Maryz....sure hope that gets easier for you soon.

I am not gung ho for taking a lot of stuff, but my personal physician has had me taking extra Vitamin D3 and Vitamin B12 for some years now.  Additionally, I have ALWAYS taken a multi vitamin, and just now the one I am taking is ALIVE for Women 50+. I had to take the chewables for about a year, for swallowing reasons, and got the bright idea about halfway through that period that I would take only 1 of these each day (the daily portion being two) and save some money.  Well, after a while I started to feel just terribly fatigued all the time.  After several months, I went back to two each day and began to feel much zippier.  I swear!  Next week, I am going back on the pill, as opposed to the chewable.
So I do believe, as the documentaries have said, that the vitamins fill a need for many of us.  Our bodies are being depleted, by Mother Nature, of many things that once boosted our abilities.  What we need to be careful of is the Brand.
I take no other over the counter assistance.  Just the one D3 and the one B12 and the one ALIVE for Women 50+.  Works for me!

Never taken any Vit. yet. The Centrum Silver seems to be the one Dr. recommend to older women. I tried the few years back and sort of me  feel sick.Have to make sure nothing has Iron in they say.  I think I may take some over the winter.  Don't know what it is but I seem to be sleeping longer. at least 9 hours and can still nap a hour in the afternoon if I am home. I do have to find something more to keep me busy this winter as I am beginning to get bored a lot.

Beautiful day here...we walked this morning, and then have been doing some garden stuff...bringing in little birdbaths, stepping stones, gazing ball, etc.

I also swept and blew the driveway where leaves pile up.  Walnut trees are bare and others losing leaves fast.  Yardman will get the leaves up and away and landscapers are to co e with trellis and cut down what needs cutting down, etc.  we just can't do that any more. 

We still have the hanging geraniums on the fro t porch and two large pots of them on the patio.  Others have been dumped for the winter.

Jane

I'm at the rehab facility, very nice. Will get evaluated in the morning. I'm sure the bicycle thing will come sometime

Another splendid day here on the bay.  Annapolis has settled down into a favorite time of the year for us.  Not as many tourists, although always some.  Both boat shows have come and gone.  We are host to the International Sailboat Show, immediately followed by the International Power Boat Show, every October.  Traffic is horrific.  Our local paper reports sales were way up at both this year, and that is a GOOD report on the economy.  I tell you what, some of those yachts they sell cost heaps more than most homes most people own.  Gives me a kind of sick feeling running across my stomach, it does!
I am noticing something strange in the matter of leaves changing colors this year, and am wondering if you see the same.  We have a lot of trees, a majority of trees, with no changes yet whatsoever.  But quite a few have one branch changed, or a twig here and a twig there, almost like polka dots on the tree, but nothing more.  Really weird.  I cannot remember having ever seen anything like it.
So happy Mary feels up to posting.  Keep it up, Gal!  You're going to be BETTER than new!

Jane, it sounds like you are getting everything shipshape for winter.  We are a little slower here. We're to be in the low 70's, high 60's all this week. My flowers are still doing well, so putting off getting the pansies.  I just cut 3 hydrangea blooms to add to the flower arrangement John got me last week.  It included some pink & white hydrangeas that were gorgeous.

Mary, I'm glad you're in the rehab. The first couple weeks are rough, but by then you should turn the corner.

Mary Page, glad your weather is as beautiful as ours.  Cannot imagine spending that kind of money on a boat!!  Of course, I'm not a water person.

John left this morning for his tournament in north Charlotte.  Because the evening games last so late, he stays in a motel. I'm glad because I don't want him driving late at night that far. (about 1.5 hrs.)

I've got to go run some errands and then if I'm energetic enough, I'll switch out my summer capris and my cords and the tops.

Are any of you Cubs fans?  John and his family have always been diehard fans, so he's over the moon. He wore his Cubs hat to church yesterday, but the native Southerners didn't even know what it was!!  A lot of the transplants commented favorably though.   Lori & Brian are carrying on the Cubs fan tradition too.  Hi to all.  Sharon

I do not qualify as a fan of any of the sports;  just don't follow them at all.  However, the statistics Chip has told me about the Cubs have put me in awe of what's happening in baseball this year, and so yes, I will be rooting for this underdog team to triumph!  It most certainly is their Turn!

Go Cubs!

I took my car to the body shop this morn ing in the pouring rain, I drove Keith's Camaro back home , he had followed me over,  Godh that car need new wipers so bad and have for the last 4-5 years and he hasn't done anything about it. I could barely see between the  dusty  inside windshield and the bad wipers, I was so nervous driving. He never bothers to clean the inside of the the windshield. I have him signed up for the AARP  class for this month, after that I will send the form in to DMV for him to take the drivers test, I wonder if he can pass it.

Thanks, Mary Page, for your added cheers. Yes, they are long overdue.  John told his sister to go out to their dad's grave and look for any sign of trembling and upheaval! Apparently the whole family listened to every Cubs game on the radio when he was growing up.  I follow them to some extent just to keep up with the family conversation about them. I am not a baseball fan or much of a sports fan in general.

Marilyn, that is scary about Keith's driving and upkeep on his car. I'm glad he's taking the AARP course. That will also lower his insurance rates. I do hope he takes the driving test as well. Sounds like he really needs it.  Sharon

Hi Buddies.  I had a great time in Birmingham with Stacie and Alex.  I'm concerned about Alex, though.  He's always been fairly lean, but has lost some weight.  He has a meal plan paid for by Jon and Stacie, but told us he eats a large breakfast, but has classes at lunch time and doesn't go to the evening meal.  I think he's depressed, but Stacie doesn't think so.  I'm going to nag him via e-mail in hopes he'll at least eat supper.  He has a 1:00 class daily and uses that as an excuse not to eat lunch.

The university had special activities all day Saturday--lunch was catered by Nick's barbecue and there were tables manned by alums and students with desserts, home made cookies, fruit, etc.  The lunch was outside at the large grassy area 'midst the classroom buildings.

On Saturday night we went to the Samford theater where Alex works every evening as part of his work study program.  He was wearing a suit and selling tickets and looked very handsome.  Lots of parents and students were there for the weekend, so the theater was full.  The students presented Fiddler on the Roof with primarily student actors, but Tevye and his wife--forgotten her name already--were played by professional actors.  The students/art department made the sets and the production was wonderful.

Sunday a.m. we took Alex to I-Hop for pancakes/etc.  I had French Toast and Coffee.  Alex ate every bite he ordered (strawberry pancakes and some other goodies) so I think his poor eating at the school cafeteria is because he doesn't like what
they're serving.  I suggested getting a large salad and adding hard boiled eggs, or some other protein.  I hope he'll go to supper and order something like that.  He has a class at 1:00 and I think that's why he skips lunch.

I'm still tired and am planning on a nice "lie down" with a book I'm reading.

Mary, I am so glad to hear that the surgery went well and you've started therapy.  I know it's tough, but I'm banking on you to work hard at it and get well soon!

Have a nice day Every Buddy!
Sue 

MaryZ. Was talking to Daughter and telling her how well you seem to be doing. Now were you 2 days in hospital and then went home to do Rehab or to another hospital type for it ?  Way her doctor talked she would be able to go home in 2 days and have ReHab at a place closer to where she lives than having to go clear into the city.
Hope he is right.  She doesn't do well in hospital type places.
She is ready to get it done and she was in bed with leg hurting all weekend as she had taken 5 grandchildren to some Haunted house things and lot of walking.

I moved to an inpatient rehab facility yesterday. It's very nice. I had two PT sessions today. Don't know if they'll do another or not. Good sessions and will be daily. Glad I'm here. I'm not ready to be home without professionals yet.

Afternoon, Buddies. 

I had a massage this morning, and then we and friends went to CR.

Rain and cold to come from tomorrow on to the end of the week.

Tomorrow I see my Cancer Surgeon for my yearly checkup...mammo apparently good since they didn't call me back for redo or other tests.  It's been 27 yrs now.  Whew!

jane

Great news on the Mamo Jane. People keep telling me you don't need to have a memo at my age but I just go ahead. Mine in next monday.

MaryZ. I think that is a better Idea to have people go into a Inpatient Rehab for a few days. Better than being at home and having to be taken to one all the time. Do you think that age is the difference or a person living at home single.
Maybe they just haven't told Julie she has a choice. Now she said the test she had to take prior to having it done are Good for a month and she had them done 10 days ago. Seem to do things different in Texas.

I went today and got my Ears all taken care of. Seems they get clogged up every 5 months anymore. Dr. Gone but the PA did a great job. Like her .better. Can hear again.  Since i had the operation where they moved my ear it seems to get something like skin forms over my ear drum . She showed me what it looked like. All the nerves were cut back there and so that may be causing it. All feels good other than that.  Will just keep going back when I need to.

Mary, I'm so glad you're at the rehab and had a good session today.  Keep up the good work--and soon you'll be able to go home.  The hard part is to keep doing the exercises at home.  Big Hugs to you!

Congratulations Jane on 27 years cancer free!  I'm 20 years cancer free and what a joy that is. 

I'm  off to bed as soon as Dancing with the Stars is over.  Sleep well, Buddies.
Sue

Hi Buddies.   My mouth is improving. Had 2 teeth pulled. One a lower tooth the other one an upper. Both on the left side. I am still having pain, so have been using RX ibuprofen for the continuing pain.    This is what the doc wrote a script for.
Good night.

GinnyAnn..good to see you posting.

Overcast, cold day here...and lots of rain coming, I guess.


Jane

It was really cold this morning when I went to get the paper. Supposed to be a high of 65 today. I've got a haircut scheduled at 1:00, then need to go to the library and the grocery.  John had a good day yesterday at the tournament. Hope it continues today.

Mary, hope things continue to go well for you at the rehab. Since you didn't mention it, I gather that the anxiety/panic attacks have stopped.  I hope so.  Do be careful in the shower. When I had mine done, I began by sitting on the seat and washing as much as I could, but then I stood up to wash the rest and my leg suddenly gave way and I fell backwards out of the shower.  Not a good thing, and horribly embarrassing to have the orderlies have to come in and get me up when I was stark naked!!   I was fortunate not to hurt anything but my pride and my tailbone.

Jeanne, I do hope Julie gets her knee done and that everything goes well for her.

Jane & Sue, wonderful #'s of years cancer free.  I'll be 16 yrs in January.  I don't go to my oncologist anymore for a breast check. My primary care doctor does it with my annual. Of course, I still get my mamm's regularly.

Ginny, is that 2 more teeth pulled?  or were you referring to the ones done a couple weeks ago. I don't envy you that. The only ones I've had pulled are my wisdom teeth. That was more than enough.

Sue, I'm so glad you had a good time in Birmingham.  I do hope Alex will start eating better. He could get himself in a mess if he doesn't.  What is he studying?  I forget if you've told us.  Braeden has to get his college apps in by Nov. 1st. He has at least 3 schools he's considering, but he doesn't have to make a final choice till May.

Hi to everyone. Have a good day.  Sharon

Hi gals.  Glad to be in a position to comment and actually feel like it. Ginny Ann, glad you're finally getting some good help for your mouth.  That's no fun.
Sharon, of course, I'm inside, but we're still having temps in the 80s around here.  And, no rain, of course.  If you see a national map, there are two areas of extreme drought - Southern California and the Chattanooga area.  Crazy!

I'm SO much better today.  I've had a shower, gotten my hair washed, and actually been to the toilet - all wonderful accomplishments.  The PT gals both told me I've done a great job today.  No panic this time, and had enough pain medicine to keep that under control.  I definitely will agree with the inpatient rehab.  IMO, the folks here are MUCH better dealing with patients here than in the hospital.  Things were too fast and rushed there - at least for me.  In the hospital, it was too much about getting me walking and farther and to the potty and to the hall, etc.  Here they first worked on some strengthening to the leg, and just more standing and weight-shifting - before they actually worked on getting me walking any distance.  She measured this morning, and I had walked 30 feet.  It doesn't sound like much, but definitely was.  I could hear Jean all but crying behind me, she was so pleased.  I sat in the wheelchair to have lunch today, and then got taken to the potty.  I'm now through with PT for the day, but at least no more bedpans.

Jean has gone for a while.  She's been so good, but is having a tough time in this facility.  She's very sensitive to any artificial fragrances, and they use a lot of air fresheners here.  I noticed it when we first came in, but have gotten used to it now.  Anyhow, coming here was definitely the best plan.  I really don't think I'd be doing as well as I am (5 days post) without it. Jean reevaluated my wardrobe and went to Walmart to make some adjustments, so I'm well fitted out with "lovely" exercise clothes, etc. 

Jeanne, all situations are different, but in general, I'd definitely recommend an inpatient rehab facility at least for a week or so.  Depends on your daughters age, insurance, living conditions, etc.  I know the recommendations are based on things like age, other medical condition, whether living alone or not, number of stairs in the house, etc. - all important considerations.

I had my BC lumpectomy/radiation in 2005, so I'm not quite as far along.  I'll continue to have my annual mammogram as long as they keep recommending it. 

The surgeon who did my mastectomy has followed me and orders the mammo and he checks me physically every year.  All was good and so he said, "See you next year."  I guess these go on for quite a while.

He asked about Ray's leg and I'd taken a photo with my cell phone and showed him and he was pleased with the healing, so we got two doc opinions for one visit!   

It's still cold and windy.  I did go get my driver's license renewed since it'll expire while I'm in TX.  They give me a paper copy and I now await the real plastic one from the state.  Some sort of homeland security thing, I guess. You used to leave with the real deal.  Now it's up to 3 week wait which is why I had to go now.

I'm in until we go for Taco Tuesday tonight.

jane

Seems longer, but I guess it's just been 4½ years since my cancer.

Ginny Ann, I am glad you have had dental care, but am worried about your still experiencing pain.  Did your dentist study your list of medications before prescribing the ibuprofen?  I ask because that is so important.  You see, I cannot take ibuprofen because it would interfere with some of the prescription medications I take, and that would be very bad for my health.  You have to make sure your doctor, your dentist, and your (preferably) one and ONLY pharmacist are all up to date on precisely every med you take.  Oh my, I sound as though I am preaching to you and/or I don't think you have a brain in your head.  And believe me, I think you are Very intelligent and I don't wish to put my oar in.  But I have been frightened (something I do more and more easily these days) at the thought of what affect the ibuprofen CAN have on certain medications;  probably not the ones you are taking.
A lovely coolish day here on the bay.  I am LOVING these recent days.  Debi came by on her way home from school this evening and picked up two of my geraniums to take home with her to winter over in her Florida Room.  She picked the shocking pink ones, a good choice.  I am NOT watching the world series tonight, but Go Cubs!
I saw Tom Hanks on the Stephen Colbert show last night.  Oops, it isn't called that now, is it!  Now it's the Late Show.  I think.  Anyway, Tom Hanks gave a very impassioned explanation of why he is rooting for Cleveland, and it was fascinating to listen to.  He has quite a history with that town.  Who knew!

Just a quickie this evening.  My cleaning lady was here this morning and as she left, my ride to the Assisted Living facility where I eat lunch and play bridge once a month showed up.  I had a nice lunch but lousy cards which I didn't play well, so I got a dollar because I was the low scorer today.

Wait Until Dark is starting on TCM and I'm going to watch it.  The only time I've ever seen it was at a movie theatre, don't remember where, but I screamed out loud when the bad guys opened the refrigerator door and Audrey Hepburn was revealed.  Do you remember this film and did it scare you?

GinnyAnn, I'm glad to see you here this evening, but sorry about the pain you're having related to your dental care. 

Big Hugs to all.
Sue

good evening everyone, At my hospice class today  we were told that next week we will all get  the TB test and will ahve to go back next Thursday or friday to have it checked.  I've been taking Freckles with me to class.

Hi Gals, a quickie from me too.  I've been to Harris Teeter to pick up an RX and some more ice.  My fridge has stopped making it and I can't drink much water without ice in it.  At 1:00 I will leave for my appt with the neurosurgeon, so think good thoughts for me.  I'm glad my neighbor agreed to accompany me since it is downtown Charlotte.

Ginny, I hope you feel better soon.

MP, I'm thinking about replanting one of my hibiscus in a plastic pot and putting it in the garage to overwinter. It has been so pretty, I hate to throw it out.  I know your daughter will enjoy your flowers.

Sue, too bad about the bridge, but that's the way it goes sometimes. I haven't seen that show.

Marilyn, we used to have to have TB shots when I first taught.  But a good idea if you're working around sick people.

All for now. Hi to everyone. Sharon

Hi, I'm back. Home from the neurosurgeon. Nothing definitive yet, but he wants me to get a mylegram and then come back to discuss it. He didn't feel the MRI showed enough detail. At least there's a path forward. He didn't tell me to go home and grin and bear it.    Sharon

We are really having  a bad storm here at the Moment.  Went to a funeral at 1:30 today. Just managed to get home before it really got bad. Wasn't a big one as he was cremated and just a small service. Glad it wasn't one where I had to go to a Crematory. Seems the ones I have to attend always fall in the Winter when it is snowing, really cold. Always the saddest ones. But more and more seem to be cremations now.

Had a doctor's appointment this morning that I fully expected to go by swiftly and easily, with just one of those brand new pneumonia shots as a little addition.  Well, I got the shot alright, but also found out I have C.O.P.D.  The doctor listened to my breathing/chest, and then had their pulmonary specialist give me tests, and then a treatment, and then more tests.  I thought I was going to be there FOREVER!  They finally let me go with a kit of a 7 day supply of inhalers and a prescription for a month's supply, and then I go back again.  Bummer!
Oh well.  Another day, another disorder!  That seems to be the way of it at my age.

Sharon and MaryPage, glad you've got some doctor-work being done.  I hope all has good results.  Everybody has commented on my breathing since I've been in here, so I guess I'll be asking my doc when I see her for my 6-month check in December.

Jeanne, sorry about your friend - services after cremation are usually more low-key.  I've never heard of actually going to a crematory, though.

The PT continues to go well.  I walked more than twice as far this morning, and am now on getting-up-with-assistance for the bathroom.  This is great.  Even Jean is pleased.  The Occupation Therapy folks are working a lot on my upper body strength, so I have good confidence with that to help with walker/chair/cane, etc.  We'll see what fun thing they come up with next.  I know the bicycle thing is still in my future.

Are folks watching the World Series?  Not my thing, but it is fun that neither team has been in a Series for many years.

I watched last night...The Indians were my Grandpa's team.  He listened or watched every game he could.   I'm not a bas ball person, but it's neat these two teams made it to the Series!