how about drinking?

ChiSandy · February 2020

Mary, that mutation sounds super-scary. I see my MO next week and I will ask her about it. Even if Medicare (and my supplement) won’t cover it, if it keeps me from having to continue to take this letrozole it’s worth it (fortunately, we can afford it).

South Bend got 6” of snow overnight into this afternoon—it was, uh, interesting (as in “may you live in interesting times”). I almost got killed, but it had nothing to do with the snow or my driving. I was part of the funeral procession from the chapel to the cemetery—we had the signs in the windshields, flashers going, etc. The hearse and chapel car—with roof light flashers—led the way so we didn’t have to stop for traffic lights. Just as we were crossing a major intersection (on red, but again—funeral processions have right of way), out of the corner of my eye I saw a pickup truck coming from the left, right through the intersection, oblivious to the procession. (It was also a RR crossing, but no trains). I slammed on my brakes just in time for him to zoom across, leaning on his horn, between me and the car in front (driven by my godson & his girlfriend). Thankfully, the car behind me was far enough behind that it didn’t rear-end me. Think I will write a letter to Subaru—maybe I can be in the next commercial.

ChiSandy · February 2020

Did a little reading--and thus far, testing for the ESR1 mutation in the absence of mets is not advised, because it can take several years after finishing AI therapy for early-stage breast cancers before the tumor "evolves" to express the mutation. The first studies tested women after they completed AIs (median duration was 5 yrs, the range was 4-7 yrs) and the mutation didn't show up. So the future remains a crapshoot.

NativeMainer · February 2020

Good Morning, Loungettes!Happy Thirsty Thursday! The storm that was supposed to start overnight is just moving into southern Maine. The wind has started gusting, though, and it really is howling at times. Another day of power outages is in store for us. The whole thing is supposed to blow through today. I expect I'll see mostly rain. It certainly warmed up a bit last night, poor Sadie had to wriggle out from under the blankets and rearrange them so she could lay against me but not be covered up.

Goldie--I don't know if the cocktail give a person common sense, or just makes it easier to deal with the general lack of common sense in the world!

Cammy Cat--Sadie says "Thanks" for the extra belly rubs!Some people just do better with computer stuff than others, and the younger generations are so totally computerized that it's frightening at times. I bet Joey is a lot of help, and it will be good that Dan can take over your computer to help, too. I like the idea of coloring some of the keys!Now you just need a list to refer to that tells you what the colors mean.

Illi--Good Morning! Glad to hear you are able to stay hydrated, and that recent scans are stable. Are you home?

Genny--oh my goodness, what a bit of news to hear! I cannot imagine what it feels like to be on a treatment for 6 years and then find out something like this. That sounds like a big change in the treatment plan, and I pray it's effective and works quickly for you. But to think of it being both the first line and last line of treatment, way scary. Good Lord, now you have to deal with insurance coverage crap and exorbitant costs as well!So not fair!

Misty--Glad you had a good time at the wedding. I now have this mental picture of a totally silent wedding reception--and it's making for a very funny mind pic! I'll keep you up to date on Mom's situation. Right now she's only considering buying a house that's got to be close enough to make shopping and visiting easy but far enough away that she won't have any visible neighbors. Looking for the ideal spot should keep her busy for a while.

Janky--A walk on the jetty sounds so nice!

Jazzy--A short project would be a great way to get back into the swing of working.

Chi--geeze, some people are just so oblivious! Glad you didn't get hurt. It is so crazy that a mutation can show up years after diagnosis and treatment.I cannot wrap my brain around that idea.

Paloma

How to make a paloma

A traditional paloma cocktail is served on the rocks and often in a highball glass. This pink cocktail is prepared with grapefruit juice and tequila. According to cocktails connoisseurs, grapefruit and tequila are just the perfect match. This combination is even better than that of tequila and lime juice. Adding salt to the rim of the glass, just like for a margarita, is optional.

From <https://www.196flavors.com/mexico-paloma/>

Jazzygirl · February 2020

Good morning ladies- up and getting ready for my call in another hour. I got all my info in to the client yesterday afternoon (proposal and agreement) and she indicated she was going to send me some info last night but didn't. I am trying to help them but the request is a very fast turn around to have info ready for a client meeting on Friday. That being said, I have done it before for another start up and will get her through. I have a call planned with her this morning and will have a busy day head.

NM- I was thinking about your brother moving so far away you might want to have a conversation with him about the future and as things change for your mother. I learned early on with my sister in my 30s when she moved away and I was left with our parents to deal with on my own. Some things from that I learned that might be helpful to you. Will PM again.

Misty- I think my sister is figuring out her new normal right now with her partner in institutional care. My sister is not a "people person" and has not built a community where she lives in CA. She still seems close to her old friends back east and they have been coming out to visit her since everything happened. I sort of think she may move back to our home state back east eventually. She had talked about it in the past but her partner was the one who wanted them to move back out to CA (they had both lived there at different times in the past). Thank you for thinking of her, I know you understand the challenges ahead for her.

Have a good thirsty Thursday!

JCSLibrarian · February 2020

Hello all! I made it back from Houston. They were handing out masks on the plane. Yikes! I did use Clorox wipes to wipe down the seat, arms and tray. My mantra was “Do not touch your face” until I could wash my hands. Also took Emergen-C for 10 days prior to travel. Flights were crowded, but I did not hear much coughing or sneezing.

My sister and I went to Galveston for one night and some shopping. Spent hours in the hotel bar chatting with a young, female attorney sharing stories and drinks. Had not done that in years. Sister and I also went to Waco to visit an old friend of mine and tour Baylor campus. Amazing how much that tiny town has grown. Huge tour buses come there now to tour all the HGTV stuff. We then drove to Dallas and visited with my brother and his wife. Found out my brother has lost his job, is falling a great deal and does not look good. I am very worried about him. The entire time I was there he did not ask once about my diagnosis or health. Hurt my feelings a bit. I was able to see three of my four nephews during the trip as well as my sister’s grandkids. It is not like I wanted to dwell on my situation, but no one even asked or commented that I looked good.

Sorry to read about what many have been dealing with. Hopefully Spring will come and things will get better. I did learn that a young woman I hired has been diagnosed with BC. She is a single Mom with a one year old. We have been talking and plan to get together soon. This disease is insidious.

Now to catch up on chores and get ready for the beach. Will check in again soon

camillegal · February 2020

Image result for funny cat memes clean

camillegal · February 2020

Mornin' ladies,

Wow Sandy every so often I hear about a procession and someone always almost gets hit. Where have these goofy people been about funeral processions, that rule has been around as long as I could remember. Well it ended up all right for u, so that's good. But the snow around here was not nearly what was supposed to be so it was fine here.

Kim I never knew there was a tilde on the keyboard all these yrs. I always wondered about Spanish words on here. Joey assumed I knew, yea well the old don't assume anything came out of my mouth. And ur mom sounds sounds super stubborn <not an insult, my mom was the same way> and right now she knows what she wants and maybe it'll be fine for a while who knows. I think it would be easier on u for not being in a house alone but there are people who live fine without having someone close by them. well when it's time is when u might have to do what u think is best, but who knows she might fool everyone.

Jazzy U've got some work that's going to keep u busy for a while, but for u that's good. U need to be busy so this will work for you. Good luck.

Illi I don't understand why u still can't swallow. I mean it's been a little while now has it gotten a percent better or maybe this is normal??? A lot of people can get the strangest things and it's not so unusual for the Drs., we just don't hear about them.

Mary maybe ur Drs. can really pull out all they can to get this coverage for u. I know it's happened before with something that's relatively new. And this sounds all screwy to me and Ins. can make things more complicated so if ur. drs. push for it and it's been done before, so don;t let anyone stop pushing it can happen. I know. U gals know I don't know much about cancer <my choice> but ins. is a tricky but doable situation.

U know the sun hasn't been showing for a while here. It's like Alaska with months of dusk, it really doesn't bother me but I think it bothers other people who live here. Well I don't think, I know. But I did get an app't with Leslie for my hair next week so this should be interesting, she's better be in a good mood. and there will be pics. Now remember don't look at my face, it's my hair I want u to look at.My face will ruin the whole look.

I wish everyone a happy Friday Eve.

LUBS U ALL

goldie0827 · February 2020

Well, things are not going good with me. Now there are issues with my 40 yo son. He is back in Michigan, at his dads. No money, no job, phone shut off yesterday and has admitted to being an alcoholic. Drinking at 4:30 in the morning just to get rid of shakes. His dad doesn't want him there. Just at my wits end. He's borderline with LD, so for him, the easiest way to handle things is to ignore them. His dad sent him $400 when he was in NC to get his car legal to get to MI. The money he had left, he didn't even give back to his dad, nor put gas in his car...spent it on alcohol. I'm also concerned that there is a possibility that he could kill himself. I'm just asking for prayers. I'm sick to my stomach. So if you don't hear from me, that's why. I will read tho, for sure.

illimae · February 2020

Cami, the swallowing issue is because the nerve that controls my left vocal cord hasn’t repaired itself yet. It was irritated during brain surgery, so it stays on the left side and can’t meet up with the right side, this leaves a gap causing my airway to remain open a little. Because of the opening, some of what I try to eat and drink goes into my airway rather than down my throat, which leads to coughing and choking. I’ve seen several docs about it but they all say I have to wait on the nerve to send the right signals. It does suck but the brain is a tricky thing, so I’m trying to be patient, not easy though. Otherwise, I’m doing well.

Jazzygirl · February 2020

Ill- I am thinking of you friend and praying for continued healing so you can eat and speak.

Goldie- I am sorry for your challenges with your son. I understand sometimes just not wanting to talk about things as it all gets to be a bit much in this world sometimes.

JCS- welcome back. Sounds like you had a good time. A round of masks for all......

camillegal · February 2020

Just me poopin in.

Illi TY for really explaining this to me, I have a better understanding but I'm still so sorry for u having to have this.

OMG Lori as soon as I stop my prayers are going out to you an ur son. May Go keep him safe and give u some peace.

maryland · February 2020

Good morning girls, typing on word again, thanks Lori, so no gremlin for me. I have a lot of catching up to do, I'm off today and have no doctor appointments or scans or tests, yay! Just laundry and house stuff which sounds mighty appealing at the moment.

Cami, 120 people at a shower?! Wow, Italians know how to throw a party, and talk about presents! That baby should be wee stocked for a long time! Your stories about Leslie back in the days surrounding Joey as a baby are so sad, I had no idea. I'm so glad you were there for him and Marty has stuck by her. And good Joey was too little to remember any of it. Glad he is getting counseling now and he's still gramma's boy. Hopefully he's just going thru the normal teen boy hormone stuff. My son did when he was 16, had to admit to me he was depressed, said he didn't think about hurting himself but he wouldn't care if he died... well THAT woke me up! I got him into counseling and he went on an antidepressent and by the time he graduated he was fine, hopefully it's just like that with Joey. And you're right, a lot better meds and so much more knowledge about mental health now. He sounds like such a sweetie. I hope Marty and Leslie find a house that suits all of you. Haven't seen the commercial you talked about yet, I'll have to watch for it. Learning new computer stuff, ugh.. I remember one time I got a virus on mine and all this pornography was popping up everywhere and I called my son and he talked me thru how to get rid of it on the phone! Amazing to me how some people just "get" computer stuff, well these kids now grew up with them but my son didn't get one till he was 16 and it's just natural to him. Keep the cat mem's coming I'm still a page behind but I'm moving on for now.

Jazzy, so nice having a clean house altho mine never stays that way long. I used to get my house cleaned twice/month but when I cut back to 3 day work week I just couldn't justify it, I live in an 1800 sq ft condo and we don't even use the upstairs, just need to go up there to clean the toilet and dust every now and then.

Kim, our gardens sound about the same size, mine is just in the back area of my condo, enough for a few tomato plants and some lettuce and herbs. Summers are so short here and even shorter where you are, sometimes I wonder if it's worth the work. So tell me again where you are working? Hospital, rehab center, I know you told me but I can't remember. Hopefully you can have a nice vacay visiting your brother each year altho I know how hard that is whe you have a dog. Might be a nice respite for you mom in the future, how is she about flying?

Celia, the bowling is fun and I do much better when I drink. My Monday 9 ayem leave I don't do well at all but I've been pre-bowling a lot cause all these DR appts have been on Mondays so I do that in the afternoon with some wine and my teammates are amazed by my scores. When in person last week and never even hit my average. EDP, great name!

Lily, Just terrible to hear all that you and your hubby have been thru, seems so unfair when so much bad stuff happens to one family. And then you getting hit with stage IV bc, prayers for you both, I'm so sorry. Hope you can at least get the estate stuff behind you, I know fro experience how stressful that can be.

Lori, thank you for the nice Pooh/Piglet story, and thanks again for the phone call, you helped a lot! I know you've got some bad news on the next page but I just glanced so I'm going to get to that later.

Janky, I'm here from a few years ago so I think we've kind of missed each other so nice to meet you. I've made so many friends here, it's nice to be back. I'm so sorry to hear about your mom's passing but what a lovely way to go. How is your dad doing? Yay to stable bone scan! Being new to this mets stuff I can imagine what good news that must be!

Sandy, glad you made it to the funeral safe and sound.

Ill, glad to hear about the good scans, hope you start feeling better tho.

Misty, you are right about the weddings, the money people spend is crazy, esp if the couple doesn't have any. Seems crazy to me when a couple can barely afford to pay the rent and then parents are dishing out thousands on a wedding. Cost of medical tests are crazy but more on that lateer, I'm just trying to catch up now then I'll get into that further.

I'm going to post this then move on to the next page, only way my cray-cray brain can keep up..

maryland · February 2020

Ok, here I am again, onto the next page and to catch up on my latest stuff.

Jazzy, Yea, the insurance costs are tough and then to get caught with bills on top of the deductible is hard to take but geesh I can't imagine what would've happenend if I hadn't gotten them. I would've been taking the AI with the Ibrance and BC probably would've just kept progressing. Hopefully the regimen they are starting me on will do the trick. Glad to hear about your new work project, you never know what small projects will open the doors to bigger ones.

Sandy, I read the same thing about the mutation not showing up until later in the progression of the disease. It's not really about whether I can afford it, it's a matter of the insurance company calling something out of network when there is only one lab in the country doing the very important research. That's the part that I will challenge. When I had chemo in 2014, I had it at a University HOspital sattelite facility. It was my 3rd chemo which I had every 3 weeks. They informed me that they would not have a doctor there for my next appt and would I mind going downtown to the main campus for my next tx. I said no problem and had my 4th chemo downtown. A month later I got a bill for $7000 stating that the main campus was out of network! When I called the ins company they said it was my responsibilty to know that! Anyway, long story short I appealed it, Doctor wrote letters saying there was no in network facility that could have given me the chemo that day and I won. Ins co paid the bill and to me this is the same thing. No other place I could've gotten this very critical information so cost should be covered so I do intend to challenge it if I get a bill.

Kim, It was quite a shock finding out about the AI's not working. Don't know if you remember but I have neoadjuvant chemo, 6 months of misery and when my surgeon did the mastectomys and biopsy report came back saying chemo had zero effect on cancer. Surgeon said it did nothing, that was a big blow as well! This felt much the same. We are getting crazy weather here, snow, blowing, cold today and tomorrow then 40's on Sunday and 50's on Monday, gonna be a sloppy mess. Soon as I'mm done here I'm gonna bundle up and take the dogs in the woods cause we'll be sticking to concrete in a few days.

Jazzy hope you hear from the client soon.

JCS, sorry to hear about your brother's failing health. I think people forget what we are dealing with when we look fine, people tell me, you don't look like you're sick, guess it's hard for some to take in that we can have this insidious disease but look so healthy. I hate hearing about such young women getting this shit, hard enough for me in my 60's I can't imagine going thru it with babies to raise.. just so sad. Glad you got to have some fun with your sister.

Cami, I'm getting my hair done next week too, can't wait, it's been months! We'll have to posts pics of our new do's.

Lori, I am so, so sorry to hear about your son. I hope you and his dad will get him the help he needs. Will you be able to see him when you get to Michigan? Please call me anytime if you need to talk.. praying for his recovery.

Ill, still praying and hope your brain gets untangled and tells your throat what to do.

As for me, I had to jump thru hoops yesterday trying to get this Ibrance delivered so I can start it on Monday. I'm getting the Fulvestrant injections, the Xgeva shot and they want me starting Ibrance the same day. It's got to be made by some special pharmacy, the one my MO sent the order to isn't the one the insurance company wanted so it had to be re-ordered. Then the new pharmacy calls me while I'm trying to work yesterday, says my deductible has not been met so I have to pay $2900 before they will send it. So I say ok, how do I do that and she says I need to call this other number and when I call it , it's now longer in service. All this while I'm shampooing color out and trying to stay on schedule which was tight yesterday. Anyway, I finally get a pharmacy guy and he says Phizer will give me a card and the medicine will be free until I hit $25,000!! I say when things sound too good to be true they usually are but he insist no gimmicks, so then he tells me to wait one hour and call back to order the delivery and the delivery lady says it's $2900....!! Geesh, I tell her the pharmacy guy said it would cost nothing and she says "ok, then just ignore the invoice!" So we'll see what happens but it's supposed to be delivered today. Hopefully it'll go more smoothly next month. Any, got to get moving, time to bundle up and get the pooches out. Hope you all have a great weekend!

goldie0827 · February 2020

I'm just going to jump in at the present. My ex took my son to the hospital and had him admitted. They have been running tests, have him on Ativan and something else, but he wasn't sure what it was, to help with the detox. They will help get him on Medicaid and then hopefully into rehab. My ex, finally after 20 years is talking to me! He's held a grudge this long!

janky · February 2020

Happy Friday! We went to the beach today and though the wind was chilly, it was lovely and warm sitting in a beach chair watching the pelicans and the fishermen! It is supposed to really warm up here in Sarasota in the next coupple of days, so 'bring it on!"

genny - really nice to 'meet' you though sad that you, too, are stage 4 - ugh! I am on Ibrance, letrozole and quarterly xgeva shots and stable for 2 years +, so I wish many continued years for all of us!!

cami - 120 people??! that is a lot for sure!! Italinas do know how to throw a party

jcs - I hope things get better for your brother...

Ooops everyone coming in for dinner (I had some well needed alone time for an hour), I will be back, enjoy the weekend - Cheers!

camillegal · February 2020

Hi ladies.

Oh Mary I'm so glad ur back but not glad about the reason, u are such a sweet soul and missed u. BTW how fast do u type. For that matter all of u. I take forever either typing or correcting, u can tell the time I post my memes and when I send my posts. I'll bet I have had more years of typing than any of you and I can't hold a candle to any of you. Even these kids never had lessons but they type on a computer they use all fingers and fast like crazy. I learned on a non electric typewriter u'd think when I got to electric it would be easier ...NO not me. And Mary now I know u type that in no time like the rest of them. Well let me announce now I'm back to 2 finger typing now so I am a challenged typist who can't spell anymore <but the computer always tells me> so then I have to go back. And on top of that u gals really contribute to important things where I just blabber <like Now> But I can still read, just can't remember so I forget things I wanted to say. See all this just to say I'm glad to read you.

Jazzygirl · February 2020

Hi friends- reading all the updates from everyone and just want to wrap my arms all around all of you and wish you better days. So much going on for everyone here with the cancer stuff, aging parents, adult children struggling, losses and funerals to attend, etc.

Wishing everyone a peaceful weekend

goldie0827 · February 2020

Janky, coming from Alberta, and it's been so cold, I'll bet you really enjoyed that beach day.

Cami, you know we all love your blabbering. But you are cracking me up, as you do so often, about your typing. I learned to type on the old type writers and absolutely hated the electric ones when they came out, as you only had to barely touch a key, I made so many mistakes.

Isn't that the truth Jazzy. Thank you for being the kind and thoughful person that you always are.

Well, with my son in the hospital for help, I'm feeling much better. I just hope when they are done with him at the hospital, that he goes into rehab. I'm so afraid he's going to decline, thinking he can do it on his own. Today we are taking more stuff for the sale and also staying there to put prices on everything. Our friend, when she had hers, didn't have prices, so people are constantly asking you "how much".

Teka · February 2020

*Good Morning*

Goldie,

You must feel relieved that son is receiving care in a hospital.

Husband about to serve up our breakfast. I get the double yolker!!

May one and all have a calm end of February and a calm start to March weekend.

JCSLibrarian · February 2020

Goldie - So sorry to hear about your son. Addiction is an insidious disease. I agree he needs support for the long term to be successful. Arms are around you to help support him.

Cami - You are so funny! Every time you write something it is important. It lifts me up and I get a good chuckle.

Illi - Continued best wishes for your total recovery. Patience will be tested, but you will get better.

Teka - Love the double yolk!

Lovely morning here. Will go walk, then vote in the primary. Much basketball today and I have several new books to read. Somewhere in there I will need to pack. Made some plans for our trip yesterday that look fun.

Take care everyone!

NativeMainer · February 2020

Good Morning, Loungettes!Happy Saturday!Sunny and brisk, here this ayem. The last big snow storm turned out to be totally underwhelming. Some snow, some rain, lots of wind, very few power outages, in other words, nothing much. And it's almost March, which means spring will get here soon, Hooray for Mud Season!

Jazzy--thanks for the PM, some very good advice in there. I'm sure you'll do fine with the quick turn around project, you really know what you are doing, after all. I bet your sister will end up "coming home" sometime after the current season of her life is over.

Librarian--glad you got through traveling safely! It's going to be interesting how things will work out with quarantines and such, if it comes to that. It is hard when no one asks after your own health. I think it's because they are afraid of what they will find out, and they prefer to go on thinking that if you can travel you must be fine.Enjoy the beach!

Cammy Cat--Saying my mom is super stubborn is sort of like saying the sun rises in the East. Kind of "Duh."What's so funny is that I am considered very stubborn and that I got that from my father and his father! Can you imagine some of the arguments that went on in my house growing up? Epic! I have lived by myself pretty much since I left home. I didhave a room mate situation for a while. I've lived in the house alone since I bought it in '93. I almost can't imagine living with someone else in the house. And you are right, Mom knows what she wants right now, and has the ability and means to do what she wants, and I really need to stop borrowing trouble. Can't wait to see the new hair pic!

Goldie--Oh, hon, what a desperate situation. Hugs and prayers.

Illimae--so hard to wait on the body to catch up with what you want. Still saying prayers for your recover.

Genny--I work in a Nursing Home that provides Skilled Rehab care and Long Term Care, so it's a mix of people coming in after surgery or hospitalization for chronic illnesses that need to get strength back to go back home safely, and people who live there permanently.Mom is ok with flying, she's got no issue flying by herself. Going to visit the brother will make a nice vacay once in a while. I'd have to kennel Sadie cuz Mom absolutely will not take care of dog or cat for anyone.

Genny--I did not remember that the chemo didn't have any effect. That is just so not fair for you. I do remember the out of network insurance fiasco. And then to have to work so hard to make things work out on top of paying huge amounts of money. SMH.Sometimes I wonder if insurance is even worth the effort. Hugs.

Goldie--glad your son is getting care. And that the ex is finally growing up.

Janky--hope your dinner went well!

Cammy Cat--my Dad used to call 2 finger typing "Biblical Typing",you know, seek and ye shall find (the letter you want)!

Goldie--hope you make lots on the sale!

Teka--Cool getting the double yolk!

Librarian--enjoy the walk!