WW Clubs and Groups - Feisty & Sexy 50 & 60 yr Olds #185

Slavika: Let me know how the experiment goes on the estrogen. I have an appointment next month and have questions for my DR. I have been on it forever, since I was 35. And would certainly like to go off of it. I was going to ask her about it when I went in.
So Im am interested in how it goes for you.

Best get busy! Later!

Dear all,

The following is my expience with HRT etc. I was very young (16) when I was first perscribed THE Pill for very bad menstrual cramps. I did not realise it was THE pill at the time until I was in my early twenties (I was a bit backward ;) )
I continued with taking the pill until I wanted to start my family at 29. After having both children and by then being far more aware of what the Pill could do and also starting to get side effects, like bad headaches, I had a tubal ligation. Of course this did not stop the bad menstral cramps each month and I had a hysterectomy in my late thirties. The ovaries were not removed and life was great! In my mid forties I started to get the symptons of menopause and my doctor told me about HRT that will cure all!
All was well for the next 2 years until I discovered a lump and I was diagnosed with breast cancer. As I am sure Glenda will agree, that was one of the most devasting days in my life. Sounds a bit dramatic but it was.
My cancer specialist ordered me to stop the taking of HRT immediately. Only last year a doctor told me that I was a bit crazy not to be taking HRT as there was no proof and as I had been cancer free for the past ten years, I would be fine.
Again I am a bit like Glenda and was not going to risk it and have never taken it since.
No doctor will probably agree with me but I think that the reason I got cancer was a combination of being on the Pill so young (of course in those days there was only one strength, strong!) and then HRT. The latest findings would support that.
I guess we are all individuals and we do what we think is right at the time. It is fantastic that we now have so much information and can make a more educated decision and ask for answers to questions that bother us.
I personally take a herbal remedy now and benefit from that.

All a bit heavy so early this Thursday morning! I hope you have found my experience of interest and maybe of benefit.

Cheers
Maria

:wave:
Hi Everybody Thanks for all the feed back about about estrogen. When I saw the doctor, he told me this: that 1 out of every 10 women will get breast cancer whether they are on estrogen or not. If you take estrogen your chances of getting breast cancer increase to 1.1. When I started taking the drug they thought it was a good thing to do, if your family had a history of heart disease. My Mother had a heart attack at 64 and had a pace maker put in and then died of a heart attack when she was 67 yrs old. My brother had a heart attack at 50 years old, but seems to be doing ok now. He is a year or so younger then me (I tell everybody he's older). :D The heart problems seem to stem from my Mom's side of the family. Her younger brother also died of a heart attack. As far as I know, nobody in our family had cancer, so I thought I was the perfect candidate for the estrogen. Actually my experiences with taking the drug were good, but I have a history of migraine headaches and now I am thinking I am getting more then I used to before taking estrogen. I won't know for sure if the increase in the headaches had anything to do with the estrogen until I have been off the medication for awhile. I am hoping that I do not experience mood swings or any of the other little things that go along with menopause when my body is free of the estrogen.
I will just do what the doctor suggested, and see how it goes. Today was the first day of taking just 1/2 of the pill. I have never, and would never, tell another gal to take estrogen, or not to take it, I think that is really something we have to decide for ourselves with our doctor's help. Lily yes, I will keep you and the other gals posted as to how I am doing. If my postings start to get grouchy, and mean, you can assume I am experiencing mood swings and you may suggest to me (in the NICEST way to go see my doctor). LOL LOL :) :) Thanks again you guys, you're all great!!

Slavika - There is a Times magazine that has a huge article (cover story) about HRT. I have a best friend who has been on HRT for a year and I have never seen anybody have a harder time. She was fuzzy-headed, burning up, and could not get any relief. She heard about a natural hormone lady who worked with her doctor getting a new recipe for her hormones and she is back to being herself. The Times magazine seemed to say that HRT is only REALLY necessary during the first few years of menopause. (nobody knows nothing for sure) Glenda

G'day all,

Can you believe it, Friday has come around yet again!!!!

Slavika I agree with what you are saying, everyone has different experiences and everyone has to do what is right for them. Sometimes the risks outweigh the benefits. Whilst I have my own theory on why I got cancer at the same time I am not beating myself up about taking the Pill and then HRT for a long time, at the time it seemed a good solution to my problems.
At the moment I am wondering if I did the right thing having my feet operated on, it would seem that this is the reason my back is so bad at the moment :( Having had the bone in my two big toes fused has altered the way I walk and hence the back problems. I have no pain in my feet but.....:dizzy:
I am sure we will all let you know if we feel you are getting a bit 'snitzy' in your posts :D

It is a magnificent winter day here, the farmers are complaing because of the lack of rain, the city slickers are enjoying the sunshine.
We have little planned for the weekend other than a luncheon cruise on Sunday which should be nice.

Have a great weekend all
Cheers
Maria

I too have ben wondering what to do about the estrogen thing. I've got a Doctors appt for next month. need the physical and the pap. Also was going to ask the very same questions about safety. I've taken estrogen in a very low dose for a good 10 years now. I'm wondering if I should get off. I'd like to know how you are doing too Slavika. I'm a little hesitant about getting off because I couldn't bare the hot flashes or the mood swings. So be sure to keep us posted.

It's been along day I've had little children here since 10:30 this morning. DS finally took them home about an hour ago. It's been a very long day. Kids wear me out!

Did any of you go to a Weight Watchers meeting this week. We talked about the stages of weight management. " The Honeymoon" "The Trill is gone" Renewed resolve" and finally " Lifestyle Change" Just wondering where you all fit in that picture. It was a great subject for all my meeting . Lots of talking and ineraction going on. Even in the smallest one of the week.

I found the quick reply thing a few weeks ago was very surprised to see it but it makes it easier for me to get in on the conversation.

Also about having things stuck in the disc places. Once I got a CD stuck in ours because I forgot to take out the one that was left in there the time before. I've yet to hear the end of that one!!!! Since then if I leave a CD in because I plan to get back to it later, I now put a post-it note to remind me right on the CD drive door. DH told every one he has ever known about that one!

Got to go Have a great weekend all
Karen

Hi everyone: We got home on Thursday, and I sspent yesterday getting somewhat unpacked. Then I sure had a lot to read to get caught up even a little. Had a post already last night and got booted off, lost the whole thing so I went to bed.

About the estrogen thing. I was on Premarin for about 5 years after my complete hysterectomy. Then Dr. took me off and took nothing for a while, just used a vaginal cream weekly(estrogen). Finally I changed Drs. and he put me on the patch 0.05 and I used that for a long time. Last year,(new Dr) I went off the patch and am now taking Evista. I was having a lot of cystic activity and the Dr. wanted to check and see if going off the patch would decrease it. It seems to have done that. but one of the side effects of the Evista is hot flashes. I can manage that okay.

Was watching Larry King the other eve. and he had Dr. Weil on his program. He talked about a natural remedy called Black Cohosh that is supposed to alleviate the menopausal symptoms. Has been used successfully in German, and was also ussed by Native Americans a long time ago. And he also said that eating soy products were helpful.

To each his own, I guess.

Brought home a lot of frills to finish the decor in the bathrooms. Had our bedroom painted while we were away, so am getting things put back to some sort of normalcy little by little.

Will start back to WW nest week. I think I have gained about 4 lbs in my six week travels. Just have to get back on the program with a vengeance. Didn't hear the message this week, but I think for me the 'honeymoon is over'. Down to reality,

Hope to get back to to reguar posting now. Had no luck this summer where I was to get on line. We are really glad to be sleeping in our own bed. :D: :wave: Ann

Very interesting discussion. Cant wait to see what my Dr tells me next month.
Heard that about Soy to. I eat alot of it all ready.

Ann! Good to have you back! Sounds like you brought lots of goodies home with you! Now your bathroom will be beautiful! Great that you had it painted while you were gone!

Going out to eat tonight so best get ready. Have a great night all!

Ok lets talk Body Wraps.

Im asking as I had one today. First time, it was weird. Could not wait to get out. But now 12 hours later, I feel really good. Skin feels soft and yes it feels tighter. Is this in my mind? Have 2 more coming, its part of the package. It was a gift. What to do, what to do? I will go back for the others. After all Im not paying.

Dinner out was awesome. Dont do it often and had a great dinner with dessert. and wine. Nice to do this on occasion. Did really well and ending the day at 40 pts. Low pts next week!

yumm happy belly :)

Lily: You are right about the body wrap feeling strange. Did it once, but since it is a gift, enjoy it and just enjoy the soft new skin. Just wish that one could wrap away the wrinkles. :lol::lol::D:
:wave: Ann

G'day all,

Welcome back Ann great to hear you had an enjoyable holiday and it is nice to see you back posting, we have missed your posts.
Gaining 4 lbs is not too bad when on a 6 week holiday, I am sure now that you are home it will be gone in no time.

I also try and eat a lot of soy 'stuff', I heard it is supposed to be good for mature women.

I have never had a body wrap, so I cannot comment, sounds interesting though. Lily can you expand as to what they actually do? Do you keep some clothes on whilst this is happening :dizzy: and how long do you have to stay put being wrapped up?

I had a quite weekend dh being in Melbourne with dd and ds-i-l. I prepared a SUPER showbag, so super that the strap on the bag broke because of the weight :D DD was very pleased, she said it just about tripled her pantry stock! I am sure she doesn't realise the cost of moving, when all the bills for the utilities etc. come in. It always takes quite a while to get back into a pattern. I hope the 'Super showbag' will help with the budget.

We were to have gone on a harbour cruise luncheon, we will now go next Sunday.

The best till last. DS rang and about 3 hours later the ex-girlfriend rang. To cut a long story very short, they both had a huge talk about everything and ex-girlfriend now also can see that they are 'mates' but that there is that something missing for a life relationship. DS said they both had a bit of a cry but he is very happy that she can also now see that the break up was for the best.
She said she missed talking to dh and myself, so we had a very long chat yesterday afternoon. It is so good to know that they will remain 'mates' and we can also remain friends.
I am very lucky, I think it says a lot for DS and ex girlfriend to have resolved it the way they have.

Have a great day/night all
Cheers
Maria

Maria: Glad to hear its working out for your DS and Ex. Good they are going to remain friends. So happy she is finally come to terms with it. I also think it says a great deal about your DS. You raise a good son there. :)

As far as the wraps go. You know that plastic stuff that they wrap around pallets to keep the boxes from moving? Shrink wrap! (coundnt think of the name) They put some kind of lotion on you then wrap you up like a mummy in this shrink wrap, very tight. You either stand or lay down for 50 very long minutes......... Then they take it off. You do wear your underwear and your bra. Its not cheap, each one costs 55$. So I wouldnt pay for it. Im sure it isnt really doing anything. So I will finsh my freebies and that will be the end of it. Did make my skin feel good. She did measure me before and after. Said I lost 1/2 to 1 inch in all the places. Still the only way to do that and keep it off is exercise. And at our age nothing is really going to do it. Not paying 55$ a week to do it :) Was fun for a try.

Ann: I would be there in a minute if they could get rid of the wrinkles :)
But no wont do the Face lift thing. Hum maybe they could wrap my face. Oh what a site that would be :lol:

Watched the best movie tonight. Havent cried this much in a long time. It was called "I am Sam" Was about a Mentally ******ed Man who had a child and they took her away from him. It was so good. DH just looked at me like I was nuts. But I really enjoyed the show. Very sad and heart jerking. Went through a box of kleenex. :( Now I will be nice and puffy for tomorrow!

Night all!

:wave: Hi Everybody
Ann sure is nice "seeing" you back. I missed your posts. What were some of the things you did on your holiday? What little treasures did you find for your bathroom?
Lily I remember years ago women used to go for body wraps, before going out to a fancy party or something like that, but I have not heard anything about them for some time now. I bet your whole body does feel silky smooth and probably a little firmer, even if the results are only temporary. Nice gift! :)
Maria that's nice that your son and his ex-girlfriend have had this talk and parted as friends.
Good for both of them. :)
So far I seem to be doing ok on just the 1/2 pill of estrogen. Today I have been feeling rather warm, and I'm thinking is it "hot flashes" or am I just working hard. Also last night I woke up and the back of my hair was feeling a little damp.........
I guess I'll just have to continue on like this for awhile and see what happens before jumping to any conclusions.
My daughter in-law and grandchildren are back from their holiday and we had them over for dinner last night. We also saw them on Friday, the day they arrived home for awhile too. As soon as they got home, the Princess called, very excited, and said, "Baba guess who this is, and guess where I am"? Since I only have ONE granddaughter that was easy. :love:
I had a nice fresh tomato sandwich, along with some sliced cucumbers for lunch today. The vegs all taste so good, this time of the year. :)

G'day all,

Lily what a nice gift, I don't know if I could be that generous with myself, it is quite expensive but it would be a very gratefully accepted gift! I heard about the film 'I am Sam' with Sean Penn, if I remember right. I would be just the same, dh wouldn't like the movie much but I would be crying my eyes out :D

Slavika nice to have your family back from holidays again. Your fresh tomato sandwich, I could almost taste here! Fresh fruit and veg at certain times of the year are just the best.

After praising my son yesterday, I have to tell you today that I was a bit disappointed last night. I received a parcel and for a minute, got excited and then realised it was music CD's that he wants me to copy for ex girlfriend. The note said, 'Mum here are the CD's for you to burn, thanks David' I rang him on his mobile phone this morning and thanked him for the 'thoughtful' little note :dizzy: He just laughed and said 'you know how I feel about you Mum'.
So today I am very busy burning about 12 CD's, so I had better get on with it!

Cheers
Maria

Hi there Lily
An old school chum of mine got a new Dell computer about 3 days ago and she is just learning how to use a computer. Her brother in-law has been helping her out, but for some reason they can't find what you "click on" to open up ATTACHEMENTS on a attachement that has been sent to her in an e-mail. Any advise that you might have that I could pass on to her would be appreciated. Oh I just thought of something, Maria isn't your new computer a DELL..........do you have any advise???
Thanking both of you for your trouble. :) :)

Slavika Yes you are right I did have a Dell (I now have a Fujitsu Lifebook:) ) but regarding your question, it should not matter what computer you use it is more what your email system is you are using.
In Outlook Express, depending on the attachment you can click on the 'paperclip', or if it is a Microsoft Office document, click on the embedded symbol, ie 'Word Doc'. I do notice at work the set up is a little different, I use Microsoft Outlook at work.
It should be quite easy but if all else fails go to the 'help' menu:D

Good luck
Maria

We missed you and are glad you are back. If you only gained 4 lbs I say you did good. Maria how nice that the son and ex are friends and that you can stay friends with her. That must lighten the load. Lily what does one do for the time you are wrapped up like a mummy? Just lay there? Are your arms imobile? I just know that I would have an itch or have to use the bathroom. But since it is free for you I would definitely do it. I take Premarin and still have been having some night hot flashes recently. I was thinking of working soy into my diet-I am just not sure how to go about it. It just doesn't look very appealing.

Maria thanks my friend has AOL... does that help. Mine is Outlook Express and I have the paperclip thing. I wonder if she has shut something off, like it shouldn't be that difficult to find the attachment. I'm sure they wouldn't hide it. LOL LOL :D

Wow, what a lot of posts! Ann, it is great to hear from you again. Sounds like you had fun.

I have a favor to ask of you. Went yesterday for my blood work test results and was disappointed. The number was up, so we are doing the test again and will get the results tomorrow. It is still in the "normal" range, but this is the way my recurrence came about too, just numbers creeping up. I am very nervous and scared.
Glenda

Hi Glenda I don't know exactly how those numbers you are talking about work, or even what they indicate. The fact that the numbers are in the NORMAL range must be GOOD. Can other things affect the numbers....like diet, stress, colds or stuff like that?
Have you had a chance to speak with your doctor yet or will you just wait until you get the results tomorrow? Really I just want you to know that I am thinking about you, and try not to be scared. I just re-read what I typed and it doesn't seem to say what I wanted it to. I am the world's biggest hugger and I do that really well, so if you were here with me now I would give you a big tight hug. Let's pretend that I did. :):love:

Every woman could have a CA-125 test. It is a tumor marker for ovarian cancer, but it isn't useful unless you have had the disease. Then you want the number to stay under 35. Mine has been consistently 4, 5, 6, or 7. So when it goes to 12 with me, it can mean some bad activity. It is still in the normal range, but just suspicious. Will let you know how the next one does. Thanks. That hug felt good. Glenda

G'day all,

Heaps of positive vibes from 'down under' as well Glenda, I agree with everything Slavika said but I can understand your concern.

Slavika I am not at all familiar with AOL, so cannot shed any light on your friend's problem. I agree it cannot be that difficult. In my experience I always seem to make the problem greater than what it is and dismiss the simplest solution as being just too simple. Invariable that is exactly the solution:dizzy: :D

Peggy I eat bread with soy and linseed, which is supposed to be really good for the mature lady ;) it taste great, just like a multi-grain bread. The only difference is that it goes stale a bit quicker than other breads.

I received the following in an email this morning and thought I would share
My husband and I divorced over religious differences. He thought he was God and I didn't!
>
> I don't suffer from insanity. I enjoy every minute of it.
>
> I work hard because millions on welfare depend on me!
>
> Some people are alive only because it's illegal to kill them.
>
> I used to have a handle on life, but it broke.
>
> Dont' take life too seriously, you won't get out alive.
>
> You're just jealous because the voices only talk to me.
>
> Beauty is in the eye of the beer holder.
>
> EARTH IS THE INSANE ASYLUM FOR THE UNIVERSE....(this is good!)
>
> Quoting one is plagiarism; quoting many is research.
>
> Out of my mind. Back in five minutes!
>
> God must love stupid people, he made so many.....
>
> The gene pool could use a little chlorine.
>
> Consciousness: that annoying time between naps.
>
> Ever stop to think, and forget to start again?
>
> Wrinkled was not one of the things I wanted to be when I grew up....
>
> Rehab is for quitters.
>
> My dog can lick anyone...
>
> Finally 21, and legally able to do everything I've been doing since I was
> 15...
>
> A hangover is the wrath of grapes..
>
> Stupidity is not a handicap - park elsewhere!
>
> They call it PMS because Mad Cow Disease was already taken.
>
> He who dies with the most toys is nonetheless dead..
>
> "Police Station toilet stolen" .....Cops have nothing to go on.
>
> The meek shall inherit the earth, after we're thru with it.
>
> Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana (get itttttt?)
>
> HAM AND EGGS - a day's work for a chicken, a lifetime commitment for a
> pig.
>


Have a great day,
Cheers
Maria

Glenda: A hug from here too, and also a prayer that the numbers will turn out to be okay. Sometimes labs make mistakes.

Maria: Great fun. Thanks. I can identify with the item about wrinkles. That wasn't in my plan either. I much prefer to look at myself in the mirror without my glasses on. :lol: :lol:

Peggy: Try some of the Boca burgers. They are soy. Also they make a great Pizza(Boca Pizza) pepperoni or sausage, but it is soy, not meat. And tasty. My DH really likes them. I also use soy cheese quite often. There is also a soy product for menopause symptoms, but can't remember the name of it right now. I have not tried soy milk, but have heard it is okay.

Karen: What is the subject for this week. I have to weigh in on Sat. I have lost 1 lb. since I got home. I have started exercising again, and that sure does make a difference. I couldn't exercise much at all while we were away.

Trudi: How are things with you?

Slavika: Have you solved the computer problem? I use Internet explorer for my email. If I get an attachment, I click on the paper cilip and usually it opens right up. But if it is a forward, I sometimes have to right click on it, again in order to open it.

We are slowly getting things settled, but still a ways to go. I found some wonderful Magnolia Swags to put over the doors. One of my favoite flowers. Still want to put a small shelf in the bathroom and also a small mirror. Our master bathroom has two
areas. I want the shelf and mirror in the shower area. Time will tell.

Good night all. :yawn: :wave: Ann

I just got a phonecall from my doctor with the newest test. It was down from a 12 to a 9. That is still higher than normal, but I am so relieved. We will test again in 6 weeks, but for now I don't have to think about it until Sept. 4th. Yea! I asked the doc if stress could affect it, and they really don't know, but if it could, that is what happened. My job has been nothing but stress.
Thanks for the hugs and prayers. Glenda

just quickly checking the board before going to my chiro.
Great news Glenda, bet you feel relieved:)
Now make sure you don't think about it until Sept 4!!!

Gotta go
Maria

:wave:
Hi Everybody

Glenda excellent news. You are well within the normal range so try not to think about it again until they do the test again on September 4th. :) :)

Being diabetic, I check my blood sugar levels every day. Sometimes, I check it, and then I re-check, and without fail I will get a different number.....not by much, but a little. When I saw the doctor this last time my blood pressure was up a little (in the normal range, but up). He said maybe I was worried about coming off estrogen, or it could be because I am still carrying those extra pounds I gained on my winter holiday, lots of different things. Anyway, yesterday when I was at the drugstore I tested it on one of those machines you stick your arm in. I tested it 3 times, and got different figures each time. :( Who knows why??

I got an e-mail from my friend and she said that they solved the problem about attachments. She said she has to use a "download feature" to accomplish this. I'm not sure what she meant, but I guess it's working. :) Thanks all for your input.

Slavika: I know nothing about AOL mail. There is nothing to shut off. Glad she figured it out. AOL must be really different than what I have ever seen :)


Glenda: So glad to hear it was good news. {{{{{Hugs}}}}}}

Maria: Got to love those kids dont you? 12 CDs is alot! Loved the sayings! To funny!

Peggy: Soy, like Ann said Boca is great! They make just about everything. Love there sausages, taste to me like Polish sausage. Also Luna Bars have soy. There are even Soy Crisps (potato chips) that are pretty good. Spend some time in the health food asile at your store you will find alot.

http://www.bocaburger.com/
http://www.lunabar.com/
http://www.genisoy.com/

Ann: I love Magnolias. That swag sounds beautiful!

Been busy as usual. Spend way to much time working. Even for WW lately. Seems Im never home anymore. ALAS.......

Best get some sleep.

Night all!

Glenda glad your numbers dropped. I know how worried you must have been.
Ann The topic this week has been my least favorit part of Weight Watchers. Activity Yuk! I do it but I hate it. Don't like to sweat!!!! And all my members know this. So I've been doing my own thing this week,and it's been more fun we do talk a bit about the activity but not the whole meeting.
Lily are your community meetings turning into Traditional meetings in the fall. We are have a big change over here in the central states. I only do traditional meetings . But some leaders only do Community and At Work they have to all be retrained because the paper work is all different. What Fun!
Got to go just couldn't resist posting a quick one.
Karen

Glenda I am sending you a late hug. I am so glad the numbers came down. Who knows why these things happen. I would imagine some of the stress from your work would have something to do with it. Stay calm and forget about it till the next time. I am going to lunch today with 2 old high school friends. I'll be back later. Peggy

Yay Glenda. Glad your numbers came down. No more worry! Not even in September. Okay? Worry just makes us feel bad and doesnt accomplish much else.

More another time, as we have to go for our morning walk before it gets too hot. Ann

Karen: Not that I have heard. Maybe your Community meetings are getting to large? We really dont have that many of them. And the ones we do have are in way out places where they needed. I only do Traditional ones myself. Also maybe something will be said about it at our staff meeting next month.

All,

Onto the next thread.
See you there

Maria