Geriatric MM Warriors June 13, 2010

[Wisteria1956]

Kte: How cool! Tommy Castro sang, "My Next-Ex Wife". That must be how he knows you, lol! The show was fantastic.

Bev: It was so great to see you back! Good for you to control the diabetes with diet. We're here for you!

We had some great news today, gang! The chest CT came back clear! Yippee The doctor said the Cancer Board wants us to also get a biopsy of a lymph node so they can know the type of cancer for sure before the surgery. On Thursday, we have a full body bone scan, probably this new biopsy appt. and the first appt. with the oncologist. Today we got up at 3 am to go to UCSF so we think we'll spend the night Wed. and probably even Thursday since we'll be tired after that long day. We're wiped out tonight, but happy for some good news. They said there is less than a 5% chance this cancer is a different type than before, but they'd like to know for sure before the surgery. They don't think the results will change the surgery plan for the 29th. I think we might finally be able to sleep tonight.

I have an early work day with two home inspections tomorrow.

 

[Diane W.]

Lisa - Thank God! I'm so happy that the scan was clear. That's great that they tell you right away. You'll be better off staying at the hotel. It will make it a little less stressful.

I have a practical question for all of you. My insurance ends on 10/31. I have a dr. appt. for a PAP, etc. on Thursday. Today i was thinking if they find anything - then what? I will have zero coverage. I think I should cancel the appt. and wait until I have a new job and coverage again. Because I was reading about pre-existing condition exclusions and I may have to wait a year for coverage for that condition. I really think I should cancel the appt.

Hi Bev! So good to 'see' you! Diet and exercise will definitely help in the fight against diabetes. Good for you and your determination to get healthy! 9.2 lbs. in 4 weeks! - great progress. I'm interested in hearing about what you're eating.

Kathy - Is Tyson the dad? How do you know how many puppies she's having? Puppies are sooooo cute. I love their sharp little teeth and I even like puppy breath.

 

[disneyeveryyear]

Lisa - What wonderful news! I was praying today for Tom, for you and for the Drs. I don't blame you for wanting to spend the night. It will be easier for all of you, and Tom needs to stay as rested as possible as he heads into this fight!

Diane -thanks for the welcome back. I am really torn about you missing a PAP. This is how they found my cervical cancer fairly early the first time, and the second. I am not sure what state you are in, but there are rules about continuation of coverage that would prevent them from excluding pre-existing conditions. Are you going to buy COBRA insurance? I understand your monetary concerns, but my main concern is for your health.

I hope everyone had a wonderful day on plan (no matter what plan you are on). I stayed within my points today, so it was a good day. I didn't get in any exercise, so not great, but good.

It's off to bed for me as I have a WI at WW in the a.m.

Lisa - I will keep you all in my prayers all this week, but with extra focus on Thrusday a.m. What time again?

 

[Diane W.]

Hi Bev - My benefit extension of 18 mos. is coming to end after I lost my job in April 2009. It's not COBRA, it's through the Episcopal Medical Trust. I worked for an Episcopal Church. I wish it was COBRA, since it would have been subsidized. I had cervical dysplasia in 1984 and had a conization. I've been clear ever since. I get sick thinking about having something, not having a job or insurance. I looked on-line and although they can't deny coverage, they can make you wait up to a year for any treatment on a pre-existing condition. So I would be in the same boat anyway.
Hope your weigh-in is great! Keep us posted.

 

[Wisteria1956]

Diane: Part of the new health care plan is that pre-existing conditions exclusions are no longer allowed. I would double check on that and when it became law since different phases are implemented at different times. I do know two parts have been adopted already - the lifetime limit was lifted and children can be covered until age 26 on their parents policy. Not sure when the pre-existing condition part becomes (or became) law, but sure worth looking in to. I know it was controversial, but we are sure grateful the lifetime limit was lifted because there is a chance we'll be looking at bone marrow transplants, etc. if this thing isn't arrested. Please let us know what you find out about pre-existing conditions. I have heard of people delaying tests until new jobs as you mentioned. How sad we may have to make these kinds of choices to have health care in the greatest nation on earth. It's a tragedy. Bottom line is that you need to take care of yourself, as Bev mentioned.

 

[Wisteria1956]

Bev: I would say that the most important time for us on Thursday is the full body bone scan at 8:45 PT. Again at 2 pm PT we meet the oncologist for the first time, so if you could pray for me not to throw up that would be good. Just kidding. We're not sure what time the biopsy is yet. They won't confirm a time until they receive our Fed Ex of the CD of the recent pelvic CT scan. Not very fair since they know we have it in our possession. This means we could end up having to go back again for the biopsy on another day. We'll take this moment by moment and do what is necessary. Just getting a good night's sleep after a long hot tub last night was a huge blessing. Funny what you can take for granted, isn't it? Something as basic as sleep...

 

[Diane W.]

Lisa - You're right, they can't deny for a pre-existing condition anymore. The carrier can choose to have a waiting period before covering it. My son can be on his dad's coverage again thanks to the new laws - that was a god-send.
Anyhow, I cancelled the appointment. I just can't take any chances of being in a worse off position that I am already in. I know my health is priceless, but I need a roof over our heads too. It is a sad situation.
I will pray that you don't throw up at the dr.'s office. I always feel everything in my stomach, so I think the prayers will be valid.

 

[Virginiaponygirl]

Hi Folks, sorry to be missing in action again for a few days but have been having trouble with my left leg....have had a couple teeny small varicose vein spots in my left thigh forever, but they got very sore and turned red and started really hurting, so I suffered a few days and finally went to the doc yesterday. We are both more than just a little paranoid since I had that blood clot in my lung 5 years ago...so off I went for a doppler ultrasound of the entire left leg...good news is no deep vein clots...YAY...bad news is the surface one from upper thigh to calf is all ropey and twisted, causing the pain and blood to pool in it, so I am sitting around with it elevated on a kick-butt antibiotic and some pain meds...thrombophlebitis is the medical term...supposed to feel better by tomorrow, then they decide if they want to go in and laser the whole vein closed to prevent future trouble...ugh...but on a MUCH MORE IMPORTANT NOTE...

Lisa - That is WONDERFUL news about the results of that scan...I just KNOW we are going to see some positive results with all the praying we are all doing!! Take care of yourselves and just get it all done, then we will know exactly what to pray for from here...wish we could do more for you!

Bev - so glad to see you back! I have never done WW before, so not sure what to expect, but I got that same muffin recipe from one of my coworkers who has done the plan before. And I love pumpkin, so it sounds great to me! We have our first weigh -in today, so I am going in to work for awhile just so I dont miss that meeting...I think it will be so much easier for me with my crazy schedule having the meetings right there at work. We are doing 13 weeks, then re-upping to another 12 if everyone is doing well and wants to continue. I am not having any trouble with the points, just rearranging my eating so I eat more during the day and not at night like I usually do. That alone will probably help me out alot.

Kathy - thats so great that you will be having some puppies! And the combo of Tyson and Bailey should be absolutely PRECIOUS!!

Diane - I have to agree with the others, that your health is more important than anything...I would definitely look into that pre-existing thing in regards to the new rules...so many changes will be implemented very soon. Or it never hurts to ask your doctor for advice?

Kath - I will get that bread recipe to you in the next couple days...sorry, been tromping around to doctors and hadnt remembered!

LOL, Im a fan of puppy breath too! Nothing like it when the baby ponies were born and were staggering around like drunken sailors on their long skinny legs...and then they had that "milk breath" after their breakfast...OMG it makes me want to have another one! NO ROBIN, no more ponies!!

 

[gettinhealthy]

We had some great news today, gang! The chest CT came back clear! Yippee

Lisa, that is such great news!!
I am continuing to pray for you guys!!

 

[gettinhealthy]

I have a practical question for all of you. My insurance ends on 10/31. I have a dr. appt. for a PAP, etc. on Thursday. Today i was thinking if they find anything - then what? I will have zero coverage. I think I should cancel the appt. and wait until I have a new job and coverage again. Because I was reading about pre-existing condition exclusions and I may have to wait a year for coverage for that condition. I really think I should cancel the appt.

If my previous tests were ok, I would personally probably forgo the tests. I know there are stipulations for pre-existing conditions. Tris ran into that with her asthma when her employer was thinking of switching companies. Thankfully her employer didn't switch due to this problem

Kathy - Is Tyson the dad? How do you know how many puppies she's having? Puppies are sooooo cute. I love their sharp little teeth and I even like puppy breath.

Yes Tyson is the dad LOL. We were planning on breeding them next Jan or so but he beat us to the punch. They have anywhere from 8-12 puppies!! She will be having them close to Thanksgiving, so I am going to ask my mom if she minds if I have the holidays this year. I don't want to leave her so close to having them. I am sooo excited!! Yes, we will be keeping a puppy too LOL
I will be known as The Crazy Boxer Lady here

 

[gettinhealthy]

Hi guys. Been busy with work again, but when aren't I LOL.

Robin, Mike is hoping for zebra puppies!! I told him it is genetically impossible to have those LOL. So he wants a white one with brown boots. Yet again, genetically impossible LOL. Bailey is the only white boxer in her heritage (we got the 5 generation) and Tyson is the 3rd generation brindle. Maybe a flashy brindle. Not sure if that is even genetically possible. LOL I am a little nervous with the whole birthing thing, but I have been with my old cat when she had her 2 litters. I think Bailey will do all the "motherly" things. She is a girly girl and already seems maternal.

Bev, so good to see you. Sorry about the diabetic diagnosis. Our good friend is diabetic and when he keeps his stress down and eats correctly, he can keep his sugar down enough that he doesn't need shots. That is weird, as I was always told once you start shots, you will always need them. When he was first diagnosed, his sugar count was over 600!!

3rd day of MM is going well. Goofed yesterday with my 5x5 and accidentally did a 5 carb yogurt and 3 hours later had my turkey/ham/cheese/lettuce on my 1/2 wrap. That was another 4 or 5 carbs. I decided not to fret about it and just act as though I didn't do it, and didn't have any more 5x5 the rest of the day. I was more careful today thankfully. Still missing my sugar in my coffee, but I refuse to use it.
There is a book I'd like to get called You on a Diet. Seems like some good reading.

Well, have to head back out to work. Just wanted to pop in and see how everyone is doing.

Lisa, take some candles with you to light in the hotel room. It will create a nice relaxing atmosphere where you may other wise be stressed. Make sure they are relaxing scents, like vanilla and lavender. I will be sending bigger prayers on Thursday for sure.

 

[disneyeveryyear]

Lisa - I will keep you in my prayers, but really focus on those times.

Robin - I was very successful with WW in the past (over 60 lbs.), but have it all back plus more. I only lost .2 lbs with today's WI, but I am staying the course. 9.6 lbs total, so I am hoping for my 10 lb. star next week. So far I am testing my blood at least twice a day, but no meds and I am hoping to keep it that way. I had a friend who had laser treatments years ago for varicose veins and it did wonders for her. Come say hi on FB while you are sitting around with your leg up.

Kathy - sounds like cute puppies are in your future. I wish I could have one, but my son has dog allergies, so they are a no.

Diane - I will keep you and your health in my prayers. My first cancer diagnosis was in September of 1995 when I went in for check up one year after my son's birth. I had a cold conization in October. My second cone was in 2006 after those ugly cells showed up again. I finally had the hysto in November 2007. So please be careful.

Everyone have a great day. I will see you tomorrow. The repairman is coming tomorrow to look at my washer. I have been hoping for a couple of years that it would die so I could get a new one, and now that I am unemployed, I am hoping it can be fixed cheaply. I guess my husband is right, be careful what you wish for.

 

[Wisteria1956]

Diane: I remember when we were shopping for an individual policy for J-P because he is self-employed and ‘outgrew’ our policy his agent suggested a major medical emergency policy for pennies a day we could get while we were shopping and waiting to be accepted. (He was turned down by two companies because of his arm injury. That was before the new law.) It has a high deductible and you would only really benefit from it if you had an accident or bad illness, but it was in the range of $20 something a month. That might give you some peace of mind until you get your new job??

Robin: Sending good thoughts for your poor leg and vein. I think the laser is a great choice. It’s so much better than the old surgeries they used to have to do. I know some people up and around quickly after the laser. I might look in to it myself when things settle down. I have swelling due to varicose veins. My SIL had a good friend with mother who misspelled and misunderstood many words. It was a constant source of entertainment for us. She once wrote about a friend of hers that had been diagnosed with “very close veins”.

You are all doing so much from where you are to comfort and cheer us. We really appreciate your prayers and virtual hugs. We’re getting ready to pack for our night away. For light entertainment in the room, we get to fill out a 20-page cancer packet. Then maybe rent a good comedy on Pay Per View.

The biopsy was scheduled for immediately after the oncologist. I found out today the full body bone scan is really a full scan of everything in the body and they say we will know the results by the time we see the oncologist in the afternoon so pray hard in the morning on Thursday if you can! We will be accepting of whatever God wants our journey to be, but it doesn’t hurt to hope for a good report.

Kathy: You are going to be so outnumbered soon in your home! I like the candle idea! I got some de-stressing essential oil lotion for our temples and back of neck. I got it for me and J-P for the hospital, but I have it in my purse already. Tom can’t smell anything, but maybe it will feel good anyway.

Off we go to pack and try to sleep. Leaving around noon tomorrow. Love to all!

 

[kater]

Lisa - thinking of you and your family! Sending lots of love your way. Halle sends Bonnie her love too!

 

[kater]

Kathy. All I can say is PUPPIES! If I lived anywhere you near you, you wouldn't be able to get rid of me after they are born. And, I would try to take at least one or two home with me.

 

[Diane W.]

Here's something.... Yesterday I cancelled my appt. for tomorrow for a PAP and tonight I got my period - a week early! I'm taking it as a sign that I did the right thing.

My thoughts and prayers are with Lisa & Tom tonight as they prepare for their long day tomorrow. Hopefully they get a good night's sleep.

 

[gettinhealthy]

Lisa, thinking of u and Tom this morning. Sending many healing prayers ur way along with some loving hugs. Check in when u can.

 

[disneyeveryyear]

Lisa-I.was called in today so I said my prayers for you early. I was done early at the middle school and don't report to the elementary for over an hour. So I will say focused prayers at 10:45 my time.

Let us know how things go.

 

[gettinhealthy]

Hi gang! I have a few minutes so thought I'd stop in.
Lisa, still thinking of u guys and still sending prayers.
Kate, I would love u guys here with me and u can have all the puppies u want! LOL
I feel as though I am now in full swing of step 1. I have been weighing myself as it's more habit than anything. I'll report the results on Sunday which will be a full week foR step 1. We will say I'm happy so far LOL
No sugar in my diet since beginning again. The only time I miss it is when I drink my coffee. I am thinking of switching to decaf tea instead
I'll try to get back here later.

 

[Diane W.]

I had a second interview today by phone with the Dir. of Finance. Then the CEO called to set up another interview for next Wednesday morning for the final interview. She said they're calling back 8 people for this round. Please keep your fingers crossed!