how about drinking?

ChiSandy

I also had a number of points to make about others' situations as articulated here, as well as my own physical problems (mostly mechanical, not internal), but after typing them twice and watching them go "poof," I give up. And after wasting an evening on two phone calls with AppleCare tech support (the first tech with whom I worked, who was supposed to call me back after a long scan process, did not--instead, a colleague, who might have been located halfway across the country did, and I had to recount the entire situation and all he could do was e-mail me instructions on how to basically wipe my computer and reinstall the OS that broke it. I'm sorry--life is too short to waste time on incompetent tech support who can't be bothered to access transcripts and notes, much less follow up on their own calls. God, I miss Steve Jobs!

Back to drinking: Friday night at the movie theater (The Post), Rivarose Brut. Sat. night at the Lyric Opera restaurant, Chandon Brut and a decent but forgettable Pinot Noir (which I didn't finish). Last night at Eataly before seeing Three Billboards, a 2016 Vermentino, plus sharing a little glass of Marsala.

(That last paragraph was originally more detailed and entertaining. But I wasn't about to type it a third time).

NativeMainer

Good Morning, Loungettes! Happy Twofer Tuesday! Yesterday's class went pretty well, I think, despite ending up a little behind schedule. Can get it back on track, today, though, I think. Got back form lunch and realized my phone was missing. Thought I dropped it in the car, which was a mess, so I looked for it quickly before leaving the class site, didn't find it, emptied all the trash and stuff out of the car when I got home, still didn't find it. Mentioned what happened on Fb, had one friend message me and offer to ring the phone while I sat in the car to see if I could find it that way, didn't work. Had another friend ask if I had "Find My Phone", which I don't but it made me remember that there is a "Find my Device" function on Google, clicked on it, and TaDa! There's my phone located in the store I was in over lunch break! Another friend called the store for me, and yup, it's there. Going to pick it up in the morning on the way to class. Boy, I have the greatest friends! I was really thinking I was going to have to buy a new phone and go through the hassle of moving all the stuff I've got on myphone.

Sadie kept the neighborhood going while I was away, she does such a good job at that! She was happy I was home, though. She likes her belly rubs.

Goldie--Quite the conversation with your Mom. Does your Mom use a particular vet for her dog? If your brother talks to the Vet and explains the situation I bet they will provide care for the dog for the brother even if the dog is chipped with someone else's contact information. Hope you are feeling better, glad you are able to veg when you don't feel good.

Jazzy--There are many likker stores around here, that's no problem! But there are a couple that I can stop into and probably do a special order. I'm also going to look online, I've found that I can find a lot of things that way and not have to order a half case. It does sound like you had an adenovirus, doesn't it? I didn't know there was a vaccine for any of those strains, but it sounds like it's not readily available.

Cammy--I do love teaching, and so want to do well with this job. I'm getting lots of support and feedback, and so far it's been generally good, with a few things I'm working on doing better. Always some way to do better!I am so glad Leslie is feeling better and you are talking again. I know she must be depending on your love and acceptance to help her get through treatment. I am praying the last 2 drains come out later this week. I know how much better I felt when the drains came out.

Chi-losing a post is SO annoying! And to have it happen more than once? Arrgh!

Cool Dungerson's DOTD:

Gremlin Cocktail

Gremlin Cocktail Ingredients:

• ½oz Chambord Black Raspberry Liqueur or Creme de Framboise
• ¾oz Midori Melon Liqueur
• 1¼oz Lemon Juice
• 1oz Simple Syrup
• ½oz Blavod Black Vodka

Method:

Fill the glass with ice, pour Chambord into the glass. Shake Midori, lemon juice and simple syrup with ice and strain over the ice. Float Blavod on top to create three layered effect.

goldie0827

Jazzy, I am back to par and able to eat and take meds. Was feeling ok yesterday too. You are so danged organized!

BossLady, nothing I can do about the hands and feet. It's like a disease of its own! And yes, it hurts too. But I can deal with it. I don't have too many more options if this drug quits working. So I'lldeal with the hands and feet for as long as my TM's stay within reason. They are nowhere near normal, but not horribly high. It's when they continue to creep up that concerns me. I am so glad to hear Leslie is doing better and the two of you are talking and laffing a bit. You are a good mom.

Sandy, I have a pretty safe neighborhood. We do have gunshots, mostly on the weekend (hunters), no gangs, fireworks are illegal and I have no neighbors. Sorry about losing your post, especially when you wrote so much. As I mentioned before, know nothing about wine, but I do have a bottle of Marsala in the fridge, but use it for cooking. I had a small glass of it not too long ago, very strong in taste, woody?

NM, already replied to you via FB on the phone. But it's kinda scary, that find your phone. Like we are constantly being stalked. Or when you search items on the internet and then they show up in your feed on FB! Not sure if Zues goes to the same vet or not. I only know that he hardly ever goes! His nails are so long they are curving sideways. Love the Gremlin Cocktail. So apropos for us!

Hoping to be up early tomorrow morning, as if I don't already get up early! To see this special moon. Suppose to be best for us on the west coast, but I think they said Hawaii, Alaska will have the best views.

Jazzygirl

Good afternoon friends- getting my day going! I finally got back to da pool yesterday and swam 60 laps. Dang, a bit of a challenge and really felt it the first 20, but by 30, I Jazzy was getting her groove back. Felt great to get in to the water again. I plan to go again tomorrow and Friday too!

I am going to a bc yoga class today offered by the hospital where I get care and had my bc surgery. I had heard about this before, but more serious to go now as I am interested to get certified in time and teach yoga to bc patients myself. Something I told myself I was going to explore after my 5 years mark. Well, that is coming up and saw the poster again for it at the cancer center last week. Got some great info today and going this afternoon to check it out. Doing yoga certification is a major time and $$$ thing so I want to be sure I understand what they do and see if it is something I can do. Yoga has helped me through so many hard times in life, including my bc recovery and it is my give back thing I want to do.

NM- sounds like the initial training went well. Getting the flow and timing with training is always a challenge, especially if you have tons of questions. I have the same challenge when I do presentation for prof org events. In my case, I can ask them to wait until the end, but with training, you need to address it on the spot. You will get your groove on this too. I hope it continues to go well. The students must love you!

Chi- ABQ has become a place of a lot of property crime and now violent crime. I read yesterday a couple was walking in the university area Sunday afternoon and the guy got grazed by a stray bullet out of nowhere? There was another shooting over the weekend and the person died in the ER (resulting in a lock down). So less wild west than clearly bad crime things going on. I check Nextdoor.com for things and did not see anyone say anything. I am super careful around here these days? I know Chicago has more than it's fair share of problems on this front too?

Will write more things to a few more of you soon!

ChiSandy

Lori, there are two kinds of marsala--dry & sweet. I use the dry for cooking, and the sweet kind is a dessert wine (sometimes used with espresso to soak the ladyfingers or sponge cake for tiramisu). I never thought of the taste as "woody," because I never drink the dry stuff--I prefer sherry or dry madeira if I want something dry yet fortified. It's been described as a "madeirized" taste (sort of oxidized because it is aged for part of the time in a loft, and heat rises).

Yeah, Chicago has gangs, but they seem to be concentrated more these days in poorer West & South Side neighborhoods--as well as the northern reaches of Rogers Park, the neighborhood between mine (Edgewater) and the Evanston city line. A lot of the violence in Rogers Park stemmed from rival gang members making "drill" rap videos boasting about actual kills (as opposed to commercial "gangsta" rap that imitates the real stuff of a decade or two ago) and threatening retaliation (often naming names). That's sort of quieted down after the participants apparently have, uh, eliminated each other. Most of the violence now is over drug turf, especially along transit lines that serve both ghettos and more affluent neighborhoods (for mostly white drug buyers who don't want to risk going into the 'hood). And most of that is personal. Very, very, rarely an innocent bystander gets hit up here (it's happened, though), but sadly it happens quite often in poverty-stricken areas. There used to be a lot more Latino gangs, but far fewer now--and they tend to stay in their own neighborhoods (though many of them are being discovered by hipsters and semi-gentrified: that no-man's-land between affordability & safety).

Tonight I took the path of least resistance: pit BBQ from the supermarket where I got my Shingrix shot, accompanied by a bit of Corsican red Bob brought home from Whole Foods the other night. I'd definitely have preferred an old-vine Zin, but that's a bottle I can't Coravin because he's got dibs on it to put in his overnight bag for the next hotel stay the night before an early echo-reading day. (Even though the cork is supposed to reseal itself, there's always the possibility that there could be some leakage in the overnight bag).

NativeMainer

Good Morning, Loungettes!Happy Hump Day! Got my phone back yesterday ayem, that feels somuch better. I did not realize how much I depended on that thing and how much I use it for. Class went well. Didn't get to have dinner with the friends, it started snowing and was messy on the coast (I was Inland) and half the people cancelled, so I called the whole thing off and will try again to get everyone together. Sadie washappy to have me home earlier than expected.

Goldie--it is scary how much info is out there about us if someone knows where to look. Tis the price of living in the information age. Much of that stuff can be turned off if you know how, but sometimes it does come in handy!

Jazzy--60 laps, wow! I bet that did feel good, though. It would be fantastic to have a bc focused yoga class! Even better to have someone like you teaching it. I hope it's something you do find worth doing. The students do seem pretty happy with class, and my supervisor observed for an hour yesterday and texted me that I was doing really well, so I'm pleased. Having only 3 students is making for more conversation and so slower movement, but I've figured out how to screen the slides we cover to make sure we get all the types of questions covered. The questions do need to be addressed on the spot, but it's going well.

Chi--I cannot imagine what it's like to live near areas of gang activity. I know there is gang activity in Maine but, fortunately or because I am blind to it, I don't see it. The idea terrifies me. I supposeyou learn to live with it likeyou do anything else. Don't blame you for not wanting to risk a wine leakage in DH's overnight bag.

Cool Dungerson's DOTD:

Copper Camel Cocktail Recipe

Ingredients :

- 1 oz irish cream (bailey's)

- 1/2 oz butterscotch schnapps

Use a "In glass" for Copper Camel drink recipe

Add the Bailey's Irish Cream to a shot glass and add Butterscotch Schnapps on top.

Serve in "Shot Glass"

Jazzygirl

The best shot of the eclipse out here in the west early this am. Seen a lot of them since I moved here but this one was for sure the best!

Dara_Diverse

Frisk stoolmaker here hehehe, I do love these names.

Not much going on in my world, enjoying the baby and enjoying the job so far. Thought I'd poop in and let everyone know I am alive and well.

That's it. Love n hugs to mese goils.

cheeRs!

Jazzygirl

ChiSandy

Oooh! (It was too cloudy here by the north lakefront in the wee hrs. to be able to see it.

goldie0827

Jazzy, looks like you are back up and running, or should I say swimming. Good deal. Getting hit with a stray bullet, yikes. That's some bad luck right there. I didn't even attempt a picture of the moon. I don't have a good camera and it looked small. My UPS IT guy dabbles in photography and got some nice shots over in Flagstaff AZ.

Sandy, I'm sure you know what areas to stay out of.

NM, you sound so happy in regards to your teaching job. When is the next class?

So happy to be graced by your presence there Wacko. Would just like to be graced more!

We've been trying to get a lawyer. Not sure if ya's remember when we were helping a friend out with his business. He made tubing for us. Well he's gone belly up to a tune of 150K of our money. He gave us the equipment, but I guess there was something we missed in paperwork, now the machine is locked up in the building and we don't know if we can get it or not!

goldie0827

From my UPS guy in Flagstaff AZ.

Jazzygirl

Good morning friends- on my way out to a brand new Sprouts that opened up nearby. I was going to go during the grand opening yesterday and heard they were giving a 20% discount to the first two hundred customers but then got busy and distracted with the early morning photograph/eclipse and photography. Then I heard there were like 300 people waiting at the door before 7 a.m. when they opened. Like people who came out for good concert tickets, lol. They have lots of other specials through the weekend and going this morning, will then swim and then back to do worky things.

The skies here were perfect yesterday morning for both the eclipse as the moon was setting to the west and the moon rise over the mountains to the east. I have seen many great things like this out here in big sky country (Goldie knows what I mean too) including comets, meteor showers and many lunar eclipses, but this lunar eclipse was the best because of when it occurred at dawn. Better viewing here from my front yard and as it went down over the mesa across from me. I waited last night for the moon rise with my Nikon and captured some great shots, including the last post I had. Great day for the skies and will post a fabulous sunrise here this morning to at the end. The skies are treating us to some beautiful things this week!

So I went to the first of the three yoga classes for bc patients I plan to check out as part of my goal to get certified and teach in the future. The one on Tuesday was at the OP center/lymph clinic across from the women's hospital. It was a small group and there were about six women, about half whom were older (70-80) and a couple of us middle aged types. One of the women asked me where I was in my journey and told her about my dx, treatment, and coming off the AIs soon to my five mark. I also mentioned I was there to check out a bc yoga class as I want to get certified. One of the women, probably the oldest there, told all of us she had just been diagnosed with bc in her other breast that day after many years. Poor thing was deer-in-the-headlights, but glad she came to the class so we could support her with the news. There is another class on Fridays and may go to that one tomorrow or wait until next week and another free one at a yoga studio here in town on Sundays. I am going to try all of them, talk to all the teachers and then may decide to do one of these on a regular basis too. All free classes too as a survivor!

Goldie- ugh sister, that sucks about having to get that equipment back and the money sunk in too. I had a problem that came up with my business about 7 years ago and got a great atty as a result and he saved me from some serious problems on an incident I got caught up in, but was not really my fault. He now helps to ensure I am protected on issues that come up, he is a litigation atty too and like having a grizzly bear in my court. I hope you find someone good to help you with your legal issue.

That photos is beautiful, thanks for sharing!

NM- too bad about your class being cancelled due to weather. That does happen! I hope you can find a new date for that soon. Are you done with teaching for this week? I bet Miss Sadie enjoyed having you home early too.

Dara- good to hear the job is going well. What baby?

Cami- how is your week going sister? Is the phone ringing off the hook.

How is ILL and CelicaC doing this week?

Chi- are you still doing any music gigs this winter or on hiatus for awhile?

Gotta get to the store and talk to you all again soon.

NativeMainer

Good Morning, Loungettes!Happy Thirsty Thursday! Got a leisurely ayem today, class is from 1 peeyem to 4 peeyem, wrapping things up. The students (all 3 of them) have done really, really well.I've learned some things that will make future classes run smoother, too, the most important being to bring a clock! I cannot believe this classroom in this new building with all the techy stuff in it does not have a clock up anywhere! A small clock was what I was getting when I dropped my phone in Walmart on the first day. Sadie was very happy to have a sleep in with Momma morning. Around the time I've been getting up she picked up her head and looked at me, I was awakish, just drowsing, I told her I was getting up in a bit, she wiggled around until she was snuggled into my side with her snout on shoulder, fell asleep and snored into my ear for half an hour. It was blissful!

I sort of got to see the blood/blue/whatever moon on the way home last night. It was just cloudy enough that all I could see was that the moon was very big, rather orange and kind of spooky looking. I don't think the eclipse was visible in this part of the country. It would have been something without the clouds!

Goldie--my next class isn't finalized yet, but will be in mid to late May. This will be for one of the local schools, so less commute, and will be a bigger class, probably close to 30 students. It's been really nice having a small group this first time around, it's giving me a chance to iron out some of the wrinkles.I do remember when you were having troubles with friend you were helping. What a horrible place to be in! Hope you can find a good lawyer to help you navigate this mess soon.

What a great moon shot!

NM's DOTD:

Blood Moon

ingredients

• 2 oz Dewars White Label
• .5 oz Monte Cristo Aged Rum
• .25 oz Orgeat
• .25 oz Bar Spoon Float Heering Cheery Liquor
• .25 oz Lemon Juice

GARNISH

Lemon twist and brandied cherry

illimae

Hi all! Brisk Dungerson here Last night I had 2 glasses of cheap, sweet red and it was delicious! I like to enjoy a drink when I watch my favorite shows and Wednesday is X Files night.

I’m also beginning to plan this years upcoming 5k’s, I have the following 2 in mind along with one a friend is doing that ends with a donut, lol

ChiSandy

No gigs booked till May--more (and either younger or more famous) performers chasing after fewer venues, alas. My singing partner has his own touring to do (he has to bring home the bacon), including senior centers that have mostly older women who would prefer to hear male singers and rather not see another senior woman up there doing what they can't--sort of like rubbing it in, I guess.

Going out for my a1c draw in a bit. L wrist is better, but the Shingrix reaction is weird: slight soreness & swelling at the exact injection site, but the red patch and larger swollen area is about 2" south & behind. Not itchy, feverish or systemically affected, but I still wonder. Maybe the pharmacist hit the wrong spot in the muscle (or missed the delt) and the vaccine migrated to where it should have been? Will ask the NP and show it to her today.

Coravined a couple oz. of Trinitas 2011 Old Vine Zin (I put a Beaujolais Nouveau in the overnight bag instead) for leftover ribs, beans & greens last night. Tonight may well be my last meal not on a diabetic diet (I get the a1c results tomorrow), so I will eat what I really want for dinner.

ChiSandy

Saw my PCP just now. Drew not just an a1c but also CBC, ferritin, iron-binding capacity, reticulocytes, CMP and lipid panel. Asked him what a1c score would be worrisome, and he said "we really don't do anything for anything below 7 for someone never diagnosed," but went on to say that because I've "been on the fence" for awhile and I'm obese, he might recommend Jardiance anyway--more for its weight loss and cardiprotective effect. Has less GI side effects than and is more cardioprotective than metformin (which is, admittedly, far cheaper).

But he's concerned about that red patch on my arm. He says it feels a bit warm and had the nurse outline the perimeter with a few Sharpie dots. I am to keep an eye on it, and if it's spread beyond the dots by tomorrow I should come in for observation and an antibiotic. Should also have my labs back by Sat. morning at the latest.

All in all, he's satisfied that my weight is down a bit since June and I've had no other real problems. My wrist healed; my old stress fracture in my L foot & ankle will always bother me somewhat so I should just support it; and my groin pain is indeed only a recurrence of my old iliopsoas muscle strain. He wants me to resume exercise once the arm thing is past, but "low & slow" at first.

But here's what he's found. Remember Zostavax (the original shingles shot) and all those TV commercials that suddenly stopped? It's because, while it was thought to be 40-60% effective, after one year no zoster antibodies could be found in a large test cohort. Yup--it's worthless. (At least Merck sent me a full rebate). As to Shingrix, he's truly surprised at how fast the FDA cleared it and the CDC began recommending it. It's so new that there isn't even a body of evidence concerning the type of reaction I'm having. He said to keep an eye out for flu-ish symptoms, and warned that because the virus in it isn't as attenuated as in Zostavax, it could give me shingles...but a much milder case that would then confer immunity. I did receive it because it popped up in my "health reminders" section of my Presence patient portal, along with my "asthma action plan" and "Medicare wellness visit."

Jazzygirl

Chi- it sounds like you are getting good care and they are keeping on top of the A1C. My docs started treating me when my A1C hit 6.5, as it shot up quickly after 6 months on the AIs. They were worried about my family history of diabetes, strokes and heart disease and that it may go up further. Now on some meds since 2015, I am pretty consistently at 5.7, the line between pre and normal. I hope your tests bring good results.

I do hope your rash does not turn in to anything more. Interesting to hear about the shingles shot. My PCP has wanted me to get it but said insurance won't pay for it until 60 (couple more years to go, eeek!) Now I will know to have a different conversation about it. My sister got shingles during chemo and another friend had it in the past couple years. Good to be on the look out for it. I hope you remain well.

Ill- I love that you are doing the runs! Be sure to keep us posted on your results from those. Proud of you sister! I am thinking of doing the senior Olympics this summer and competing in one of the swimming events!

ChiSandy

Jazzy, insurance didn't pay for Zostavax before age 60, because that was the minimum age for which CDC found it appropriate. (I was 61, and my insurer purportedly didn't pay for it but I went out of pocket anyway. Apparently, it did because a couple of months later I got a rebate check for the full amount from Merck).

Shingrix is recommended for all adults over 50, whether or not they've had shingles, received Zostavax, or remember having had chickenpox. The varicella (chickenpox) vaccine was not available before the mid-1990s, so it's a safe bet that almost nobody over age 40 received it. But 99% of adults over 40 either had chickenpox itself or were exposed and carry the virus, which when it emerges from dormancy in adulthood manifests as shingles unless an effective shingles vaccine had been administered. (Both diseases are caused by the varicella zoster--a type of herpes--virus, but for some reason the chickenpox vaccine is ineffective in adults who've previously been exposed to varicella and will therefore not protect against shingles).

Many insurers cover at least part of the Shingrix vaccine, and Medicare Part D plans cover half. ($80 per shot co-pay, two shots 2-6 months apart). It is considered a "drug" rather than a "treatment," which is why Part B (and private supplements) don't cover it.

May I ask what meds your doctor prescribed for your pre-diabetes?

maryland

Hi girls, long time no see! I'm going to jump in and tell ya'll what's going on with me, post and then go back and read. I've tried so many times doing it the other way around and I always get interrupted, save the post and never get back and then it's all outdated. I've missed you all and think of you girls all the time. So here goes, Nora is 4 years old now, can you believe it?? How the heck did that happen? She's cute as can be and still a bundle of energy. We just adopted a new puppy, we weren't looking, I guess it's more like he found us. He's a Havanese which I think translates to little ball of fur. Also a little ball of energy, I will post pics, have a new computer, Microsoft instead of Apple and I'm still trying to figure it out since I've been an Apple user for over a decade and this is pretty foreign to me, I may have to post pics from my phone. I'm still working in the retirement home doing hair 3 days a week. I have the flu right now, day number 3 so I missed work for the first time in as long as I can remember. So now for the BC chit. Some of you may remember that I started going to Heidi's onc on the east side of Cleveland, (I live on the west side so he's about 40 minutes away). I can hear Lori saying, "yea, big deal, the point of that?" Anywho, he's been doing the TM's and all have been normal with the exception of my CEA. Normal is 0-2.5, six months ago mine was 3.1. Not really anything to give much thought to, he just said we'd repeat like normal in six months. So about a week before my last appointment I noticed a lump just above my mastectomy scar, I thought it was probably scar tissue and I pointed it out to him during my regular six month check-up. He did not think it felt like scar tissue and since my BS moved out of state he told my to go to my PS and see what he thought. He didn't like it either and sent me for an ultrasound which came back abnormal. They tried to do a mammogram but my foob is hard as a rock from all the rads and it just wouldn't work. So they decided I needed a biopsy but because I take baby aspirin every day they said I'd have to be off it for 5 days before they could do it. So I came back after 5 days and the radiologist says she's not comfortable doing a biopsy because the mass is sitting right on the implant and she's afraid she could rupture it. So she decides to order a breast MRI but it take 7 days to get pre-certed by insurance company. PHEW..... so that's where I am! I made an appointment with a new breast surgeon and I see her today at 3. I'm having the MRI on Wednesday, my latest CEA came back and it's 4.8. Now to top this all off, I am having a total knee replacement on February 14th, which coincidentally enough is 4 years to the day since my original BC dx. For the 5 days I was off the aspirin... waiting I was a bundle of nerves and hovering around the wabbit hole but now I'm fine. Whatever happens I can't change and I'd rather stay focused on the knee surgery.  So there you have it, missed you girls, going to read today while I'm sitting here with my flu bug and catch up on your lives... have a good day, love ya!

goldie0827

Ill, good for you on the run. Like Jazzy said, keep us in the know!

Sandy, lol at the senior ladies not wanting another woman around! Sorry about the vaccine site, and hoping it doesn't become a problem.

Oh wow Jazzy, shingles during treatment!

Off to town this morning!

Jazzygirl

Hi friends- happy Groundhog Day. I hear that we have more winter coming. Here in NM, we are desperate for moisture and okay with that. Some of you may not be though?

Chi- I take a couple drugs for my blood sugar issues. I started on metformin with my PCP in 2013 and did that for several years, and did okay with it. Then when I went to see the endocrinologist in 2015 to work on the weight issues, she put me on a daily injectable called Victoza. The Victoza really helped my cholesterol and trigylercides, but nothing really changed with the blood sugar daily readings or AIC results. I initially lost about 5 lbs on the Victoza that fall. Then she changed me to Trulicity shots that compliment the metformin. That started to really drop my weight and dropped another 20 on that in six months last year. Then she changed one more thing to a drug called Xigduo early last year too. Xigduo is a new combo drug, something called Farxiga and 1000 mg of metformin. The Farxiga helps blood pressure & protects the kidneys too. I was able to lower my dose of licinopril for BP issues as a result of the benefits of the Farxiga. So now it is the Xigduo (daily) and the Trulicity (weekly) for my sugar issues. My Xigduo is not covered by insurance, but get it through a coupon. Trulicity is covered with a $25 co-pay.

My doctor sister thinks I have been somewhat over treated for diabetes, but does understand the endocrin has done this to help ensure my blood sugar did not go sky high on the AI drugs as it was trending, and to also get some balance in my system that has allowed me to loose weight. I put on 30 lbs in 6 months on the AIs in 2013 (ugh). There is a hope that after I come off the hormone suppression drugs, I may be able to come off or at least reduce some of these blood sugar meds. My fasting glucose is down in the 70's now, and after meals, barely goes above 100. The endocrin says my diabetes is likely secondary to the AIs, but we won't know until I really come off the drugs and see how change or not? There is a chance I may just move to a low dose of metformin with time. If my blood sugar starts really dropping after I come off the AIs in March, I may go in for a check in and med adjustment before my next check in planned for June. Hope this is helpful to you?

Genny- good to hear from you sister, but sorry to hear of your troubles. I hope you can get your MRI done and that this is nothing of concern. I think they are smart to not needle biopsy and cause another issue for you. And your knee replacement surgery is on the horizon. Sending you much love for good outcomes here sister.

So glad to hear Nora is still a joy for you! Is she still a little fashionista too?

Goldie- I took a walk late yesterday and it felt more like April here than February. I bet you know what I mean. I would like to see more winter and snow here (sigh).

Hope everyone has a good slide into the weekend!

NativeMainer

Good Morning, Loungettes!Happy TGIF day! Sadie and I had a lovely sleep in, got up to an inch and a half of new snow, still coming down, very, very pretty. Apparently causing problems on the roads, though. Finished up my first class yesterday, the students seemed pretty happy with everything. I really think they will do well on their licensing exam. I've got a whole list of things to do to make the next class go better. Got one of those items checked off already, stopped at a Dollar Tree and picked up a small container and filled it with "Comfort Pack" items--a few tylenol, lip balm, couple of band aides, small tube of hand lotion, small pack of tissues. Still need to put in some vending machine money and cough drops in, then drop it into my big class stuff bag.Can't wait for the next class!

Illi--Are you watching the original X- Files?I heard there were plans for a remake, didn't know if it was showing yet or if it ever got past the planning stage. That Wicked Wine Run looks like fun! How long is 5K in miles? About 3? Ending a run with a donut sounds like good incentive to me!

Chi--Based on my observations while in nursing homes the little old ladies do like the male performers, especially if he flirts with them a bit. Or a lot. Actually, the more the better! I hope the A1c stays out of the diabetic range. I suppose I need to be thinking about that at my age, too. My last fasting blood sugar was just a hair over the top limit, like by one point. Interesting about Zostavax. Funny I didn't hear anything about that while I was working with Immunization Clinic.Boy, that Shingrix is expensive!

Genny!!! Holy, Schmoly, how did Nora get to be FOUR YEARS OLD?????? I've been following your pics on FB, she is still absolutely Anorable. But all the back and forth about the bump and the biopsy, what the hey? And a total knee replacement? You are busy!! Staying focused on the knee replacement sounds like a good strategy for getting through. But please be sure to come back after you get the biopsy results and let us know what is going on! I'll be worrying about (and praying for) you!

Jazzy--yup, Phil says 6 more weeks of winter. We're certainly not behind in the moisture area, and have even has some early season flooding from the ice jams that the alternating above and below freezing temps are causing.

NM's DOTD:

Friday Cocktail

3/4 oz rum (white)

- 3/4 oz mango syrup

- 1/4 mango

- 1/4 oz lime juice

Prepare mango fruit with rum and syrup in a blender with crushed ice. Strain into a large highball glass, and fill with crushed ice. Squeeze in a lime wedge, and serve.

Serve in "Highball Glass"

MemaSue56

1-24-18

Hello DahhhLinks,

It is 7p here, am having my 'nite-nite' dwink. 'Stoli on rocks w/Spanish olives n a smidge of olive juice. Otherwise known as a 'dirty vodka martini'. Usually my Dwink is taKilYa, but I found these olives in my pantry and well, rest is history.

I have been thinking of all my breasties and of our BCO. I am finally sending in my pledge to be a sustaining member, as without them and you all, I'd b a gonner.

Don't kno really why I'm sitting here typing as I don't know what to say. Perhaps something will 'pop up' in this weary mind of mine.

I used to b such a constant and kinda funny sumtimes too on the thread,….hello Sue, where r u?? I think this often, like I'm lost. I feel lost but act thru it, put on airs. Am sure most, if not all, of you understand. At the same time, I kno who,what,where,why.(heavy sigh) and I c me rite there, in the thick of it, pretending, acting.

Any of you ever feel this way? I hope ya'll don't think ill of me as I stumble thru this. And, NO, I am not drunk, depressed-maybe, but not drunk.

Hey….MELONCOLY, that's the best word that describes my bs right now.

I think my DD and DS are taking turns coming out here to Mesq to see me 1 day a week (Sat or Sun). So once every 2-weeks, 1 kid comes to check up on mama? Tis sweet actually and am happy to have them around me. I am Blest and will not ever forget it, just as I feel about all of u.

2-2-18

I'm finished with most of my pre-op tests. Have not heard results yet so maybe all OK.

Going to meet my new MO (1 I was seeing retired, boohoo) and PS this month. Also going to meet with the BS on 2-13. She will be pleased to hear that I have finally quit smoking. My last cig was 1-12 (my mom wud be 87 on this day) and I do feel better already. I still miss them and almost bumbed OP from a gal at the dog park this morn.

BUT I DIDN'T…yay yay.

Need to get my shower…will try and poop in more often.

Lubslubslubslubs and lots of prayers to all of you.

illimae

Hey Memasue, nice to see you. I’m sure no one thinks ill of you in any way at any time. We’re human, we’ve got ups and downs and we’re stumbling through a pile of bc crap. Congrats on the not smoking, it’s super tough, I know.

ChiSandy

Glad you've checked in with us, Sue, but sorry to hear you're despondent. Circumstances can certainly throw us down into the dumps. (If it's actually depression, which is biochemical, maybe you can discuss medication with your care team).

Mary, fingers crossed that you get the MRI approved and it shows only something harmless.

Jazzy, Kim, just got my labs back. Iron & iron binding capacity still below normal, ferritin & reticulocytes very low-normal but better than in July. But my a1c? With all my dietary misdeeds, it's down to 5.9--the best it's been in over two years. So it looks like daily iron will be an OTC maintenance-med for me. Feosol Complete is much pricier than either ferrous sulfate (which plugs me up worse than an opioid and gives me stomach pangs) and about twice the price of ferrous gluconate (constipating w/o belly pain, but a true PITA to time in relation to meals, needs Vit. C, and needs to be taken twice a day). But the heme-iron that is part of the Feosol Complete is readily-absorbed and the ferrous polysaccharide which is the other part is gentle on my gut. Waiting to hear if any further anti-anemia testing will be necessary, given that my hemoglobin is back "above the line" at 12.2 (still unacceptable to donate blood, but they won't take donations until you've been off all cancer treatments--even AIs--for five years).

Unfortunately, the red patch is spreading downward, about 1-1/2" below the bottom marks the nurse made yesterday. Still warm, but doesn't look swollen. Last night it had extended 1/2" downward, but my PCP messaged me back that the timeline is too soon post-injection to be cellulitis, and if it were cellulitis, the injection point would be at its center--not 2" "north" of the upper edge of the redness. My temp is still below 98. And it feels a tad bit itchy, but not enough to scratch. I have permission to take an NSAID (one Aleve at bedtime, and Celebrex at noon) plus 2 bedtime Tylenol till it fades away. He's done some reading (as have I) about very similar reactions to DTaP, TDaP, and Prevnar 13 shots that were erroneously treated as cellulitis, with antibiotics having no effect (well, duh). He says it sounds like a reaction, and a not-uncommon one at that (which may be reported more often as more patients receive Shingrix--which didn't hit drugstores till last week); and to keep him posted. If it gets too itchy I might pop a Benadryl at bedtime, instead of my Xanax.

Not sure what to drink tonight because I'm not sure what to cook. Was going to attend the First Friday songwriter circle at the Old Town School of Folk Music, but it's just too cold out there. (Also, parking is a bee-yotch). Were I to do that, I'd probably have to take an Uber and have a snack before I go and a light bite & a small drink (maybe a N.A. beer) with others in the circle afterward. If I stay home, I will probably defrost and cook some salmon and have Morgon with it. (Ordered in pizza last night but drank just decaf).

Jazzygirl

Tonights music choice is the Temptations, all the way back to 1972 (when i was in junior high school). Dennis Edwards who was the lead singer on this song passed today.

goldie0827

Mary, looks like we bumped each other into the pool! I'm glad to hear that you are trying to keep the worrying at bay. As you are so right, it changes NOTHING! You have no idea how many times I have to tell myself that. My doctor says he really doesn't look at the CEA TM, as it doesn't necessarily relate to breast cancer. And maybe it went up because you were sick? LOL at having to drive 40 minutes to the doctors. I can't even get to a grocery store that fast! So we are waiting to have MRI on Wednesday, right? We shall be right there with you.

Jazzy, looks like you are getting that sugar down. I too gained a bunch of weight when on AI's. I am perfectly fine with our weather, my thermometer on Thursday actually got up to 77. I don't care on bit about colder weather or seeing any snow. However YES, we do NEED it!

LDB, what a great way to use up those olives girl. Das some smart tinkin! I know EXACTLY what you mean about "acting" through it. Cuz I do it! I guess it makes me feel like I'm being "strong". This place and you girls, well it's like this is my safe haven. Congrats on the no smoking. Like I said before, I'm sure it helps that DH quit as well.

Sandy, glad your blood work was ok. I'm surprised they would take blood at all from a cancer patient. I wouldn't even donate. Hoping that redness and itching go away soon.

NM, glad you got to stay home with the weather being a bit iffy. Again, I can sense the excitement in your voice about teaching. As for Mary, I don't believe there is going to be a biopsy, as it would be too close to her implant. Instead, they are doing an MRI.

Talking about meds. Fortunately I don't have to pay anything, but….. My monthly shot of Xgeva is $2000.00 and the same for 2 weeks of FU pills. So About $5000.00 a month! Went to the movies yesterday, saw "Hostiles". It was sad, but good, based on a true story. Transplanting tomatoes into solo cups today, as they are getting too big for the little 8 packs.

Jazzygirl

Good morning friends- on my way to my sat am yoga class and hope the teacher shows up today. Last week, she was a no show and the folks at the community center had no idea what was going on? Well, that is what you get with free, right? I did swim yesterday and back to my 70 laps (regular routine) and plan to swim tomorrow again while everyone is watching football.

Chi- congrats on your blood work. That A1C is really at a good place, and don't think you will need anything. They start paying more attention to it when it is in the 6's and heading to the borderline. I am on the opposite side of you with hemoglobin, was higher the last blood work in January for the MO visit with hemoglobin & hemocrit right over the upper end of the range. So I started playing Dr. Jazzy and researching things on line and got worried it could be a sign of some organ cancers? MO's visit indicated not to be worried. I get my next blood draw for the endocrin before my June visit. I will see if it is still up. Time of day can make the difference from what she said and had my blood drawn in the afternoon vs. morning like I normally do.

I hope the red spot does not get worse friend. Keep taking super good care of yourself as you have been.

Goldie- I have a friend here who also had bc a couple years ago, and donated blood recently and thought the same thing, that it is not allowed? So I decided to see what the on line stuff says and here is what the ACS says about it:

https://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-si...

I never have donated blood anyways as the one time I did, I felt really sick the day after. My father was a big donater, as he has a rarer blood time (A negative) so they were always calling him for blood. Following in dad's footsteps, I tried but, did not do well. I also have sort of wondered the same thing about organ donation too, since I am listed as such on my license and with a history of cancer?

Like you, I am enjoying the mild weather but hoping the trees don't come out too soon. The fruit trees tend to bloom end of February here and that to me is the very beginning of spring. It finishes in May, it's a long cycle of unfolding in the high desert. I know you know this too....

Mema- sometimes being present with stuff allows it to move through. You are more than entitled to your melancholy with all that is going on friend. I used to be a "feeling stuffer" in my younger days as that was everyone did in my household growing up. As someone dealing with a new occurrence/progression, you are processing a lot friend.

We are here with you as you go forward day by day sister

NM- congrats on finishing your first class you taught and coming away feeling good with the students. So proud of you for all the cool new directions your work is taking you! I love the comfort pack concept too, I have things like that in my cars, pool bag, and more.

Going to the spa today after yoga for some work on my tired old bod and feet. Got a nice gift cert for Xmas I will use today too. Whoot!

Have a good day and enjoy getting your snacks ready for Superbowl tomorrow if you are doing such things!

NativeMainer

Good Morning, Loungettes! Happy Saturday! I went through yesterday thinking it was Saturday, and only really realized it was Friday until mid afternoon! Makes me wonder about myself, sometimes. Especially since I figured it was Friday long enough to look up a DOTD yesterday! Ah, well, such is life, right?

Mema--you know perfectly well you can poop in and not say anything more than "Hi" or "Im here, where's my dwinkie?" I imagine it is a pretty hard time right now. Good for you for quitting smoking!! That is a big accomplishment! I hear you about the acting, I think we've all done it at one time or another, and probably still do. Sometimes it's just nobody else's business how we feel. Except here in the HTL, where we understand everything. Nice the kids are coming out regularly to see you.

Morning, Illi!

Chi--Good trend in the iron number and hemoglobin! Even if you can't donate blood, you may still get there by the time treatment is over. And A1c being DOWN is GREAT! It is a pain when the drug that works is more expensive, but sometimes we just have to tells ourselves we are worth a little more $ on a drug and not have the side effects to contend with. That redness and swelling from the injection is kind of crazy, isn't it? Certainly not cellulitis, that would spread from the injection site.I just put in an order for several bottles of Eponina Brut California NV, both by Wayne Donaldson, formerly of Domaine Chandonand Rose Lodi 2017 by F. Stephen Millier. Beginning to build up a nice little collection for myself!

Jazzy--that's a familiar sound!

Goldie--I hope Mary gets her answer soon, the worry must be driving her nuts. It would me! I am excited about the teaching, I so love it. I never thought I would have to semi-retire to get to really play into my passion.The cost of drugs is just insane these days. And the shenanigans the companies go through to keep the price up is just sickening.

NM's DOTD: