~ Illness in friends .... ~

Posted by Barb @amberpep, Mar 23, 2022

Hi all .... Sometimes I guess we are reminded of our ages, even though we don't feel it. I have two friends who have become ill within the passed several months. My closest friend, in MD (I'm now in VA) first had bladder cancer, had major surgery, and now must wear a bag. She also took chemo. for a period of time. Well, about 8 months later we began to notice she was getting out of breath much quicker than normal .... turns out she has pulmonary lung disease and must use oxygen almost 24/7. In reading the Mayo site apparently it "can" be brought on by chemo. So now she's left her home, is living in a tiny apartment until her daughter and her husband can fix up part of their house for her. Another friend, who I know from here (supposed senior apartment) has had pain in the lower left quadrant of her abdomen. Turns out she has "stones" ... I imaging gallstones, and her intestines are very thin. I'm not sure what all that means by shes on pain meds. and two of the doctors are going to discuss it and decide what to do. Wow .... that really hits one in the head like a load of bricks, and I again realize ... yep .... I'm getting older too, even though I don't feel like it.
Barb (abby)

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destincindy | @destincindy | Mar 24, 2022

My good friend tells me that
aging is a privilege and I remind myself everyday. Have a blessed day

Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Mar 24, 2022

@amberpep Hi Barb,

Yes, aging is all around us, I understand how you feel. I have friends, close to my age, who are in assisted living/nursing homes as well as hospice care. I'm very sobered when I visit them and leave their facility. It really makes me realize my mortality as well. I have a feeling that's what you are thinking, Barb.

I just love what @destincindy posted that "aging is a privilege" and unfortunately, not everyone gets that privilege. I also think of friends who died in their 50's and 60's.

So from here on out, I'll remind myself that "aging is a privilege" and I'll smile!!

alive | @alive | Mar 24, 2022

I am one of those “friends” who was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia at the age of 50. Six years later I reflect on my leukemia journey. I am very grateful to be alive, but I am dealing with a lot of health issues now. I choose to focus on what I still can do and not on what I can’t do. Living to the fullest is the key to positive aging for me.

Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Mar 24, 2022

In reply to @alive "I am one of those “friends” who was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia at the age..." + (show)

Well said, @alive. What brings you the most satisfaction at this time in your life?

alive | @alive | Mar 24, 2022

In reply to @hopeful33250 "Well said, @alive. What brings you the most satisfaction at this time in your life?" + (show)

What makes my life full is my faith in God, my family and friends, my job, moving to a warm climate from the cold Midwest, good doctors, art, reading, swimming. That’s not all, but I am grateful for so many things!

Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Mar 24, 2022

In reply to @alive "What makes my life full is my faith in God, my family and friends, my job,..." + (show)

You have definitely found some "sweet spots" in life, @alive! You sound as if you make the most of life and I'm inspired by reading your posts!

Barb | @amberpep | Apr 12, 2022

Yes, you all definitely have been enjoying your lives to the fullest. I too am a Christian, but even after 5 years have not been able to get settled in a church. I am Western Orthodox (not Eastern) and I did go to a start-up Western Ortho. Church for about 9 months. I loved my church in MD and I guess I had hoped for the same things ... unrealistic I know. Well after 9 month I left. Instead of feeling peace and joy in my heart when I left the AM service, I felt like I'd been to a wake. So, I'm still praying about that. Barb

Barb | @amberpep | May 5, 2022

You all are so very positive and up-beat. Interestingly, that got me thinking .... I used to be that same way .... when I moved from MD to VA, life totally changed ..... I guess I felt MD, and my condo. were my "nest." I was writing, learning to play the Celtic Harp, and had a garden on my balcony. I think living here .... what is supposed to be a senior community, I expected more "life." There are a few of us, but a lot of the people here (95% women) should be in either Assisted Living or a few even in a Nursing Home. Dealing with depression myself, that is not helpful. I'm nice to everyone, helpful, talk with everyone, but they have no idea what is going on inside. But, financially, I cannot afford to move. I think I will pull out my folders of writings, and try getting back to that. Barb

alive | @alive | May 6, 2022

In reply to @amberpep "You all are so very positive and up-beat. Interestingly, that got me thinking .... I used..." + (show)

I’m sorry to hear that moving to a senior community didn’t result in making meaningful friendships and becoming part of a community. Are you able to organize activities that you enjoy which will bring out like minded people? Maybe a book club or a short story writing club? It may bring out a few like minded people which will make a difference for you.

davej | @davej | May 6, 2022

In reply to @amberpep "You all are so very positive and up-beat. Interestingly, that got me thinking .... I used..." + (show)

Hi barb my name is dave and I read your post and then my feelings were exactly like alive posted. This may sound odd but sometimes you have to think outside the box, for example you have a writing assignment which is to write down everything you enjoy. This is the odd and outside the box part after looking at your list go on to Craig's list in the activities section and type in some of your activities and see what comes up. You may find others are looking for same thing as you are. Good luck dave