November 20-26, 2024
SarahMaxx
Posts: 1,998 Member
LW: 129.4
TW: 129.4
So steady as she goes, which I'm grateful to see considering that my intake and sleep are off due to the stress of dealing with my treatments.
Long story short as I can make it, I've been waiting for a call to give me some information I need about scheduling my radiation treatments. The technician said on Thursday when I had my CT scans done that she had sent the scans electronically to the radiation doc and that she would be seeing her later that day at another facility and would get the information and call me on Friday.
Well, it’s mid-day on Wednesday, and still no call. I gave her extra time and did not call to check on this until Monday afternoon. I was told the tech was at another facility, but they’d send her a message. I checked again yesterday and was told that she did receive the reminder and that she would call me later. But once again—no call. So, I’ve contacted my primary care provider and the surgeon’s offices to say that if cannot get information when it’s promised, I’m reluctant to begin treatment at that facility. Basically, throughout this whole ordeal, I’ve had trouble getting appointments in a timely fashion and trouble getting info when needed. I was told by a friend who had the same surgeon that she was provided a nurse navigator, but when I asked when I might be assigned someone for that roll, I was told that the nurse navigator had left and the position is empty. So essentially, I’m on my own, unable to reach anyone but a front desk person who is probably doing the best she can, but can’t control the outcome.
Given all this, my PCP has reached out to another cancer treatment center to find out how quickly I might be able to get a “second opinion” appointment. It’s the center that my friend went to when she had misgivings about this same radiation facility.
So, I wait. And waiting is stressful. Also, today we took our little Teddy in for his ultrasound to find out why he is losing so much weight. Suffice it say, I’ve not been sleeping good (woke up the past two days at 3:30 a.m. and could not go back to sleep) and I’m still snacking on things I normally pass on. It’s kind of “comfort eating,” I guess.
At the moment, any Christmas plans are on hold, but we are going to our friend’s house for Thanksgiving, as we’ve done for the past 20 years or so. There are usually about 20 people there, as Val invites her family, as well as folks like us who do not have family nearby. That will be a pleasant distraction.
Although my intake and sleep have been off, I’ve done pretty good with walking, and as a result my calorie burn has been a little better. Here are my 7-day averages:
Steps = 11,013
kcals burned = 1,769
Lois, your Disney decorations are super cute. And hopefully, you can get that toe issue resolved soon.
Sheesh and Kelly, l am looking forward to hearing how things are going for you. I love to have posts to read. It keeps me from thinking about myself, and you all know that “when I’m in my mind, I’m behind the enemy line!”
TW: 129.4
So steady as she goes, which I'm grateful to see considering that my intake and sleep are off due to the stress of dealing with my treatments.
Long story short as I can make it, I've been waiting for a call to give me some information I need about scheduling my radiation treatments. The technician said on Thursday when I had my CT scans done that she had sent the scans electronically to the radiation doc and that she would be seeing her later that day at another facility and would get the information and call me on Friday.
Well, it’s mid-day on Wednesday, and still no call. I gave her extra time and did not call to check on this until Monday afternoon. I was told the tech was at another facility, but they’d send her a message. I checked again yesterday and was told that she did receive the reminder and that she would call me later. But once again—no call. So, I’ve contacted my primary care provider and the surgeon’s offices to say that if cannot get information when it’s promised, I’m reluctant to begin treatment at that facility. Basically, throughout this whole ordeal, I’ve had trouble getting appointments in a timely fashion and trouble getting info when needed. I was told by a friend who had the same surgeon that she was provided a nurse navigator, but when I asked when I might be assigned someone for that roll, I was told that the nurse navigator had left and the position is empty. So essentially, I’m on my own, unable to reach anyone but a front desk person who is probably doing the best she can, but can’t control the outcome.
Given all this, my PCP has reached out to another cancer treatment center to find out how quickly I might be able to get a “second opinion” appointment. It’s the center that my friend went to when she had misgivings about this same radiation facility.
So, I wait. And waiting is stressful. Also, today we took our little Teddy in for his ultrasound to find out why he is losing so much weight. Suffice it say, I’ve not been sleeping good (woke up the past two days at 3:30 a.m. and could not go back to sleep) and I’m still snacking on things I normally pass on. It’s kind of “comfort eating,” I guess.
At the moment, any Christmas plans are on hold, but we are going to our friend’s house for Thanksgiving, as we’ve done for the past 20 years or so. There are usually about 20 people there, as Val invites her family, as well as folks like us who do not have family nearby. That will be a pleasant distraction.
Although my intake and sleep have been off, I’ve done pretty good with walking, and as a result my calorie burn has been a little better. Here are my 7-day averages:
Steps = 11,013
kcals burned = 1,769
Lois, your Disney decorations are super cute. And hopefully, you can get that toe issue resolved soon.
Sheesh and Kelly, l am looking forward to hearing how things are going for you. I love to have posts to read. It keeps me from thinking about myself, and you all know that “when I’m in my mind, I’m behind the enemy line!”
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Replies
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Oh Sarah I feel for you and truly wish I could do something to assist. I like the idea of getting into another facility. Two of my friends/colleagues are going through some and they each had a "liaison" who was handling their appointments. SO I truly hope you get somewhere where the service, treatment and responses are quick and thorough. I would have done the same as you, but probably grumpier.
I am so loving my Disney decorations, but man my house is a wreck as we did not accomplish near enough in getting the tree up etc. I had to go into Scottsdale today, so hopefully hubby and I can tackle some tomorrow before he leaves for work (I'll take a "lunch" break whenever the mood strikes him if I'm not stuck on a call. I really wanted to be in a position to take more of the crates back to storage, but alas, not a one has been addressed. Also last night I forgot i had my 3 hour tour hair appt so that took precedence over decorations as she was booked for next week and I really needed it done. So she is coming today, instead of tomorrow, to clean. She and I will tackle some of it tonight.
I did message my doc about my toe. He responded to give it a full six weeks to heal and use a scooter if needed. So I'll keep my appointment for Dec 10 if it's still hurting.
Sarah also happy that you're keeping your Thanksgiving plans. I would be bummed if I wasn't around anyone for the holidays. Covid about did me in when we had to cancel our friends from coming over and we've never really gotten back on track with them coming. They are physicians and partners in the medical field so it was important when Mom was still with us. Now our schedules just don't line up to theirs. We're home when they're gone to their family and we're gone when they're home. This year we have plans to go to California. We wanted to celebrate the holiday with Mom's sister and their family (we're super close to them). Anyhow, our cousin called and it's going to be held in Escondido at a timeshare. Which is great that it's 15 mins from my daughter's new house, but man it's gonna be a tight squeeze. My head count has 19+ people and it's a 1200 sf condo. But they will have a patio (hopefully ground floor). We're bringing our camping chairs and some collapsible tables to ensure we have a seat and place to eat. We'll head to Disneyland later that night. My daughter and son in law are going to meet us at Disneyland on Friday. I've reserved them a room at the hotel if they want to stay. They only live a bit more than an hour away but for us, too much driving when I can shower and be asleep before they get home. and wake up when they're on their way and be ready when the park opens. I need my rest.
LOL
At work we adopt 2-3 families for the holidays. My HR manager finds them through a couple of sources and I always love to shop and fill their lists. The list was sent out yesterday. We have 3 families this year. I typically budget $200 between Thanksgiving meal gift cards and Christmas. Well, I opened the first link of the three and my gosh, the mama wants a Disney backpack and tumbler. Well gosh darn. Let's see what fits the budget. Oh and daddy wants the Disney cookbook. hhhm... So I may have gone a wee bit over budget on these items and the gift cards. Hopefully she loves them as much as I loved picking them out for her. I picked out an adorable Minnie Mouse Loungefly backpack and the Simple Modern tumbler (resembles the Stanley cups) that kinda matches. And the cookbook he wanted. My HR person saw me this morning at our meeting and she was chuckling. She pointed out the list hadn't been out for 20 mins and I'd already reserved the Disney stuff. Well after I felt a little bad, because I didn't even look at the kid's lists. I had an extra princess doll we bought for Rhea, so I took that to the meeting and gave it to my HR person and told her to give it to one of the littles - she could pick. I really do love that I am in a position to be able to help these families. One of the groups is from Save the Family. These families are given 2 years to get back on their feet. They are provided drug/alcohol testing counseling, domestic abuse counseling, budgeting, learning new work trade habits, interviewing etc. and they're provided inexpensive housing for these two years. They live under a microscope but this group has a 90% success rate of their "graduates" keeping clean, safe and becoming productive members of society. It's such an awesome group. Again, I'm happy to be in a position that I can help.
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LW: 133.2
TW: 133.2
Well, I'm hanging in there, and at least not gaining.
My gosh Sarah, I can imagine the stress of dealing with unreliable medical people. I had that issue with the calls back and forth for 2 weeks with the gastroenterologist office for biopsy results. Ugh. My imagination was going to worse case scenario, of course. It turned out okay, but I do have to take famaotidine for inflammation in my stomach. Sarah, I'm glad you're looking at getting a second opinion at a different facility. Even if you don't end up going there, it's a good idea to get another opinion. Glad you're keeping your Thanksgiving plans. . it will be so nice to relax with friends.
Lois, such cute Disney Christmas decorations!
I wish I could get going on that now, but with kids coming for Thanksgiving, I'm keeping those deocorations for now. You're lucky to have gotten a jump on it. Thanksgiving is late this year, so Christmas will be upon us fast. Have so much fun in Cali again. It seems you never tire of Disneyland 
Kelly, how was your weekend at the cabin? Check in soon with your plan for the new year with fitness. I've been thinking about that. I think we should all make a plan on how we're going to go about recommitting to our health and fitness.
Had my follow-up doc apt yesterday to discuss the osteopenia, and to get another blood draw to check the calcium levels. I was happy because he said the DEXA scan showed areas improved, as well as areas not improved or poorer, but he doesn't think I should take medication yet. I guess Fosamax is taken for 5 years, and then you stop taking it, so getting on it later is better as I age. So, he wants another DEXA in 2 years, and then we'll talk about possible medication. He said to NOT take creatine nor amino acids. I was glad he said that because I was having stomach issues and painful gas taking that stuff. So, I texted my trainer that's a no go and I'll return the barely touched supplements to her on Thursday. He says that the "gym supplements" (as he calls them) are really hard on kidneys, and I don't need that at my age. Also, good news, they called today with the result of the blood test, and my calcium levels are back to normal. So, he says take calcium, but not more than 1,000 mg and of vitamin d. I thought that's what I was doing before, but okay. He told me to do weight bearing exercises, and to keep up weight training. I told my trainer I want to go with heavier weights (lower body especially). Also, I'm planning to jog more and do cardio dance with jumping moves.
I have family coming for Thanksgiving, and I've been baking cookies all day since my golf lesson and indoor practice. Whew, I'm too busy this time of year.
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Sheesh - great job and good news from the doc! And I agree - keep going with the trainer. Be careful with the jumping and dancing. I'm still wary since rupturing my Achilles while dancing/jumping. I love having thanksgiving at home and the fall decorations. The only reason we're jumping on Christmas is because we will be gone all Thanksgiving weekend and even the weekend following. And yes, both weekends at Disneyland. Disneyland is a magical place. Hubby and I can go like you used to go to your cabin. We actually relax and again, because we have the annual passes, we don't feel the pressure to get on every ride/experience. We even just like to walk around the park and enjoy the decorations, atmosphere and people watching.
My personal goals.... still waiting for my toe to recover and get into walking and then from there back to PT and longer walks possibly back to a trainer. Right now, I just need to let this toe heal. The chef has been super helpful with maintaining. I did hit 250 and I'm slowly going down and holding. I'm still very close and nervous about going over...so this is where Disney does help. I actually come home weighing less than when I'm home...even with using a scooter part of the time.
So with the Thanksgiving sales for turkeys I want to buy another to keep in the freezer, but I still have one in my freezer from last year and no time to cook it before I leave as I didn't take it out to cook this weekend. UGH. Not sure what to do...but my thinking cap is on..0 -
Lois, I have a recipe how to cook a turkey from frozen . . . And it is delicious believe it or not! I’m going to do it that way again this year. Hubby and I both thought it was more juicy and tender. The only thing is you can’t put your stuffing inside the bird. But, I make the stuffing in a crock pot, and it’s really good. You have to start a 12 - 14 lb turkey about 6 hours ahead though. Let me know if you want the recipe. (More like instructions, lol) I’m wondering if your turkey might be dry though, if it’s been in the freezer for a year.
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Sarah - Goodness girl. I'm sorry to hear all the stresses you're going through with your health. It sounds like you're finding healthy ways to manage your stress though by continuing to walk and get activity. That's key for sure. Always a good plan to get a 2nd opinion and if you have options to go to a different centre, then I would choose that too. Sounds like you're not getting the reliable customer service you need. I have a coworker in a similar situation here, but she has no option but to continue to hound this centre to get her appointment rushed. She's resorted to spam calling them until they answer, which is ridiculous. I wish our medical system was more geared towards preventative health/medicine, instead of treating illness after the fact.
Sheesh - I'd love that recipe for the frozen turkey. Willing to give it a try on a turkey we've had in our freezer since last year. If it doesn't work, then oh well. Interesting to know about creatine. I started taking a small amount in my shake daily. Not sure exactly what it's doing, but I don't notice any side effects. Good to hear that your bloodwork came back normal.
I will be spending some time to think about my goals. I have been doing ok lately. Got on the treadmill yesterday for a bit and have done some weight workouts, but I need to get into more of a routine, as I do better with a schedule... I am also trying to focus on getting in more protein and less bread/pasta... more fruits and vegetables and more water. I downloaded a drink water reminder app, which has helped.
Lois - Your holiday plans sound awesome. I got hubby to pull down our xmas decorations this week from the rafters and plan to put them up this weekend. I always forget that your Thanksgiving is different than ours. I think I would find it stressful having 2 holidays so close together.
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Forget to take the turkey out in time to thaw? Don't panic. . Here's the instructions on how to make a delicious, juicy turkey from frozen!
Ingredients:
(1) 12-14 pound turkey, frozen solid
Prepared stuffing (optional)
Directions:
1 Preheat the oven to 325 F about 6 hours before you want to serve dinner. Line a rimmed cookie sheet (NOT a roasting pan) with foil and place a rack on it. Unwrap the turkey and place it on the rack. (Don't worry about the bag of giblets; you'll remove it later.
2 Place the turkey into the oven for 2-1/2 hours. By this time, the thighs should be about 100 F, but the breast should still be icy, around 25 F. If you have an insert-and-leave-it type of thermometer (dial, or digital probe), insert it into the thickest part of the breast at this time. If not, start checking the temperature of the breast every 30 - 45 minutes.
3 By 3-1/2 hours, the thighs should be around 150 F and the breast around 50 F. Remove the giblets bag at this time (and make stock from it if desired). If you wish to stuff the turkey, do so at this point; use silicone gloves to protect your hands as the bottom of the bird will be hot, and preheat the stuffing if possible before spooning it into the cavity. Do not overpack.
4 Between 4-1/2 and 5 hours, the thighs should be done at 175-180 F, the breast should be done (but still moist) at 160-165 F, and the skin should be nicely browned. If the bird was stuffed, the temperature in the center of the stuffing must reach 165 F for safety.
Nutritional Info:
Calories 726.4
Calories from Fat 327
Total Fat 36,4 g
Saturated Fat 10.2 g
Cholesterol 308.7 mg
Sodium 295.1 mg
Total Carbohydrate 0.0 g
I think I mentioned before that I don't stuff the turkey . . I make my grandmother's recipe and heat it through in a crock pot on low. I like it better that way . . not at all soggy.
Enjoy!
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WOW. Never thought about doing it from frozen. And yes, my first thought went to the neck and giblets -- eww. And no, I keep a turkey in my freezer for almost a year all of the time. I may give that a go sometime when I don't need to feed anyone else, and I usually get a 16lb or larger...I'm sure I can adjust the time. And, I use the Reynolds turkey bags with a pop in timer in the breast and NEVER dry. I don't make the dressing in the bird, just veggie clippings and a chopped apple (onions, carrots and celery). Lots of poultry seasoning, tabs of butter between the skin and breast. My neighbor always raved about my turkey and kept asking for my "recipe"...this is it. (now this is how his wife also makes it and he says its very yum yum). And I don't make a good gravy so no gravy on the table - and I usually don't have much meat left after dinner (turkey OR ham). Sometimes I add on scoop of the dressing, but everyone has preferred it without. I like a little bit of turkey on Thanksgiving, but I prefer it later in the pot pies I make. I prefer the ham, but hubby loves the turkey so I make one for him every year. Christmas is lasagna and/or manicotti with honey baked ham. I did make a lasagna yesterday to take with us to Cali on Thursday (my Filipino cousin's request to bring). It's in the freezer and will be ready to travel. I'm horrible in that I can't follow a recipe to make just one tray.... so I ended up with one and maybe a third trays...lol. Hubby and I had part of it last night and the rest tonight. Christmas eve I'll make at least three trays (I like to keep some in the freezer for the winter).
Kelly - you're right!! - Thanksgiving and Christmas are sooooo close together for us - especially this year.
We had Rhea for an overnight on Saturday. Oh lordy she's so much fun. She saw the picture of the lasagna and decided we weren't going to do that project. lol. So we had a lot of fun doing other things that were not productive, but oh core memories were made. And we made some sugar cookies (cheated and used the Pillsbury ready made roll (I need to make some dough and freeze it for future - my recipe tastes so much better). And then after breakfast on Sunday, we played with the icing. She's getting better at controlling her flow. We had so much fun. Oh and she just squealed and LOVED our new Mickey and Minnie mouse animatronics from Home Depot. So awesome. She also helped us with the front yard decorations and my "river rock lights". Today, I am sore in so many areas. She had me bending squatting and doing so much. I need her over more and she could become my new trainer. LOL.
Well work is insane this week. Have a few buyers moving in before the holiday and then I'm off to Cali and not back until Tuesday. So it's a bit crazier than normal. If I don't jump back on between now and Wednesday, many blessings for a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday for all of you.
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OK. I'm so old now!!! After making my lasagna, as I was cleaning the countertop I did something to my back and I've been suffering with back spasms and gasping for the past two days!!! UGH. Went to urgent care this am and got an rx for a muscle relaxer and prednisone. Hopefully it will be better by tomorrow night to travel to Cali and fully recovered by Friday for Disneyland.
Best wishes to everyone for a fabulous Thanksgiving.
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Oh my gosh, Lois--you cannot get a break! I do hope the back pain is short-lived so you can enjoy your Thanksgiving with family and the Disney trip.0
