Good news on Sharon...I'm going out this eve with friends....mabey a stop at the casino....Darlene

Hi Buddies.  I've been out since 12:50 to a Garden Club meeting at Carolyn's.  It was our first since I've been installed as President.  The District Director who lives in Opelika was present as were a number of club members I am not familiar with.  We had lots of business to transact and some of the former officers tended to jump in with inappropriate (IMHO) comments which caused the business meeting to run way over the time it should have taken.  We finally got through all of that and then had a program on gardening procedures and gardening history at the White House.  It was interesting and well presented, but by that time I think most people were pretty tired.  Our next meeting will be held at the Country Club for lunch.  We are to bring bed socks which will be delivered to shut-ins at one of our residential retirement facilities for those in need.  So I'll have to order some or find someone to take me shopping.

Not much else to tell this evening.  I am playing bridge at Olyne's tomorrow after lunch and Bonney will pick me up.   Terri was planning to take me, but her grandson is home from his first 6 weeks at Boarding school for Math and Science students in Mobile and she wants to spend time with him.  Merilin's sister from Illinois is visiting and will sub.

Have a nice evening, Every Buddy.
Sue

We went for the consultation with the breast doctor this morning . I'm glad my husband goes with me & thinks of questions to ask that I don't think of . 

Alpiner....you are very lucky to have a husband who is so supportive and you'll find that very helpful as you get your surgery and whatever treatment the docs may suggest.

Sharon seems to be doing well.  She posted on Facebook that she has less pain that expected and even walked some.

I was shocked to hear a news report that 1/3 of women qho have breast cancer surgery don't follow their doctors’ suggestions for chemo or radiation. 

Bridge was fun, but my cards weren't good.  A couple hands with 0-3 points. 

It rained while we at the golf club and was happy to get home to soft clothes and a fire in the stove. 

alpiner, glad your husband went with you.  John went with me to some of my appointments, too (as I did with him when he had cancer).  It always helps to have an extra set of ears and questions. 

Same here, Mary....he went to every onc appt and heard things that I missed.  He also took me to all my chemo appts since they were 45 miles away and I wouldn't have been able to drive home because I was so "doped up."  He was so very good to me and pampered me endlessly during that time...and continues to do so, so I'm very, very lucky.

Off to WalMart for computer paper and chai tea liquid.

jane

Bob took me to Ft. Benning for initial visits and to Montgomery for Radiation treatments daily after school was dismissed (65 miles away!).  I have continued annual follow up visits at the Cancer Clinic in Montgomery, but because of the distance and the length of time that I have to wait to see the doctor, I'm going to start having mammos here and will switch to Kris's GYN doctor when my March '78 mammo is due. 

Bridge at Olyne's was fun today--and I had good cards and won 75 cents for having 2nd in high points.  She served a yummy pumpkin cake dessert and I love playing with this group on the first and third Thursdays.  The winner, Peggy, took home a dollar.  We're really high stakes players!

My friend, Tammy, who has been out of town a lot was home a couple of days this week and came by after I returned from Olyne's and we had a glass of wine before she had to go home and fix dinner for her and her husband.  I haven't seen her for at least 3 weeks.  They are going down to the condo they share with some of his fraternity brothers tomorrow.  They use it more than the others who don't live in Alabama.

Tim came by this morning before I had to go to bridge and finished up some work on the soffit (whatever that is) on the roof.  The roofers did a good job on putting on the new shingles, but evidently don't do this kind of work.  He'll come back tomorrow so we can go to lunch together and then he'll take me to Kroger for my weekly grocery shopping.  He's certainly been good to me since I moved here and especially since my fall from the roof last year.

I hope you've all had a good day.  Woo Hoo, Sharon.  Let us know how you're feeling after your procedure.  I'm praying for a quick recovery.

Sue

The breast cancer doctor wanted  a radiologist that she has confidence in to do the radiation after my lumpectomy but our insurance has other radiologists . The breast cancer doctor asked me to call my primary doctor & get a referral . I called & was told the breast cancer doctor should have handled this herself & they will contact her & not to get upset . I thought it was odd the breast cancer doctor would have me contact my doctor myself .
My husband invited  two of sons & their wives  who live nearby to meet us for dinner tomorrow evening , he wanted to tell them about my surgery . One son & wife won't be joining us as his wife has to work late & he is the care giver for his father in-law who they live with .  Our youngest son still lives at home & already knows . Another son lives in the bay area , we will tell him later . We have 4 sons & a daughter .
Last Thanksgiving we spent at oldest son's .  I don't know what will be the plans this year . In the past we had the family at our home but I won't be able to do much in the kitchen this year . I'm thinking about a little indian casino nearby . It has been a yearly thing we do on our anniversary & is always fun .  There isn't a buffet but there is a nice cafe with a prime rib dinner for $7.77 which is quite good !!

Alpiner...let the docs figure it out. 

I’m glad to hear you have family in the area.  I’d somehow assumed you only had the daughter several states away.  The casino cafe sounds like a possible answer to the T’giving dinner.  I think you’ll feel better than you think you will.  I know Sue continued to teach while undergoing radiation daily, as I did taking chemo for 6months.  Tiredness near the end of the radiation seems the biggest problem...and ask the radiologist or your doctor about cream for radiation site.

30 degrees here and rain tomorrow.

Last night we and friends went down to the Legion for a fund raiser for he local food pantry.  We thought a favorite trio was playing...uh....nope....so we sat through a guitarist who couldn't seem to get the thing in tune, and then a group whose lead singer was way too loud for me.  At a small break in their singing, we made a break for the door and came home. 😜

Alpiner, I'm sorry about the mix up with the cancer/radiation nurse/doctor.  It doesn't seem very efficient and I know it has to be nerve racking for you and your family. I hope you can get some results soon.  I know it's hard to wait and not worry. 

My sister Anne called this morning about 9:30 my time.  Fortunately I was dressed and ready to go to lunch with Tim, but hadn't been out for my walk.  As usual we had to solve the problems of the world, according to Anne, and we talked for more than an hour.  Tim got here about 10:45, so we did make it to Amsterdam Café by 11:00 before it became too crowded.  We enjoyed lunch and then went to Kroger where miraculously it wasn't crowded yet and were able to shop in about 20 minutes.  It helped that I only need a much smaller amount than I usually buy.

Since putting the groceries away, I took my usual walk, but it was pretty warm by 12:40 when I set out.  I'm planning on reading for most of the afternoon--and enjoying a coke as I read!

Jane, what a disappointment to go out to dinner and expect some good entertainment and then have it turn out as it did.  Good for you for leaving--and hopefully the management took note of it and will rethink having the guitarist back!

I hope all you other Buddies are feeling well today.  Check in and let us hear from you!
Sue

Good morning, Buddies.  It's 11:20, I've walked over to the library, checked out books, and walked back.  It is warmer today and I was pretty hot when I finally got home.  I found some good books, though, and have some to keep me busy for a few days.

Auburn is playing at Texas A&M this morning.  Both teams have tried a field goal and the score is  3-0, A&M.  I hope AU gets its game going and SOON. 

South Carolina will play today, too.  It's at Georgia and I think Carolina is  in trouble!  Georgia is doing a great job so far this season.

I'm not looking forward to DST tomorrow morning.  It always takes me a while to change my inner clock!

Have a nice day, Buddies, and may your teams win, unless you're pulling for A&M or Georgia!

Sue

Morning, Sue!  You're up and about and I'm being a slug.  We did have a big Sat. morning breakfast and the bed's been changed, and then I'm watching Pen State and Mich St football.  In an hour or so, Kathy and I are going over to another town about 15 miles away to hit their Fall/Christmas Open Houses and see what's new.  We haven't been for a bit and we missed the big arts and crafts show in Dubuque last Sat. as we were both sick with that upper respiratory thing. 

Sharon...hope the knee isn't too bad this morning.  I'd think today and the next couple of days would be your most painful.  Will a PT come to your house?

Ray's got to work on the upstairs toilet that's continuing to run very slowly. 

It's a gloomy day here...rain to come in again later...and continue tomorrow.  Again, good time to read and do the occasional load of laundry.  Next week we have to begin to get our clothes together for the TX trip.  We'll leave right after T'giving in Chicago.  Come back here and close things up and then head south.

Sue, you're up and about early.  Glad you're keeping up with the walking.

jane, plumbing is always a problem, isn't it!  Have fun at your local craft fairs - they can be lots of fun. Your south-time is getting close.  I hope you have safe travels.

Our temps here have been almost summer-like - due to be in the upper 70s today and tomorrow.  We had a thick morning fog today.  Unusual, in that it just got heavier as the morning wore on.  It didn't actually lift until after lunch.  The big rowing regatta (Head of the Hooch) is on the Tennessee River through downtown this weekend.  I wonder the fog affected the schedule.  It's a huge event - several thousand rowers from all over the world in town.

Happy weekend, Buddies - and may all your teams win!

Hi Gals, you must have thought I expired from the pain. It has been an uncomfortable week to say the least. On Wed, I really thought I was better than expected, then my knee started bleeding and they had to redo all the bandaging. After that I was in mega pain, couldn't get comfortable to sleep, and was totally miserable, yet they said I was doing fine with the PT even though I could only do half of what I did Wed. Yesterday the PT said I should gohome notto a rehab. Pardon the typos. Lots of tremors.  The nurse then rebandaged my knee with the aqua cell bandage that is water proof allowing me to take a shower. That helped immensely.  Got home at 6:00 last night, message on the phone from a SS member that she had chicken chili to bring over for dinner.  I can't eat anything spicy, but wasn't very hungry anyway, so told John to eat it ffor his dinner.  He was glad notto cook.  I had a peanut butter sandwich and some yogurt. Today, I've done 2 hrs on the ACE (?) machine, had the knee pain catheter removed by the health care nlurse, and did a round of PT with the visiting therapist.  Each of them will be here 3xweek.  I've also talked to both girls. Talked to Brian yesterday. Talked to Joc while I was in the hospital. She sent me a care pkg of little things plus a book on French Architecture.

John is off to gthe grocery and to pick up some RX's.

Alpiner, it's nice that your husband is accompanying you to appts.  Are you not having chemo?  Maybe I missed that.  I had the whole gamut.  John was very good about taking me to chemo and onc appts. However, I drove myself for radiation tx.  I was tired, but no other diability, so told him he didn't need to.

Mary, I am so sorry to hear that you are having back problems. I hope it is something easily resolved. There are so many different kinds of back probalems from those solved by chiro's to things requiring surgery.

Sue, you've been your usual busy bee.  Hope your teams win this afternoon.

Jane, hard to believe you're getting ready to head South again.  We've had such a warm fall with just a few cool days thrown in.  Thanks for passing on the news to everyone for me.

Hi Darlene, Marilyn,Ginny, JOy and whoever. I will get back in when I can between PT sessions.  Sharon

Good to hear from you, Sharon.  After a rocky start, it sounds like you're doing well.  I know a couple of others who had their postop PT at home, with good results.  I know they'll tell you how it's doing, and I know you'll work hard.

Thanksgiving is taken care of ! Oldest son & wife had plans to go camping at the desert & middle son will be caring for his father in law . So if I'm feeling okay we will call our oldest son a few days ahead of time & make plans to met him & his wife at a n indian casino which is half way in between for both of us . I would like to include middle son & his wife but he is needed at home .
It isn't a fancy or large casino & has no buffet but does have a small cafe .

Good plan, alpiner!  I'll be going to daughter Margaret's for dinner on Saturday (our family's usual day to celebrate).

Happy Sunday, Buddies. I'm weary from worrying that I wouldn't wake up in time to shower and dress for SS and church, but of course I did wake up in plenty of time for that and breakfast, too!  We had a nice church service with a reading of the names of members who died during this year and then those of us who had friends or relatives who were not members of our church were invited to mention them, too, so I asked for prayers for Kris's Dad, Dave Snyder.  And others also mentioned other friends.  This was a departure from our memorial candle lighting service in past years when we had a short service in our chapel and then at the end came forward to light a candle for any deceased loved one we especially wanted to remember.  I always lit one in memory of Bob.  This time I included him in my silent prayers as the group prayed in silence.  He's been gone 15 years now.

It's bright and sunny here today.  After I cleaned up my lunch things, I took a pretty good walk around the neighborhood.  This is the first year we've had much leaf color--and it made for a beautiful walk.

Have a lovely afternoon, Every Buddy.
Sue

Hurting a lot today. Didn't sleeep well.  Can't wait for all of this to be over & done.  Hi to all. Sharon

Hi Sue. All Saints is always a sad time, but it's good to remember those who are gone.

Praying for you Sherry.

They changed the Friday night music practice to Monday at 4:30 and I still can't go because it is dark by 5 pm. I asked someone for a ride to practice at church this morning, it was the husband of the worship leader who has given me ride in the past. I got the impression that it would be inconvenient when he said: I'll try to work it in. so I got home and texted that I don't need a ride.  I hate to feel like I am an inconvenience. So I won't be going to music practice. When the schedule was going to be changed I was told it would be so I could drive myself, however, it is still going to be dark by 5 pm so I won't be able to drive myself. Today it was announced that the change was because they want to be able to go to Open Mic night on Friday.

OK I am through venting thanks for listening.

Sharon....hope the pain lessens soon.

Marilyn...I'd have done the same thing....text....no thanks!

Sue....good for you getting a long walk in.

Darlene...I don't think you're near Sutherland Springs...or hope you are not.  What a senseless crime.  What on earth are people thinking?

Jeanne....are you ok?

GinnyAnn....you, too...ok?

We walked to town and the mist was changing to light drizzle by the time we got home.
I did get two loads of laundry finished, too.  More tomorrow and need to get to the grocery store and bank, etc.


Jane

My husband had the opening prayer at church this morning & he said that one name had been left off the prayer list , mine .  He only said I was to have surgery . 
This evening the preacher came over to chat with me & ask how I was doing .  I told him I shouldn't have googled the procedures I am to have .  He agreed . I handed him the paper with the procedures listed . Meanwhile a female member asked what the surgery was for or was it best not to ask in mixed company . I laughed & told her to ask the preacher !  The preacher is the age of our two oldest children but it didn't bother me to talk to him about it .  I told him I was going to try not to think about it .

It's dreary here this morning--lots of fog.  I woke up early due to the time change and have walked and put a load of wash into the dryer since returning from the walk.  Tim will come by sometime this morning and I need to discuss a few things with him as I want to donate to the Wreaths Across America program again--I give one for a deceased friend at Arlington and also will donate a wreath to the nearby Federal cemetery where Dave, Kris's Dad is buried.  He doesn't like for me to donate online unless he's checked it out.  Then I'll buy wreaths for all my kids from this same group as the contributions go toward putting wreaths on all the Veteran's cemeteries in the U.S.  I also have to discuss a change in my Express Scripts prescription order with Tim.  They've changed their policy and need us to contact them about my regular 'scripts.

Sharon, I'm sorry you're hurting today.  I hope you'll feel better soon.

Marilyn, I'm also sorry about the response from the guy in the choir.  It's too bad when folks aren't willing to help others.  I know you love to sing and participate--it's their loss!

Alpiner, I hope things are shaping up for your procedure.  Thoughts and prayers for you still.  I know it's hard to wait, but try not to worry.

Jane, how's the packing going?  It sounds as if you're tying up loose ends.  Did you mention a departure date?

Jeanne and GinnyAnn, I'd like to hear from you, too!

Have a nice day, Buddies.
Sue

I guess I forgot to push POST...don't see my post, anyway.

Alpiner...thoughtful of your husband to add you to the Prayer List.  Sometimes it's best not to read too much on the internet about a procedure, but ask your doc.  Lots of the gals here have had lumpectomies...some many years ago...and are cancer-free today. 

Sue...haven't really started to pack yet...thinking about it, though! 

Nice day here and lots of errands to do.

jane

No..Jane the shooting was south of where I am...about 200 miles...it's very sad...my heart is heavy for the victims who only wanted to be in church and worship our Lord..I think...Isis or what ever terrirost is done no this..are now targeting christians...Hope everyon has great week...prayers continue for Sharon and Alpiner. Darlene.  Typo..not no done thiis..but meant is doing this

Thanks for the continuing good thoughts.  The pain continues, but not as bad. At least I am able to sleep at night.  I've already done 2 hrs on the machine. i had JOHN put the machine up as soon as I woke up and had gone to the bathroom.  He got me hooked up on it and then brought my coffee and cereal in. I think i will skip the coffee in the future. It was awful. He likes it so strong.  The pt is coming at 1:00.  Bunny jumped up on the bed to keep me company and to check me out for crumbs and to give me some kisses. Our bed is nearly 3 ft. high, but she managed to make the leap. She hadn't done it for a long time. She does't like us changing our routine.

John did all the laundry yesterday and is folding it now.   

Marilyn, I'm so sorry about the mess up with music practice.  It's a shame he couldn't be more helpful.

The massacre in TX was awful.  My prayers go out to them and their families.  Glad you're safe, Darlene.

Mary, be sure and tell us what the dr says about your back.

Jane, I'm sure you have your packing down to a science now and that it won't take you long.

Sue, that is a good idea to order your wreaths from them.  I have already ordered some for the kids, but if you ccould email me a link or address, maybe I could do that next year.

Ginny & Jeanne, check in!  I've seen you a couple times on FB, but would like to see you here.

A very sad thing happened yesterday, the daughter of the gal  I stayed with for the reunion, passed away. I think she had muscular dystrophy, but it was apparently very sudden. She was only 55.  Such a terrible thing for a mother to deal with.  She has already lost 2 husbands.     Sharon

A nurse from the hospital called this morning to ask health related questions , what meds not to take starting the day before & day of surgery . She said to wear loose , warm , comfortable clothing . Would a blouse & elastic waist pants be okay ? Its still too warm here to wear a sweater . I have been trying not to think about the surgery & her call makes it more difficult not to .

alpiner, I would wear sweats - or if it's too warm for that, wear a loose-fitting buttoned shirt, and (like you said) elastic-waist pants.  Anything that's comfortable and easy to put on and take off, and probably no bra.  Same with shoes/socks.  What is your date again?  I take meds that I have to stop a week before any surgical procedure.  It's good to have the hospital people tell you what to expect as far as the mechanics of checking in, preparation, etc.

Sue, glad you got some good walking in.  And it's wonderful that Tim is taking such good care of your finances and other stuff.

Marilyn, sorry about your problems with the music group.  I know you'll get a chance to make your music somewhere, sometime.

Sharon, glad the pain is lessening somewhat.  Re your coffee...personally, I like mine strong and black.  But you can always dilute yours with some hot water if you don't like what John fixes.  Good for him for doing the laundry, though.

At the suggestion of a friend, I got some Icy-Hot patches to try for symptomatic relief for my back pain.  I didn't have much pain yesterday when I first tried one, but one time does not a solution make.  On the other hand, it's almost impossible to put a sticky patch on your own lower back - especially when one arm doesn't work very well.  So I don't know if it's something I want to try again (unless I can find some kind soul to apply it for me - LOL).

I had a year-end appointment with my financial counsellor this morning.  She is SO great, and is doing such a good job with managing my assets.  I'm really pleased with the way she/the firm are handling things.  They're not only keeping me solvent, but continuing to grow my "nest egg".  It's certainly comforting to me (and the girls) to know that I can live out my life without any money problems or being a financial burden on the kids.

Hope everyBuddy has a good week.

maryz
The surgery is November 9 .

Alpiner....just whatever is comfortable for you, clothes wise.  I had a mastectomy, so could not raise my left arm well, and a button down the front shirt was a necessity.  You will probably not have that problem with a lumpectomy and since they don't take all the lymph nodes like they did 28 yrs ago.  You'll probably want to skip a bra because of the incision, though.

I have the dreaded 6 month dentist visit today...probably my last with my longtime dentist.  He's pretty much retired...just back this week from AZ.  I want to get in earlier than Nov.  so am going to see about scheduling the next appt in Aug.  and get on an Aug- March schedule.