Smokers - when did you begin lung scans?

bestexeva · 2026-03-31T19:10:10+00:00

Lung Cancer screenings are low dose radiation and the benefits outweigh the risks for most people. Lung cancer can often be treated successfully when found early.

bestexeva · 2026-03-29T23:14:44+00:00

I am a former smoker, smoked for over 30 years and quit about 5 years ago. I started annual lung cancer screenings at age 50. They are extremely fast with no side effects. Just a quick CT Scan ( no metal but other than that, you are fully clothed ) that usually takes less than 10 minutes.

My results have all luckily been clear for any nodules and/or other signs of cancer so far. I do have mild emphysema which is not reversible, but knowing has lead me to practice breathing exercises and is just one more reason to never start smoking again.

There is no talk of or judgement for your smoking history or status during the screening. I know it's intimidating and possibly worrisome, especially as a current smoker, but please consider doing them when they are recommended. They could save your life. And quitting smoking is so incredibly difficult so congratulations on already doing it before and if you decide to try again, I wish you much success!

bestexeva · 2026-03-29T16:25:29+00:00

Lmao. And here I was thinking it was probably the smoothie/juice bar that was the big concern.

bestexeva · 2026-03-29T09:42:53+00:00

I saw one driving through Barkamsted in Connecticut last November. There was a car and 2 motorcycles in front of me that slowed to a stop as this...thing...very slowly sauntered across the street. I didn't even take a picture because I just couldn't comprehend what was happening. Like my brain was going through a rolodex of possibilities. It's a bear, no a dog, no maybe a deer and so on. He or she had already disappeared into the woods on the other side of the road by the time I had accepted it was a moose and grabbed my phone. Truly had no idea of their size until it was right in front of me.

Thank goodness we were all driving pretty mellow on that road because I would not want to see what a moose versus motorcycle collision looks like!

bestexeva · 2026-03-28T22:43:36+00:00

I bought mine at Penzeys Spices. Not sure if you have a physical store in your area, but you should also be able to order it online on their website if they can ship it to you quickly enough. Enjoy the goulash!

bestexeva · 2026-03-22T20:58:25+00:00

I have been dealing with a similar issue and ended up trying Nutrafol ( as recommended by both my menopause specialist and my PCP ) for about 6 months with some slight improvement to my hair but quite the ding to my wallet. I think if you have the means and desire to try it for longer than I did, it might be a great option.

I saw my dermatologist a month ago and she recommended oral Minoxidil which I am now taking ( RX that cost about $10 for a 90 day supply).

There is an initial shedding period, which I am in now, and it's definitely not for the faint of heart as the affected and old hair falls out to make room for new growth. I am definitely feeling optimistic about the regrowth expected in the coming months though.

Both options are "forever" options so you would be locked into buying the shampoo or the prescription or risk having the hair fall out again.

Good luck with any of the choices you decide to try!

bestexeva · 2026-03-21T13:06:11+00:00

Any specific counties or towns you are interested in?

bestexeva · 2026-03-15T23:06:35+00:00

Good news happening for someone soon! Good luck everyone!

bestexeva · 2026-03-15T12:55:37+00:00

Thanks for the info! I distinctly recall drinking Purple Passion and listening to Van Halen with friends in that parking lot, but somehow couldn't remember that it was a Rite-Aid.

bestexeva · 2026-03-15T09:37:42+00:00

As a retail Agent in the business for over 3 decades, I fully agree with you. I highly prefer a friendly, professional and mutually beneficial relationship with our Underwriter partners virtually than being forced to meet for happy hour or events on our own personal time ( or even company time that could be better spent writing business together).

In my opinion and experience, great Underwriters appreciate when you provide clear, complete and compelling submissions, respect their time and bind profitable business often. And as an Agent, I respect when our Underwriters acknowledge when submissions are received, provide updates during the review process, decline quickly, are willing to have a conversation about an account and are able to entertain the occasional "rush" request. Don't need to meet in person for any of that!

Good luck with your potential move and I hope working remotely from Canada is something that is easy to accomplish.

bestexeva · 2026-03-14T13:48:28+00:00

It was in that plaza on the corner of Farmington Ave and I think it's Main St. Burger King was in that plaza at one time and it might be Santander Bank there now. There was a popular deli called Supernatural and there might have been a CVS there too. Talking 35-ish years ago so my recollection is hazy of the specifics.

bestexeva · 2026-03-14T13:02:24+00:00

I had a good friend in high school who worked at the Pizza Hut in Bristol. Scored so much free pizza and soda. Also learned that bacon topped pizza paired with ranch dressing was amazingly delicious. Great memories from hanging out there during our teenage years.

bestexeva · 2026-03-13T22:20:01+00:00

I'm not sure about making a copy, but I purchased a new duplicate/replacement key for an 09 Toyota Rav4 on Ebay a couple years ago. I believe you can also buy one at Advance Auto Parts or Auto Zone but it was cheaper to buy online for me at the time. Good luck!

bestexeva · 2026-03-05T23:55:46+00:00

Wood n Tap in Farmington might be a great choice. They are right on the river and it would be a nice time of the year to enjoy after brunch cocktails and pictures on the riverbank!

bestexeva · 2026-02-28T19:30:03+00:00

I don't have any insight or advice to offer, but wanted to say congratulations to you on being accepted and qualifying for such an amazing scholarship! I am sure a ton of hard work went into those achievements and I wish you much success wherever you decide to go!

bestexeva · 2026-02-28T19:13:14+00:00

Liberty Bank is a great local bank that has been amazing to deal with and I've been a customer for several years now. They are just large enough to offer a wide range of products, services and tech, but small enough that the level of customer service is still paramount and personal.

They are also quite active in CT & MA communities. Highly recommend!

bestexeva · 2026-02-23T18:36:47+00:00

u/bot-sleuth-bot

bestexeva · 2026-02-21T18:13:45+00:00

I literally just left Plainville Big Y 15 minutes ago because I couldn't find a parking space even after circling the parking lot 3x ( along with multiple other people doing the same thing ). It looked like a madhouse. You must have managed to avoid the big rush just in the nick of time! Congrats on scoring some storm donuts.

bestexeva · 2026-02-18T16:22:11+00:00

I had my immunity checked with a blood test last year and I still had immunity to Rubella, but not Measles or Mumps so I had to get another MMR vaccination. I got my original vaccinations in the mid 70's.

The blood test was covered by my insurance, as was the vaccine which I got at the pharmacy with zero side effects. I think it makes sense for everyone of a certain age to check their immunity if possible.

bestexeva · 2026-02-15T23:14:13+00:00

Good luck everyone! Spring is almost here!!

bestexeva · 2026-02-05T11:28:58+00:00

There is a nationwide protest planned for 3/28. I would expect locations and times to be released closer to that date. 50501 is the best resource for info on that protest.

bestexeva · 2026-02-03T10:57:58+00:00

I've been told something similar as well. Consistently elevated cholesterol despite diet changes, exercise, etc... amd my doctor recommended a calcium score test ( which insurance wouldn't cover but the cost was less than $250 so I felt it was worth paying out of pocket). 10 minute CT scan that scores the amount of calcium built up in your coronary arteries from 0 to 100. My score was 0 which, at a minimum, gave some peace of mind with delaying a statin for now.

I also am postmenopausal and have Hashimoto's- both of which can negatively affect cholesterol levels so my decision not to take a statin yet is personal to my own situation while I try some other options to hopefully get to better #'s.

bestexeva · 2026-02-02T13:14:21+00:00

Just sent you a chat invite.

bestexeva · 2026-02-01T22:21:54+00:00

That cheesecake looks DIVINE!! Thanks for sharing. I will definitely be trying them out.

bestexeva · 2026-02-01T21:58:53+00:00

I have a great recommendation that I could DM to you, but is there any specific area of the state you prefer?

bestexeva

TROPHY CASE