto the docks. I am not a skilled single hander and I’d rather sell it than see it slowly deteriorate from lack of use. :cry:


    Katla in NW Oregon
  • pipcd34
    pipcd34 Posts: 17,277 Member
    Ttttt
  • margaretturk
    margaretturk Posts: 5,259 Member
    Lisa Gorgeous!
  • Katla49
    Katla49 Posts: 10,385 Member
    B)
  • grandmallie
    grandmallie Posts: 10,098 Member
    Good for you Rita- I did Keto but wrecked my body doing so im on cholesterol meds for life now
    I just got off the phone with the Cremation society and i have everything all set,honestly it takes a load off my mind.heck I could live another 30 yrs but my kids dont have to worry about planning like I had to do for my dad
    Dan home and the boys are back from the groomers and all is well
  • OregonMother
    OregonMother Posts: 1,664 Member
    cityjaneLondon wrote: »
    Yes, it's been known for some time now that it is protective to older people, especially women, not to go too low a weight in their older years. Bone health, for one, seems better in those who are st the top of the normal range, or just slightly above. Feeling healthy and being active is the key, as is eating well. Squeezing into a size 4 is not the point and can lead to frailty.

    Having said that, I am delighted to announce that I have lost 1 lb this week. :D I just want to get back to the top of the normal range, so not far to go.

    Love Heather UK xxxxxxxx

    My mother's doctor has a similar philosophy. My mom is 5'1" and weighs about 125 pounds. Her doctor told her to not go any lower than that. Even though weight charts might say she should weigh less. She still looks pretty frail, even at 125. I can't imagine her lower.

    Flea
    Willamette Valley, OR
  • Vickil57
    Vickil57 Posts: 1,882 Member
    Flea--Glad you got to visit with your friend and it helped pass the time. Sending lots of hugs and prayers. <3

    Rori--Sorry to hear your DB is not willing to do anything to improve his life. Sounds like he has just given up. Stay strong and take care of yourself. <3

    Michele--I have blue lisertrine mouthwash in a spray bottle and spray around my front porch and we do not have any mosquitoes or any bugs. Cheap and it works.

    Karen--Your granddaughter looks older than 12. Sounds like she is very deacated.Such a Happy girl. Happy Birthday. Hope the day goes just as you planned.

    Julie--Sorry to hear of your comfirmed cancer. I know how you feel about who to tell. I had a scare this week, when I went to give Blood at the Red Cross Blood Drive last Friday and my blood count was too low. This happened last year and was the start of 10 months of daily hives and lots of appointments with different doctors with no answers. So I called my doctor on Monday and he said something about myelodyspastic syndrome which is a fancy word of pre-leukemia. So any way I went yesterday and had more blood work done and he said I have an abnormal blood marrow and just have to keep any eye on it and it shouldn't turn into cancer for years. Part of me feels better, but now it is like waiting for the other shoe to drop. In the meantime I am to eat more protein. Good Luck with your tests and pray it has not spread and HUGS <3

    Lisa--That turned out beautiful. Hope you are doing well, miss you when you are not posting.

    Plan to go when I get off work and get a haircut, it is starting to look bad, then home. To bed early as work 6a-6p next 3 days.

    Blessings, Vicki GRAND ISLAND NE B)
  • cityjaneLondon
    cityjaneLondon Posts: 12,716 Member
    edited July 2021
    Allie - One thing that happens when you start changing is that people redouble their efforts to make you stay the same. They get really bothered by your increased self-empowerment, and don't know what to do. (Brother and SIL) You just have to keep on doing the thing you know is right and stick to your integrity. Their s**t is just that - theirs.
    And yes, Tom, the sociopath and narcissist, is trying to play his usual games. Good for you for calling it by its name. <3

    Rita - I have always found a good book the most enormous help to me in my life. They can be our best friends. Recently, I have felt myself uplifted by my reading. I feel I am entering a new phase of my life. :D

    DH has a bit of wheezing from very high pollen levels. He has taken an antihistamine. It has made him a bit miserable today.

    Machka - It seems amazing that your husband's compensation is not now done and dusted. How much longer will it be? Your longing to go home is completely understandable. <3<3

    Love Heather UK xxxxxxxx
  • cityjaneLondon
    cityjaneLondon Posts: 12,716 Member
    Nice quilt Lisa :D xxxxxxxx Heather UK
  • OregonMother
    OregonMother Posts: 1,664 Member
    I'm sorry Julie. That is frightening. I hope the situation is resolved quickly.

    Lisa -- that quilt is stunning.

    Flea
    Willamette Valley, OR
  • pipcd34
    pipcd34 Posts: 17,277 Member
    Stats for the day-

    Took it easy today

    Walk w/family- 1hr 40min 5sec, 34elev, 75ahr, 85mhr, 2.96ap, 5.16mi= 480c
    Strava app = 626c
    Zwift home spin bike- 26.34 min, 180elev, 202aw, 71arpm, 132ahr, 156mhr, 22.81amph, 10.1mi= 285c
    Zwift app- 309c
    Walk to gym- 10.41min, .51mi= 57c
    Strava app = 62c
    Other- Hanging crunches knees to waist 10sts of 10ea= 40c
    Other- 5 times back extensions, standing crunches 25# 5sts 10ea, 180# tire toss 5 times= 57c
    Walk gym to store then home- 17.28min, .78mi= 73c
    Strava app = 95c

    Total cal 992
  • Peach1948
    Peach1948 Posts: 2,473 Member
    HillSlug ~ Welcome! That is one big dog. I kept my son's two dogs last week and the larger one weighs over 125 lbs. Quite a week.

    Carol in GA
  • grandmallie
    grandmallie Posts: 10,098 Member
    Poor Alfie.is all tuckered out from his day at the groomers..
    Ill have to look online for an easy either crochet or knit pattern for baby blanket,it would keep my hands busy so i dont eat and since new grandbaby will be born in January ,something warm too
  • TerriRichardson112
    TerriRichardson112 Posts: 19,047 Member
    edited July 2021
    Bananas - glad you got the all clear, Julie. (((Hugs)))

    Lisa: - Gorgeous quilt. I love the colours.
  • kymarai
    kymarai Posts: 3,702 Member
    :)
  • LisaInArkansas
    LisaInArkansas Posts: 2,899 Member
    Thank you all so much for the lovely comments on the quilt. Like every afghan, painting, quilt or book I've ever created, I can't look at it in any rational sense right now. All I see are mistakes--it will be a couple of years before I can look at it objectively.

    So many hugs for all of you who need them. My colonoscopy is next Thursday and I just got a call saying I must get a COVID test before the procedure. Doing something I don't want to do in order to do something I don't want to do is like being trapped in an irony sandwich.

    I will write more in the days to come...

    Later, y'all,
    Love,
    Lisa
  • dlfk202000
    dlfk202000 Posts: 3,193 Member
    bananasandoranges wrote: »
    cityjaneLondon wrote: »

    I would like to not have so much extra around the middle.

    I totally agree with you- I would be thrilled if I could take 10lbs or even 5 off my middle- the rest I can deal with but the middle is what bothers me the most-

    After two weeks at mom's with Covid(back in Jan) and eating basically nothing at all, some days just a piece of toast or handful of crackers, I looked in the mirror while getting into the shower and actually said "What the H***?!- belly was still the same size after not eating for two weeks. I did get on the scale a few days after I finally got home and I was down a few pounds- but they came right back.

    I never had a weight problem before 45- was 95 when I got married the first time(not quite 5ft tall). Do not want to ever get back that low but do need to loose 18 more pounds to be comfortable
    Debbie
  • kymarai
    kymarai Posts: 3,702 Member
    I know I was productive today, just not productive in all I needed/wanted to be.....those things I did get done were really not "easy" either....hard to explain. I did get to watch them pour concrete on a section of our driveway this morning. I was waiting for the refrigerator delivery. I managed to get invoices done on completed mowers. The delivery guys got here around 10 and left around 11. It looks so strange in the space. I got to work around 1130. They were busy. It just took me a few to get into the rhythm of work. Then we got a package my husband ordered and someone sliced the bottom of it open and stole the item. GRRRR! I notified shipper, he is working on his end to get closer. I made a trip to the postmaster who said there was nothing I could do. GRRR! I made my blood work appointment for early tomorrow morning. The site wouldn't let me take a picture of my card, then kicked me out. I finally got that done. I got all the completed invoices called. Sis in law left at 3. Son in law was out in the delivery truck until 5:15. I had a line at the counter from 3:15 until 5:25. Like I said, stuff done, but not easily. I have rearranged the fridge twice so far and haven't put in freezer stuffs yet. Will wait until at least tomorrow.

    Lisa- Love the quilt.

    Julie- Hugs!

    Dinner is ready.

    TTYL!
    <3
    Kylia
  • pipcd34
    pipcd34 Posts: 17,277 Member
    Yyyy

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