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.
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
To soothe my nerves, I’m reading this fascinating book. With meticulous research, 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.
My gyn put me on statins in my 50s ( now75 ) as my cholesterol was high and even my lowfat diet and exercise and healthy weight didn’t lower it . He said statins are very good for heart and preventing stroke ..and most drs He knew take them!
I started on a low dose statin a couple of months ago and had horrible leg cramps at night, so my dr changed me to a different one…..was still having some mild issues, so I stopped completely for a few weeks. Am going to add back in a different generic next week to see if I can tolerate it. Did anybody else here have side effects at all?
I am taking Co Q 10 which is supposed to help mitigate some of thsoe symptoms. Ask your Dr if it might work for you.
I guess we have to accept that more health challenges will visit us as we age. I’m glad for you that the nodules are steady and (as disconcerting as it is) that they diagnosed your heart issue so you can attend to it. I’ve been having ongoing palpitations, so my doctor gave me a Holter heart monitor to wear for two weeks. Fun times. I feel good and have no real health problems…that I know of so far. But we just never know. Take care!
I’m glad your doctor is being proactive. Things can get out of hand quickly when we’re older.
Sorry to hear about your diagnosis, it’s such a shock at first. I’m so glad we have medications to help us. I’m glad you two took a wonderful drive, we all need less stress nowadays.
The dietary and exercise changes you make will help, and you will live a long life.
Thanks Eileen
As a neuroendocrine cancer patient for almost ten years now, I have a CT scan every 6 to 9 months and I’ve also had several PET scans. Most of my scans are head to pelvis, but a couple have been full body. Sometimes there have been unexpected surprises including two unrelated cancers (thankfully both are gone now), a benign cyst, and most recently a couple of as yet undiagnosed growths in my left leg. Those are probably nerve sheath tumours which are usually benign, but I’m waiting for an MRI to confirm that. There are benefits to having things found early, but sometimes I’d rather not know!
I think knowing early is most beneficial. So sorry to hear about your challenges, Elaine
I am 87 and doing over my wardrobe which has become a bit worn over the years. So has my body and those of my friends. Parts do get worn, tattered and crumble. Eyes, shoulders, knees, hips, and on and on. You just try and stay ahead of those issues and be grateful you have the choice.
The posts here inspire me and let me know what’s up and coming in the fashion world. BTW, Chico’s is wonderful for pants/jeans as the sizing stays the same. Their no-iron blouses are the best as are some of their denim jackets. However, the colors in their spring tops are flaming bright and not for me. But they do some things extremely well. Give them a chance to do what they do well.
Hi Jennifer, so sorry for your diagnosis, but interesting that you are considering a pet scan! I have had 2, it is usually done when you are diagnosed with cancer! A pet scan shows where it is and helps for treatment. I also had one to check if I was in remission, which I was! MRI are also excellent, had quite a few! I was never sick through all my career. Just before my 70th birthday I could hardly walk or sit without pain. I had lymphoma non Hodgkin with a tumour on my lower spine. After that I needed a full hysterectomy from fibroids I refused to do in my 40’s! Unfortunately this surgery has caused a huge hernia from one side of my stomach to the other side of my stomach! All my organs are held by my skin! Surgery will happen in the next 6 months!
This is why I truly enjoy your blog! I love all your suggestions and beautiful ensembles that you put together! Thank you, I look forward to seeing and reading your page everyday! I am a huge fan, being French Canadian I have always had a love for clothes and accessories! Thank you and take care of yourself!
Thanks for being here with us and sharing your wisdom with our community. Take care!! Sending prayers.
First, Pat yourself on your back for staying on top of your health! Good for you! I’m sorry that you had some surprising results, but from what little I know there are things that can be done. I’m having a calcium scan in the near future to check my potential plaque buildup. Thank you for sharing your health journey. We can all learn something from it.
I truly appreciate this group of women of a certain age. So much experience and wisdom on so many topics. I’m a 82 year old retired RN. Married to the same man for 62 years. We both have several diagnoses by now. My hardest job is managing the anxiety all of this causes. I do have several tools in my tool belt to help with this terrible sensation. Worry makes us ill and robs the day of joy. Peace of mind is the goal. Sharing helps.
I agree Verna. This is an amazing community. Thank you for being part of it with us.
Jennifer, I had breast cancer (stage one, grade one) removed via a lumpectomy in 2019. After that, tests showed that chemo would not be beneficial, but docs recommended radiation anyway. Even the radiologist said I probably did not need it, but the fear outweighed common sense. So I had 16 sessions of radiation. In 2021, while believing myself in tune with my body, I began to feel tired and breathless with exercise. This is highly unusual for me, a dedicated exercise freak and I eat a most healthy diet, never smoked. Finally in a panic, I went to the ER and was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia-and spent four months of that year in the hospital with 24/7 chemo, surgeries, infections, and finally a stem cell transplant. Doctors told me it was likely caused by a mutation due to the radiation. Since then I have also had skin cancer and been treated with grafts and surgery, because now I am extra liable to have skin cancer and all the immunosuppressants I was on allowed it to grow.
So, in my opinion, any amount of radiation you can avoid, you should avoid it. I am doing fairly well 2 years post transplant, but will never be cured, only in remission. If I had done more research, and been less fearful, I would not be where I am today. Don’t get me wrong, I am glad to be alive. But my life and my expectations, my mojo, my outlook, all that is entirely different now.
Thank you for sharing. I’m so sorry to hear that. I’m sure I would have done the radiation if my dr had recommended. I’m glad you’re in remission now. Sending prayers your way.
As a retired cardiac nurse, I am aware of your concerns. Catching it early before symptoms appear and having a good cardiologist in your camp managing your condition is optimal. I am not up on all of the new shiny technology in cardiology but I believe that you are doing everything that you can do for good healthy outcomes. I am grateful that they caught it early on your CT. My husband devoured Outlive and I plan to read it next. We both read Metabolical by Dr. Peter Lustig. You may enjoy that book as well. I changed up my diet because of that book. I have a chronic connective tissue disorder that is genetic. I discovered it when in my 60s I was having trouble skiing because of instability. I am 78 now and walk with my rollator, Charlie to keep from falling. Finding out that I had a rare genetic disease that changed my life was very hard to accept. On my good days I would be in complete denial. Then bam, I was flattened with pain, dizziness and extreme fatigue. No more denial but good medical management, loving support from my 81 year old husband and gratitude for those good days and faith that they will get me through the bad. Jennifer, you help me everyday with your bright light that you share with all of us. We are praying with you for your continued good health.
Good medical management is so critical. I’m sending you prayers and best wishes for continued health. Thanks for the book recommendation. I’ll get it.
Echoing some previous comments, be careful what you look for. A full body scan will find some anomalies, very likely innocent, that then require follow up and find more anomalies. The advice I have received from two MDs is “no testing without symptoms”. “Better safe than sorry” sounds good until you realize that health care has been (pre-covid) the third most significant cause of death in the US. Stay away from health care unless you have a reasonable expectation of benefiting.
Hi Jennifer,
Just sending you a giant hug. Reading the beginning of your post l was thinking to myself what a beautiful marriage, how in synch you both sound, such a wonderful friendship, what a gift.
My dearest brother died last week of stage four cancer and l have had and thankfully recovered from breast cancer, so l too am struggling with medical issues. Went to see a cardiologist last week about my genetic high cholesterol and numerous tests are coming so l am in the same boat about fear and uncertainty. Going to order that book you mentioned now. Wishing you and yours a peaceful week. I hope you find many beautiful vistas to look at together.
I’m so terribly sorry to hear about your brother Francesca. Sending prayers and hugs your way.
I had a full body PET scan in 2020 when they discovered my colon cancer. The results would have been pretty fun to look at if I hadn’t been scared to death of what else was happening in my body. The Dr who went over results with my told me that we are looking at this like we are looking down through the top of your head. It shows up everything in your body including private parts, pretty cool though. I’m so glad they caught this early for you, I just found out about a month ago that my cholesterol is too high and my Dr. is giving me a change to try and lower it with died, so we’ll see. She’s one of those Drs that doesn’t want to put you on meds unless she has too. It runs in my family, so I’m sure I’ll be taking them soon. I’m also so glad about your lungs being ok. Cancer is a scary prospect, and went through the whole thing-Chemo, radiation, and surgery, but I am ok for now. Still lots of follow-ups for a few years. Take care and good luck.
Take care of yourself Sheila. That’s a lot to deal with.
Jennifer, I am so sorry to hear of your health issues and can totally sympathize. I had knee surgery in October and was recovering well from that only to have a stroke in January. Like you I was shocked as I eat well and exercise. I have always thought myself in tune to my body and was blindsided, I just turned 57. Now I’m on aspirin, a statin and anti seizure medication. I seem to have doctors appts every week for something or other. But I am grateful for every day. People say you don’t have anything if you don’t have your health, they aren’t kidding.
Wow, I’m so sorry to hear that Vanessa. Take care of yourself.
Sorry for your health scare.
I have a strong history of cancer in my family. After my (non smoking) brother died of lung cancer at 42, I consulted with my trusted doctor about getting a full body scan.
She was concerned about the high radiation exposure. She said, in her experience, something is ALWAYS found, almost always benign.
In the meantime the patient gets on an unending treadmill of biopsies and rechecks…and anxiety.
Despite outliving my parents and brother who passed at ages 42, 50, and 42, at age 62 I’m going to do the basics (physical, mammogram, skin cancer checks) and live my life.
Modern medicine is terrific, I agree. I just don’t want to spend much of my remaining time in doctor’s offices and hassling with insurance companies, a hell if there ever is one!
I’ve been a hospice volunteer for five years which has likely influenced my views.
I’ve always hated going to the doctor. I know it’s a risk but I’m going to spend that time living. To me quality of life exceeds longevity.
That’s a great attitude. Bravo for doing the work you do!!
Although I have no experience regarding your health concerns, at 71 yrs old, my husband and I seem to always have some dr/dental/eye dr appointment. In fact, I’d best get ready soon for today’s appointment! I know you will figure it out and continue on and I wish you the best of health in the future. I do have to say that you looked so cute on your outing! Sounds like a good way to soothe the soul. Thanks for the bio, above. It was fun to learn of your professional history as well as family make-up.