INSOMNIACS place to talk in the wee hours
Comments
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What a beautiful story, Mags. You are truly blessed with this family.
MJ
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Yeesh. Getting called for jury duty again. How was I supposed to wear my hair?
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I think Tina Fey said in her autobiography to try 2 Princess Leia style buns (that was if you didn't want to get selected),
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Mags being able to be reunited and then develop your relationship is truly a miracle.
I only learned recently that someone I went to school with, (we were in the same year not the same class - I think you might say home room) gave up her son for adoption when she was 20. He would be 31 now. She actually has done an incredible, powerful TEDx talk about it. She said that having made that difficult decision at 20 no other difficult decision that she came to in life scared her because she knew that she had already demonstrated her strength in making this incredibly difficult decision.
(Her TEDx talk is here if you are interested )
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Right, wig it is. (My hair's pretty short, though enthusiasm counts for something.)
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Good Afternoon everyone,
As always I am behind here. It has been quite the challenge lately with my spine issues. I now have 3 spinal fractures. T11, L3 and L5. L3 is healing so the neuro said to leave it alone for now. So my surgery will be on L5, but with the new dx of the T11 compression fracture I don't know what he plans to do, if anything. I have been asking myself why are my vertebrae breaking all of a sudden. Even asked my Endocrinologist and his response was,"Hmmm, I don't know". Are you on Xgeva? Duh! I've told him that. My MO said that it was unlikely that the Faslodex is causing the fractures, but my palliative care provider and an article I read say that yes the AI's DO cause weakening of the bone. Why can't they all get on the same page? This kind of stuff makes me question my choices in doctors. The fear of losing my independence and mobility is ever present. Especially since I have no family to lean on.
Mags - Happy Belated Birthday! I am so glad God answered your prayer and restored you to your son. May you be very comfortable in your new home.
Sas - Glad you were able to come to a decision on painting the wood trim and that you like the outcome.
M0mmy - My condolences on the loss of your high school friend!
Feline - How is Elliot doing?
Loverly - Did you and the girls have fun on your outing yesterday?
Waving Hi to everyone else.
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Thanks Junie
Sitting here listening to the rain coming down, sounds a bit like it's freezing rain
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Love the kitten gif Junie!
Elliott doing very well thank you. Though he thinks the cursor on my pc screen is a fly that he has a duty to catch!
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Feline - Glad to hear that Elliot is having a fun Kittenhood. How is your weather there? Any sign of Spring yet? Here we have had over 3" of rain in the last 2 weeks, but our norm is approx. 1.3" in the first part of April. So ready for some sunshine.
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HeLLLoooooooooooooooo Owlies, been having so much fun painting, decluttering (26 years from last move), OMD can't believe the stuff I have been living with that is going to find a new home. But today I needed "something to fill a space" Actually, multiple. Told Di wait. One way up in a closet, one hidden behind a chair. Now they are stellar pieces again. Other things hidden in such ways. One piece has lost it's space. But I will not give up on it yet.
Only a few might find this humorous, I pulled out and old board sign from the last house. "Temperance" It has and eagle and several symbols. It harkens back to pre- Prohibition. I had to explain the Temperance Movement that lead to Prohibition. Which lead to all the problems of Prohibition with the growth of the Mafia, black market alcholol production, transportation, etc. Di had no knowledge of any of this. So the joke of a Tempernace sign in a bar was completely lost on her. I then realized why my son didn't understand when I tried to give it to him. DUH.So it now goes behind the dresser again.
BUT and a very BIG BUT, I brought out a poster hidden away for umpteen years, but never forgotten. It was a first of the Montreal Detroit Jazz festival. It's likely one of few, may be a prototype. I've researched it. The jazz festival went on for years. A key is they produced a new poster every year until they separated.
Why is my poster special? It was year one. How Dad got it was curator, of the sponsor the Detroit Museum of Modern Art, sold it to him for the price of x (?) amount of drinks at my Dad's bar.
I had three pieces that that curator sold to Dad for a drink. One above. The second was a Playbill from "Gone With The Wind"
The other treasure is another poster that has sillouhtes(sic) with their instruments of the following Trane, Bird, Satchmo, Duke, and Miles. A jazz person's dream.
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Loverly, OH so funny about the safe place. Never to be seen again. I do have that place. Have told son about it But then it wasn't there.....I tucked it so tightly, it couldn't be found......a lesson,......bad lesson.....so I changed it.
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Doing split screening to catch up
Mags your story with son shared here is beautiful
Queenie-----so much laugh on jury duty
Junie, dislike bursting a bubble . The bubble is believing your docs know everything. They do medical school, then a residency, then maybe a fellowship. Then they go into practice. In the practice, they see patients. That are scheduled perhaps ten to fifteen minutes apart, but really need an hour to and hour and a half apart to work everything
They're a docs for every body part and system, and then we can subdivide a system into fractions of a body system
How do we keep ourselves out of the the doc treadmill of seeing another "ologist"
First, find a superlative Primary Care Physician PCP. Junie, I'm writing to the lurkers now. You have tried to work the system correctly and the system--Duh, just keeps sending you to "other docs"
Your question "Why can't they all get on the same page" They don't have the time. They don't have the time.. They don't have the time. They don't have the time
Now what I wrote in the last paragraph reads as horrible. But it is fact. If your doc does take the time and get all the ologist ordered for appropriate test then it's great
A person recently gave me accolades for sticking around BCO to advise...The reality is we need to become experts on our own disease processes whatever they may be, and our drugs. Learned this early 1970's, Hasn't changed.
Case in point is Mag's vasculitis. Doc's went for the standard Fever of Unknown Origin----throw on all the antibiotics. Had Loverly and I not intervened they wouldn't have come to the vasculitus dx until way late. Way late with vasculitus is devastating
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Okay .........fine now ................sleep attack...............hugs
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Junie we seem to be getting no two days the same in a row. the daffodils, crocus and other spring flowers have come up in large numbers but other than that you would hardly know it was spring, its been wet, windy, cold etc. Farmers in genuine crisis mode. However there is a great forecast for the rest of this week, so looking forward to a few days sunshine halleluia! Hopefully some might blow your way.
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Sunny here today. Praying that the nasty and cold weather we have been getting is finally done. It poured here yesterday! At one point my backyard looked like a pond was starting to form!
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SAS, Those Jazz posters are probably worth a lot of money should you ever want to get rid of them.
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Sas - No problem about bursting the bubble. I just get frustrated when doctors act as if I have no clue about my own body and medical Hx. Of course I have met many people who have the attitude that they don't need to know what is going on in their own body because that is what the doctors went to school for. Arrgh! Many don't even know the meds they take or the why. They just take it because the doctor said to. Then I show up and am full of questions and I feel like the docs get annoyed because I don't just go along with their program.
Anyway, I was back in the ER yesterday with level 10 abdominal pain that turned out to be severe Diverticulitis. Thankfully no perforation. For some reason I believed that the discomfort in my abdomen was related to my spinal fractures, so I took pain meds and continued on. But Monday morning the pain was as I said a 10 out of 10 and my MO sent me to the ER. At this point I do not know if I will have to post-pone my back surgery. I'll just have to see how well/quickly the antibiotics work.
My Kirbers is with his trainer again. I am so thankful she is willing/able to come get him when need be. She will be bringing him home on Thursday at O'dark Thirty. I told her to ring the doorbell and I'll let him in and go back to bed.
Feline - We are having gray dreary/rainy days here. In April we normally have approx. 1.3 inches of rain in the first 2 weeks, but this year we are over 3 inches and counting. One of the area ski resorts has reported 176" of snow right now. Everyone here is more than ready for some sunshine. We've had a couple of teaser days here and there, but looking forward to the sun.
Loverly - I've done the put it in a safe place and then tear stuff apart looking for an item and getting very frustrated at myself.
Mags - How are you doing?
A lady I know forwarded a fun post on FB today asking what our age would be if we transposed the numbers of our present age. A lot of funny comments showed up.
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Hi Junie
I'm so sorry for all that you're going through. You still have a great attitude. I know Kirby helps a lot. That pisses me off that you feel the docs are annoyed when you ask questions. That is what in the hell their there for!!!!! I agree with you that many take meds, and really don't have a full understanding of why their taking it.
You're pain level was a 10? Lord have mercy. If you don't mind me asking, what pain meds do you take? Also, do you take anything for sleep? Now, you might have your back surgery delayed? I still don't fully understand why. What's diverculilis? Not sure if I spelled that right. Sorry I'm asking so many questions.
What beautiful pics of Kirby. I love it when you ladies send pictures of your pets. Actually, I love any pictures. Oh, does Kirby sleep in your bed with you? -
Mags
Wow, what a wonderful story. Thanks so much for sharing. Your son is a good man. I'm glad you found, and got to reconnect with him. How far does he live from you? His adopted mother had breast cancer too, and passed. Goodness.
How are you feeling? Didn't you say your cousin lives with you, and is a big help? -
Sas
I sent you a pm, and explained what dumb thing I did. Hopefully, you've read it. I'll check in a bit. I do have so many medical, and questions about prescriptions I want to talk to you about. I hate some of the ones I'm on. Before I had my daughter 15 years ago, I swear, I was so against meds. Wouldn't even take one for a headache. After I had her, I had postpartum depression bad. I also had toxemia. My blood pressure was out the roof!!!!' The toxemia went away at birth, but not the blood pressure. Kept me an extra day, and the nurses made me limit the visitors. Scared the hell out of me.
So, needless to say, I went home with a newborn, and lots of meds. I never saw it coming. This might sound stupid, but I wonder if complications of pregnancy, and miscarriages can have something to do with breast cancer. I had one miscarriage before I had Reece.
You are right that we need to be our own advocates about are health. -
Ladies
Has anyone talked to Patty? How is she doing
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Jaymeb - The attitude of some of the doctors I've encountered is frustrating yes, but getting angry is counter productive. It is just the reality of some of my experiences. The pain meds I use are Hydrochodone & Oxychodone alternately. Not together. An interesting fact I learned today when I picked up my antibiotics from the pharmacy. Cipro (antibiotic) and Tizanidine (muscle relaxer) can NOT be used together. The pharmacist was very clear about this today. Apparently the Cipro increases the strength of the Tizanidine by 20 times and would be a deadly combo. I usually use the Tizanidine at bedtime along with Alprazolam for sleep, so I am so glad the pharmacist brought this to my attention.
Per the Mayo Clinic:
Diverticula are small, bulging pouches that can form in the lining of your digestive system. They are found most often in the lower part of the large intestine (colon). Diverticula are common, especially after age 40, and seldom cause problems.
Sometimes, however, one or more of the pouches become inflamed or infected. That condition is known as diverticulitis (die-vur-tik-yoo-LIE-tis). Diverticulitis can cause severe abdominal pain, fever, nausea and a marked change in your bowel habits.
Mild diverticulitis can be treated with rest, changes in your diet and antibiotics. Severe or recurring diverticulitis may require surgery.
The signs and symptoms of diverticulitis include:
- Pain, which may be constant and persist for several days. Pain is usually felt in the lower left side of the abdomen, but may occur on the right, especially in people of Asian descent.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Fever.
- Abdominal tenderness.
- Constipation or, less commonly, diarrhea.
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Jay, yes, our story is truly a miracle (for me at least!) and I take none of it for granted. My son helped his wife raise two fine young men, and the older of the two bonded with my late DH very strongly through rhe years. They live in Florida, and I’m in Oklahoma. Five years ago, after DGS1 graduated from high school, he came out for a week long visit, and we four had the best time! I have some wonderful pics of him with DH and DH is always smiling or laughing. They were just kindred spirits. But my grandson has the most tender heart. He came with his dad to DH’s funeral, and sat right behind me. He kept his hand on my shoulder most of the service, and what a comfort. The next day, nearly everyone had gone, but their plane didn’t leave until late afternoon. They got up early and drove over to the house (we’d had so many family here there was no more room so they stayed at a hotel nearby) and spent the whole day with us - my cousin, my sister, and I, and my grandson spent most of the time loving on us - he’s the best hugger, next to his dad.
He’s now got a serious relationship with a young lady and my son says she is a perfect match for him. I’m so thrilled. And DGS wants to bring her out for a visit, hopefully this summer, which warms my heart.
Yes, my cousin lives with me, and a big help would be a major understatement. She is truly my caregiver. She is a very vigorous 81, and she came to take care of me after surgery in 2011, and we wouldn’t let her leave. She had cared for both of her parents until they passed in ‘09 and ‘10, and when I called, she came. Our moms were sisters, so we have a very deep and strong connection. DH loved her too, and as we expected I’d be the first to go, vowed to care for her and make sure she always had a home. So one of the first things I did after he was gone was to set up a trust that would provide for her when I’m gone. She’ll never have to worry about having a place to live. She loves to shop, so she does all our household shopping, and drives me to appointments, and cooks, and make sure sure I don’t overdo. She said also very active in our church, she’s “choir mom” to a choir that is often 200, and leads a Grief Share group weekly. As i said, vigorous!
Once again I’ve written a novel, but I must be up and off today, seeing an ortho this morning about my shoulder that I wrenched, although it’s getting better so I don’t think it’s too badly damaged.
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Queenie, so funny( or is not funny) trying to figure out what hair to wear for court
Hi Mommie I hope you are feeling less sad. It's so tough. Time does help to heal. Hugs.
Junie pics of Kirby are adorable. Sorry about the divertic. The first page of the Constipation thread, I did a post on divertic. Seriously, there are so pearls in it that you won't find elsewhere. (Jaymeb read page one too). The Mayo description is good. Glad your Pharmacist caught that interaction.
Link to first page of Constipation thread. I reread material and I think it will help.
https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/6/topics/...
Wren, you are so right about the posters. Anyone that has seen them is kind of in awe and always the "If you want to sell them, let me know" . Non-jazz folks haven't got a clue. I'm so happy to be able to get the Montreuax-Detroit one up again. When all the painting is done I will try and get decent pics for you.
I finally got the 6 ft vanity OUT of the living room. It hasn't made it to the bathroom, just to the master bedroom. But that's okay. It's been in the living room since maybe March or April of last year. The french doors made it up to the attic YAY Pocket door is done which has been a big hold up.
I scheduled a dinner party for May 5th for a going away party for an old work mate. Then had a talk with Donnie of how important it is too me that we accomplish a Honey Do list. He's being very cooperative.
Space Coast weather report: Stunning weather, just stunning. Did I say stunning
. Anyone ever scheduling a trip to Florida, always consider April until the first two weeks of May. Routinely stunning weather. Temperature usually in the 70's low 80's (central Florida). May temperatures start up into higher 80's so not as dependable. Humidity is the lowest for the whole year, but can be higher than many northerners are comfortable, but is way better that the rest of the year. -
OH, thrifted a wrought iron patio table and chairs 75$'s and a wicker two seater with glass top coffee table. The wicker is perfect. You can tell it has never been outside, but that's where it's going. $40. It was 50% off day again. This SPCA thrift really understands us junkers/antiquers/barterers. Plus, 97% of the funds really does go to the animal shelter.
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UGH, decluttering. I've had this thing since Greg died. I just couldn't open the Christmas cards. Just went through a stack from 2013
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Junie called a few hours ago. Her condition has changed enough I recommended she go by ambulance to ER. She's on the cusp of serious trouble. Go to the Constipation thread and read my description of the 4 presenting types of divertic and what is safe management. The problem is when we are on the cusp, we waffle about what we should do. I used to train the paramedics that in the decision making process "If you reach the point that you don't know, give it to a higher authority" That's a difficult point for some to get by. The fear is that they are over reacting. Again, that supports why we need to know stuff about our diseases and meds.
Hoping she's gone to ER versus toughing it out.
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Sas wanted to see my patio. Here it is, not put together yet.
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Sas: thank you for urging Junie to the ER. (I hate the thought for myself; my doctor ordered me there last fall because I almost waited too long.)
As for what to wear to court, I think I'll have my husband 'do' my hair (clippers set to 1") just before going in.
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OH Queenie Number1......If my memory is correct that's almost a buzz. Dear son as a younger that was the thing. !980's into the early 90's). We bought a Wahl(?)... We used the same thing to shave my head. Dear sister who had BC in 1996, told me ""When your head starts to hurt and the hair is falling out, just shave it" That's what I did.
Since I never went to the threads related to hair loss, I have no insight to their feelings. My feelings were, what did I look like bald. It was a good bald head. Not a pinhead. A great friend came unexpectedly and was not prepared for the Bald. Duh, we got over it real quick
No idea why Nanette showed up that day, but she showed up another day( years before) that was very important, then another day that was very important when Greg died. Then she planned the next day to shop for something for the funeral. She was a stalwart. She helped me through an awful time
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