I'm having a stressful day .  I would like to go somewhere to take my mind off the surgery but its 99F today & I don't want to be out in the heat .I have been thinking about the surgery & wondering how I will be able to go without breakfast , the surgery isn't until 1:00 p.m.  I am thinking I will pass out or get very shaky .
Also concerned about the pain afterwards . I realize I will probably have some thing to take for the pain but still I'm worried .

Alpiner, let your doctor's office know that you're feeling stressed.  They can help - or they should be able to allay your concerns.  Before I went for surgery, at the hospital, John and I met with a counsellor who tried to answer all my questions and field other ones that I had.  As I remember, I was given a number that I could call with any additional questions.  That was 12 years ago.  But in 2015, when John was being treated for lung cancer, we talked with and were given contact information for a Nurse Navigator, whose hospital job it was was to answer our questions.  As I remember, the two things that frustrated us most were the waiting, and the not being able to get an answer to the "next question" - you know, when you ask, well, after that happens, what happens next?.   

Alpiner....I don't think you will have the pain you think you will.  I didn't with a mastectomy 28yrs ago.  If you do, they will give you pain meds.  Call the doc's offce and ask about how to deal with the shakiness.  They may put you on an IV with liquid to deal with the shakes, etc.  before they take you in for surgery.

Marilyn...please, get that POA, guardianship, and financial and legal "stuff" in order soon.  Be sure to get a good attorney!

I had three “films” taken that were like the ones I had last year.  Lots of compression and magnification.  This year the first one was just two “positions” and not nearly the compression I was used to.  The radiologist did look at the new films, the tech said, and I didn't need an ultrasound or mri, etc. So....I now wait until Tues. to see my surgeon, who's done my followups for 28 yrs.  I’m trying to remain positive but you all know how hard it is.

The cold is keeping my mind off the mammo.  Ray and I are staying in our “soft clothes” and resting a lot.  Repeating that for the rest of the week.

Jane

Hi Every Buddy.  I've had a busy day.  My cleaning ladies showed up at 8:15--while I was still in Jammies and eating my breakfast.  They started on my bedroom, changed the sheets and put on a comforter that Bob's mother made for me before she died.  I washed the sheets and the small lighter weight quilt she'd made for my summer time bedding. 

They were out of here by 9:00, which gave me time to shower and dress before Libba came by to take me to Azalea Place for our monthly lunch and card game there.  Before we left, our leader, Brownie, told me it will be my turn in November--the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving.  I had so-so cards, but enjoyed playing.  We had 2 new servers--I don't think this new outfit can keep anyone very long.

It's sunny, but chilly here this afternoon.  I changed into my sloppies and walked around the block as I didn't have time to walk anywhere this morning.  My plans for the evening are to look for a movie, but I doubt I'll find a good one.  TCM is running really old black and whites and although they are probably classics, not so hot!  I have a couple of books ready to read if the movies are not up to par.

Jane, I'm keeping my fingers crossed and also praying the next mammo will clear you.  Keep your chin up!  We're all wishing you well.

Alpiner, I agree with Mary about calling your doctor's office about your stress.  They should be able to provide you with something to take before you return for the procedure.  Prayers up for you, also.

Mary, I'm sorry about your parking space and having to park around the front away from your quarters.  I hope they can get that fixed soon!

No other news from Auburn this evening.  I hope you've all had a good day and good weather.
Sue

Alpiner, I agree with everything Mary and Sue said.  Call your doctor.  I had a lumpectomy but not much pain after my surgery.  Just find a little pillow to put under your arm when you're in bed so that you don't squeeze it.

Jane, I can't believe you're going through this after all this time.  Lots of prayers going up.

I did some on-line shopping this afternoon. Are any of you familiar with E-Bates app?  When you are shopping at places that they deal with, a dialog box will come up and tell you what rebate you will get. I just received my first check from them for $13+.  Not a lot but better than nothing.  Sharon

Good morning.  I've just dressed after a shower and shampoo.  Terri is picking me up about 12:40 for bridge out at Carolyn's.  I played yesterday as you may recall at Azalea Place--where we have lunch first.  The new owners are really scrimping on financial matters and the quality of the food has gone way down.  We had a new server today--a man who looks to be in his 40's.  He did an OK job, but wasn't familiar with the procedures.  Our members are grumbling--especially the ones who live there!

Hi Sharon.  I can't remember pain from my lumpectomy--except for the removal of the lymph nodes under my right arm.  That was in 1996 and at Ft. Benning military hospital.  I had a great surgeon who did my post op check ups and I stayed with him for several years until he was transferred.  Then I moved to the Cancer Center in Montgomery.  I'm going to try Kris's doctor up here for the next mammo.  I hope I like her as it's much easier to get there since I'm still not cleared to drive. 

Jane, I'm sorry about the wait to talk to your surgeon.  We all know how nerve wracking that might be.  I'm keeping my fingers crossed and prayers going up.  Your surgeon will be able to encourage you.  Prayers for good results going up from Auburn.

Mary, I agree with everything you and Jane said.  Whenever the Big C word is mentioned--it's very scary.  I'm hoping that Alpiner will get into the doctor's office soon and get word about what's going on.  IMO, the sooner the better.

Alpiner, I know how frightening it is to hear of the "possibility" of breast cancer, but once you know for sure, it becomes easier to deal with.  You'll know what you'll need to do, whether you need treatment, etc.  My cancer was small, but visible above the nipple and it was removed right away along with the lymph nodes under my right arm.  I was teaching school at the time and went back to work as soon as I returned home from the hospital--which was only 2 days after the removal.  And it's a wonderful relief to know what was going on and how to take care of it.  I'm praying that you'll get some news--SOON!  I've been cancer free since 1996 and Jane has been cancer free longer than that, I think.  I did choose to have 6 weeks of radiation after the surgery.  I wanted to take all precautions.

Mary, have you been able to park your car near your apartment yet?  It must be a pain to have to tote packages through the facility to get to your place.  I hope you are back in front of your place soon!

Marilyn, I'm glad the garage door problem is solved, but the leaky roof has to be a big worry.  I'm still waiting on the roofer to re-roof mine.  Lots of people in this area are ahead of me on his list.  I'm sorry that Keith doesn't seem to understand that.  Hopefully his sons will help you get him in a better frame of mind.

Darlene, when you get those low lights, how about posting a picture here?  My hair is very short and still very dark with a scattering of grey.  The only time I ever tried color was one summer when I was a teen and I put straight peroxicide (sp?) on my bangs.  They turned an ugly orange and thankfully grew out quickly!

GinnyAnn, I think about you a lot and hope you'll post soon.  We'd all love to hear from you.

I need to go put my wash into the dryer and fix my lunch.  Terri is picking me up about 12:35 to go out to Carolyn's for bridge this afternoon.

Have a good day, Buddies.
Sue

The roofers are still banging - but it's not loud enough for me to resort to ear plugs (yet!).  They still have the parking lot blocked off, but...  This morning, I had no problem getting to my car to go to the Y.  I had placed an order at Walmart for pickup, and hadn't decided how I was going to go about getting it into my apartment.  When I got home, the no-parking-sign was still up, but the barrier was down.  So I pulled up outside my usual door, and took the groceries and my swim bag in and just left them inside.  Then I moved my car back to a place near the front of the building, came in, and picked up my stuff (in two trips) to take to the apartment.

Explanation:  My apartment is on the first floor, but the first and second floors were additions added to the rear of the building, and on the slope below the larger building.  There are only six apartments on each hallway, and stepped down, so there is no-one above or below each floor.  This makes the "main" floor, with the main entrance, dining room, etc., on the 3rd floor.  The main part of the building is quite long with something like 24 apartments on the 4th and 5th floors and about 15 apartments plus the Memory Wing on the 3rd floor. 

Sue, I'm sorry about the downgrade in food and service where you play bridge.  I understand from my experience here.  Changing management is tough and takes some working out.  I hope that works out over time.

Marilyn, glad the door got fixed, and I hope you can get the other problems fixed - one way or another.

jane, lots and lots of hugs.

Sharon, I hope John does well at the tournament.  You're really doing well, getting things ready for the time you're in rehab.

Hi Gals. I'm back from bridge & lunch. Had a nice time but poor bridge hands for the most part. I've made a few phone calls since I got back. Had a question about meds at rehab. Got that answered. Got an appt to get my hair cut, washed and styled on Sat. That way, it will look nice on Sunday when I have to give a stewardship speech and also will last at least until I get to the rehab. They have a beauty parlor there if I need it. John's tournament is so-so. Not many pts.

Mary, I'm glad you were able to get your groceries, etc in without too much problem.   Also glad the roofers aren't driving you nuts. They sure did me!  But I am very sensitive to loud noise.

Nothing going on here much.  Sue, hope your bridge was better than mine.  Jane, let us know as soon as you know something.  Ginny, report in!!  Hi Joy, Jeanne, Darlene.  Sharon

Nothing new here...still battling these colds...and taking Ray back to the walk-in clinic at 3:30 since he now has a sinus infection. 

We're just being slugs...no energy to do anything.

jane

Hi Buddies.  I'm going out to play bridge again today--subbing in a group that calls me occasionally.  This will make the third time this week.  I started a pot of vegetable soup about 8:30 this morning and will have soup for lunch in about 15 minutes as my ride will be here between 12:15 and 12:30.  I really wanted to spend this day at home to catch up on some outdoor chores, but it's nothing that I can't do on Saturday.  Tomorrow is my lunch and Kroger shopping with Tim.

Mary, it sounds as if you've found a way to avoid toting things from the front all the way to your apartment.  Pretty enterprising!  I know you'll be glad when the renovations are finished. 

Sharon, your bridge day sounds like mine yesterday.  I enjoy the group, but 3 rounds of bad hands is NOT fun!  We played at Carolyn's and all of us were present except one--and she invited a sub I didn't know, but others who are Methodists did.  She was nice and a good player, too.

Jane, I can sympathize with your sniffles and am very sorry about Ray's sinus infection.  Both are enough to affect one's energy level and not very good days.  I hope you both feel better and SOON!

I'm off to eat a bowl of soup.  Have a good day, Buddies.
Sue

This morning my husband said " there are so many ads about Cancer , this must make you very upset , it keeps reminding you of your surgery." I told him yes , I need a distraction . I'm trying to not think about it by keeping myself busy . I realize these ads are to make women more aware of cancer , so there is some good to come from them . But I need to tune them out !!

Yes, Alpiner, I agree.  This waiting is so difficult.  I also tune out on the various ads....just too much right now. 
Just remember, as I'm trying to do, that it's best to get all of this taken care of and out of your body.

We'll all be keeping you in our LIGHT here...our own healing circle of people who've been through this and our friends who join us here.

Cold is a little better today and Ray's also feeling better.  I guess we're on the mend from this nasty virus.

jane

jane  we have had some sort of bug too on top of all our other concerns .  We both had a dry cough which advanced to a productive cough . I have asthma & COPD which made it more complicated . My doctor had me get a nebulizer after the  previous bout this Spring . It has been a God send !  I still have some coughing but it is lessening .

Hi Gals. I'm late getting in today. Busy day. Landscaper was here at 9:30 (early for me) and we decided on several things to improve the back.  Then at 12:30, some men came from a company called Milo which you probably haven't heard of. It's new in Charlotte. It provides fresh meals for those who are unable to and also health care people to come in for a half hour a day to do whatever needs to be done.  Not sure if we will go with them or not, but it sounds like it might be a good idea for the first month after my surgery. We will have to discuss it and decide.  After they left, I went to the grocery. I forgot to take my pain pill before hand, so it wasn't a pleasant shopping trip.

Also, this morning, the dr's office called me back and said that they were going to send me home from the hospital & not send me to the rehab!!  Apparently SS has tightenened up the rules + he felt it was too big a risk for infection.  This has really sent me into a tizzy. I hope John will step up to the plate and do what's necessary or pay for Milo.  I don't want to eat lLean Cuisine for a month + I need someone to fille the ice thingy for my knee and be on hand.  Not a happy camper.

I'm glad everyone is getting over their colds and sinus infections.  No fun.  Especially when you are already stressed and waiting for the dr's prognosis.

Sue, glad you had a nice day playing bridge again. Vegetable soup sounds good.  Sharon

jane and alpiner - you two gals need to get over the colds.     Our hearts and thoughts are with both of you.

Sharon, that's too bad that you won't be able to go right into an inpatient rehab.  I'd definitely sign up for the Milo service or something similar.  Hugs to you, too.

Usual stuff today.  I've started doing my laundry on Thursday evening, and it's working out well.  There's nobody else in the laundry room.  The roofers are still working on the building, but it looks like they're through over my section.  At least they've cleaned up all the detritus and used the leaf blowers to get rid of all the small debris on my deck and in the parking lot.  I've got my fingers crossed that they'll let me back in my parking lot tomorrow.

Happy Weekend-Eve, Buddies!

Hi everyone...guess most of us are dealing with health issues...I am on 2 antibiotic for Hpylori infection...have to take for 2 weeks...strong antibiotic too...hope I can complete it without side effects...Hi to all Darlene

As you probably figured out I am depressed.  I sure will be happy when my dental difficulties are past history.

Darlene side effects to antibiotics are the pits. Hope you don't get too bothered by them.

Jane sure keeping you in my prayers.

Sharon relax (hugs). You are also in my prayers.

Hi to all the Buddies.

Thanks all for the good thoughts and prayers.  I called the Dr this AM, but still haven't heard back. I gave 2 different nurses an earful.  John says if I can't go to a rehab, I should cancel the surgery and find a doctor who will prescribe it.  He definitely doesn't want to take on nursing duties.  I really don't want Milo or visiting angels, I want to go to a rehab!!  I really had a meltdown last night. It doesn't help that John is out of town.

Ginny, sorry you are still having such problems with depression.  I'm having some similar problems right now.

Mary, so glad the roof over you is done and that you will get your parking place back tomorrow!
Thanks for the good thoughts.

Darlene, so sorry you are on antibiotics.  Eat lots of yogurt with active enzymes and take a probiotic. That will help with side effects.

Jane, I hope you and Ray are over the worst of your colds now.

I just cooked a pot of rice which I will divide up into sandwich bags of 2 servings ea. and then put in a freezer bag and freeze. Then it will be ready when we need it.  Brown rice takes at least 20 mins to cook and I'm not going to do that everytime we want it.  If you add a Tblsp of water to the dish of frozen rice and put it in the microwave for 2 mins, it tastes like it was just cooked.  I always add some chicken broth or bouillon to the water it cooks in. Gives it a better flavor.  After my hamburger thaws, I'm going to make up a pot of spaghetti sauce to freeze for later.  I may make a chicken casserole too.

All for now.  Hi to Marilyn, Alpiner, Jeanne, & Joy.  Sharon

Ginny Ann - glad you checked in.  I'm sorry you're having such a hard time with depression.  I know it can be debilitating.  I would have thought you'd have had all the dental problems fixed by now.  Sorry that's still ongoing.  Hugs!

Sharon - Hugs to you, too.  I hate it that you're having so much upheaval around your surgery.  I hope they'll get it worked out that you can go to an inpatient rehab.  I always used to do that with rice - cook up a whole box of it at one time, and then freeze meal-sized portions.  You can also just put the frozen block in a pan of boiling water, and it heats up almost immediately - so much easier.

They still have no-parking signs up in my lot, so I parked out front again.  It's not too bad really - just that I have go take the elevator and go through the lobby when I want to get to my car.  My back has really been giving me fits.  A friend recommended Icy-Hot patches, and I've ordered a box of those to try.  Margaret is going to come over tomorrow to take down the plants on my deck - getting it ready for winter.  I'll hate to lose them, but then they won't all get frozen when we do have a frost.  And that will happen before too much longer.

Have a great weekend, Buddies!

Hi Every Buddy.  Tim came over about 10:50 to pick me up for lunch.  We went to Amsterdam Café where I veered from my usual (the crab cake/Avocado sandwich with sweet potato chips) and had a large serving of shrimp and grits.  The shrimp, though not many, were huge!  and the grits had cheese added, so a very tasty meal.  I am pretty full and am going to lie down and read following my posts to S&F shortly.  Now that's what I call a "VERY NICE afternoon!"  I've just started a paperback copy of The Phantom of the Opera.  Only a few pages in, but I plan to read more during my "nap/reading" time".  I'll do that when I check the forums I use here at S&F.

Alpiner, I'm sorry to hear that you and your husband have been suffering from cold/flu? symptoms.  This is something you don't need.  If my grandmother were  still living and knew you, she'd want to cover your chest with a mustard plaster after she'd rubbed it with Vick's Salve.  I hope you can recover quickly and don't have to resort to my Grandma's solution to almost everything!

Sharon, my bridge yesterday was a tiny bit better than the Wednesday game.  AND!!!, our hostess gave us all a glass of champagne after the second round--and that was most appreciated!  Good luck with finding another doctor who will work with you and your wishes.  However, if you can't find one, I guess you'll have to suck it up and go where the doctor decides.  I'm praying you'll get your choice.

Darlene, I hope the new meds clear up your infection.  Antibiotics can make you feel worse before you feel better.  What is a hyplori  infection?  I hope it clears up soon, but don't stop the anti-biotic until you have done the whole course. 

GinnyAnn, I'm so glad to see your post, but am sorry about the depression.  I get depressed when winter rolls around and it gets dark way too early.  I don't have to take meds for it, so I try to get outside for at least 30-40 minutes a day when that happens.  I dread next week when we go on DST.  It'll be dark way too early for me!  Have you tried sitting outside on your deck when it's sunny?

Marilyn, I hope all is well with you and Keith.  Keep us posted!

I'm off to read and snooze, Buddies.
Sue

A neighbor a few blocks away has a small house shaped box on a post next to the street.  She puts books she's already read and doesn't want to keep--anyone walking by can take them with no need to return them.  I have several paper back classics I've picked up in the past few weeks.  This morning before Tim arrived, I started reading "The Phantom of the Opera".  (I don't see the place to find an underline for a book title).  I think I will enjoy it.

I hope Jane and Ray are having lovely sunny weather up north in Yankee Land! 

Have a nice day, Every Buddy.

Sue..HPylori...is infection of stomach tissues..I have read that half population has it..but don't treat unless you have symptoms...which is symptoms to ulcer...Im just praying I can get through the 2 weeks antibiotic without developing side effects...I just don't like to take medications. Darlene

Hello, Buddies, I have been here to read for a couple of days and didn't post. All is well here, I went to the Furry Friends Luncheon yesterday at Tai dynasty and had Moo Gai Pan. It was very tasty no MSG very good food.

Keith is doing OK,  I still say it is the little things like the way he kind of shuffles along with very small steps turning one foot way out. Not remembering what I told him I was fixing for his breakfast, Not knowing if he should put syrup on his French Toast.  I think I have him convinced that getting the Guardianship and POA is a good thing to have on hand just in case it is needed. Now to get that paperwork done and signed by the courts.

Cold here...hard freeze tonight, windy, and sleet/snow...the “wintry mix” so the only the only thing we did today was take the hoses in and turn off the water to the outside faucets.

Jane

I finally had my hair cut this morning , first cut since August !  I had all those medical appts. , then got that bug which lasted 3 weeks !  My hair had lost its style & I showed the stylist a picture of how I wear it .  I wanted it to be easier to care for after the surgery . It feels so much better now .
It seems everyone is getting this bug . Sunday morning in church a young man was coughing bad & I had my husband take him a cough drop , then another member gave him a bottle of water . Now his sisters have it .

alpiner, getting a good haircut always lifts your spirits.     It sounds like you're about over your URI, too.

Marilyn, Hooray for being on the road to getting the legal "ducks in a row".  I hope it works out fairly quickly and easily for you.

jane, it's supposed to be much cooler here, too - cold to us, but not in your terms.  I'm glad we're not getting any of that "mixed precip".

I didn't have a URI .

Is Halloween something big where you live? It is unheard of here.

Here, in this small town in rural Iowa, there are some people who go goofy with decorations outside, but not most.  One street in town gets hundreds of kids and older teens who aren't age appropriate nor in costume.  We had no one last year as there are no small children in our neighborhood.  The town also sets a 5:00 to 7:00 time limit.  The “tricks” part of my childhood....soaping windows, etc. seems to have disappeared.  Parents almost always seem to accompany little ones after the awful “treats” some sick adults were giving children....needles in candy, apples, etc.

Sorry alpiner - I was just referring to your cold as an Upper Respiratory Infection.  My mistake.

Bubble, the last few years we were in our house, we didn't have any kids come by.  No small ones in the neighborhood, and with our hills, it wasn't an area where people brought kids to go house-to-house.  I never noticed any decorations in our immediate area.  When I was little, in the late 1930s in St. Louis, it wasn't "trick or treat" - we went in costume to neighborhood houses and performed - a song or poem or some such - for our "treat".  I never heard of "trick or treat" until we moved to Texas in the early 1940s.

Temps in the mid50s this morning, and steady slow rain.

Good morning, Buddies.  I've just walked over to the library and back--about 20 minutes both ways when carrying books.  And I'm pooped!  I made the trip especially to use a printer there as I'm not sure my cartridge will print--and forgot to take the money to pay for the copies I needed, so will have to see if I can print them out here--or send them to Tim's address for him to print for me.

I looked for and found 4 paperback books to read.  I started one at the library, a Debby Macomber mystery which I'm sure will turn into a bit of a romance, but hey, it's fast and easy reading.  I try to get paperbacks when I walk over to the library as 20 minutes each way of carrying hardback books isn't easy.

I'll probably watch a few football games this afternoon.  I have leftover vegetable soup and will make a Waldorf salad and will probably eat here in the den.  Auburn is not playing this week, but South Carolina is, so will be sure to watch that game.

Bubble, we have 3 families with small children who may or may not come by for Trick or Treat.  Our small city sponsors a downtown trick or treat evening where merchants give out candy and many parents take their kids there.  I have candy to give out--and I always buy the kind that I like so that I can use it for bridge games and/or eat myself!  I also have a pottery jack-o-lantern which I put a candle in to look "Halloween-y".  My short street often gets kids from a housing project here in town.  I have a spooky Halloween sweat shirt that I wear on the 31st. 

Not much else to report this morning.  I think it's going to rain here later this afternoon, so may nap a bit during football games. 

Have a great day, Every Buddy.
Sue