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@shanagirl - Thanks for what you know about Guillian-Barre Syndrome. It's all pretty new to me. I'd heard of it, but hadn't heard about any actual experiences. I'm not sure anymore that that is my problem, because as you pointed out, it looks like most who get it wind up in the hospital for a good month. I've got pins and needles down my legs and it all crept up, like they say, but I have not experienced anything that is so bad as to keep me from walking. I guess breathing can also be pretty much cut off, until things improve. I'm back to thinking it could be the faslodex/low estrogen, the weather, ergonomics, or don't want to say it: cancer progression in my spine. I had some bad digestive issues with all of this too (something they note for Guillain-Barre Syndrome), but they seem to be improving, knock on wood. Shana, I can't believe what a trooper you are, and how much you've been through with so many health crises over the years. You just amaze me in that regard, as you have fought and handled all of it. Kudos to you!

@irishlove - Yes, these Mom stories are so very moving and sad. I'm just so glad I'm not the only one who misses my mom so much after all these years (17) and being the age I am (72). Sometimes I feel a bit silly. While sad, it's nice to hear that so many continue to miss their moms too.

My insurance is Traditional Medicare with a supplement, so I can speak to the PPO vs HMO issue. Sorry, but I'm sure there are probably many here who can.

I listen to both you and @eleanora describe your diverticulitis situations with great interest, as I have been told that I have the precursor, diverticulosis, but they never see anything active on the scans, thank goodness, just the "necessary framework". I can't believe what the two of you have been through with this problem, and I had no idea it could get as bad as you have described. Hugs and good wishes to both of you, and may you find good and permanent solutions!

@tanya_djamila Thank you for sharing your Japan pictures, very nice outdoor and outside of building and those vehicles you were driving looked fun as well.

@irishlove Thank you for sharing about your mom as well, it warms the heart how much we love and miss moms.

I am debating a shop from the Costco instacart store, would not mind some M&Ms in the jar and a couple of cooked rotisserie chickens. Could do so very much with them and since it is pricier, would use the card that collects the rewards on it that will cut the payment down to nothing. Got two rotisserie chickens and the bucket of M&Ms I would get when used to go with brother. 60 bucks but enough chicken to satisfy. There really was not anything else I needed so stopped there. Apply the credit I get for paying rent, internet and mobile and and the order becomes 25 to 30 and that is fine by me as I will not need another shop for a couple of weeks at least. Fees are pricier but if I limited Costco to once a month, not so bad. Order will be here shortly, dang that is fast.

In the meantime goals are to keep sink clear, get bathtub clear of dirty clothes efficiently. Found the 3rd lid for the smallest washers, might use those on my tshirts so if need be can do 3 things at the same time, I put those on the floor since they have handles and wash the stuff needing the biggest washer.

Not sure what to have today, My chicken will be on its way, can chop into beans and cheese to add an extra layer of flavour to stuff or make an egg and chicken with cheese something else. Depending on how much it is used, will decide after it goes to full price if I need it.Walmart delivery does not have as many fees as instacart does but also do not need anything from Walmart at this point and their website is messed up. Costco already is on its way, 2 chickens and the container of M&Ms. Will have to process the chicken first and then incorporate into a meal. Got the chicken so will process it a bit at a time and add some to a bean and chicken type meal, chop beans and chicken with some shredded cheese. I was very hungry so ate some chicken right away and chewed it off the bone, it was very good. Other chicken is in the freezer.

EDIT I did actually drop the membership for the regular instacart because overall, I do not need to shop at all the different stores. Between Walmart and sometime Amazon, it is cheaper instead of the extra fees and such. I also do not need costco because though rotisserie chicken is cheap, I dislike the taking it apart step in the progress. Better off ordering the 4 tubes of ground chicken for 10 bucks, 4 lbs in all OR the 3 tubes of ground beef, each weighing a bit less tuan a pound.

Tonight am planning a similar meal to yesterday but with chicken meat added. Taking some chicken, beans and shredded cheese, chop it all together, put in a sprayed frypan with some canola spray, plant butter and garlic spread. Dump the chicken, cheese and bean mix into the pan with some queso and give a stir around. Turn off the heat, add a lid and let it all cool gradually. When time to plate, just dump on the plate and add some binders, a blob of chipotle, capful of the sourcream and lime and whatever else comes to mind. Cannot have M&M tonight, do not need to be up all night.

I hope everyone has a good day and in pockets as needed.

@irishlove - I was really moved when I read all the missing Mom stories, and I have my own, even after 17 years, but I cried when I read your story. So very sad and touching. Hugs.

@tanya_djamila - Thanks so much for posting the pictures. They are wonderful and you all look so very happy.😊

Has anyone had or known anyone who got a bad reaction like Guillain-Barre syndrome after getting a flu shot? It's apparently rare but possible. I got my shot on the 15th and about a week later started getting pins and needles that seem to get worse, then better, then worse. At first I didn't think too much about it, as I have long standing peripheral neuropathy in my feet, and low estrogen can do this too. Then reading around I saw where it can be a post flu shot thing and can be anywhere from mild and transient to severe and long lasting requiring serious hospitalization. I'm seeing my oncologist for routine visit on Wednesday and am trying to wait until then to ask about it, but in the meantime I'm wondering if anyone here has had or has known anyone who's had this problem. I remember before I got the shot, they asked me as a routine question if I'd ever gotten this before after a flu shot and I said no.

(Sorry, I'm having to type on my phone, something I don't do well, but sitting at the computer is aggravating the pins y needles and joint pain.)