Starting Chemo May 2008

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  • Sable
    Sable Member Posts: 738
    edited July 2009

    Hello hello everyone! With everyone being scarce in this thread I am hoping it is a good thing and that we are all returning to a more normal life. :O)

    I've been working tons of hours right now. Which is good in one way ... bad in a way that the company has very little money to pay out. Paychecks are hard to come by. I'm just happy I still have a job.

    I am down to 3 herceptins!!!!!!!!!! Hard to believe I am so close!! This past tx I met a lady whom it was her first chemo. From the sounds of it she is having the same thing I did. She did alot better than I did my first.... 4-5 times lol. I took the time to go and talk to her and offered to answer any questions she might have. She did have the deer in the headlights look, which I'm sure we all did. I passed along my cell phone number and told her to call me with any questions she had. She was excited to see that I had hair.  I hope I helped her out a bit.

    Dana~ it's very good to see you back in here dearie! Just keep us posted :O)

    Hope everyones weekend is fabulous! Love to all!!!

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  • familyroks
    familyroks Member Posts: 575
    edited July 2009

    Dana - I am so very sorry you are going through this mess for yet another year.  I can only imagine the anger and the fear of feeling those damn lumps each day.  The frustration of going through even more treatment. 

    Don't worry about any other "obligations" except for taking care of yourself.  You know we will be here for you.  You can bitch, moan and groan and we will be here.  You are in my thoughts.

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  • drcrisc
    drcrisc Member Posts: 836
    edited July 2009

    I'm adding mine to the "drive-bys" today...off to Fresno in the morning and then up to Modesto (thanks for the 101 temps!) to join dd/Katie for her gymnastics training.  I will have more time to post while we sit for 4 hours practices.  Yipee.  Please let them have air conditioning.

    Rock - Tell me it's hot and humid where you are and that you have a history of swelling.  (What's up with that?)

    Dana - Tawanda!!!  Sending you good thoughts and long hugs...

    More tomorrow...really...

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  • JulieC
    JulieC Member Posts: 324
    edited July 2009

    Happy Friday, Happy Weekend!

    Dana - so glad to see your post.  I, too, was excited when I saw it.  Sending cyber hugs from Illinois to you.  I'm sorry you are having a rough time with chemo and that it is making your summer difficult.  Just post when you feel like it.  We are always here for you.  Give me a call if you ever need to talk.

    Not much going on here.  Starting clothes shopping for back to school.  My 13 yo and I didn't have any difficulties buying jeans.  I'm so surprised.  I'm not real thrilled with the choices out there, but we found some that cover her up - mostly.  Younger one is growing so fast that I hate to think about buying much for her now.  The grosberg (that's what she thought a growth spurt was a few years ago) just ins't stopping.  I bet she has grown 2" just this summer.  Got to get her in basketball.

    I'm happy for all who are working what they want to work and all who are traveling. Otter - love hearing about your travels and seeing your pics on FB.   My dh is putting in a lot of OT at his place.  I'm just glad I can be home with the girls and handle all of their needs for once.  I'm so happy doing this.  I've never had a summer with them until last summer and we all know what that summer was like.  I'm not even that ready for them to go back to school like most parents.

    I feel bad for all of you sweltering in the heat.  Our weather has been so pleasant - not typical of July in Illinois.  It will probably all break loose in 2 weeks when the kids go back to school.  The schools are air conditioned so they won't dismiss early like they did when we were kids.

    We went to the county fair this week and it was the first time I can remember that I wasn't completely sweat soaked by the time we got home.  They have an arm band night.  Pay $20 and ride anything as much as you want.  It paid off by about the 3rd ride.  Also enjoyed a very greasy corn dog, vinegar fries and a lemon shake up.  You just don't get any better than fair food.

    Randie - thinking about you and your family everyday - and everyone else here.

    Have a lovely weekend ladies!

    Love ya - Julie

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  • robink
    robink Member Posts: 336
    edited July 2009

    Dana - summer of 06, 08 an 09 with chemo?  Yea - I think I'd be thinking WTF also.  But ya know what - I am glad you are here and fighting!  As the others have mentioned, come and go as you need to but check your apologies at the door as they are not needed.

    Noelle - I need to tell you that I understand what you are going through 1st hand.  My DH is a pediatrician, has had a busy productive practice since 1973, about 6 years ago he and his partners stopped leasing office space and built a private office building.  The wives of the 3 partners signed on the loan for the building.  This economic down turn has effected the practice negatively, like many other businesses.  Parents are more inclined to ride out illnesses of their children at home instead of coming to the doctor, many who come say they don't have the money for copays, the families don't have the spare cash to send the kids to summer camps or get them involved in summer sports so they don't need physicals from their doctor...and the reasons continue.  The two part time nurse practitioners are not needed currently.  All of this results in reduction of income, medicaid does pay what it costs to break even and insurances come up with more and more ways to delay payments.  DH and partners barely have the funds to pay the mortgage loan and all the other expenses so they have taken pay cuts.  For him it's like watching a child die - this has been his work/life for 36 years.  It is so deeply discouraging.  I understand your delimna.  No way around it - it sucks.  But we wake up every morning, glad to be alive and looking for opportunities to make a difference ...just like you.  Noelle, you are a fighter - just like Dana, just like Randie was, just like the rest of us.  The end result may not be how you envisoned it but you will survive this.

    Ladies - I have enjoyed so reading of your summer adventures. Keep sharing!

    Eddie - I've pm'd you

    As for me, I have had an enjoyable summer (although some days it has felt like winter - wet and cold).  There have been 2 trips to Ohio and both times no one was injured or in the hospital.  DH, DD and I attended my nieces wedding late June - what a wonderful event!  I've been working 3 days a week at an Urgent Care clinic.  We are always busy as we draw a large indigent clientle (sp?) the ranks of whom grow daily.  After the 2nd trip "home" my 22 year old nephew came back with us for 2 weeks.  Michael has Ausberger's syndrome, a form of Autism.  He enjoyed himself and I was so pleased to have a part in broadening his world.  We are in the process of refinancing our home so we can proceed with some home improvement projects.  I will have part one of my reconstructive surgery August 27 - it will be the placement of a skin expander.  This will pave the way for a tram or diep.  For the diep I'd have to travel to MAYO and the thought of recovering somewhere other than my home is not thrilling to me in the least.My chemo curls are finally gone.  Over the past 2 months I have had three unsatisfactory haircuts. I couldn't figure out what the problem was and this week I tackled my hair and got it back to a style I am satisfied with.  It is so odd, prior to chemo my hair was curly but soft and manegable.  The hair that grew in was coarse, very grey, with cork screw curls.  It took me a while but I learned how to work with and style the "new hair".  Now that my "old hair" is back I realize that I've forgotten how to work with it and spend much more time in front of the mirror than I care to admit.  What I have realized is that I very much liked the shorter hair, and how freeing it was to put some gel in my hair, brush it and let it dry any way it wanted to.  So I think I'll keep it short and try to come up with some way to become untethered to my hair dryer and styling brush.  (Rock - I've seen what I think are a few new pics of you on FB and LOVE your hair!).

    OK...I think I'm done.

    Love to all - Robin K

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  • ewesterman
    ewesterman Member Posts: 417
    edited July 2009

    Hello women,

    Dana, so nice to hear from you. I am sending you thoughts, hugs, prayers and shovels. It is July 31. I have received notes and/or cash, checks (still uncashed) or cards from Heather, Julie ,Cristie, Mary, Jean, Linda, Cindy, Ms. Rock of the World and the saying from one of you that I printed that was the "Life should not be a journey to the grave...." --if you reidentify who sent, I could put your name on the back? Up to you. We have a total of $450 and Robin has a bit of money as well. I have asked Robin if she wants to donate that money to BC.ORG and I could give the entire $450 to Randie's family. If not, I proposed a $50 donation to BC.org from this money and I'll use the other $400 to give them some gift cards, etc. I know that Noelle and someone else (K?) already sent a relaxation package...A few of you said you sent this week and I am not sending until August 3 so I still may get a little more cash and/or letters/cards. I will send a note with a little package of our cards and the gift cards and will identify us as Randie's BC May 08 sisters. Oh, yah, I also have Randie-isms we have collected as well. I suppose I may get mail today, tomorrow and Monday. I will mail early on Tuesday, the 4th. Please know that if you didn't get cards/cash to me, you must still feel free to write or purchase a gift card or whatever you like. I will let them know we also made a donation to BC.org...looking for feedback from you all around how much and looking for feedback from Robin about how she wants to handle her extra cash. I love you all and as I was herceptining this morning, I was chanelling or is that channeling you all. I had a mam today and the nurse said, which side will we be doing and I said, the only side I have you twit. Okay, I didn't say you twit, but I wanted to....anyway, I got to wait and they gave me the free and clear so one more herceptin, one colonoscopy, one port extrication and a partridge in a pair tree left.  BTW, my mother is moving here....she comes tomorrow. You think that is why I dreamed last night that my car went off a bridge and was heading straight for the water? Hmmmm.

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  • robink
    robink Member Posts: 336
    edited July 2009

    Eddie - I did reply via PM but will just post the answer here so all of you know.  I have $100 to donate to BCO and will do it on behalf of our group.  Please tell me Randie's husband's first name as I want him to recieve a notification of the donation in honor/memory of his wife.

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  • otter
    otter Member Posts: 6,099
    edited August 2009

    Hi, all (gosh, the print in this compose box is tiny).

    First things first.  Eyes, no apologies needed.  Yes, we've been worried about you--but we would have been worried even if we had been hearing from you regularly.  Lumps?  Chemo (again)?  Kerry has a word for things like that. It begins with an "F".  Everyone can fill in the blanks.  BTW, what chemo regimen are they annoying you with this time?

    Eddie, I was the one who sent you that pdf file with "Life should not be a journey to the grave....".  It was something I found while digging around on-line.  I had seen it before--maybe even on this site somewhere.  Those weren't my words (I wish!), but surely my thoughts are there.

    Rock.  Swelling?  Everywhere?  Hmmmm...  Not a good thing.  My ankles and fingers swell up once in awhile.  Sometimes I try to blame it on salty potato chips.  I guess that means it has been long enough since chemo that I'm not automatically thinking of chemo as the cause.  So, there are lots of things that can produce swelling.  Some of them are temporary and are no big deal; others are more worrisome.  My prescription is to wait and see what happens over a few days.  (Or has it already been a few days?)  Try eliminating all salt from your diet for awhile (but continuing to drink water), and see if it helps.  Hmmm... (tapping my toes).  Are you on tamoxifen?  Could tamoxifen cause swelling?  (I don't remember.)

    Okay, I have only 1 hour and 40 minutes of battery time left on my computer, and that really means I have about half an hour.  (My computer battery charge estimates are as reliable as the kitchen timer I bought at WalMart before we left on this trip.  So far I've burned a batch of muffins and almost over-cooked some veggies...)  The point is, I won't be able to go back and make insightful comments about everyone's posts.  I am happy for those of you doing great things, sweating with those of you who apparently are suffering from overheating, grateful to Eddie and Robin and everyone else who has put together our gift(s) in memory of ranD, sorry and sad for Noelle and anyone else having a difficult time with business or job or family.

    Wait a minute.  That's beginning to sound like a prayer for the masses, so I'll end.  It is cool here, alongside the river near Ennis. Mr. otter is making us some hot chocolate.  Anyone else want a cup?

    Enormous hugs and one more round of postcards are headed your way...

    otter 

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  • kerry_lamb
    kerry_lamb Member Posts: 778
    edited August 2009
    Hey girls! Just a very quick one. You are all too cool for words. Life (no matter how shortened) is way too interesting to waste and Eyes...man..I'm with you; ANY chemo is too much. Please, pet, don't think of every bump, lump and grump as a 'sign' of something most unwelcome. Easy for me to say....I know..but it's never far from our minds, Eyes! I, too, have a sore shoulder blade. When I'm positive, I blame my horse-riding accidents. When I'm pity-partying, I imagine a secondary in my shoulder. Eyes, NOTHING is going to happen until long after we meetLaughingAnd I'm talking when we are "What? What? Speak up, will ya??!!" XXXX
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  • robink
    robink Member Posts: 336
    edited August 2009

    Does anyone know Mr. Cipperly's 1st name?  Jen - you've spoken with him, haven't you?  As soon as I know that missing piece of info I will make the donation to BCO.

    Thanks

    Robin

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  • Sable
    Sable Member Posts: 738
    edited August 2009

    Robin~ I've spoken to him but called him mr cipperly... so I'm not real sure about it. Maybe go thru ranD's fb page and see if its on there.

    Yay for me....(sarcastic).... I now remember what it is like to get your period and how crappy you feel.... And of course I was at work and was not carrying anything with me! I dug around in my bag I carry junk in and just so happened to find some stuff in the bottom that I am sure is 3+ years old.....Better than folding up toliet paper I suppose :OP

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  • ewesterman
    ewesterman Member Posts: 417
    edited August 2009

    Robin,

    I think that $100 is perfect for BC.org. I will take all the rest of our money and get gift cards to send along with our other cards. Adrienne, did I mention I got you $$? Think so. Love you all. Will purchase gift cards tomorrow so speak now if you have ideas. Or...if you want me to just send all cash or some cash, speak now as well.

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  • Sable
    Sable Member Posts: 738
    edited August 2009

    Eddie~ whatever you think is best is fine with me :O)

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  • rock
    rock Member Posts: 1,486
    edited August 2009

    Dana/Eyes:  I feel like a dope saying "I love you."  But that's the thing I want you to know most.  That I'm sitting here pissed off and upset because you shouldn't be going through this.  I want to take it from you, I really do.  I don't want to speak for people but I would bet a million bucks that every single one of us would happily and readily take chemo for you so that you could get a break.  I would share my health with you.  I would give you years of my life.I would get cancer again if it would make yours go away, I swear I would and I wouldn't complain.

    I'm so damned sorry.

    I"m going to try not to complain so much.

    Love to all of you. Sorry I'm not weighing in on some things.There's just some stuff going on and I'm trying to keep my life as simple as I can.

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  • drcrisc
    drcrisc Member Posts: 836
    edited August 2009

    Okay, I know I promised longer posts this weekend while waiting through a total of 7 hours of gymnastics practice, but well, actually, it was interesting.  More about that in a minute...

    Eddie - Here are some suggestions, not sure how many cards you want to get...A substantial amount ($200?  $250?) could go on a general Visa or MC that they can use just about anywhere.  I'm trying to think of other places/things that could be useful...Target?  Grocery store?  It's hard because I'm sure what is nearby - we don't want to make it a burden to use them.  If all else fails, send it as "cash". 

    Robin - I tried to find his first name on FB, but no luck.  I know I've seen it - just can't remember what it is! 

    Rock - Love ya.

    Otter - Mmmmm...hot chocolate...

    Two things - First, the practice went well.  The team had the opportunity to practice with a seasoned coach and girls that are two levels higher than them.  It was a very positive experience for all and Katie got picked to demonstrate her level's beam routine for everyone!  It was a huge confidence booster for her and I was so proud of her!!  After our 4 hour drive home, we're just hanging out here today.

    Second, I find it very ironic that some of you are just now getting your period and mine seems to have disappeared only to be replaced by annoying hot flashes.  They're not too long and happen mostly in the evening, but still - eeeeewwwww.

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  • Sable
    Sable Member Posts: 738
    edited August 2009

    Cris~ flax seed oil! Organic and in liquid form. I took that before we finally found a pill that calmed mine down. It made a world of difference with them.

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  • robink
    robink Member Posts: 336
    edited August 2009

    Friends - the donation to BCO in honor and memory of Randie has been made, $100.  Her DH will be notified by BCO.  I created a new topic under the donation forum.

    Love  - Robink

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  • KristyAnn
    KristyAnn Member Posts: 793
    edited August 2009

    Randie's husband is CHIP - I think that is a nickname but that was what she called him and its on his facebook page.

    Im in Las Vegas- visiting the DH's family and sightseeing. We went to Red Rock Canyon today and that as cool- thinking about Valley of Fire tomorrow. Typing right now is keeping me from the pool gathering hehe!

    Found a great little German restaurant for dinner- had a great time and everyone tried some new foods!

    I think the town Randie lived in is fairly small- cash might be a better choice since Im not sure they have all the major brand stores etc that the big cities have.

    Kristy

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  • ewesterman
    ewesterman Member Posts: 417
    edited August 2009

    Okay....so maybe cash it is. We have a total of $650 which is pretty substantial. Karin got your donation and card. If I don't hear from any of you between now and tomorrow, I am going to send by tomorrow evening...okay?

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  • Gracie713
    Gracie713 Member Posts: 302
    edited August 2009

    Quick pass through to say HI and bump us back to the 1st page.

    Lots of rain.  Finally took a couple of days off from work, which I needed to do because my feet & legs were starting to swell.  Will probably pick up an extra shift this weekend.

    DD and granddaughter are gone.  Long story, but how she left really broke my heart. 

    Love to all.

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  • drcrisc
    drcrisc Member Posts: 836
    edited August 2009

    Jen - I will look for flax seed in some form.  They seem to be rather unpredicatable right now - had one at work...eeeeeewwww.

    Gracie - Sounds okay, but sad.

    Eddie - Wow.  On one hand, I'm glad to hear we had that much, although I wish it could have been more.  On the other, probably no amount would ever feel like the right amount...

    Robin - I'm gonna go look for it on the donation board.

    Kristy - Hope it's not too hot for you!!

    I'm D.A.T. - have been nearly nonstop for a week. Can't wait for Friday!

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  • drcrisc
    drcrisc Member Posts: 836
    edited August 2009

    Robin - Just had to say, that was very nicely worded.  Brought tears to my eyes...she is so missed.

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  • robink
    robink Member Posts: 336
    edited August 2009

    WooHoo!!!!  Another Otter postcard!  I love it!

    Otter - my son will be living in Kalispell, MT Aug. 29 - Feb. 13.  It is in the northwest portion of the state.  Luke works with YWAM, is currently working in St. Croix, USVI and has been there for a year.  This winter will be much colder for him.  Back to your Montana trip- I love the interent, was able to find Ennis,MT to get an idea of where your travel has taken you.  What is next?

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  • robink
    robink Member Posts: 336
    edited August 2009

    Dana - please let us know when you have your treatments so be can "be with you", "hover", have shovels ready, tell you jokes, take care of you, hold your hand or sit in a corner and keep quiet guard over you.

     And let us know how things are going in the inbetween days so we know how to help...

    Love ya!

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  • robink
    robink Member Posts: 336
    edited August 2009

    Dana - I read your response to Rock's special note to you on FB.  Good to hear from you!

    What the heck is Gemzar?

    I liked that term you used - a Heart Hangover.  Talk about it hear if you feel safe with that.

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  • rock
    rock Member Posts: 1,486
    edited August 2009
    gemzar

    I'm with Robin.  GEMZAR?  Where the frick do they come up with the names of these things?!!

    I don't want a drug named gemzar.  It makes me think of this guy. I want a drug named, say,  "Pinkysquidfire" or "figgymcnewton" or "chooks" for pete's sake. Pharmaceutical companies should try harder.

    (Dana: I'm glad we can be in each other's heads.)

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  • angelsaboveus
    angelsaboveus Member Posts: 298
    edited August 2009

    There's no place like home.......meaning my home and this home.   Even though we had a wonderful holiday, when you walk in the front door or there is that place along the road that just makes you feel like you've made it, it's a great feeling.

    Had great weather although we pretty much had rain every day, it was mostly in the evenings. Saw lots of wildlife, deer, bear, moose , bufffalo...yes buffalo, big horn sheep, mountain goats and lots of ground squirrels Did lots of sightseeing, took a red bus tour over the going to the sun road which was pretty spectacular. ( I not one for high skinny roads but this was well worth the few extra grey hairs it gave me ! )    I will be putting the pics on face book later.

    I just got back from getting mom settled back home, she is quite out sorts with the change , so hoping she settles in without too much trouble.  She had a few off days in respite but for the most part did just fine, but as soon as she saw me she was gathering up her things !

    Dana, I am sending angel hugs your way, it just sucks you have to go through this again. We will be here if you need us !   

    Hope every one else is enjoying there summer, I do have to go back a re read what I just skimmed through....this could take awhile !Smile

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  • drcrisc
    drcrisc Member Posts: 836
    edited August 2009

    Angels - Glad your trip was good and mom was not mad!  Laughing

    Obviously, I need to check FB, but yes, what the heck is with a name like Gemzar??  I also had an issue with Cytoxan myself last year.  Gemzar makes me think of some "never-never land" place but I'm hoping it's a magical, lump-kicking med for you, Dana!! 

    I'm so D.A.T. still so here's my wisdom for today from Larry, the Cable Guy:

    "A day without sunshine is like night."

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  • kerry_lamb
    kerry_lamb Member Posts: 778
    edited August 2009

    hahahahahahah! Christine, that is hilarious! Gracie, I'm sorry about your...less-than-ideal... family. Gratitude is a concept lost on an astonishing number of people. WTF??? Where exactly DID we lose the plot?? Anyway, you are a champion, and your efforts will be remembered by your grand-daughter long after you have departed the mortal coil (whatever the feck THAT means!). Life is great here, except that it won't stop raining, literally. The weather forecast has been revised from TWO dry days in August to NONE. Can you believe that?? I mean, this is not Thailand in summer! Ironically, my home town in Victoria, which has not had real rain for 15 years, is still in serious drought. Sigh. I'm D.A.T. again tonight. Dental work today..I hate it, but hey..we are all pretty patient with needles, procedures, inconvenience and loss of wages, aren't we?  Eyes, I can't pretend to fully understand how you are feeling, except to say I am afraid, pissed off and a bit numb, on your behalf. I love you all very much, especially you, Eyes. I think I'll re-packaged the orange psycho-feline who lives here, and send him to Texas to light your fire, dadburnit!

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  • drcrisc
    drcrisc Member Posts: 836
    edited August 2009

    Kerry - We really have this weird dental thing going on because I, too, had dental work done yesterday!!  This is freakin' me out, man!!  (Didn't we do this before?)

    Okay, here's another gem from Larry, the Cable Guy:

    "On the other hand, you have different fingers."

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