A list of things for discussion this month. Raging rivers, themed dinners, tubular furniture and adjusting your ideas to your budget. Plus why I f**king HATE Connections and HRT options post cancer.
Ha yes that was a good day for him! Yes - sometimes it’s hard as they’re US based links but I still find even the non US links hard! My brain doesn’t work that way. I need a game plan of some description but I haven’t worked that out yet 😂
Your reference to connections made me smile - every morning, before we get up, me and Andy do connections, Wordle, Quordle classic and Quordle extreme. He also does worldle and flagle - yes, he's a nerd!
Some of the connections are so tenuous and also so American - stick with it - you'll become addicted. My Wordle starter word is always based on what I'm seeing, thinking or feeling - got it in one the one day when it was "rainy" 😊
I haven’t even heard of half of these! Andy is hardcore 🙌🏻 I’ve never got it in one - changing your first word daily! That’s brave, maybe I should do this 🤔 happy weekend Deborah x
So with you on house dreams vs budget. I wanted to take out one corner of the living room and replace it with a glass wall as that would be the best view of the garden. My builder (who was lovely) just laughed at me, knowing full well what my budget was and how we’d already squeezed every last drop out of it. So new patio doors it was. But I have just had the garden completely re-done so the view has improved enormously!
Everything just costs so much doesn’t it! Ah amazing - just in time for the summer too 🪴 Yes, I feel like my plans get smaller daily 😂 but it does make me prioritise and also I’ve a separate list for things that I will do next year - one step at a time!
So much. Plus new ideas sprout in our minds all the time don’t they?! And thank you, I’ve struggled with my weird garden for 10 years now and am so glad I’ve taken the plunge, despite the eye-watering cost. I could not be more thrilled and who needs a pension pot anyway (😭).
100% with you on both Connections and HRT post breast cancer. It's the brain fog and hot flushes for me. Would be interested to know how you get on with the anti depressant.... maybe if I cure my brain fog I'll be better at Connections?! (I won't be because it is actually stupid - I have a 41% win rate so you're better than me!!)
I’ll report back. Ella is doing a medical degree and according to her it takes six weeks to kick in. And arghhh connections 😂 I can’t stop myself doing it though! It’s like torture 😂
Ah would have love to have kept them but we are much tighter for space so we need it for other things. But fear not - we took it apart and it’s just been collected by a social initiative for woodworking workshops and they’re going to use it for their students. Circle of life 💫
I don’t want to add to your worries, but PLEASE PLEASE remind Leo and his friends to beware of water- under currents and cold water shock. We had the police in our village yesterday afternoon as tragically a young man drowned just upriver. So shocking. The river is incredibly low but there are deep pools, currents, cold water and people just underestimate it. My own kids spent every summer at the river and it is a great way to have fun.
I dropped water off to the group of young people and adults waiting for hours for news whilst the emergency services looked in the river. Tragic. Cried my eyes out last night xx
I haven’t yet tried Wordle - something about people’s obsession with it unnerved me!! Says the woman who before getting up this morning spent 20 minutes doing Wordscapes puzzles, so I guess I have my own obsession😆
I think you’re very wise about not going over the top with house renovations - I think once you have the kitchen designed and styled the way you want it, the dream of a glass roof will recede! I am still puzzling over what to do about my minuscule windowless box off the dining area kitchen, but have moderated my initial thinking as I’ve made some modifications which make it better. It is going to be a design dilemma for you soon though 😍
Yes I agree - I was full of inspiration but then reality took hold! Wordle is good Judy, try it! And yes send over your dilemma I am here to help 💫 have a super weekend x
Connections - I am now good at it (unless the link is US sports things) but it took months of staring at it in complete bafflement and rage. Don't give up!
Dr Louise Newson, insta @menopause_doctor has some very interesting information and perspectives on her you tube regarding HRT after BC (all types). Obviously it's a very personal choice depending on your own experience, risk, fears etc but it's definitely worth a listen as she and many doctors are now coming around to shared descion making on HRT after BC, why shouldn't we have the choice and own the risk? There isn't any up to date research to say HRT contributes to BC recurrance. I take HRT, have strong family history and am waiting for a biopsy after a recent mammogram. I wouldnt want to give up the HRT as I'm more terrified of osteoporosis, dementia and quality of life (I'm a carer for my daughter) my mum had years of truly awful pain and disability from osteoporosis which isn't treatable, but BC is. That's just my view, I understand other women will definitely not feel the same, but I do believe we should have the choice. x
Also Dani @menopauseandcancer on you tube has an excellent series on HRT after BC
It was my consultant’s view that debilitating symptoms of menopause vs the small risk of recurrence of BC from HRT was a case by case medical history decision and that women should absolutely have a choice if an option for them and it meant they got their life back by taking it in low doses. Sending best wishes for your tests x
This is very interesting. There is much to be said about being able to make these decisions yourself about your own body and health, especially if you are well informed and researched.
I started with Wordle but got bored so doing NYT Spelling Bee instead which is fun and I like to challenge my brain first thing in the morning. You can jumble up the letters which helps ‘see’ words but more fun than that is to hit ‘More’ and then ‘Community’ where lots of helpful people post clues to forming words from the letters of the day. Cheating? Well, maybe a bit. No-one posts the answers but the clues are often amusing. Try it. One day I’ll get to Genius level without using the clues. Oh, and it’s American spelling so it’s favor, not favour, which I always forget.
I start Wordle with same word every day and the same second word if no letters from the first guess!!! I lost my massive streak when on holiday last year and I was fuming which is ridiculous in the grand scheme of things!!! Never tried Connections, can only manage the Waitrose crossword so no hope completing a cryptic one!!! Hope you manage to get out of the cellar to enjoy some sunshine this weekend 😍
Hi Lisa, I’m also in the HRT banned clan, however I discussed with my consultant and she would approve Tibolone to be taken in the lowest dose for a short time. I did take it for a few weeks with no noticeable difference and decided it just wasn’t worth it after my sister was diagnosed with Endometrial Stromal Sarcoma not long after. Hot flushes and anxiety are also what bother me most. I take Magnesium 300mg, B12 and D3 and also collagen (Ancient & Brave). I definitely notice a spike in anxiety if I don’t take Magnesium. I’m going to try the Peppermint capsules, Creatine & Happy Mammoth. Thanks to you, Betty Sunshine and Sarah for the suggestions!x
I hadn’t heard of tibolone but I just googled and you’re right it comes with some fairly serious risks! I’ve been taking the Happy Mammoth for 24 days (one jar) and I am quite unsure as to whether it’s making a difference but I’m persevering. Magnesium definitely helps! I hope your sister is doing okay xx
Reading current advice on Tibolone it looks like it’s changed since it was offered to me. It was thought to be very low risk to women with breast cancer history and at the time HRT ‘misinformation’ had started to be big news. I’m so glad I didn’t continue with it! My sis is well, she just has the worry of MRI and CT scans every few months to check it isn’t rearing its ugly head elsewhere x
I’m in your no HRT gang, for the same reason. I started taking creatine and I’ve found that I’ve been a bit less brain foggy. (Not sure if that’s a word). I also take magnesium and collagen.
Ouch that’s a lot 😔 I have gone back on HRT after a break, as herbals just didn’t work for me . It’s worth asking for a referral to the menopause clinic at jimmy’s in Leeds . Even though your GP has a specialist, this is another level. They are amazing & obviously specialists in the field.
It’s beyond awful & unless you have been there or are there it’s hard to comprehend how difficult it can be 😔
I was lucky enough to get a GP referral , it’s an amazing service.
It’s also available via Spire Hospital if you are unable to access from York 😔 . When we moved to Vale of York from North Leeds area , I was able to stay in the service.
Honestly, I totally feel your both/and mother angst - 💯 get it!! Gah. And re (non-)HRT, I had this exact conversation with a dear friend on WhatsApp just last week, she mentioned sage as super helpful for flashes/nights - she can’t do the supplements which in addition have phytoestrogens in, for the same reason as you - but Vogel do tablets and drops? In case of vague interest. I’ve been back and forth myself with HRT, so totally understand, it is super hard. 💗💗💗💗
I too have had the same Wordle starting word since the lad first created the game for his GF and subsequently sold it to the NYT for $millions.
Remember, Connections is US based, so it’s natural it makes no sense to us sometimes!
Ha yes that was a good day for him! Yes - sometimes it’s hard as they’re US based links but I still find even the non US links hard! My brain doesn’t work that way. I need a game plan of some description but I haven’t worked that out yet 😂
Your reference to connections made me smile - every morning, before we get up, me and Andy do connections, Wordle, Quordle classic and Quordle extreme. He also does worldle and flagle - yes, he's a nerd!
Some of the connections are so tenuous and also so American - stick with it - you'll become addicted. My Wordle starter word is always based on what I'm seeing, thinking or feeling - got it in one the one day when it was "rainy" 😊
I haven’t even heard of half of these! Andy is hardcore 🙌🏻 I’ve never got it in one - changing your first word daily! That’s brave, maybe I should do this 🤔 happy weekend Deborah x
And you, Lisa x
So with you on house dreams vs budget. I wanted to take out one corner of the living room and replace it with a glass wall as that would be the best view of the garden. My builder (who was lovely) just laughed at me, knowing full well what my budget was and how we’d already squeezed every last drop out of it. So new patio doors it was. But I have just had the garden completely re-done so the view has improved enormously!
Everything just costs so much doesn’t it! Ah amazing - just in time for the summer too 🪴 Yes, I feel like my plans get smaller daily 😂 but it does make me prioritise and also I’ve a separate list for things that I will do next year - one step at a time!
So much. Plus new ideas sprout in our minds all the time don’t they?! And thank you, I’ve struggled with my weird garden for 10 years now and am so glad I’ve taken the plunge, despite the eye-watering cost. I could not be more thrilled and who needs a pension pot anyway (😭).
Haha I say this to Joe all the time 😂 and your garden will bring you so much joy it’s worth it xx
100% with you on both Connections and HRT post breast cancer. It's the brain fog and hot flushes for me. Would be interested to know how you get on with the anti depressant.... maybe if I cure my brain fog I'll be better at Connections?! (I won't be because it is actually stupid - I have a 41% win rate so you're better than me!!)
I’ll report back. Ella is doing a medical degree and according to her it takes six weeks to kick in. And arghhh connections 😂 I can’t stop myself doing it though! It’s like torture 😂
Love that you’re rethinking what needs to be done with your lovely new home.
Happy to hear you’re keeping the built-in wardrobe.
Might I suggest you save the bookcases upstairs too? It might not always stay a bedroom, and someday you might convert it to your sanctuary.
Ah would have love to have kept them but we are much tighter for space so we need it for other things. But fear not - we took it apart and it’s just been collected by a social initiative for woodworking workshops and they’re going to use it for their students. Circle of life 💫
I don’t want to add to your worries, but PLEASE PLEASE remind Leo and his friends to beware of water- under currents and cold water shock. We had the police in our village yesterday afternoon as tragically a young man drowned just upriver. So shocking. The river is incredibly low but there are deep pools, currents, cold water and people just underestimate it. My own kids spent every summer at the river and it is a great way to have fun.
I dropped water off to the group of young people and adults waiting for hours for news whilst the emergency services looked in the river. Tragic. Cried my eyes out last night xx
Omg yes this is exactly why I am so stressed about it. That’s horrific so so so sad poor family and poor boy ❤️❤️❤️
Thanks Lisa. My day wouldn’t be complete without a recreational rant about the obscurity of Connections in our family ‘NYT games’ chat!
Ha! I like trying to make my brain work first thing in the morning but I struggle 😂
I do hope the fluoxetine works for you.
I haven’t yet tried Wordle - something about people’s obsession with it unnerved me!! Says the woman who before getting up this morning spent 20 minutes doing Wordscapes puzzles, so I guess I have my own obsession😆
I think you’re very wise about not going over the top with house renovations - I think once you have the kitchen designed and styled the way you want it, the dream of a glass roof will recede! I am still puzzling over what to do about my minuscule windowless box off the dining area kitchen, but have moderated my initial thinking as I’ve made some modifications which make it better. It is going to be a design dilemma for you soon though 😍
Yes I agree - I was full of inspiration but then reality took hold! Wordle is good Judy, try it! And yes send over your dilemma I am here to help 💫 have a super weekend x
Connections - I am now good at it (unless the link is US sports things) but it took months of staring at it in complete bafflement and rage. Don't give up!
Having said that I can't get past the yellow today so IGNORE ME.
I have been doing it alongside wordle for probably three months and today I didn’t get a single line 😑 Just an outrage.
Dr Louise Newson, insta @menopause_doctor has some very interesting information and perspectives on her you tube regarding HRT after BC (all types). Obviously it's a very personal choice depending on your own experience, risk, fears etc but it's definitely worth a listen as she and many doctors are now coming around to shared descion making on HRT after BC, why shouldn't we have the choice and own the risk? There isn't any up to date research to say HRT contributes to BC recurrance. I take HRT, have strong family history and am waiting for a biopsy after a recent mammogram. I wouldnt want to give up the HRT as I'm more terrified of osteoporosis, dementia and quality of life (I'm a carer for my daughter) my mum had years of truly awful pain and disability from osteoporosis which isn't treatable, but BC is. That's just my view, I understand other women will definitely not feel the same, but I do believe we should have the choice. x
Also Dani @menopauseandcancer on you tube has an excellent series on HRT after BC
It was my consultant’s view that debilitating symptoms of menopause vs the small risk of recurrence of BC from HRT was a case by case medical history decision and that women should absolutely have a choice if an option for them and it meant they got their life back by taking it in low doses. Sending best wishes for your tests x
Sounds like a good consultant Claire. Thank you 🤞🏻 All the best to you
This is very interesting. There is much to be said about being able to make these decisions yourself about your own body and health, especially if you are well informed and researched.
This is super interesting - am going to go and find both of those now. Thank you Kay! And hope the biopsy goes okay. X
Thank you x
I started with Wordle but got bored so doing NYT Spelling Bee instead which is fun and I like to challenge my brain first thing in the morning. You can jumble up the letters which helps ‘see’ words but more fun than that is to hit ‘More’ and then ‘Community’ where lots of helpful people post clues to forming words from the letters of the day. Cheating? Well, maybe a bit. No-one posts the answers but the clues are often amusing. Try it. One day I’ll get to Genius level without using the clues. Oh, and it’s American spelling so it’s favor, not favour, which I always forget.
I don’t know that one am going to find it! And that doesn’t sound like cheating to me, just a clue 😂 happy weekend Tricia xx
I start Wordle with same word every day and the same second word if no letters from the first guess!!! I lost my massive streak when on holiday last year and I was fuming which is ridiculous in the grand scheme of things!!! Never tried Connections, can only manage the Waitrose crossword so no hope completing a cryptic one!!! Hope you manage to get out of the cellar to enjoy some sunshine this weekend 😍
Connections is hell. Am about to get up and attack the cellar now 😭 have a lovely weekend Shiralee! Xx
Hi Lisa, I’m also in the HRT banned clan, however I discussed with my consultant and she would approve Tibolone to be taken in the lowest dose for a short time. I did take it for a few weeks with no noticeable difference and decided it just wasn’t worth it after my sister was diagnosed with Endometrial Stromal Sarcoma not long after. Hot flushes and anxiety are also what bother me most. I take Magnesium 300mg, B12 and D3 and also collagen (Ancient & Brave). I definitely notice a spike in anxiety if I don’t take Magnesium. I’m going to try the Peppermint capsules, Creatine & Happy Mammoth. Thanks to you, Betty Sunshine and Sarah for the suggestions!x
I hadn’t heard of tibolone but I just googled and you’re right it comes with some fairly serious risks! I’ve been taking the Happy Mammoth for 24 days (one jar) and I am quite unsure as to whether it’s making a difference but I’m persevering. Magnesium definitely helps! I hope your sister is doing okay xx
Reading current advice on Tibolone it looks like it’s changed since it was offered to me. It was thought to be very low risk to women with breast cancer history and at the time HRT ‘misinformation’ had started to be big news. I’m so glad I didn’t continue with it! My sis is well, she just has the worry of MRI and CT scans every few months to check it isn’t rearing its ugly head elsewhere x
I’m in your no HRT gang, for the same reason. I started taking creatine and I’ve found that I’ve been a bit less brain foggy. (Not sure if that’s a word). I also take magnesium and collagen.
Oh that’s interesting! Creatine is new to me I’ll google thank you.
I take the gummies as I prefer them!
Ooh okay onit 👌🏻
Hopefully that worked
Yes! Thank you so much Sarah x
Hello, which creatine gummies do you take please I’m really interested in trying it but not sure where to start! 🙂
Currently taking these from Amazon. Recommended by my PT.
*runs to amazon 💪🏻
Same! 🤣 🏃🏼♀️
Thanks Sarah, I can’t see them but maybe the link isn’t allowed on here? x 🤔
I’ve sent the picture to you Victoria
Weirdly I can see the picture in my notifications but not on the comments!
https://amzn.eu/d/6ThEOWL
Have you looked at Happy Mammoth
Yes I’m taking that! Three a day! On top of peppermint capsules, magnesium and hair strengthening pills 😐😂
Ouch that’s a lot 😔 I have gone back on HRT after a break, as herbals just didn’t work for me . It’s worth asking for a referral to the menopause clinic at jimmy’s in Leeds . Even though your GP has a specialist, this is another level. They are amazing & obviously specialists in the field.
It’s beyond awful & unless you have been there or are there it’s hard to comprehend how difficult it can be 😔
I’m going to investigate that thank you so much for this info xx and yes it’s quite vile.
https://www.mymenopausecentre.com/our-team/
❤️❤️
I was lucky enough to get a GP referral , it’s an amazing service.
It’s also available via Spire Hospital if you are unable to access from York 😔 . When we moved to Vale of York from North Leeds area , I was able to stay in the service.
Hope this helps 🥰
Oh this is brilliant info thank you Betty - I’m going to investigate xx
Hi which Happy Mammoth
Supplements do you take please? 🙂
Hormone harmony xx
Thank you 🙏x
I also used this and it helped to a point, especially with digestive issues. Sadly it didn’t help hot flashes and joint pain for me 😔
Yes I think the combo of this and the peppermint has totally helped with bloating
Honestly, I totally feel your both/and mother angst - 💯 get it!! Gah. And re (non-)HRT, I had this exact conversation with a dear friend on WhatsApp just last week, she mentioned sage as super helpful for flashes/nights - she can’t do the supplements which in addition have phytoestrogens in, for the same reason as you - but Vogel do tablets and drops? In case of vague interest. I’ve been back and forth myself with HRT, so totally understand, it is super hard. 💗💗💗💗