how about drinking?
Comments
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Good morning friends- busy start to the week and won't swim today as I realized the city pool is closed today with the holiday, but the winds are up and not great for my asthma so it will be a focused indoor day with a few errands later. Pushing to finish a lingering contract and heard I may hear by midweek on a new small gig on the east coast. I also got asked to be on an all woman panel with one of my local prof orgs in March. Next month is looking to be great!
Speaking of next month, my sister invited me to come out to CA to spend my birthday there and do some time at a swanky spa in Desert Springs. On her dime too, very generous. With some logistics, instead of being there ON my birthday, I will go a couple days later and also be able to tap in to Easter weekend so I can have brunch with them before I head home. Got the plane ticket booked yesterday and we are working on spa treatment plans next. Will be good for all of us, winter of too much sickness for me, and elder care for them. However, one of the elders in her partners family is in the hospital again and not doing well so there is always a change things could change. But we talked through it and I got the insurance on the ticket in case we have to reschedule.
I will also be celebrating my 5 year cancerversary end of March too. I remember when I started those drugs and thought "OMG, how am I going to get through this?" But with the help of my MO, we did things to give me a break in the beginning and then resume. We changed types of AIs through time too (Aromosin has been far easier than Arimidex). I am finishing my last bottle soon and curious to see how things change as I go back to no blockers. I will let you know. My MO's CNP told me in my last visit to realize it will take months to come out of my system after all this time on it.
NM- I am glad to hear you are feeling better. I hope you continue to feel stronger. I am glad the local healthcare orgs are taking more precautions. This is a flu season like no other and heard it is not even hitting it's peak yet. I heard somewhere on the news they are expecting flu season to extend through May this year?
Goldie- my heart goes out to you about your mom. I know I have probably shared here before our mom fought us on a lot of things for a long time, until things changed and we were able to take over. She sounds like she is really having a hard time, but also making it hard for you and your brothers too. Stressful for you sister and hope you are taking good care of you during all this.
Hoping those who are off today with the holiday are enjoying their long weekend and that everyone has a good start to the week. February is going fast.....
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Morning DahLinks!!
Welcome Misty and Karen. Sad to hear about ur mom Karen.
Jazz - love the balloon pics. Too cool!!!
Ill - WOW ur home on stilts looks BOO-T-Ful. Love the view too. Awww da pooches…too cute.
Mary - when is ur surgery again? I thot I had penned on my desk calendar, but no…not…didn't do it…ugh
Sandy - am sad to hear u have laryngitis…HUGS!
Cami - wanted to tell you something, but have forgotten…dangit…this losing my memory is driving me nuckin-futz.
Hello Dara!!! Muah muah muah.
Linda - welcome to the thread. I did drink during my chemo. Not much and not everyday as I really didn't feel like it. My docs told me 2 glasses of wine per Week…yea right. I can't drink wine so I'd have Stoly vodka. I fared OK. I love NM's take on the alchohol subject.
Well girls, cleaning crew is here, have to move out of office for a few. I am veery tired today, will prolly cop a nap later.
LUBSlubsLUBSlubsLUBS ALL!
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I'm back...ish. It feels so crazy busy with everything I need to be doing or get distracted with and lots of things going on for my family. I feel like i"m half as0sing everything lately and not looking forward to going back to work....
But bright side...5 chemos left and then starting radiation. There is also a woman up north who ran a bed and breakfast with her husband. He passed away from cancer, so now she donates three nights with meals to people who are actively receiving cancer treatment, so DF and I book a trip next month. That will be nice.
I hope every one is doing well. I will be going back and reading a little bit later...here comes a hot flash....arghhh!
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OMG! - this is priceless!! I have never seen it before and am still chuckling
This will provide me with a giggle for a long time to come, thank you! -
Hi girls, I am up too late dis night, been being good for de most part in getting to bed at a reasonable hour but not tonight, oh no no ~~hiccup!
Well I wanted to say hello so ....HELLO one, haylow all. Love each of my bwesties here. Will try to poop in anudder night after mese catch up!
CHEErS!
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Was able to get through a voice lesson today, though I still have some register breaks. Now my teacher has the same thing. Ugh. I'm feeling better, though. Mucinex & Ayr saline spray are working.
Wrist is still a problem--the pain waxes & wanes (of course it hurt less at the doctor's ofc). Didn't want to buy a brace and find it's the wrong kind, so I bit the bullet and went to my health system's walk-in ortho/sports med. clinic. X-rays showed no fractures, but the ortho thinks it's definitely a soft tissue inflammation (TFCC--triangular fibro-cartilagenous complex, the ligaments & bones along the ulnar side of my hand & wrist), Exacerbated by my ulna being 4mm longer than normal in relation to the radius--so the fall set it off but the bone is irritating the ligament. He said at this point restoring range of motion is key, and is afraid that bracing or splinting it would aggravate the stiffness. So I'm to continue using topical Voltaren gel (I hope my stash doesn't run out before I can buy more in Italy OTC); but he says insurers are increasingly loath to cover it so he put in an order for a compounding pharmacy to whip up some generic for me, which should take a week. But I found Costco carries the generic for $33 (twice what I paid in Italy but less than half what the brand-name Voltaren costs here). Have to see my regular hand surgeon in 6 wks for a followup and perhaps an MRI (or--ugh--arthroscopy).
Pouring cats & dogs here, near 60 degrees until Wed. (when it'll snow again). Flood warnings near rivers & streams--though we're close to the lake, we're uphill a little bit and our neighborhood doesn't flood; our sump pump's in good shape too. Natch, have to go downtown to the dentist--he closed his office up here because the bldg.'s being torn down for condos. Looks like it'll be Uber or Lyft (parking is $37, three blocks away; train is also 3 blocks walk at either end, plus changing lines on an outdoor platform).
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Good Morning, Loungettes! Happy Twofer Tuesday! Raining this morning, and foggy all over the place. Glad I'm not going out today. Actually looking forward to going to work tomorrow and Thursday. Sadie will probably be unhappy. She's gotten used to ear scratches and tummy tickles on demand, not to mention being let in and out and in and out as she supervises the neighborhood all day.
Jazzy--Wow, next month does look busy for you!WTG, girl!Oh, my, what a spa weekend you have to celebrate your birthday and Easter! Good idea on the travel insurance these days. Praying for your sister's partner's parent. I'm just amused at the visitation change plans, like flu hasn't been a problem here for months already, then it takes them almost a month to institute the changes after deciding and announcing they will be do so. So much for rapid response to community health issues! The CDC defines flu season as from October to May, with the peak usually being November/December (weeks 44 through 52) and dropping back below baseline around week 12-14 (March 24- April 7).This season's peak is happening now (Week 6 is the week ending Feb 10th) and looks like it will drop below baseline around Week 18 (the week ending May 5th). So yeah, this season came late and is staying late.
Mema--Hope you had a good nap!
Karen--this is a hard time to keep everything straight. Some people find going back to work gives you something to focus on that is not bc-related and is a break in itself, I hope it's that way for you. Glad you found the B&B and glad you and DH are taking advantage of it. Sorry about the hot flashes, I remember what those were like.
Janky--Welcome to the HTL!
Dara--Good for you for not being a night owl whilst starting the new job! We'll let you have one late night, though, especially since I've had to intentionally pay attention to my bedtimes due to going back to work tomorrow. In the meantime, I'll join you in a dwinky!
Chi--glad the voice is coming back. Sorry to hear about the wrist, sounds painful. It has been getting harder to get Voltaren gel covered by insurance companies for some reason. Lots of people use it, it's available generic, and seems to work really well so I don't see what the issue is, but then, what do I know?
NM's DOTD:
I only knew about Red Passion Alize before I saw this pic:
Alize Martini Ingredients
Directions
Mix in a martini glass.
Best served in a Cocktail Glass
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*NativeMainer*
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This is my mom's little computer desk in her bedroom!!!! Nice eh?
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Ok, now to go back and find my pictures I was going to post. I wanted to post the above picture here, but it was on my phone.
Anywho.......Oh winter finally reared it's ugly head here last night. Was tough driving home, in the dark and snowing like cray cray. Had a real nice visit at our dr's home. The place is HUGE, 2 stories and in all total must be 10,000 sq. ft.
NM, I don't think you are "making" excuses. You are trying to make sure you stay well enough to stay out of the hospital. And what's wrong with that? Cuz so far, it's worked! My hot flashes never went away! Posting to you so Karen doesn't see it....ha ha ha~!
Jazzy, gig on the east coast, does that mean you get to travel there as well? Hoping all goes well with your sister visit and you get to do all the fun things you have planned. As of current, it's not my mom fighting us, as she does realize she shouldn't be alone. It's the "state" that is fighting us, or should I say the country/government. They say she doesn't meet the criteria for long term care.
Lil Doity Butt, I am always so happy to see you. I think about you so much and prett much know how you are feeling.
KarenT, you too sweetie. Just keep telling yourself "this is temporary". OMG, I'm so excited for you and DF to take that trip. It is well needed! Who will watch your prcious one, mom? I would if I were closer!
Hey Janky, come on it, pull up a bar stool and let the Tenders (Tattie Tenders instead of bar tenders) know what you want to drink. We welcome all and don't judge.
Wacko, I can't believe you can still keep these late hours with a new job.
Sandy, I hope your lesson with a sick teacher doesn't set YOU back. Sorry about the lingering wrist issues. Funny how things subside at at the doc's office! Glad you have other transportation opportunities.
Sadie says Happy Birthday too!
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Since I've been on tamoxifen, I have noticed that my alcohol tolerance has declined. I did not drink much anyway but now a glass of wine just feels too strong for me. Whereas one light (low alcohol) beer is fine. So its definately related to the alcohol strength. Has anyone else experienced this? Could this be related to the tamoxifen?
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I work by a park and just came back from a walk on the pathway. I am reading about your snow, and we are going to be 85 deg. today. I am a little worried with it being so warm so early that this summer will be a real scorcher. You can add clothes, but I can only take off so much....well, without being arrested...or laughed at! Too bad we can't spread the heat and the cold around a little and give us all great weather.
goldie- you moms computer with all the pill bottles looks like she runs her own pharmacy or she's a drug dealer..
.jazz- your birthday plans with your sister sounds so splendid. I hope the times work out and you both have a great time.
NM- happy birthday and have a super great year.
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Good morning friends- just a quick poop in and then will run. Determined to get back to da pool today but much more to do as well. I got some sad news yesterday about someone in our family who died. He has not been doing well for awhile, so not a complete surprise, but think we all still feel somewhat shocked too. I am working on cards today for that, too far away to attend services unfortunately.
Lalala- I have been on the aromatase inhibitors for five years (finishing this month finally), not tamox, but did not notice any change with alcohol tolerance. I personally just choose not to drink that much anymore, stick to social occasions and business dinners only.
When you say tolerate, do you get sick from it or just buzzed faster? These meds affect all of us so differently. How long have you been taking the tamox?
Goldie- oh girl, that desk. I hope you can find some good resolution to all this with your mom. We have snow here too, just a dusting but more in the mountains. First snow this season? It is going to be a snowy spring I think as it is all starting very late this year......
Yes, the project will be short term and will require some travel. I want to do this one and hope it works out.
Chi- you sound like you are on the mend on some fronts. Hope your voice continues to improve and that wrist problem gets sorted out.
Dara- you are up partying all night again. Good to hear from you!
Misty- I have the same worries about things being too warm. We have had an unusually warm winter here until recently and last summer was a scorcher and thinking this summer is the same. I don't do as well in the heat anymore with my internal temp being different in the post menopausal world. I agree, we can only strip down so much?
Janky- welcome to the lounge! We hope you like it here!
Teka- you are so good about remembering birthdays.
Cami- where are you?
NM- well girlfriend, wishing you the happiest of birthday. Go partay and make us proud!
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Happy birthday, Kim!
Lori, fortunately my voice lessons are via Skype--so no chance of contagion. Had another one today, adding an exercise--can at least vocalize, if not truly sing, 2-1/2 octaves now. Speaking voice still has that Kathleen Turner thing goin' on.
My ortho phoned in a 'scrip for diclofenac gel to Costco. In 2017, Humana Enhanced Part D covered Voltaren but not generic, because the generic was too new and no cheaper (plus Humana has a deal with Novartis). Checked the formulary chsnges for 2018 (for providers), but didn't see any mention. Anywhoo, I don't need no stinkin' insurance to buy it from Costco for $33...if it's in stock. Infuriatingly, Well.ca has Voltaren Emulgel OTC for $15, but they won't ship it to the U.S. I found out it's legal for U.S. citizens to bring home 2 bottles of Tylenol #1 (w/codeine) from Canada, so I can't imagine getting Voltaren gel confiscated at the border. (Last tube I bought in Italy was 12 euros). Time to book my trip to Rome.
55 & showers here (was 65 & storming a couple of hrs ago--hard enough to knock out my satellite TV). Will call Costco and see if my script is ready--if so, will head out pronto before the temps start dropping. By the time I get up tomorrow, it'll be 26--that's F, not C. (Will also pick up a pair of Wellies because Uggs don't do well in puddles).
Discovered why I'm getting ponding on my rear deck: it's warped! Will ask the guys who did my front porch if they can plant some jacks in strategic places. (Wish I'd known about them when I had the deck built 5 yrs ago--not everyone rated A on Angie's List is perfect).
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With stir-fried snow peas, baby bok choy and leftover Thai squid & oyster salad, 2011 Palmaz "Amalia" Napa Valley Chardonnay.
As predicted, Humana wouldn't cover either brand-name Voltaren or generic diclofenac gel. But here's the kicker: for Costco members who are uninsured or have medications not covered, Costco enrols them in its own supplemental prescription plan. That's what happened here: I walked out with a 100gm tube of generic diclofenac gel for $33. But it turns out that the Voltaren Emulgel or Voltadol Forte (depending on country) tubes I bought in Europe were only 50gm. each. They ran (depending on country & strength) 12-19 euros each. So Costco's price on the generic is competitive gram-for-gram with the European OTC Voltaren products--the only disadvantage is that it requires an Rx on this side of the pond.
Ah, heck--I'm still going to Rome in April...I need the 5 CLE credits (only 25 boring hours of videos to watch by June). And the Alitalia Premium Economy. And the pasta, wine, & gelato.
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Good Morning, Loungettes!Happy Hump Day! Thank you to everyone for the Birthday wishes! So many! Sadie and I had a lovely quiet day at home. Got some calls from family. Lots of Facebook greetings. Very nice day, thanks to all!
Teka--thank you, the roses are beautiful!
Illi--thanks a million!
Goldie--oh my. Look at all those pill bottles.Good point about not making excuses and watching my health. I've been looking at the calendar. Most respiratory illnesses run their course in 10 to 14 days, Monday was day 10, so actually I'm right on schedule. So I can cut myself a few more days of slack!I wondered where Sadie got off to! And where the new tennis ball came from!
Glad to be of support to your local wine shop. Love the cake and balloons!
Lalala1--yes, the alcohol tolerance can be related to the tamoxifen. Many women notice a change in alcohol tolerance during/after menopause, and tamoxifen mimics menopause. I know I felt alcohol more while I was on arimidex.If I drank one glass of wine in less than 45 minutes I would feel like I chugged the glass. That faded a bit after I stopped taking the arimidex, but I noticed it happening again when I went into natural menopause a year or so later and is still the case to this day. Since I drink for enjoyment of the flavor and not the buzz my biological change has me shifting to learning more about wines and identifying what I like in wine and actually enjoying wine tasting more than ever, while drinking less overall!
Misty--85 degrees?WOW!! You've got 50 degrees on me and we're looking breaking high temp records today if the sun comes out. Does make one worry about the upcoming summer, doesn't it?Thanks for the birthday wishes!
Jazzy--so sorry to hear about your family member's death. Thank you for the b-day wishes! Wish I COULD fly like that!
Chi--thanks for the birthday greeting! Ponding on the deck is a pain, hope it won't take much to fix. Has the deck been warped since construction or is this something new? The whole medication coverage thing is crazy, just crazy. Home many of the 25 hours of boring video can you watch on the flights to and from Italy? Can I hid in one of your bags?
NMs DOTD:
Bavarian Coffee
Ingredients
- 1/2 oz Peppermint Schnapps
- 1/2 oz Coffee Liqueur
- 1 tsp Sugar
- 5 oz (hot) Coffee
- 1 1/2 oz Whipping Cream
Directions
Add coffee and liquors to an irish coffee cup and sweeten to taste. Gently float the cream on top, and sprinkle with grated chocolate.
Best served in a Irish Coffee Cup.
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Oh my stars, I have never missed so much in all the yrs. I've been here---I was always daily and more than once. I didn't read everything -me bad- but I do pray ffor everyone every night.
Welcome to the newbies u have found a wonderful group of ladies that have loads of knowledge <not me, tho>, keep on coming back u will never be sorry.
Lori <<<HUGS>>>
Kim I hope ur BD was wonderful, u deserve wonderful all the time.
I knew Teka would pop in, she always does and it's great.
Sandy and Jazzy to busy, u both make my head spin.
SusyQ I see u face and I always smile bck, praying ur doing all right.
It's always good to have Dara drop in, she must e busy---but I'm glad Cheryl is with her.
This house is back to extra crazy---Leslie had the beginning of an infection so her PS had to cut some skin off??:? and restitch quite a bit, so she's back on don't move and more pain. Joey's back is better tho but he fell again and hurt his wrist <he was at the roller rink> This kid is better off working on his puter and practicing his clarinet and flute. But he is incredibly sad all the time, he worries way to much--we talked the other nite and he was telling me how he always feel like crying ooohhh, the goofy part is he told me he doesn't worry about me so much LOL then he said cuz I'm so strong. That gave me a laugh but I didn't want to tell him he's all wrong but I , felt like it. Oh now Marty has that horrible cold thing, been off of work and has walking pneumonia so he's becoming useless too. Poor guy, he's been like a rock for Leslie and doing everything, he just couldn't fight that stupid cold.
My work has been extra bizy even thru the night My first call yesterday came in at 4am and stopped around midnite, then I was told not to answer any more and just rest and it has started already I barely go on my puter for anything else right now, I don't even talk to my sister or my cousin everyday like I alway have---of course I do know her grandson is now an Ensign in the seals and his brother is in boot camp in the seals now, I worry about that. But that's what they both have been working for the past couple of years. I didn't know however that before u go to boot camp ur required to work out everyday 3 months before u enter and they both did. Ugh
OK my phone has been going and now I have too go to my site and put everything in, Just remember I think of u gals every single day, just don't get here.
If I missed anyone I'm sorry
LUBS U ALL
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Misty, funny you should mention my mom being a drug dealer! For quite some time she WAS. Would sell her opioids, but one lady died, one quit, and one is in jail! We called her the "senior drug cartel". 85 is too hot for me, AND throw in your humidity. I kinda like about 75 and sunny.
Jazzy, we got about 4". Most of it's gone already. Second snow, but the other one was just barely a dusting. Condolences to you and your family for the loss.
Sandy, warm weather there, wow. Is it threatening to flood? Good that you are not exposed during your voice lessons.
NM, glad you had a nice birfday. Ya never know what Sadie might find! And YES, cut yourself some slack girlfriend.
Oh Cami, I'm so sorry about all that is going on in your family. And poor Joey so depressed. Can't you get him into some sort of therapy, even at school maybe? And poor Les, she has been through the wringer. Hoping she heals fast. And don't you worry about catching up here. Also, I wouldn't answer the phone until a certain time, and I would quit at a certain time. If it's an emergency, they can leave a message, that gives you the option of listening to it or not.
Well, mom showed great improvement yesterday. They now think it's because she hasn't been using her cpap at night. Stopping breathing, not getting enough O2, therefore causing this horrible short term memormy loss. She gets released a week from today, feeling better about going home, said she was scared. I asked of what? She said falling. I told her I would get her one of those button thingies you can push and it gets you help. Altho if she just made sure she always had her phone, she'd be all set. One of my brothers has someone that will take Zues, so everyone is happy about that. We don't have to put him down. However, I am so disappointed that we can't get any help in placing my mom somewhere. We just keep getting shuffled around. Medicare/Medicaid will NOT cover anything. And anything outside of that, she can't afford on her $800 a month.
DH is so pathetic with his leg and being on percocet, taking ibuprophen, high blood pressure pills, and two others can cause BP to go up. So he's worried about having a heart attack or stroke, looking all pitiful. So glad I only have terminal stage IV cancer for the last 4 years! Why are men like this???? But gosh, I sure do love him. He really is a great person and provider. I mean look at that camping trip he planned with my kids and brothers as a surprise!
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Good Morning, Loungettes! Happy Thirsty Thursday! Had a nice day at work yesterday. Ran into a former student from back in my university teaching days and had a nice catch up chat. Got to meet some new and very nice people. Was very warm in the afternoon, got to drive around with the car window open which was very, very nice. Very tired when I got home, though. But I get to sleep in tomorrow so that's ok.
Cammy--I had a lovely B-day, thanks! Oh no,poor Leslie! I am praying the infection clears up quickly and completely. And Joey, he must be so frightened by all of this. And then for Marty to get sick, the world is just ganging up on them. So not fair. I can imagine how busy work is right now. Hugs, my friend.
Goldie--navigating the Medicare/Medicaid systems is a nightmare. It's so unfortunate that so many of our elders get caught up in that mess, and end up cycling in and out of the hospital and rehab until they deteriorate enough to qualify for the help they've needed for years or even decades. Sometimes all a family can do watch until the situation gets bad enough that the local hospital realizes how much money they are losing and changes the way they document and code things and start pushing back on the system. It's such a great big game of words and numbers sometimes. I'm glad Zues has a home. I don't know what it is about men and being sick, but they sure get funny when they are!
NM's DOTD:
Warped Thursday
Ingredients
- 5 oz Vodka
- 1/4 packet Tropical Punch Kool Aid
- 6 oz Cherry Cola
Directions
Empty half a can of cherry coke, pour the vodka into the can, then pour in the kool-aid. Alternatively, use a 12oz glass. Stir. A kabob stick works well in the can.
Best served in a Old-Fashioned Glass.
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Hi Goldie,
Yes, my mom will be watching the toddler/big girl.
So that will be lovely.I'm not sure if there is another Karen on here, but if I misspoke about work I apologize. I won't be going back till treatment is done, which is looking like end of May, after radiation. I"m just nervous about going back because I have a feeling that some people are or will be upset with me. Just how people seem to operate under these circumstances. Comparing me to everyone they ever knew that had cancer and wondering why I don't or am not able to behave in exactly the same manner. It's really quite ridiculous.
I"m so sleepy, dang benedryl. I'm in treatment right now. Should be done by 1200, so that is good. Roughly an hour to go.
I'm just trying to keep up on my book and hope that I can finish it by the time my brother's one year anniversary comes around it will be done. This will be June 6 of this year. I'm still so broken hearted about this. I haven't even gone to visit his grave yet, but I do hope I will soon, maybe when it's warmer.
I'm so looking forward to the B&B, giving my DF the time and attention he mostly certainly deserves as he is the most compassionate and generous and loving and patient person I have ever met.
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Good afternoon friends- been a busy week! We got some nice soaking rain last night and snow around today. We have another storm coming through tomorrow night in to the weekend. FINALLY getting some real moisture/winter here. We are all happy!
Went dinner with my local client last night and had a fabulous dinner at a new place. I had a nice glass of the 19 Crimes, but the waiter suggested I also try other wine blend by Cooper and Thief that is aged in whiskey oak barrels. Dang was that good, but saw on the bill later it was $15 a glass. Looks like Total Wines has it so I want to pick some up at some point but have a glut of red here at home again so we need to drink some of that up first!
https://www.cooperandthief.com/
Karen from MN- yes, there was another Karen from awhile back that popped in and shared some updates with us. Cancer makes people really act strange and might be good to think about some standards responses as you re-enter into work and begin interacting with the world. I told very few people and because I did not do chemo, my cancer was less visible than what many women go through. But people had lots to say after (and still do). Best to just say you are happy to be back to work and deflect any detailed questions about your health. I liked to share with people I was doing better every day and had good medical care, and then would change the subject. Moving on has it's own challenges after cancer treatment, so just don't let people keep you there.
Sending you big hugs on the ongoing grief too. It took me a long time to visit my brother's grave after his passing. I was not going through cancer then either. I think right now you are taking care of you and you will go later when the time is right. Your family has been through so much this past year. Sending you hugs sister.
NM- thanks for your kind words about my cousin. He had a number of siblings and working my way through getting some cards done this week. It sounds like you are doing better every day with your crud. I want to get back to the pool but had some asthma this week so not yet. I may do the other bc yoga class for my research tomorrow afternoon.
Cami- so sorry to hear Joey is having such a hard time. I understand though, and probably feels very alone around this right now. So sorry Marty is not feeling well either, Leslie is hurting again. Such a difficult time for your family as well. Sending much love.......
Goldie- I love that picture. I have a guy friend who goes on and on about his health problems ad naseum. He also knows I have had cancer, and was comparing something once he went through to cancer. Eye roll. It was a life threatening situation, but seriously, like it's a competition? The only men I have seen who are not like this are men who have had cancer. Most men seem to think this way, but I cannot say I understand it? I hope he is on the mend soon.
Chi- I hope your throat is better every day? You would like that wine I had last night.
Wishing everyone here a good slide in to the weekend!
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Hi girls, I'm a couple of pages behind but I wanted to pop in and say I'm doing just fine. Lot of achiness in my knee, lots of ice, pain pills, PT and sleep. I did do laundry today and cooked dinner so I'm getting there. I've been watching mindless TV and not much else. I was able to go down to the basement for something today without a problem, all in all mobility is better than I expected but pain a bit more constant than I anticipated, I think it's just a matter of learning how to manage it, each day it subsides some. Went from Oxy every 4 hours to now every 6 or 7 with Tylenol in between. So I'll get back to catch up but just wanted to check in...
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Genny- so glad to hear you are doing well friend. Not an easy surgery and those pain pills are there for you as you work through your recovery.
Sending good thoughts for a speedy recovery!
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Happy national margarita day everyone!
Hope you had a great bday NM.
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karenwriter - yup there are two Karens. I've been MIA for quite some time, but pop in periodically.
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We were up waaaay late last night--the gold medal women's hockey game was broadcast live. Alas, I didn't chill champagne, because I didn't want to jinx things. Oh, well. Seltzer was good enough.
My DOTD tonight (don't judge):
Before going out to a late showing of "Lady Bird," we ate across the street at Luella's Southern Kitchen, a BYOB. (But we didn't know that, so we didn't "B our OB"). One of my friends is originally from Union, SC, and she'd rhapsodized about Cheerwine (and a few years back, 60 Minutes did a segment on it. But I never was able to find it when I was down south. Go figure there was a whole cooler of it in a little soul food restaurant here on the North Side of Chicago. (No chicory coffee--nor any coffee--for the beignets, though--just soda, water or sweet tea). Really sweet--tasted like a mix of black cherry soda & the wild cherry fountain soda from my Brooklyn childhood. (Could've used a little seltzer or Perrier to cut it, though). Other than diet ginger ale for a queasy tummy, this was the first soda pop I've had in years.
Cami, poor Leslie can't catch a break. Hope this time her incision will heal uneventfully. And between Joey's back problem and Marty's flu, you're probably the healthiest one in your family at this moment.
Lori, if your mom is resisting using her CPAP because of that cumbersome mask, there have been recent studies showing that a nasal-only CPAP not only has a higher compliance rate but better airway pressure--because the conventional oro-nasal mask pushes the lower jaw back, which actually crowds the airway. (One of the reasons I went with a mouth guard, which pulls the jaw forward--but it's tricky to put on & remove). Glad someone can take care of Zeus.
Jazzy, I was sort of in the same situation--no chemo, no mastectomy. But I didn't play it too close to the vest--my friends & immediate family all knew, and the cast of the Bar Show had expected 2015 to be a breakout year for me--so I had to level with them why I had decided to drop out of the show. But they had assumed I would have the "full monty" of treatment, so were very surprised to see me show up at the final after-party with a full head of hair and a filled-out blouse. But looking back at what Bob has been through during the same time (five hospitalizations, two emergency surgeries, two bouts of walking pneumonia, and a life-threatening bowel obstruction); my best friend's scleroderma is beginning to relapse because her main med has doubled in price and her insurance will now pay for only an inferior drug; another friend is battling Parkinson's; yet another had a valve repair and cardiac bypass (and lost his wife last year to complications of a broken hip); and what my best friend's husband just went through (already has COPD and PAH, he caught the flu and was hospitalized with pneumonia--just released today)...I consider myself damn lucky. (And I have most of my voice back...though my L wrist is still keeping me away from my guitars & dulcimers).
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Karen, life will most likely never be the same, and YES you will get compared to every other person that has had cancer. You just need to come up with a good come back, whether it be sincere or a bit snarky. I would go with snarky! You will also get many cures from peeps. To that one I say thanks, I'll look into it. And leave it at that. I hope you are able to enjoy your get away. Both of you! Cuz you deserve it too. Ha ha, just read Jazzy's response to you, pretty much the same as mine! Your brother is there in your heart and soul, so don't feel bad about not going to the gravesite. Whether you go or not doesn't change the love and memories you have for your brother. I lost a good friend several years ago, and just bought a little garden angel in her memory, so I think of her everytime I look at it. Perhaps you could get something in your brothers memory to keep in the house or outside in a garden.
Jazzy….great minds eh??? Ahhhhh you hit the nail on the head while sick or hurting, men vs. women being a competition. That is exactly what it feels like sometime. Who can be sicker, or hurt the most.
Mary, thanks for checking in. Glad to hear it's a bit better every day. Of course you did not go into this thinking it would be painless, right?
Karen1959, always nice to see a fellow loungette.
Sandy, we don't judge! Mom does have the nasal only for her cpap. She wasn't refusing it, not sure why she wasn't using it. But she also has to sleep with her O2 which goes over the the mouth and maybe nose. Never really paid much attention to it. Glad you have most of the voice back. Now to get that wrist healed.
Town day today. Think I may be going alone, due to DH's hip/leg. Happy FRIEDay all.
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Good Morning, Loungettes!Happy TGIF day! Talk about a long day at work yesterday. Had to stop and recharge the tablet after I got home to finish entering data and such. Keeping everyone's medication list up to date is a PIA job that takes forever when there are multiple changes going on in a short period of time. Didn't get done until almost 11 peeyem, then up until almost 2 ayem winding down so I could sleep. Sadie was NOT impressed. It was nice to sleep in this ayem, that's for sure!
Karen--people can be very unhelpful at times. Maybe you need to come up with a nice little comeback line to give to the people who are upset with you--something like "I'm so sorry my time off to treat a life-threatening disease inconvenienced you." Or for the people who seem to know how we should behave something like "I so wish you had told me about (insert name/relation) before I was diagnosed, I could have made and appointment with them to learn how to be ill withcancer properly! It would have saved me so much time and energy and worry!"Well, those are the kinds of things I would like to say. What I did say sometimes was "I regret that my being ill created work problems for you." and "My doctor advised against that." or "My doctor would not clear me to do that." or "How wonderful so-snd-so was able to do that." My favorite line for many situations was "I never realized how hard it is for you." It gave people the focus of attention which seemed to be what they wanted without my having to invest any energy in them.Some people would talk forever after that line, which created a whole different problem to deal with. I am praying that you will finish the book by the deadline you set for yourself. I think that would be a marvelous testimonial to your brother. And you and your DH both deserve the B&B time!
Jazzy--Hooray for a good soaking rain! I've pretty much kicked the crud to the curb, and am happy to have done so. Amazing how long a week to 10 days can feel when you are sick! I'm going to do some research and see if there is anywhere around here where I can swim. I've looked at the Y scheduled before, and there was very little time available to adults at a time of day when I could make it, but with more control over my schedule that may be different now. Will have to see. Interesting sounding wine, I'll have to see if I can find a bottle.
Genny--so glad to hear you are doing better! Sounds like some real recovery going on there.Good for you!
Illi--I didn't realize it was Margarita Day yesterday!
Chi--is that a real bottle of wine? Great name! oh, I see, it's a soda. Looks intriguing!
NM's DOTD:
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Good morning friends- the end to a busy week! Getting some laundry done while I moisturize my hair and face before I head out to the day. The dry winter weather has taken it's toll on my skin, but things are getting mo better with the higher humidity. We are getting another storm tonight but not sure it will drop down here from the north. I heard the Taos Ski Valley got 2 feet this week (we like this.....)
Work things are starting to come together, although one thing is a bit stalled but it will allow me to be in town for that all woman's panel with one of my prof orgs. I was asked about this last weekend and needed to check on a few things, and now think we are good to go. I have done presentations before with several groups in town, but not this one, so it will be another way to put my stuff out there!
Goldie- I love the idea of a small icon to have nearby to think of someone you are missing, when you cannot get to the grave site. I think we just worry we will loose our memories, but they are always there. I think of my brother all the time, and live too far away to visit his grave regularly. Been 25 plus years......
I get snarky sometimes too, especially with people who already know and keep saying stupid things. Like "so you are all done with that now, right?" No, still taking medicine for five years, but thanks for your concern. I borrowed this one from my sister who hears it a lot in with her patients "will I/you die?" My sister says, yes, some day but hopefully not today (LOL, my favorite). When my friend did that comment about his situation being worse, I got snarky and said "you know, you are right, yours was by far worse. You win!" He was quiet after that!
Chi- I had another surgery before bc stuff that year and if I needed to get out of anything during treatment or recovery, I hid behind that other non cancer issues and said I had some recovery to do from that (and no lie there, because I had to recover from that AND the bc stuff as they were all close together). The other issue was something I could share, a one time incident. I think it is harder to keep anything private when you go through chemo though. My sister had to work hard to do that in her medical practice, but we found her a wig that looked much like her style and color. With time, as her hair grew in, she was able to dump the wig and showed up at work one day with a new short hairdo. She knew people were trying to figure things out including her patients, but would not let the conversation go there.
And yes, I have seen so much worse too that my treatment felt do-able. I think the part that surprised me was adjusting to the AIs that first year and also just how long it took to feel better. I told my friend who just finished rads to be ready to feel some latent fatigue and that she may not feel really back to herself for awhile. She had a lumpectomy and rads like us, won't do the AIs, but still. It all takes more time than you can ever imagine?
Mema- I think your surgery is coming up soon in early March. How are you doing sister.
Genny- how are those knees today.
Karen1956- thinking of you on the loss of your mom.
Other Karen- hope your week is finishing up okay. You keep plugging through that chemo friend, you are taking good care of you.
Cami- thinking of you and hoping things are getting a bit better every day for you and the family.
Time to get moving to my day. Have a good TGIF and good last weekend in February. Three more weeks to daylight savings and less than a month to spring!
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