Monday Musings- What’s New In The Zoo


Happy Monday, ladies. My husband decided we needed a break from our routine, and so after we got back from the gym, we went for a meandering Sunday drive. Since we made the decision later in the day, we just drove out to the delta.

We grabbed a latte in a small town, then parked next to the estuary and read our books. It was only an hour’s drive to get there, but the vineyards, waterways, and orchards made it feel like we were a long way from home.

STRAW HATSIMILAR GAUZE SHIRTSIMILAR STRAIGHT-LEG JEANSRETRO SNEAKERSSIMILAR TOTE

Aortia Atherosclerosis

I had my annual lung cancer CT scan two weeks ago and was greatly relieved to learn that my two small existing nodules have not changed. Whew! I’m at high risk because I was a heavy smoker in my uninformed youth, plus my parents smoked, which exposed me to plenty of secondhand smoke.

What they did find is that I have aortic atherosclerosis. That was a shocker because I don’t have high cholesterol, I’m not overweight, I exercise, and I eat a very healthy diet. This is one of the silent killers that have no symptoms until you have a heart attack or stroke. I feel so lucky they caught it, but it makes me wonder what else could be lurking undiscovered in my body. I was blithely going about my business thinking I knew what was up with my health, when in fact, I didn’t.

I immediately began relistening to chapter seven of this book which covers heart disease. The fact that this book crossed my path a few weeks ago is rather synchronistic because it’s not my usual read. They’ve started me on a statin to prevent further plaque from building up in the lining of my arteries, and I plan to see a cardiologist to find out the extent of the damage so far. Aging sure isn’t for sissies and this has certainly rattled me.

Currently reading

THE PERSONAL LIBRARIAN

To soothe my nerves, I’m reading this fascinating book. With meticulous research,Ā the authors have created a fictionalized, intimate portrait of the real-life Belle da Costa Greene. Belle was the personal librarian of J. P. Morgan, who was forced to hide her true identity and pass as white. She became a fixture in New York City society and one of the most powerful people in the art and book world, known for her impeccable taste and shrewd negotiating for critical works as she helped create a world-class collection.

Have any of you had a full-body PET scan? I’m thinking of getting one to get a baseline on other parts of my health that aren’t being monitored.

90 Comments

  1. I can certainly relate to your health concerns. In the last year and a half, I have had multiple health issues.
    I will turn 70 in a few months and eat well, exercise , etc. It was all a shock to me and my anxiety level didnā€™t help. Thank you for feeling comfortable enough to share your diagnosis. One thing Iā€™ve learned is that weā€™re all better off when we can share our vulnerabilities with each other. I now spend a fair part of my day doing ā€œhealth maintenance ā€œ both physically and mentally!
    Thanks for your great posts, which include fashion, skin care, fun news and not so fun news. In other words, real life! Take care.

    1. Weā€™re all in this together and I feel so grateful for this community.

  2. Jennifer, I am sorry to learn about your heart scare but delighted you are taking care of it. After many years of battling hereditary high cholesterol as well as medical advice to take a stain, I gave in last January and took the prescription. Now I donā€™t know why I resisted for so long. After a week, I felt no side effects. And now I know that I truly am doing all I can for my health.

    Thanks for the recommendations on both books. They are on my summer reading list.

  3. I’m sorry about your surprise finding of aortic atherosclerosis: things like this are always very unsettling until we get all of the info and sort out how we will proceed in dealing with it (reach our ‘new normal’…). I read a news story a few months ago that explained how radiologists previously ONLY reported findings they saw that was related to why the patient had the scan. It is new that they report findings outside the reason the scan was done! I found this astounding… So in addition to feeling unsettled (which you have every reason to be), we should count our blessings that we have access to preventative health care! Re. the pet scan, I would weigh carefully the exposure risk as compared to the benefits. I am not someone who avoids test to avoid ‘false positives’ or avoid raising possibly erroneous health concerns, but having had a surprise cancer at age 50 (endometrial, one of the ‘best’), I monitor my radiation exposure. My husband and I did one of those traveling half day senior health checks 10 years ago: they do a bunch of tests to detect senior-related health concerns, all very easy and non-invasive. You might ask about doing several alternative tests to the pet scan that would have lower exposure?

    1. Thatā€™s a great idea. Thanks for mentioning an alternative.

  4. Nancy Blacker says:

    I’m of the opinion that too many CT scans can exacerbate any nodes into cancer. Be careful. I’ve seen it happen.

  5. Before you become overly concerned, wait to see what your cardiologist says. Our family has a horrible heart and stroke history ,both parents passing at 53and 57, with a brother at 62. However I am 75 and have two sisters well into their eighties. We all take statins, watch our diets, and I am a big walker. We call all the days God grants us Bonus days and work to keep them coming.
    I HAVE LEARNED NOT TO WASTE MY TIME WITH WORRY. My bonus days would be wasted doing that.

    1. Agreed!! Every day is a bonus day to be enjoyed.

  6. Sorry to hear about heart issues. I have not had a PET scan or a CT scan. However, I have been on a statin and blood pressure medicine for several years. I fought the doctor about it due to all the talked about side effects. My LDL just kept going up. I eat good, exercise, etc. and felt bummed out about it. He finally convinced me to take them to prevent blood clots, stroke etc. He said not to feel bad, lot of it is genetics. He sees people in 40’s who are athletes that have clogged arteries or high cholesterol.

    My dad never had high cholesterol ,and one day he had pain, and had to go in for 4 stents. He was then put on statins. So glad you will be on meds . I have not had any side effects from statins.

    1. Thank you for sharing. I didnā€™t want to take the statin either but they seem like my best alternative.

      1. Sara Lopinski says:

        Jennifer, I too have the same diagnosis but am managing very well on a statin. I have follow up echocardiogram s annually and there has been no worsening. I have complete confidence in my cardiologist. And the complete body scans are not recommended by physicians because of false positives. I am doing very well and not concerned about this diagnosis.

      2. This is new for me, so thank you for sharing.

  7. I had a PET scan due to spots on my lungs and previous breast cancer diagnosis. They did biopsies but only conclusion they came to was that at some point I had an infection. You need to weigh the radiation danger (it’s a hefty dose) with possible benefits. Procedure takes about two hours total with prep and actual scan. As someone previously mentioned, health has become a full time job.

  8. I am really enjoying Outlive . The part about what you need to be doing now ( Iā€™m 60) to be able to keep up your strength and regular activities is eye opening . It is not my usual read either . I enjoyed the Personal Liberian as well . I also recently read The Maid and loved it . I guess I better stop reading and start exercising for for the centenarian decathlon! Haha

    1. Ha ha, yes! I want to be in that centenarian decathalon too.

  9. So sorry about the medical issue, but it is a good thing to know about. A friend had a full body scan about six months ago, and has been trying to solve the issue of lymph nodes that might be indicative of lymphoma but are located in places that are hard to biopsy. Probably your doctor can help you assess the risk benefit ration of having a scan. Best of luck to you! This aging business is challenging.

    1. Iā€™m sorry to hear about your friend but glad sheā€™s now aware of the issue. Awareness Iā€™d the first step.

  10. It is such a shock when something is going on that you have no clue about.
    I was diagnosed with A-fib about 7yrs ago just before having a colonoscopy.
    I was put on a blood thinner (Eliquis) which has made a world of difference.
    There are so many wonderful meds to keep us in good shape.
    You are a healthy weight, eat well and exercise all a big plus for you.
    Prayers that all will work out and your mind will be at ease again. šŸ˜˜

    1. Thanks Lin. Many of us would be in trouble without the amazing medicines available these days. Be well!

      1. You too Jennifer. My prayers are with you that All will be Well.

  11. Hi! Jennifer,
    Glad you had an enjoyable weekend with your husband! Iā€™m sorry to hear of your recent diagnosis as well. Iā€™ll definitely keep you in my prayers. I feel very hopeful for you because, as a frequent reader to your blog, I know you as a very inspirational woman who is a mentor to all of us, and leads a healthy active, meaningful life. As St. Padre Pio one of my favorite saints says to all of us, ā€œPray, Hope, and Donā€™t Worry. Worry is useless. God is merciful and will hear your prayer.ā€

    1. Thank you so much Marcie. Worrying doesnā€™t really help with anything does it?

  12. I can so relate to your heart ordeal. I had a heart attack at age 52. I was so shocked, I have a stent and am on quite a few meds but I’m 73 now and I’m doing well. I have always been thin, exercised and eat a healthy diet. It is really in my family so I guess I shouldn’t have been so surprised. So great that you caught it! Stay well ā˜€ļø

    1. Wow thatā€™s early! Iā€™m so glad youā€™re well.

  13. I think your husband was very wise to suggest a change of venue. I love this idea.

    But as a new reader of your blog, I realize I have no idea where you live, what you mean by “the delta” or “the estuary,” what you do/did for a living before blogging, what you enjoy, if you have children or grandchildren, etc. I checked your About page on this blog, but didn’t really learn anything. I’m wondering if you might repeat that info periodically so we can all feel we know each other (a little).

    In the meantime, I agree, when you live a healthy life and are doing all the right things, it’s a shock to learn something’s gone wrong, regardless. Wishing you perfect health!

    1. Hi Bette!! Thatā€™s a very good point. I need to rewrite my bio. Iā€™m a wife of 45 years, mother of two and granny of one. I live in northern CA. I managed high end fashion boutiques for several years then trained to be a certified image consultant in private practice.
      When I retired from that, I started this blog. I was born in Canada and we spend as much time there as possible because my daughter lives there. I have a black thumb and love cooking, reading, knitting (which I just took back up after a botched hand surgery. Iā€™m never without an opinion and love this community.

      1. Just paste this into your About page and you’re good to go! šŸ˜‰

        Thank you! So nice to meet you online!

      2. Wonderful to meet you too. Welcome!

  14. So glad they caught your heart issue. My husband is dealing with the same thing. Iā€™m reading OUTLIVE also and find it fascinating and informative.

  15. Mary Ann Williams says:

    Jennifer. Totally understand your fears and concerns. At age 78 I had my aorta valve replaced. Overnight stay in hospital and physical therapy afterwards. Am on two blood thinners but have recovered beautifully. Modern medicine is amazing and I wish you well!

    1. Thatā€™s wonderful. Modern medicine is a miracle!! So glad to hear this.

  16. So thankful your issue was accidentally caught. There is so much modern medicine can do to help us. By reading the comments of others here, I see a positive focus on our health and well-being. That positive attitude is critical to our journey. The plants based diet research shows A clear and easy pathway for us. I recommend Plant Pure Nation video on Amazon prime and their Comfort Food cookbook by Kim Campbell plus Dr. Michael Greger’s How Not To Die (chapters devoted to many of issues listed in above reader comments) and companion cookbook.

    1. Hi Memee, after a TIA I transitioned to a whole food plant based diet 5 years ago. Itā€™s been like a miracle how it fixed my heart and cholesterol issues AND helps me effortlessly maintain a healthy weight. In addition to your excellent recommendations, I also recommend the Forks Over Knives website and accompanying documentary. Thereā€™s also a wonderful movie called The Gamechangers available to rent on Amazonā€”it shows the impact of a plant based diet on elite athletesā€”very inspiring!

      1. Thanks for the recommendation!

    2. Thank you for the recommendation! Iā€™m also focusing on getting more protein. I think many older adults donā€™t get enough so they suffer muscle loss.

  17. We are often on the same wave length – which is so enjoyable to me! Iā€™m reading the Attia book, and The Personal Librarian is coming up in my book group. Have you ever considered on if those ā€œexecutive health assessmentsā€? I wonder about having one done, despite the fact that I have no idea where, when or how it would happen! Like you, I would be interested in a full picture of my current status and some good advice about what I could and should be doing at 73. Maybe a whole body PET scan would be part of that.
    I also wanted to mention that Peter Attia has a great free podcast – The Drive – where he explains many of these longevity-related issues. He has guests who contribute a lot to my understanding.
    I want to be fully informed and knowledgable about my health without becoming overly worried about it. Thereā€™s a fine line there and I hope to find it!

    1. Yes, I love his podcasts. Heā€™s so knowledgeable and his guests are brilliant too. I also love that he makes it understandable.

  18. So sorry to hear of your recent diagnosis, Jennifer, but glad you will soon see a cardiologist. I bet you will be given a prescription for one of the blood thinners, which I hope will give you peace of mind. That’s what happened to me. I have A Fib and, as a result, I take Eliquis. This drug will hopefully prevent a stroke due to my irregular heartbeat. I can honestly say I never felt better (at 80 years old!), and by taking a blood thinner, I feel somewhat protected. I wish you similar peace of mind.

    1. My husband takes Eliquis for his Afib too. Peace of mind is a good thing these days šŸ˜ƒ

  19. Jennifer, so sorry to hear about your diagnosis, but thank goodness it was caught early.
    Your day trip looks so relaxing – how nice to have that within a short drive.

    1. Iā€™m so grateful we accidentally caught it.

  20. Good morning Jennifer,

    Pauletteā€™s comments about the 70ā€™s are on spot! This year has been a rude awakening, and each journey is so unique. My prayers for your healing. I look forward to reading Outlive. The Personal Librarian was a page turner and those who enjoy it may also appreciate The Other Einstein by the same author. Be Well

    1. Good morning Carol. Thanks for the recommendation.

  21. It just seems to me that itā€™s a rare individual who at a certain age, isnā€™t dealing with some type of health challenge. Iā€™m in my late 70ā€™s. I have ms and have had both hips replaced. I am also dealing with ms related eye issues. Both of my parents were heavy smokers, ultimately taking my mothers life. All said, I am beyond grateful that I live in a time when medical science can help me navigate these issues. Besides the obvious need to be aware of healthy eating and getting regular exercise, itā€™s paramount to keep a positive and active mindset. I try to start each morning with positive, grateful, happy thoughts.
    Stay strong!

    1. Your positive attitude is a delight Jan!! Thanks for always sharing it here.

  22. I read The Personal Librarian last year and loved it! I’m currently reading Outlive after you recommended it last week. It’s very compelling. I have recently changed my diet to mostly plant based and am amazed at how much better I feel! Aging certainly isn’t for sissies! I think most of us did some foolish things in our younger days šŸ™‚ At 61 I do my best to stay active and take good care of myself. Life is good!

    1. I just bought a copy for both of my children to read. Starting early is so important to our health.

  23. Jennifer- my mother had your diagnosis & I am checked every year for it. So far, I only have a spot & take cholesterol meds & baby aspirin. Iā€™m 76, teach Silver Sneakers exercise & donā€™t have any other problems. I think a full body scan is smart. I will buy the book you are reading. Prayers for you.

    1. Sorry to read about your health problems – it is always a shock to find something amiss. I have never had, nor contemplated having a whole body scan, due to the radiation from PET scans. As for a whole body MRI scan, that requires 90 minutes in the scanner and unless contrast is used, may not be as useful as one hopes. I think companies promoting whole body scans are preying on peopleā€™s health anxieties for financial gain.

      1. Sorry, this post was not meant as a reply.

  24. SuzanneGabrielle says:

    I’ve read the book and went to a lecture by Victoria Christopher Murray. She was delightful and there is another book in the works by her and Marie Benedict.

    1. Iā€™m excited to hear that. This is so well written and delightful.

  25. Jennifer, so sorry to hear but so glad they caught it early. I feel your fear and frustration. You try to live a healthy life and do all the right things, and then this happens. Praying that all goes well with the cardiologist.

  26. Good morning Jennifer,
    Sorry about your diagnosis, doesn’t seem logical seeing you do all the right things that should keep it at bay.
    I think at our age probably everyone has some plaque in their arteries.
    I have not had a full body scan but I get mailings all the time for one. If getting one would ease your mind you should do it. Try not to worry, now you’re on their radar and you’ll have doctor appts coming out of your ears. šŸ˜Š

    1. It does seem thereā€™s always an appointment for some dr on my calendar šŸ¤£

  27. Pat Patterson says:

    Good morning Jennifer, I know how you feel about your health. I have heard & read so much on the whole body scan. I have a family history of heart disease and I try to keep myself healthy. I have been taking BP meds for 25 years and now on a statin to protect my heart. I have to laugh at my dr, tells me to relax & not stress but, donā€™t eat this & that and walk every day!! Iā€™m 72 and my health is my full time job!
    Letā€™s all be kind to ourselves , hope you have a sunny dayšŸ„°

    1. I didnā€™t want to add another RX to my mix but this one seems so important. Have a great day!

  28. Hi Jennifer, sorry to hear about the latest diagnosis. I, too, take a statin from inherited high cholesterol. Recently, I switched to a different statin and am suffering from muscle pain like crazy. I am very active, am a vegetarian and have decided to see a cardiologist instead of my regular doctor to see if I can get on a better treatment. I also smoked in my youth and both parents smoked with windows rolled up in the car., so I have thought about the full body MRI. Some of the complaints with that, they do not do a contrast, and for $2500 for the full body, without the contrast they do not see the full story! Something else to think about. Good luck with everything.

  29. Such a wonderful way to spend the day in a beautiful location with the one you love and to top it off that great book!
    Life is so uncertain which is why we all need to enjoy and savor every moment. And thanks for sharing your world with all of us.

  30. Oh Jennifer! This does sound frightening but catching this early
    ( last year clear?) is fortunate. Prayers.
    I’ve never had a full body PET scan, no.
    I’ve got so many adverse things going on – all started in my 70s that it would take a page or two. I tackle them one by one with doctors I trust- it’s all I can handle. Although I’ve never smoked I too have lived a life of healthy eating exercise good sleep and enjoyment. What happened?
    This latest of yours mustv be given your full attention. The statin may be just what you need. Hope is! We are all pulling for you!

    1. Iā€™m in your camp too. Just tackling one at a time. Thanks for being here Paulette.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *