Monday Musings on Bandages, Bags, and a Few Good Questions
Happy Monday, ladies. I have my fingers crossed for a calmer week. Things that could go wrong last week, did… all the way to Sunday, when I didn’t back out of the garage far enough before closing it. You know how that goes.
I ordered these Naot sandals on a whim, and I’m delighted to report they’re very comfortable. This matters because the cortisone shot in my big toe has officially worn off, and some of the pain has started creeping back in.
Anyone who’s dealt with fussy feet knows comfortable shoes eventually stop being a pleasant surprise and become the whole point.
I was rereading the report from my orthopedic surgeon visit, back when we decided a cheilectomy was probably the next step, and spotted one detail I hadn’t fully absorbed. He noted that I may still need to have my toe fused later because of the bone spur on the bottom of the toe.
Well. That got my attention.
So now I’m wondering whether it makes sense to try the cheilectomy first or go straight to the fusion. I also want to understand how fusing the toe addresses pain from a bone spur on the bottom, since I’ll still be stepping on that part of my foot.
I’ve messaged him to ask. If you’ve had either procedure, I’d be very interested to hear what helped, what surprised you, and what you wish you’d known before deciding.
I debated whether to mention this, but since I have a bandage on the tip of my nose and there’s no hiding that without wearing a beekeeper’s veil, here we are.
I finally insisted that my dermatologist biopsy the spot we’ve been watching for over a year. We thought it was an actinic keratosis, and I tried several treatments that made it angry but didn’t make it leave. After a second dermatologist looked at it and wasn’t comfortable with it either, I decided it was time to stop hoping it would magically disappear.
Needless to say, I’m nervous about the results. Partly because it’s my nose, and vanity is not my finest quality, but it’s still in the room. And partly because it brings back memories of the melanoma on my leg.
The spot hasn’t changed in size, which I’m hoping is a good sign, but hope is not a medical plan. I’ll share what I learn when I know more.
You may enjoy reading this…How to Advocate For Yourself at the Doctor
That’s enough health news for one Monday.
I had planned to answer a few reader questions on Sunday, but it was Father’s Day, and after the week we’d had, I decided being present mattered more than being productive.
Reader Q & A
Q – I’m looking for a foundation with SPF and medium coverage. I’d rather not spend over $50 unless I have to. What do you suggest?
A – This L’Oreal Paris Age Perfect Radiant Serum foundation has terrific reviews. To be honest, I love the No Makeup Makeup, which is $55, but you can save 15% with my code AWSL15. It doesn’t include SPF, but I never, ever rely on a foundation to do the work for a sunscreen.
Q -I’m looking for a pair of travel trousers like the Eileen Fisher ones you mentioned last week. I’m really looking for something that is smart and travel-friendly as well, with pockets, preferably with one zip. Am I looking for a unicorn?
A – My very favorite travel pants these days are the Endless Pant from Athleta. They have a smooth, soft, pull-on waistband that’s comfortable no matter how long you’re jammed into a center seat, and they walk off the plane looking pristine. They also have secure zip pockets and can be dressed up nicely.
Q – If you could only purchase one on-trend piece this summer to bring your classic summer wardrobe into 2026, what would that be?
A – I’ll give you two…both accessories. I’d add a large raffia or straw basket bag to my wardrobe this year. A fresh-looking bag elevates everything you pair it with, and it’s very on-trend.
If you have enough bags, opt for an open woven shoe. They are very popular this summer at all price points.
Basket bags to consider:
Woven shoes I spotted:
Q – Could you speak to flowing overalls or jumpsuits for women in their 70s and 80s?
A – Flowing jumpsuits and overalls can work beautifully in your 70s and 80s, especially when the fabric has a little stretch and enough drape to move without clinging.
I’d avoid stiff fabrics or anything too oversized, and I’d pay close attention to the straps and closures. Bathroom access matters, especially with jumpsuits. As for whether they’re stylish, on trend, or a good idea, that’s very much in the eye of the beholder. Some women look wonderful in them, and others simply don’t enjoy wearing them.
Q – I would be interested in learning about color and style essence. I’ve had my colors re-done recently, due to the decision to go grey. Not much changed, but the new, refined color palette has helped a lot, so the style essence explained would also be helpful for this next phase.
A – Going grey doesn’t just change your hair, it changes your skin too. The same drop in pigment that’s turning your hair grey is also softening your skin’s natural intensity, so your whole coloring shifts together. That’s probably why the refined palette is making such a difference, even though it might feel like nothing “big” changed.
Style essence is a separate question. Color tells you which shades sit well against your skin. Essence tells you which shapes, fabrics, and proportions suit your actual body and energy. It’s why one person can wear a sharp blazer and look like she was born in it, and another person in the exact same blazer looks like she borrowed it from someone else’s closet.
If you have some style questions, just reply to the email for this post.
Do you have a favorite sunscreen? My medicine cabinet is overflowing with new ones I’m trying.
My big toe was fused about 5 years ago. I couldn’t be happier – go for it. My podiatrist removed the spurs and fused at the same time. I have no problem with it now and I’ve had no loss in function with my foot.
Colorescience Flex is my go to for sunscreen when I want a foundation with sunscreen.
Thanks Pat. It’s looking like the best way to go.
Are you taking oral B3 for prevention? There’s lots of evidence to support:
Oral nicotinamide (vitamin B3) at 500 mg twice daily reduces actinic keratoses by 13–35% and nonmelanoma skin cancers (combined BCC and SCC) by ~23% in immunocompetent high-risk patients, with the benefit requiring continuous use and disappearing after discontinuation.
Wow, no I’m not, yet. I’ll dig into that research. Thanks!
I had a cheilectomy of both my great toes in 2009. My surgeon told me I’d likely need to have it fused in 10 years or less.
Yet here we are and I still haven’t needed a fusion. So I’d vote try the cheilectomy. I can’t wear heels 2” or higher but I wouldn’t anyway!
My question to your surgeon would be why he doesn’t shave down the bone spur while in surgery.
Good luck with the lesion on your nose. My mother had a Mohs procedure on her nose for skin cancer when she was well into her 90s, and she was left with not a trace of a scar.
My husband just finished 20 radiation treatments on his nose, electing to go that route instead of surgery. He’s left with some redness but no scar.
Wishing you the best!
The Derm did mention radiation if it comes back Basil cell. My ortho said he can’t get at the spur under my toe. Obviously I need more info from him.
I encourage you to get the cheilectomy surgery. It sounds minimally invasive. I’ve had two bunionectomies and although they were more involved, it didn’t take long to heal. I think you will be glad you did!
Thanks! I would like to move my toe
Morning Jennifer,
Glad last week is in your rear view mirror. Whew!
I use Alastin HydraTint sunscreen. It blends into your skin tone and is amazing, no foundation needed. Not uneven like Elta MD tinted.
Cheilectomy. I’ve had one. Bone spurs returned after several years and I’ll need another one, but I have more major issues with toe joints 2,3 and 4, so big toe and bone spur is the least of my problems. I love that you are now wearing ‘comfort’ shoes’ as you flexible shoe styles don’t work for women with feet issues. I wear Birkenstock Kyoto slides almost exclusively, but I did recently find a pair of Munro sandals at Nordstrom that are fabulous after reading your post.
I’d stick with cortisone shots as long as they work. I have 3-4 a year and will hold out as long as possible before major foot surgery. Good luck. Feet are so important!
I mercifully have an appointment for another cortisone shot coming up. I do not want my summer ruined by pain.
I have never tried the Athleta Endless pant but I love the Brooklyn pant so they will be on my radar. I’m currently dealing with a similar issue on my nose. Please keep us updated. I’ve been researching some different procedures other than Moh’s surgery. I can’t wait until the sunscreens are released with the new ingredient-the sooner the better!
I’m anxious to try them too!
I have had my ankle and midfoot fused from a shattered ankle in
A car accident. Most likely the pain will be greatly reduced with a fusion because the joint no longer bends/moves and if you have arthritis they clean up the area and w/o joint after fusion you shouldn’t have any further arthritis. Most likely with fusion no weight bearing for a few weeks, then into a boot.
Ouch, that sounds so painful Jan. I just want to be painfree…or close to it as possible.
I had my big toe fused about 15 years ago. Osteoarthritis caused the joint in that toe to be bone on bone and was so very painful.
After healing from surgery I have had no pain. Only down side, which is minor, is yoga. That toe does not bend so a lot of poses are impossible.
Take care of you and hope this week is better, hugs.
I’m wondering about that too because I need to bend it for pilates
I have had cheilectomy on my right foot big toe about two years ago. I had several bone spurs on my toe joint as well as a growth in the fascia on the bottom of the foot. After surgery I went to physical therapy in order to make the toe joint more flexible though it’s not nearly as flexible as my other big toe. I also had plantar fasciitis on that foot. Now it hurts when I wear any shoe that is very flexible like a sandal so I mostly wear my Hokas with an insert for the plantar fasciitis. It still hurts when I walk but I just try not to think about it. The worst pain though is the firing of a nerve along the side of my foot that seems to hurt when I have not walked, exercised that day. It will fire when I sitting still, and when it does, it truly stops me if I’m speaking because the pain is so severe. I got rid of one pain but now have another.
Oh no Celia, that sounds like a nightmare. I’m so sorry
My chielectomy required a long time in a boot and took a long time,or so it seemed, to feel better. Yet, eventually, the toe stopped hurting. If you have to endure foot surgery probably best to do it all at once and get it over with. The boot quite stylish with leggings by the way😀
Hi Jennifer – wishing you all the best for the results of that biopsy. I just reread your post about the melanoma on your leg; I must have internalised your message at the time, because just over a year later I noticed a very small, dark spot on my forearm, just a pin prick really. It was very dark, and my other moles are all light brown. I kept an eye on it and a few months later got an appointment to see my GP. At that point the spot was 3 mm in diameter. She took a biopsy and sure enough, it was a melanoma. Thanks for beating the drum about skin cancer!
I’m so glad you were vigilant!!
Jennifer- I am saying a prayer for you right now. Please keep us posted. I can so relate to skin issues as my Irish fair skin is always front and center.
Be well! By the way your skin is flawless!
Thank you. It’s not flawless, but I work very hard to protect my skin and use lots of products 🙂
I can certainly vouch for the Athleta Endless pants. We recently did a train trip that was 12 hours each way. They were comfortable to sit in and when I step off the train both times there was not one wrinkle! I was able to rinse them out in the hotel and they dried beautifully! I’m going to order another pair while they’re on sale.
I’ve rinsed mine out in a hotel sink as well. They were dry and wrinkle free in the morning!
Love starting my day with your blog as I drink my tea. At 75 and living in a very casual tourist beach community where no one “dresses up”, I relate to some of your topics and some I do not but it’s always fun to see what’s trendy.
I also relate to the bandage on your nose. Having years of dealing with basal cell CA and then a melanoma on my face resulting in a large scar that now adds character to my other wrinkles, I was most displeased to have a second melanoma on the crown of my head! I have a decent amount of hair and have always worn hats.
You have sported sun visors and look fabulous but I always want to say, “wear a hat to protect your scalp!”
Good luck with the nose and thanks again for your blog.
Sorry to hear about your skin cancers. Hats are my covering of choice. The larger the better.
So sorry for your stupid, no good week. That means a great week is coming! Sunscreen: I’m devoted to Elta MD, recommended by you! But I see you and I have a similar issue, and that’s never being satisfied with what we have because there must be something better out there! Especially for makeup, skin care, etc. I’m working on using what I have. On the color front, a revised palette is a good idea. As a (dark) winter, I find since I have silvered the lighter colors in my palette wash me out, except white? I guess my skin needs to replace the contrast from my formerly very dark saturated brown hair. Finally, a huge yes to the Endless pants! Recently wore on a long road trip, so comfy and came out looking good, wore to dinner at the destination!
Elta is amazing! The FDA just approved the first new sunscreen for the US in many years. I’ll be looking into it. I’m just naturally curious about new things plus I think of it as research 😉
I bought the new FDA approved sunscreen in Europe and used it hiking in the hot Utah desert in shorts and t-shirt. I was impressed! Odorless, absorbed easily, no white residue. It lasted all day. I am fair and usually burn easily. I am excited to get it in the US when it’s available.
Awesome!
Good morning! I have been using Drmtlgy’s tinted moisturizer/sunscreen for the last 3 years and love it. The Universal one is lighter weight so has a little less coverage when using it by its self. Foundation goes over it easily. The Physical one is 100% mineral so I little heavier/greasier but it works fine on my 80 year old skin. It does have more iron oxide in it so the color is a hair darker and will also give you more protection against brown spots and melasma. It us also waterproof. I use both and for everyday it gives me enough coverage that I do not bother with foundation. Hope this helps.
Thanks Judy. That is one brand I have never tried and need too.
Im sorry you had such a bad week. I’m in the same boat with medical & dental appointments up to the point of confusion. Take too long to list them all but it’s life as aging creeps in & I’m healthy. I hope your nose is ok……I slather sunscreen Elta MD on my nose & face every morning also because my Mom had a spot cut off there so know your feelings. My favorite foundation and only take a very small amount is Estee Lauder Futurist in Peeble .
Thanks Bonnie. Our nose sticks out furthest so that’s why it seems to be ground zero for precancerous and cancerous spots.
I wanted the blouse, but it was blocked out to me, where can I get it?
Here it is
After having cortisone injections in my big toe, icing it every night and living in constant pain ,I decided to go for the fusion. I am a very active 71 yo woman living with two incurable diseases, and the pain was interfering with my lifestyle. I had the toe fusion surgery in 2019.It was the best decision for me, and I am now pain free with no limitations.
Pain with no end in site vs recovery pain for pain free feet !!
Good luck !
Thank you so much Jan. Just the wisdom I needed to hear this morning.
Jennifer, sending you good thoughts as you wait (and thanks for your example of healthy self advocacy!).
❤️