Getting Older-Reflections

icemantoo
icemantoo Member Posts: 3,361 Member
in Kidney Cancer #1

I turned 71 today. Next week will be 12 years from ny NEPH and 12 years and 2 months from its discovery. I have not had a CT in about 7 years, just Utrasounds although I am scheduled for a CT (hopefully the last one) tomorrow. In the last year other issues have replaced any concern about RCC. Ihave Stage 3 Chronic Kidney Diseae (as do most of you over 65 with 1 kidney). I am borderline diabetic. I have an enlarged Prostate. I have pre-cancerous polups in my Colon. I have Gerd and Barretts esophogas. I am fatigued all the time. We cancelled a Carabbean Cruise last February becuse of issues related to the GERD (since resolved).

 

On the positive side I recently lost 35 pounds in the past few months. My BP has been normal or below for the last year or more. I am taking half the medications I was taking 6 months ago. My Cardiologist does not want to see me for another year. The olsdest of 5 grandchildren starts college in 2 months (Emory) to be followed by one more in college each of the next 3 years. My youngest of 5 grandchildren has her Bar Mitzvah this fall. I am taking my wife (Icewoman or Susie as she likes to be called) to Aruba in November for her 70th birthday.

All in all things could be better or worse, but I try to make the best of what life throws at me.

Stand by for my reflections when I turn 75 and 80.

 

Icemantoo

Comments

  • APny
    APny Member Posts: 1,995 Member
    #2
    Happy Birthday, Iceman, and

    Happy Birthday, Iceman, and yes, these "golden years" can seem a bit tarnished at times but it's great when the positives outweigh the negatives. Best of everything to you!

  • GSRon
    GSRon Member Posts: 1,303 Member
    #3
    APny said:

    Happy Birthday, Iceman, and

    Happy Birthday, Iceman, and yes, these "golden years" can seem a bit tarnished at times but it's great when the positives outweigh the negatives. Best of everything to you!

    Happy Birthday Ice Guy, and

    Happy Birthday Ice Guy, and congrats..!!  Guess I am not the only one that found out about their Cancer near their birthday...  Oh and a cheerie hello to Ice Girl for putting up with you..!  Cool

    Ron 

  • donna_lee
    donna_lee Member Posts: 1,045 Member
    #4
    GSRon said:

    Happy Birthday Ice Guy, and

    Happy Birthday Ice Guy, and congrats..!!  Guess I am not the only one that found out about their Cancer near their birthday...  Oh and a cheerie hello to Ice Girl for putting up with you..!  Cool

    Ron 

    Welcome to 71

    Ain't it tough to get older?  About the only thing I can't brag about is having prostate problems.

    I do have a question?  Why were you told you had CKD?  I attended a recent workshop put on the Dialysis clinic andDiabetic Nurse Educators here.  When I compared the fact that I had one kidney due to cancer/nephrectomy to the blood work levels for CKD, the nurse said I should not call it CKD.  But that I just had one kidney.  Evidently, there is a fine medical line that is drawn for diagnostic purposes and the labeling of patient problems and needs.

    That's not to say that at some time, the eGFR/creatinine levels don't get skewed and dialysis would not be required; but I don't have the CKD Dx on my list of diagnoses.

    I'd say celebrate with a good drink, but if you're like me, too many of your bottles of meds say "do not drink alcohol while on this medication."

    Cheers to 71, and many more.

    Donna

     

  • aamdsi
    aamdsi Member Posts: 284
    #5
    A very very merry day to you!

     

    May life continue tp be full of events to celebrate with cheer!

    Sounds as if the coming months sure will be - Aruba?  How wonderful!  Nov. happens to be a grey and bleak month here - thought of sun and sand ....8-)

    Now go do something wicked on your special day!

  • Jojo61
    Jojo61 Member Posts: 1,309 Member
    #6
    aamdsi said:

    A very very merry day to you!

     

    May life continue tp be full of events to celebrate with cheer!

    Sounds as if the coming months sure will be - Aruba?  How wonderful!  Nov. happens to be a grey and bleak month here - thought of sun and sand ....8-)

    Now go do something wicked on your special day!

    Happy Birthday, Iceman!

    And many more to come! So glad to see that you don't forget to count your blessings in spite of the challenges with your health. That is so great.

    And even better is Aruba for your wife's 70th!

    Enjoy your day!

    Hugs,

    Jojo

  • Karen0074
    Karen0074 Member Posts: 64
    #7
    Jojo61 said:

    Happy Birthday, Iceman!

    And many more to come! So glad to see that you don't forget to count your blessings in spite of the challenges with your health. That is so great.

    And even better is Aruba for your wife's 70th!

    Enjoy your day!

    Hugs,

    Jojo

    Happy birthday

    Happy birthday Icemantoo, you are living life to the full. Enjoy all the lovely things comming up, you deserve it.

     

    Karen x

     

  • avdoty
    avdoty Member Posts: 62
    #8
    Jojo61 said:

    Happy Birthday, Iceman!

    And many more to come! So glad to see that you don't forget to count your blessings in spite of the challenges with your health. That is so great.

    And even better is Aruba for your wife's 70th!

    Enjoy your day!

    Hugs,

    Jojo

    Happy Birthday!

    Health issues aside, you've got some great things going on.  Wishing you the best. 

  • foxhd
    foxhd Member Posts: 3,181 Member
    #9
    avdoty said:

    Happy Birthday!

    Health issues aside, you've got some great things going on.  Wishing you the best. 

    Funny stuff

    Old people complaints always make me laugh a little. Who woulda hava thunk it?  I thought we all believed in Peter Pan. Happy Birthday and many more my friend.

  • dhs1963
    dhs1963 Member Posts: 513
    #10
    Getting old....

    Getting old sucks, but it beats the alternative.  I only hope to make it to 71.  Today, I was talking to someone about my house.... He asked if I plan to die in it?  I said, nah...I will move in 15 years....then thought for a minute, and said I hope I don't die here....

     

  • Terry T
    Terry T Member Posts: 42
    #11
    Happy Birthday

    ...and thanks for all your contributions out here.  I know you have helped me a ton.  And have fun in the sun in Aruba (but use sunscreen!) Cool

  • Srashedb
    Srashedb Member Posts: 482 Member
    #12
    Happy belated

    Happy belated 71st birthday to you.... and, many more. When I was dx with breast cancer, I vowed to never complain about aging. I recall seeing old people walking with canes or in wheelchairs and thinking how lucky they were for the gift of years. 22 years later, that is still my vow and with two granddaughters and a grandson on the way, I am beyond grateful.

    Many friends have passed away from cancer of different types and it hurts to know they missed their kids' marriages and grandchildren so buck up, sir! 71 is a gift.

    Sarah

  • a_oaklee
    a_oaklee Member Posts: 566 Member
    #13
    Happy Belated Birthday!  I

    Happy Belated Birthday!  I guess I'm a bit late to the party.  I think you definitely have alot to be thankful for and I am looking forward to hearing from you at 75 and 80.  Take care.

    Annie

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