Chris Loehmer Kincaid's Blog, page 90
January 11, 2019
Flashback Friday - 8mm movie stills
If you read Sunday’s post, you may remember that I promised you the story behind the picture I posted.A few years before I was born, my parents got an 8mm movie camera. Which means, that as I’ve been going through the box of old pictures of my mom’s, I’m finding a ton of faded photos of my brother and oldest sister. By the time my other sister and I had come along, my parents were so in to using the movie camera, that they didn’t take nearly as many snapshots.
A few months ago, I ran across an ad for an online place that “preserves your family memories”. I did some research and opted to “preserve my family memories” locally. The woman has done an okay job putting those 8mm reels onto CDs, and I’m not going to complain. The movies are fifty-plus years old, after all. I just can’t get them from the CD onto my computer so I can edit them. But for now, I can improvise. And get misty eyed.
My sister Pat and I.
Pat and I with our paternal grandma.
With Dad, in matching sweaters that Mom probably knit for us. We had a nauseatingly lot of matching outfits.
January 9, 2019
Coming to the Clinic – Part 8 - The Bottom Line
My goodness, it has been since the end of August that I have added to this series. About time I get back to it.
Today we are going to discuss one those places no man or woman ever wants to go. Or wants their doctor to go. But it’s not nearly as bad as you think. That place is your colon, a place where cancer may be lurking. And if it is, by the time you have symptoms (such as weight loss, blood in stool, change in stool, abdominal pain), it may be too late. So, if you are over 45 to 50 years old (or even 40 in high risk individuals), you need to take this seriously, and go get your colon checked.
There are a number of different tests which can do this. I’m going to outline the most common screening options for the majority of the population at average risk.
Colonoscopy
Colonoscopy is the gold standard in routine colon screening. It is the only colorectal cancer screening tool that is both diagnostic and therapeutic. Not only does colonoscopy perform a complete evaluation of the colon, if any precancerous growths (called polyps) are found, they can usually be removed right away. If anything else looks abnormal, a biopsy can be done. Because this is such a thorough exam, it only needs to be done every ten years.
Having a colonoscopy requires a complete bowel prep the night before to cleanse the colon. Because you will be sedated, you need to take a day off work and will need a ride there and back home again. On very rare occasions, complications may occur such as a bowel perforation. Since it is a procedure, done in your doctor’s office or hospital, it is more expensive, but when used as a screening tool, most insurance carriers cover it.
Fecal immunochemical testing or FIT
FIT is probably the easiest way to check for colorectal cancer and is totally non-invasive. FIT detects tiny amounts of blood in the stool that could be a sign of cancer or large polyps. You get a simple kit from your doctor’s office, put a small amount of your stool into the kit and return it to your doctor’s office or the lab. There’s very little prep, it’s inexpensive and you don’t have to take time off from work. However, FIT is not as effective as colonoscopy at finding cancer or polyps, so it needs to be done every year. Also, if your result comes back positive, you will still need to have a colonoscopy. FIT has a false positive rate of about 5 percent, often times caused by ulcers or hemorrhoids.
Cologuard or FIT-Fecal DNA Test
This test is the newest in the battery of colon screening tools. It checks for both blood and DNA markers, which can be a sign of cancer or pre-cancerous growths. It is non-invasive and done in the comfort of your home. After your healthcare provider orders the test, a kit is shipped directly to your home with instructions explaining how to complete the test. After collecting your stool sample, the kit is sent directly to a laboratory for processing and analysis. The test should be repeated every three years.
No special diet or bowel prep is required for a stool DNA test. However, if the test does show a possible cancer or pre-cancer, you would need a colonoscopy.
Here is something to keep in mind with both the Cologuard and the FIT test. As already mentioned, a routine screening colonoscopy is covered by most insurance carriers every ten years. The Cologuard and FIT test are also usually covered, but if either one of them comes back positive and you need to move onto the colonoscopy, it is no longer considered screening. It will be considered a diagnostic test and most insurance companies will no longer pay for it. It sounds like a scam, but I’m giving you the inside scoop here, both literally and figuratively.
Bottom Line (also literally and figuratively)
When colorectal cancer is found early, before it has spread, the 5-year relative survival rate is 90%. This means 9 out of 10 people with early-stage cancer survive at least 5 years. But if the cancer has had a chance to spread outside the colon or rectum, survival rates are lower. (American Cancer Society website)
So whichever screening tool you think would work best for you, talk to your healthcare provider, and then follow through. Next week: Which screen did I go with?
Just some random food from the coast of Kenya, coz I couldn't post a picture of what it looks like at the other end.
Today we are going to discuss one those places no man or woman ever wants to go. Or wants their doctor to go. But it’s not nearly as bad as you think. That place is your colon, a place where cancer may be lurking. And if it is, by the time you have symptoms (such as weight loss, blood in stool, change in stool, abdominal pain), it may be too late. So, if you are over 45 to 50 years old (or even 40 in high risk individuals), you need to take this seriously, and go get your colon checked.
There are a number of different tests which can do this. I’m going to outline the most common screening options for the majority of the population at average risk.
Colonoscopy
Colonoscopy is the gold standard in routine colon screening. It is the only colorectal cancer screening tool that is both diagnostic and therapeutic. Not only does colonoscopy perform a complete evaluation of the colon, if any precancerous growths (called polyps) are found, they can usually be removed right away. If anything else looks abnormal, a biopsy can be done. Because this is such a thorough exam, it only needs to be done every ten years.
Having a colonoscopy requires a complete bowel prep the night before to cleanse the colon. Because you will be sedated, you need to take a day off work and will need a ride there and back home again. On very rare occasions, complications may occur such as a bowel perforation. Since it is a procedure, done in your doctor’s office or hospital, it is more expensive, but when used as a screening tool, most insurance carriers cover it.
Fecal immunochemical testing or FIT
FIT is probably the easiest way to check for colorectal cancer and is totally non-invasive. FIT detects tiny amounts of blood in the stool that could be a sign of cancer or large polyps. You get a simple kit from your doctor’s office, put a small amount of your stool into the kit and return it to your doctor’s office or the lab. There’s very little prep, it’s inexpensive and you don’t have to take time off from work. However, FIT is not as effective as colonoscopy at finding cancer or polyps, so it needs to be done every year. Also, if your result comes back positive, you will still need to have a colonoscopy. FIT has a false positive rate of about 5 percent, often times caused by ulcers or hemorrhoids.
Cologuard or FIT-Fecal DNA Test
This test is the newest in the battery of colon screening tools. It checks for both blood and DNA markers, which can be a sign of cancer or pre-cancerous growths. It is non-invasive and done in the comfort of your home. After your healthcare provider orders the test, a kit is shipped directly to your home with instructions explaining how to complete the test. After collecting your stool sample, the kit is sent directly to a laboratory for processing and analysis. The test should be repeated every three years.
No special diet or bowel prep is required for a stool DNA test. However, if the test does show a possible cancer or pre-cancer, you would need a colonoscopy.
Here is something to keep in mind with both the Cologuard and the FIT test. As already mentioned, a routine screening colonoscopy is covered by most insurance carriers every ten years. The Cologuard and FIT test are also usually covered, but if either one of them comes back positive and you need to move onto the colonoscopy, it is no longer considered screening. It will be considered a diagnostic test and most insurance companies will no longer pay for it. It sounds like a scam, but I’m giving you the inside scoop here, both literally and figuratively.
Bottom Line (also literally and figuratively)
When colorectal cancer is found early, before it has spread, the 5-year relative survival rate is 90%. This means 9 out of 10 people with early-stage cancer survive at least 5 years. But if the cancer has had a chance to spread outside the colon or rectum, survival rates are lower. (American Cancer Society website)
So whichever screening tool you think would work best for you, talk to your healthcare provider, and then follow through. Next week: Which screen did I go with?
Just some random food from the coast of Kenya, coz I couldn't post a picture of what it looks like at the other end. January 6, 2019
Gift - Word of the Year 2019
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17 (New International Version)
It feels like a very long time since I wrote a Sunday inspirational post. Like, it’s been a year, right?
Speaking of the new year, I’ve been picking a Word of the Year for the last few years. I just looked it up, and it’s been an amazing five years. That’s five words. They have been Acceptance, Anticipation, Possibility, Peace, Purpose. I seem to have been leaning towards alliteration.
In addition to the Word, I find a Bible passage which goes along with it. From the verse above, perhaps I have chosen the word Perfect for 2019. Or it could be Above. No, of course not, stop being silly.
First, you may be asking yourself what I am even talking about. I don’t know when or how this first came about, but there has been a recent trend to choose a specific word to be your focus for the year. The word can be motivational, inspirational, calming, humorous (I guess, coz can’t everybody use a good laugh every day). But whatever word you choose, for whatever reason, you carry it around in your head each day, almost like a mantra.
Anyway, you can look it up online if you still don’t get the idea. But back to me.
The word I’ve chosen for 2019, or that has chosen me, is Gift. Not only to remind me that every where I look I see the countless gifts that God has showered upon me, but also so that I try to be a gift to someone else each day. Whether I spend time with a friend in need, buy something seemingly insignificant for a stranger, give away one of my prized possessions so that it can find a new home and a new heart. Whatever I encounter over the next year, let me offer the gifts I have available.
Give me a giving heart this year, Lord. Guide me in sharing my gifts. And as always, thank You, Father, for everything You have given to me. Amen.
There is a long story behind this picture. I'll try to share it soon. All I'll tell you now is this was one of my sister Pat's birthday parties and I'm sure she got gifts, so it fit the theme. But more so because Pat was the best gift that God gave to that little girl with the squinty face.
I have to add this update. Why did it totally slip my mind that today is the day we celebrate the visit of the Magi to Baby Jesus? The day they offered their gifts to the Christ Child? And here my blog post is about gifts. I have to call it another fail on my part and another wink from God.
It feels like a very long time since I wrote a Sunday inspirational post. Like, it’s been a year, right?
Speaking of the new year, I’ve been picking a Word of the Year for the last few years. I just looked it up, and it’s been an amazing five years. That’s five words. They have been Acceptance, Anticipation, Possibility, Peace, Purpose. I seem to have been leaning towards alliteration.
In addition to the Word, I find a Bible passage which goes along with it. From the verse above, perhaps I have chosen the word Perfect for 2019. Or it could be Above. No, of course not, stop being silly.
First, you may be asking yourself what I am even talking about. I don’t know when or how this first came about, but there has been a recent trend to choose a specific word to be your focus for the year. The word can be motivational, inspirational, calming, humorous (I guess, coz can’t everybody use a good laugh every day). But whatever word you choose, for whatever reason, you carry it around in your head each day, almost like a mantra.
Anyway, you can look it up online if you still don’t get the idea. But back to me.
The word I’ve chosen for 2019, or that has chosen me, is Gift. Not only to remind me that every where I look I see the countless gifts that God has showered upon me, but also so that I try to be a gift to someone else each day. Whether I spend time with a friend in need, buy something seemingly insignificant for a stranger, give away one of my prized possessions so that it can find a new home and a new heart. Whatever I encounter over the next year, let me offer the gifts I have available.
Give me a giving heart this year, Lord. Guide me in sharing my gifts. And as always, thank You, Father, for everything You have given to me. Amen.
There is a long story behind this picture. I'll try to share it soon. All I'll tell you now is this was one of my sister Pat's birthday parties and I'm sure she got gifts, so it fit the theme. But more so because Pat was the best gift that God gave to that little girl with the squinty face.I have to add this update. Why did it totally slip my mind that today is the day we celebrate the visit of the Magi to Baby Jesus? The day they offered their gifts to the Christ Child? And here my blog post is about gifts. I have to call it another fail on my part and another wink from God.
January 4, 2019
Things Can Only Get Better
I promise that I will get back on my three-days-a-week blogging schedule, but for today I’m keeping it short and sweet. As you may have heard, I’ve had another minor setback. If I told you all about it, this post would be anything but short and sweet. It would be the complete opposite and not for the faint-hearted. Let’s just say that I am thankful we have two bathrooms in our house and that Hubby and I can cross off our bucket list one more thing that every couple should do together.
(January 1, 10:00 pm. Me: I think it’s time. I have to get to the bathroom.Hubby: Me too.January 1, 11:20 pm. Me: I’m going in again. Hubby: Me too. January 2, 12:15 am. Me: I'm not gonna make it. [good thing I have a bucket.]Hubby no response as he is already in his bathroom.)
Yesterday morning he observed that we have been sick every day so far this year. Isn’t he a gem?
We are both much better today. I’m almost back to eating normally, Hubby not yet. I even somehow gained back one of the four pounds I lost in 24 hours. Things can only get better.
Let me end with a picture of one of my neighbors just hanging out in my backyard the day before New Year’s Eve.
(January 1, 10:00 pm. Me: I think it’s time. I have to get to the bathroom.Hubby: Me too.January 1, 11:20 pm. Me: I’m going in again. Hubby: Me too. January 2, 12:15 am. Me: I'm not gonna make it. [good thing I have a bucket.]Hubby no response as he is already in his bathroom.)
Yesterday morning he observed that we have been sick every day so far this year. Isn’t he a gem?
We are both much better today. I’m almost back to eating normally, Hubby not yet. I even somehow gained back one of the four pounds I lost in 24 hours. Things can only get better.
Let me end with a picture of one of my neighbors just hanging out in my backyard the day before New Year’s Eve.
January 1, 2019
2019 New's Year Day and where have I been?
I didn’t plan on taking nearly a full week off from blogging. Family is more important, not only over the Christmas holidays, but any time of year. House and home matter a lot too. So I’ve spent the last week chillin’, not writing here or on any other project, taking a lot of pictures though. Oh, and also scouring Ancestry.com to put together my family tree. Made the mistake last night of starting on my husband’s family tree, actually stayed up until after nine pm on New Year’s Eve.
But you don’t need to know any of that. You just want to see some of the pictures, right?
Once again, bought too many presents, this is just the tip of the iceberg.
I also, once again, had to raid the kitchen cupboard for boxes.
I may look festive, maybe too festitve, as in, have eaten too many cookies already.
Santa always looks festive, though, especially when he borrows a baby for a photo op.
Even more festive when he is delivering presents to his favorite doc.
Christmas Eve was more of a frenzy of opening presents.
The dogs think so too.
Christmas morning, chillin' after all the gifts are open.
All the puppies, that one chance at a good pic.
House guests for the weekend - the hubby's brother and his wife from Iowa.
My beautiful daughter and her family.
Dino doing his job.
And that's all folks. Have a Happy New Year.
But you don’t need to know any of that. You just want to see some of the pictures, right?
Once again, bought too many presents, this is just the tip of the iceberg.
I also, once again, had to raid the kitchen cupboard for boxes.
I may look festive, maybe too festitve, as in, have eaten too many cookies already.
Santa always looks festive, though, especially when he borrows a baby for a photo op.
Even more festive when he is delivering presents to his favorite doc.
Christmas Eve was more of a frenzy of opening presents.
The dogs think so too.
Christmas morning, chillin' after all the gifts are open.
All the puppies, that one chance at a good pic.
House guests for the weekend - the hubby's brother and his wife from Iowa.
My beautiful daughter and her family.
Dino doing his job.
And that's all folks. Have a Happy New Year.
December 26, 2018
Christmas 2018 Blog Post #11
And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. (Luke 2:4-7, King James Version)
Here it is the day after Christmas, and people are taking down their trees, claiming Christmas is over and they want to get back to their regular lives. I like to think that today is just the beginning of Christmas. Oh, there’s the whole anticipation-thing the month of December, but shouldn’t the real celebrating start after Jesus is born?
When I was a kid, Mom kept her King James Version of the Bible out on one of the end tables in the living room. During the Christmas season, we’d leave it open to Luke, chapter 2. Today’s picture is Dad and my sister Pat one Christmas, next to one of those end tables. Can’t see the Bible in the picture, but I bet it’s there.
Here it is the day after Christmas, and people are taking down their trees, claiming Christmas is over and they want to get back to their regular lives. I like to think that today is just the beginning of Christmas. Oh, there’s the whole anticipation-thing the month of December, but shouldn’t the real celebrating start after Jesus is born?
When I was a kid, Mom kept her King James Version of the Bible out on one of the end tables in the living room. During the Christmas season, we’d leave it open to Luke, chapter 2. Today’s picture is Dad and my sister Pat one Christmas, next to one of those end tables. Can’t see the Bible in the picture, but I bet it’s there.
December 23, 2018
Christmas 2018 Blog Post #10
"Be still and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10
At the beginning of each year, I pick a Bible verse which I to carry in my heart all year as a way to keep me centered on God and the life He would like me to live. The above verse was not the one I chose for 2018. Actually it was Proverbs 19:21, which reads, “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”
Guess what? The Lord’s plans prevailed again this year. He never intended that to be my Bible verse this year. Sometime in the spring “Be still and know that I am God” began to spring into my head on a regular basis. I began repeating it to myself when I couldn’t sleep at night. I even bought a water bottle with those words etched in it.
This whole month I have been sharing various Bible verses which remind me of the first Christmas and Jesus, our Savior, as a tiny Baby. When I read “be still”, I picture that choir of angels, those shepherds and their flocks at night, the hub-hub that followed the birth of that Baby. And then I see Mary and Joseph, in that humble stable, quiet and peaceful. All is still. A peace has descended, not only in that little town of Bethlehem, but across the world
Christmas 1971, my sister and I on another Christmas morning. I am still with my new favorite toy (which I still have by the way). Pat doesn't appear so still; it looks like she could be clapping.
At the beginning of each year, I pick a Bible verse which I to carry in my heart all year as a way to keep me centered on God and the life He would like me to live. The above verse was not the one I chose for 2018. Actually it was Proverbs 19:21, which reads, “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”
Guess what? The Lord’s plans prevailed again this year. He never intended that to be my Bible verse this year. Sometime in the spring “Be still and know that I am God” began to spring into my head on a regular basis. I began repeating it to myself when I couldn’t sleep at night. I even bought a water bottle with those words etched in it.
This whole month I have been sharing various Bible verses which remind me of the first Christmas and Jesus, our Savior, as a tiny Baby. When I read “be still”, I picture that choir of angels, those shepherds and their flocks at night, the hub-hub that followed the birth of that Baby. And then I see Mary and Joseph, in that humble stable, quiet and peaceful. All is still. A peace has descended, not only in that little town of Bethlehem, but across the world
Christmas 1971, my sister and I on another Christmas morning. I am still with my new favorite toy (which I still have by the way). Pat doesn't appear so still; it looks like she could be clapping.December 21, 2018
Christmas 2018 Blog Post #9
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6, New International Version)
Really there is nothing more I can add to that. There are only a few days left until the day we celebrate the birth of our Savior, the Prince of Peace. Be sure to spend time relaxing and reflecting on that.
Christmas 1969. Wow! Just like the verse above, there is nothing I can say about this picture.
Really there is nothing more I can add to that. There are only a few days left until the day we celebrate the birth of our Savior, the Prince of Peace. Be sure to spend time relaxing and reflecting on that.
Christmas 1969. Wow! Just like the verse above, there is nothing I can say about this picture. December 19, 2018
Christmas 2018 Blog Post #8
(In case you’ve forgotten, I’ve been spending the month of December blogging about various Bible verses which remind us of the first Christmas and what the birth of Jesus really means to us. Since we are down to the wire, the next posts are rather no-brainers. The message in them is clear as a frost-filled December night.)
Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel. (Isaiah 7:14, New International Version)
My sister Pat and I, Christmas 1967.
I've shared this photo here a total of three times before, but it is worth sharing one more time.
Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel. (Isaiah 7:14, New International Version)
My sister Pat and I, Christmas 1967. I've shared this photo here a total of three times before, but it is worth sharing one more time.
December 16, 2018
Christmas 2018 Blog Post #7
Jesus wept. (John 11:35, New International Version)
As this is the shortest verse in the Bible, you may have heard it before. Maybe even memorized it!
Here is the premise of these two words. Jesus has just returned to Judea as He has gotten word that His friend Lazarus was sick and dying. The last time Jesus and His disciples had been in this area, the locals had threatened to stone Him, so the disciples were not as keen to return as Jesus was. But Jesus knew what would happen when He got there and what He was going to do.
Lazarus’s sisters, Mary and Martha, met them outside of town, mourning the death of their brother, who had died four days before. The women were confident that Lazarus would rise from the dead, but they thought it would be only at the end of time when all believers would come back to life.
Jesus, true man and true God, broke down and cried with compassion for this family. Then He went into the tomb and brought Lazarus back to life.
The whole month of December I have been blogging about Bible verses which remind me of the birth of Jesus. So, what does this short verse have to do with that? Probably a few things, but being as I am not a Bible scholar, I’ll just tell you what I get out of this.
Jesus never cried as a baby. I know I might lose some of you here, but hear me out. Babies cry because they want something. They are hungry, they are cold, they are hot, they have a bellyache, they filled their pants. They cry to get the attention they need to make things better for themselves.
When we want something because it will make us feel better – we want a better paying job, we want a better house, we want, we want, we want – that’s called coveting and it’s a sin. So, basically, since those babies were born as sinners, they start right off doing it, wanting, wanting, wanting. Does it mean babies are selfish and just plain bad? No, it means this is the world that Adam and Eve created when they sinned the first time.
And since Jesus was completely without sin, I rest my case, that He never cried as a Baby. Never cried for Himself or because He wanted something. But He cried later on when He saw what sin was doing to this world. And I think He still cries when He sees all that is going on in this world right now. I think He cries a lot.
From Christmas 2015. I think this was in the midst of a work in progress.
As this is the shortest verse in the Bible, you may have heard it before. Maybe even memorized it!
Here is the premise of these two words. Jesus has just returned to Judea as He has gotten word that His friend Lazarus was sick and dying. The last time Jesus and His disciples had been in this area, the locals had threatened to stone Him, so the disciples were not as keen to return as Jesus was. But Jesus knew what would happen when He got there and what He was going to do.
Lazarus’s sisters, Mary and Martha, met them outside of town, mourning the death of their brother, who had died four days before. The women were confident that Lazarus would rise from the dead, but they thought it would be only at the end of time when all believers would come back to life.
Jesus, true man and true God, broke down and cried with compassion for this family. Then He went into the tomb and brought Lazarus back to life.
The whole month of December I have been blogging about Bible verses which remind me of the birth of Jesus. So, what does this short verse have to do with that? Probably a few things, but being as I am not a Bible scholar, I’ll just tell you what I get out of this.
Jesus never cried as a baby. I know I might lose some of you here, but hear me out. Babies cry because they want something. They are hungry, they are cold, they are hot, they have a bellyache, they filled their pants. They cry to get the attention they need to make things better for themselves.
When we want something because it will make us feel better – we want a better paying job, we want a better house, we want, we want, we want – that’s called coveting and it’s a sin. So, basically, since those babies were born as sinners, they start right off doing it, wanting, wanting, wanting. Does it mean babies are selfish and just plain bad? No, it means this is the world that Adam and Eve created when they sinned the first time.
And since Jesus was completely without sin, I rest my case, that He never cried as a Baby. Never cried for Himself or because He wanted something. But He cried later on when He saw what sin was doing to this world. And I think He still cries when He sees all that is going on in this world right now. I think He cries a lot.
From Christmas 2015. I think this was in the midst of a work in progress. 
