STEAM ROOM FOR ANGER

Gracie, I have a pretty long fuse, not given to telling people off, have a reputation for being non-threatening etc. But I do not think I could have refrained from telling that blaming co-worker off. Not to call them names but to do some educating both about cancer and kindness. Of course, realistically, in the moment I'd probably be too shocked to respond.

GR4C1E- What your coworker said was totally inappropriate. I think though, that as a smoker, she probably gets chastised by family and friends all of the time. She may have been lashing out at you for all the grief she gets herself. Lung cancer patients are often made to feel that if they smoked, they got what was coming to them, that they caused it themselves. My dad died of lung cancer when I was 13 and for the longest time, I felt that an actual smoker should have died of lung cancer in my dad's place. I am not making excusing for her immature and cruel remark, just trying to figure out how she might have come to say it.

SInce my diagnosis, I had trouble sleeping. After surgery, I could only sleep in the recliner, propped up by a bunch of pillows. Every time I moved, I would wake up. This still goes on. Though my surgery was in August, my incisions still hurt, and I get weird twinges that I guess were from radiation.

Anyway - I started taking melatonin, which helps me fall asleep, but I still wake up a lot. I'm not in terrible pain, it's just that every movement wakes me up because I have to adjust myself, or adjust the pillows. My son suggested THC/CBD edibles. He bought me some, they are small chocolate squares. I have taken a half of one three different nights, and all three times got the best sleep I've had in a while. I don't feel "high" at all when I take them, but it does seem easier to relax and fall asleep, and I don't wake up as often. For me, the edible marijuana works better than alcohol or melatonin. I'm still figuring it out though, because, as I said, I only tried it three times.

When I run out, I'll have to figure out how to go to a marijuana dispensary and buy some for myself.

tinker bell,

I have used cannabis and cannabis products for years! I had a medical card originally and the my state went recreational as well. If the product your son gave you is working, be sure to check the label or packaging to see what the CBD:THC ratio is as this will guide you in future purchases. For example it might say 18:1, meaning 18 parts CBD to 1 part THC. Then you can branch out to other edibles! If you are in a legal state just Google to find a local dispensary and chances are they will have a website. Peruse the web site to learn about buying from the dispensary and the services they offer. In my area, delivery is common! I rarely go to the dispensary anymore. Also, many places offer quick pickups for on line orders. Have a look at this thread. You can post questions there as we all learn from each other. I am not claiming any expertise. I have just been using cannabis for longer than most on bco. Take care

https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/79/topics/874792?page=4#idx_102

SF Cakes,

I might have mentioned this before but Yummi Karma brand makes a sleep formula, sub-lingual marshmallow flavored tincture, called Lights Out! It high THC but come with a dropper so you can start with a very small dose. I usually don’t have trouble sleeping but when I do this does the trick and fairly quickly too. It’s sold in dispensaries in Santa Clara Co. so you might find it at a dispensary in the city.

GoldensRbest, I am another that probably (certainly my dr would say so) drinks too much. I drink at least 3 light beers a night and can't find that I really care.

We had issues before when DH had to be admitted to the hospital and one of the docs was not on his insurance and was "out of network" as well. Hospital was and everything. You would think if the one is on there they all should be but others have privledges there as well even if out of network. Does not seem fair and when you are in that situation you do time have to figure it out since you need to get you loved one cared for right away.

I feel a little less guilty about my nightly glass (or 2) of wine. I don't have expensive tastes and if someone gives me a nice bottle, I'll wait until I'm with friends or family to open it. DH doesn't drink at all. Just his choice.

ctm, I'm glad you slept all night. That's a big deal! Congratulations! I'm so sorry about the deaths, sorry about the stupid ER bill, but happy that your sister appears to be stable.

Have a great Friday, everyone.

Carol

just angry today m and yesterday

SadieServant: I missed that truly stupid comment from our Chief Medical Officer. Whiskey Tango Foxtrot. I wish our Premier well. I mean, really, if a good attitude was all it took think of the survival rate.

ctm: I am sorry about your losses. How much grief can a person be expected to bear? Then there is "network" and "insurance" Don't get me started on that!!

Then there are those ads from America Big Pharm with the lies about Canada negotiating drug prices which results in Canadians being denied treatments. LIES!!! The first ads named Canada but it seems to now be saying "Some countries". What are they saying? "Don't let Medicare get a $32.00 price tag for your insulin instead of $320.00" Prior to Covid there used to be bus runs up from the states to Ontario to buy insulin.

I am angry on behalf of my American sisters. I am puzzled as to why people are so afraid of universal health care.

As for drinking: Bottoms up! I enjoy a glass(es) of wine. I am reluctant to give up my weekend Martinis.

Bonfire Night in the UK today. "Remember, remember the 5th of November"

DivineMrsM, I've had it happen many times where I'm hospitalized for something and I'm assigned whatever physician is on call at the time (like anesthesia), and later get smacked with an "out of network" bill. When I write a letter to my insurance provider describing the circumstances--I certainly have no say in what anesthesiologist I get--they have always allowed it and paid them according to what "in network" would have paid. I don't know if that would help in your situation, but actual letters written to actual people seem to be more effective than phone calls.

Well I sure hope no one looks to the UK system as the stand up model of universal health care - its a political football and a money pit with relatively poor preventative care and some pretty terrible health outcomes in certain areas. My last GP practice didn't even have a working telephone system. The UK and US systems are two extremes - pick any of the European systems where its universal care with a top-up payments/insurance for 'extras' and that would work better than either of these two systems.

I can see where opponents are getting the 'years long wait!' for a knee replacement messaging though - its absolutely the truth in this country, but Ive also watched partner's father struggle for years to be properly treated for back/knee issues in Sweden. People put up with the waiting and degrading care because "thank god we have universal health care otherwise we would be paying thousands like in the US!". Maybe, but you are also spending multiple years in pain with worsening mobility - that has a cost as well.

Its definitely Bonfire Night here - fireworks shooting off left, right, and center. Last night was Diwali and folks were shooting off fireworks left, right, and center so who knows who is shooting off what and why at this point! At least the cats are relatively chill about it and aren't bothered too much.

And just exactly what does this woman being a breast cancer “conquer “ have to do with her ability to call a football game?

Some years a Canadian snowbird came to the dog park on the regular. He could barely walk, used canes. Said he needed a new hip, but was on a wait list back home, wouldn’t happen for quite a while yet. He appeared to be in a lot of pain. Poor man. The dog was old too, got around better than he did

DivineMrsM, a previous doctor's office told me to call the hospital and surgical staff's office, tell them the bill is too high and I can't pay it. You can often negotiate the cost, and even ask for a super low payment schedule, especially when you are cooperating to pay the bill. Another time I was even advised to leave a clinic, walk back in, and sign in without providing insurance information because I could pay straight up out of pocket a lot less than what I would pay with insurance. You never know unless you ask, but I would think it's important to always negotiate an ER bill

Spookiesmom, that annoys the hell out of me! Are we just a disease? Her breast cancer has nothing to do with football. There is a woman coach for some football team that is gay. OF course that has to be speculated on. blah, blah. My BIL called her a dyke. I said have you forgotten your niece (my daughter ) is gay? What an asshat. Ok not going to think about THAT anymore cause I will just get mad again.

sbelizabeth, that is an excellent suggestion. I had to write to an insurance company once. They wouldn't pay for an injury my husband had because they were unable to get the ER info in a timely manner. That was because the hospital computer system had been hacked. A phone call didn't help but a letter and an article from the newspaper did.