CMF Question
Comments
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Let it Snow ... well I felt like a kid hoping that school would be canceled for a snow day while at work this morning. I ventured to work this morning in the snow and ice, (yes we don't get much snow around here to paralyze traffic, but with the hills it gets ugly quickly). Our jobs had all been canceled (whew), and by 10:30 the base was shut down and we we're told to head home. I don't think this has happened since 1997 in these parts. I've lit the fire, grab my wrapping paper and will try to be useful this afternoon. I'll be calling the snow-line first thing in the morning with my fingers crossed for a base closure!!! Oh how I now remember that feeling the kids have hoping for school closures!!!
So Rita, I actually work at the Trident Nuclear Submarine Base here in Washington. Although the subs continue to need maintenance over the holidays, we actually seem a bit less busy this time of the year. Hmmm, I always think to myself, how big of a priority can it be to get the material to these boats that have never fired a nuclear missile ever and its plain dangerous to be on the roads ?!?!?
I finally got to some wrapping myself ... lucky me my dh has done the majority of our shopping. He works in Seattle and the dd works at Nike Town there when not in school. We get a really good employee discount, which is too good to not take advantage of this year.
Boy you look like your having a busy schedule as well over the next week or so. We'll be up to our eyeballs with family and friends over the holidays, X-mas eve at the bil/sil's, X-mas day our house (but very casual). The 26th our house again (sit down dinner this time) and the 27th at our friends. I won't even want to get on a scale after that is said and done. What a change from last year when I was layed up from surgery #2.
Jill, with that said, here you are recooperating from surgery. I'm hoping like anything that you will have some good news to share tonight or very soon.
Mandy, on the hair thing, my biggest shedding session was during the 2nd month and then again during month 6 for me. It really mellowed out during the rest of the time. I as well used Nioxin products.
Thanks gals for the cheers ... now I'm just hoping that my sister friends can be as lucky to receive some good news as well, Jill that would be you gal !!!!
Off to stoke the fire ... Carol
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Mandy - I would let them shampoo like always and blow dry it. I try not to over blow dry it. I gel it and give it a quick dry. I really enjoyed getting mine cut. I do need it colored but I'll just put in root cover up for now and get it done next time. The nurses told me its ok as long as I don't don't too much damage on a daily basis(blow drying, flat iron, etc) Are you going to NY to get it done on Fri? I'll be back in to see a White Christmas on broadway. My cousin won tix and I'm her date as long as we don't get the anticipated 8 inches of snow. I do enjoy a good snowstorm if I don't have to leave the house. It even looks like it will be snowing on Christmas Eve. I'm cooking the big Italian fishfest.
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Thanks everyone for the hair advice.
But scarp...are they expecting 8 inches of snow in New York this weekend? I arrive tomorrow morning, get my hair cut (in New York) then to the wedding at night with some resting in my hotel or shopping in between. I go home on Saturday.
Of course I have developed excessively watery eyes which are now itching so I do not know what that means. I figure I'll try some benedryl in case it is an allergic reaction, which I am hoping.
Mandy.
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Hi
I wondered if any of you had watery eyes as a side effect. I read that it can be a CMF side effect and i really have it. My eyes have been runny all day as if i am crying. I have tried eye lubricant drops and i am out of ideas. I am supposed to go to a wedding out of town tomorrow and - sure would like to get this under control. Any suggestions?
Thanks
Mandy0 -
I am feeling so much better. I got may energy back and have been up at my kids school for the last 2 days running the music dept. raffle baskets for the holiday concert. But it felt good to be involved again. Did get somewhat good news about my mother. She under went head ct and bone scan, liver etc. tests and everything came back neg. So the onc said that it is only in the lung. She has opted for chemo (this lady amazes me) and will begin in Jan. The onc said if she can tolerate the chemo it will give her a better quality of life (she is 87). She is definitely my hero such a fighter!!!!! So we are all happy about that. We will celebrate with my dh family on Christmas Day and then I get together w/my family on the 27th. We rent a hall in NJ because we are such a big group. This year with my mom being ill almost everyone is coming. That is 9 children + spouses, 30 grandchildren + spouses and great grandchildren, so I am really looking forward to it. I do have my 3rd tx on Mon. 12/22, but I should maybe have a rough Christmas day, but by the 27th I should almost be back to myself (whatever that is these days). Well wishing everyone a great weekend.
Be Well,
Colleen
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Well, waiting for the big snow to hit us here in the NE, supposed to get 8-12" by eve., so had to cancel on taking my dad to his eyedr. for new glasses (he is on a tube in a nursing home) so I thankfully got a reschedule. He was so looking forward to it, I really did not want to cancel it, but hopefully with a new date, he'll be OK. Better to disappoint him than to have him slip and fall!
Carol, I am so glad you got your "snow day"....great to hear from you and you sound just as wonderful as ever.
Rita, your life sounds like it's hoppin'!! I think your christmas plans sound like tons of fun.
Colleen, I hope that CMF is an easy ride for your christmas day. I found that once I had the rhythm down of them, that either I got accustomed to it, or else, it got better, I don't know which but certainly wish one or both for you on christmas!!
Mandy, I had the waterey eyes....I just bought waterproof mascare bec. god forbid I don't have makeup on!! LOL. try not to worry about it and enjoy your hair appt. I think if you call the chemo room, those nurses have heard every side effect in the book and can perhaps give you a tip or two.
Colleen, I have to laugh when I read about your renting a hall.......sounds like my family. We'll have to do that to get my daughter married, or a circus tent.
Everyone have a terrific christmas!!!!!!!! I got my cards out, belatedly, but if I missed anyone, have a great one anyway. I am not even going to think about bc, as it's christmas and we should just enjoy.
Jill, wonderful thoughts and strong prayers for you to have a positive outcome today! It's christmas and you deserve a gift.
love to you all
annie
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Colleen, it had to be a bit of a relief to have your Mom's scans come back clean, other than the pesky lung. Hopefully she will be on a chemo regimen that is tolerable for her so that quality of life is not too comprimised ... a definite SHERO !!!
My oh my ... now that is a family gathering !!!
Mandy, I had a friend who also had issues with a watery eye problem while on chemo (although not CMF). Not what you'd want to hear, but she actually had to have a surgical procedure to rota-rooter the tear ducts. I'd give a call to your onc's office and ask them for any suggestions. Although we all are so different, I still felt I'd share her experience. Wish I had a quick fix answer for you.
Off to work ... we we're given a 2 hour late work start due to snowy/icy roads !
Carol
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Good morning gals. It sounds like you got snow and we have the ice! The power was off when I got up this morning. That's not a good thing when you have a well! No lights, no water, no electricity, no computer...panic time! I guess that's what I get for living in a wooded area. LOL
Anyway, I, too started a fire to warm things up, got the candles all lit and listened to tree branches in the woods crashing to the ground. The power is back now and I decided that I need to get everything accomplished that uses water or electricity......just in case! :-)
The schools around here are all closed so I think many school children in our area are sharing your joy, Carol! Interesting job that you have! Glad you had some time to tackle the wrapping.
I am finally done!!!!!! Now it's time to enjoy the season.
Colleen, I so glad that your Mom's cancer is localized. Isn't it amazing what we are now thankful for.???...... I will keep her in my prayers and thoughts. Hopefully she will be able to sustain the chemo and enjoy her life.
Thinking of you Jill..........and waiting for a report.
Catch you all later.
Rita
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Happy Sunday,
Here we sit this morning looking out at more than 8" of snow. For us, this is quite an event. We're down at sea level, so I'm sure that the hills got nailed with more (yep the ds called from his dad's house they have a foot). The dh shoveled a trail for the "wieners" to find grass without high siding their bellies! Looks like we're expected to get a few more inches throughout the next few days. Can we say "White Christmas"???? Being procrastinators this year, the dh and I will be venturing out today (hoping the stores are going to be open), to finish up our shopping.
Okay, just tried to take some pics of the "kids" in the snow ... I know some of you are laughing at me as we get so excited with this small amount of snow in comparison to what many of you are used to ... bear with me !!!
And "the big kid" with the wieners !!!
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I am like a kid and love snow when it comes. Thanks for sharing your great photos and enjoy!
Mandy
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Carol - great pictures!!! I love the 1st snow of the season. We got more rain and ice then we did snow and now they are saying it is going to rain Christmas Eve and Day. So I guess I will have to wait a little longer for a real good snowfall.
I go tomorrow for my 3rd tx. Not looking forward to it, because I am feeling really good. The only problem I have been having the last two days is my temper. I seem to be set off at the littlest things. I am sure it is just the hormones. I had my period the day of my surgery in Oct and have not had it since. I know the onc said that the treatment may bring on menopause, has that happend to anyone else? Also I am always hot so I know that is another sign. Well I wish everyone a restful night.
Colleen
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Colleen, boy is the snow so much prettier than our typical gray and rainy days of winter. It's still coming down tonight !!! Here I sit like a school kid, just hoping that the government agency I work at might give us atleast a 2 hour late start for tomorrow ... a day off would be even better.
So I went from not even being pre-menopausal last spring to month 3 of chemo of my 6 month regimen being put into full fledge menopause. There was no "peri" bit to it ... just a total stoppage of Aunt Flo. Since then, I have had my hormone levels checked, yep total menopause for me ... and as far as emotional outburst go ... I have never been one to be whacked out about much ... since this chemo induced menopause I tend to cry at the drop of a hat ... what fun ?!?!?
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Yikes ... I'm glad I posted this first part .,, I just rambled on again and my connection disappeared. So much for not using a word doc.
Anyway ... was just going to mention that my gyn had said to me when I complained of my wierd emotional tears and achey bones that most women have many months or even years to slowly ease into a menopausal state. Not true for some of us ... we kind of get blind sided by it. Try to hang in there with your feelings ... easy for me to say when I'm not on the verge of tears for something! I have ended up not keeping track of when my period may have been taking place ... but I can only assume that I roll with it each month with some sort of se's. Bottom line which I try to remind myself of is that being ER/PR+ such as yourself, we're in better space to have our major estrogen producing factory in shutdown mode.
Goodluck with round three ... remember to take any meds to combat se's before they hit ... hopefully you'll be somewhat back on top of your game by Christmas ... if not ... kick back and let others handle the stress !!! You have a heck of an excuse to just sit back and be taken care of!
Jill ... thinking of you ... any news from last week?
Carol
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Colleen, good luck with #3. I'm hoping that it treats you kindly so you can enjoy your family and the holidays. HUGS!
Carol....I love your winter pics! I must admit that I'm a warm-weather person, but I'd rather have your snow anyday compared to the ice that we have here. Power lines have been down and it's an icy mess outside. It does look pretty on the trees but it's so heavy that it's breaking the limbs and branches right off. Enjoy your winter wonderland!
Well, I still have last minute things to get done today so I need to get away from this computer and get moving. I'll try to check back in later.
Rita
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Carol - Great pics. I, too love the snow. We got about 8 inches over the weekend. The kids had no school on Friday and a delayed opening today. Just hate getting the 5 a.m. call to say its closed or delayed. It has been fun. We were amazed watching football yesterday that is was snowing in Seattle.
Colleen - Good luck with 3. My next is on the 29th and I'm 1/2 way there. Went for bloodwork today and it was perfect. So happy! Getting tired of feeling like a pin cushion.
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Hi ladies, just checking in briefly. My kid has this computer all tied up most of the time!
Carol, great pics! I love weiners dogs...Bella is a looney tunes so we are very fuzzy around here. Hubby and daughter off at the mall shopping, so i grabbed the computer for nano second.
Colleen: good luck w/ #3, you are ticking them off!! 1/2 WAY FOR SCARP, WAHOOOOOOOOO!!! Great on the bloodwork also!
Mandy, how was the party?
I won't get this thing again til after christmas so will wish everyone a very merry ahead of time.
I hope it is wonderful for each and every one of you. remember to make a wish on your tree on christmas eve.
love to all
annie
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Hey Annie....what do think are the chances that we'll all be wishing about the same thing over the Christmas tree on Christmas Eve? :-) Enjoy your family and a very Merry Christmas to you.
Scarp...O.K. How's it feel to be about half way done? And Colleen is right behind you! I'd say that both of you are doing pretty well, too. You go get 'em, gals! I hope you're feeling well so you can enjoy the holiday season.
Carol...Are you still playing in the snow up there? As much as I love you, I think I'll head farther south and play in the sun with Lisa! LOL
How's it going, Jill? Any news you can share with us? Thinking of you every day!
Mandy...how's your hair doing and have you found anything that clears up the watery eyes. I didn't experience the runny eye syndrome. Guess I lucked out on that one. I hope all is improving for you, too so that you can enjoy the season.
Harley, I hope you're having the time of your life with your SIL. Check in when you can and tell us all the fun things you're doing! A special thanks for the lovely card. HUGS!
Well, I need to get some food on the table so I'd better get off here and get moving.
I hope everyone has their shopping done and their packages wrapped! LOL
I'll be back before Christmas with my official greetings to all.
Rita
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Good evening!
First off I can't thank you all enough for all the cards and well wishes. Surgery was pretty -well surgery. We ask the surgeon to take as much breast tissue as possible to hopefully prevent any more from coming back. I was planning to go back to work on Wednesday but was still REALLY sore. So went back on Thursday. She was able to go in on the previous mast. incision for the procedure and was also to remove my port. Should be able to have the stitches removed after Christmas.
TEST RESULTS: ALL CLEAR
- which means another local recurrence. That's a good thing. It has been really cold here (54 degrees for the high today). I hope all of you are staying warm!! as I think all are having really bad snow right now.
Carol- LOVE the pictures. Your babies (puppies) are soo cute!! And am so happy to hear your test results are great!!
Annie- Kids and the computer. Got to love them!!
Rita- My shopping is almost done but have'nt wrapped a thing! I'm hoping to get some of it done tonight.
Well got to go see what I can make for dinner.- Oh the Pork tenderloin was AWESOME!! My mother fixed it last week and it was so yummy.
Merry Christmas to everyone!!
Jill
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YEA Jill.....NO mo' port! A local recurrence...........and it sounds like it's been fully taken care of! HUGS! I can't believe you're back to work already. My good gosh gal. Take it easy. You've just had a major surgery! I wish I was closer so I could pamper you!
I am so glad that the tests were clear. You have been in my thoughts and prayers and I'm a firm believer that prayers really work. Now hopefully you will be able to enjoy the Christmas holiday.
Thanks for logging on and giving us an update.
Still thinking of you as you heal and move on!
Rita
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Oh I just jumped on for a question for anybody, but saw jill's news!
This is such great news.......thank god you were led to find it, Jill. I am a total believer that prayer works as well, and i sure have been sending some up for you!!
I will continue to hope that more good news comes your way, and you take care of yourself....you should be at home, I agree, but I'm really glad you'll get some christmas time off for you and the family.
This is really, really, happy christmas news to hear!!! I am glad for you Jill, thank heavens!
re: question: anybody on arimidex: spotting? High cholesterol? (Ahem: probably all the ice cream while on chemo, more like, but the period spotting?
And a very happy night to all!!!!
xoxoxo
annie
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Annie,
I know that high cholesterol is another of the wonderful SE's of Arimidex. I had high cholesterol before I started taking the drug. I go for another cholesterol test next month so I'll see then if it has escalated. I'm not going to be surprised if it has.
I don't know about the spotting. It seems reasonable that it would be a natural phase in the onset and process of menopause. I know that happened to me as I went through menopause (the regular way). I thought I was through with everything and then I would spot. Maybe one of the younger gals can help you there as eventually I had to have a hysterectomy for fibroids so I had no working parts by the time I bonded with Arimidex. If one of them can't help, it might be good to ask about it to ease your mind. Remember that stress builds up and can really do us in and it's probably just a part of the natural process.
As for the ice cream. ...substitute sherbet every once in awhile! LOL You need to eat some ice cream, though! Remember, we need our calcium! LOL
Have a great holiday!
Rita
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Day two for tx #3. Feeling pretty good so far. A little tired but I slept for a full 6 hrs. so that was pretty good. Blood work all came back good and will go for tx 4 on Jan 2 and I will be a my half way mark. Waiting on my goddaughter who is in from NC for the holidays. She is coming so we can catch up and go to lunch.
Jill: I am so happy that you received good news. I also believe in all the prayers. Every little bit helps. You should take it easy and get some rest. But most of all enjoy your holidays.
Annie - I am not sure of the spotting. I spoke to my onc yesterday, because I have not had my period since my surgery in mid Oct. She said that I may not get it again while I am in treatment, but it could come back once treatment is finished. I am definitely getting some hot flashes and definitely mood swings are there also. Just ask my kids or dh. They will tell you I fly off the handle at any given moment.
Just want to wish everyone A Very Merry Christmas & A Very Happy, HEALTHY New Year!!!
Be Well,
Colleen
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YEAH, Colleen! I'm so glad that you're still feeling good after this last treatment! You hang in there and have a wonderful holiday season.
Have fun with your goddaughter!
Rita
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Hey Rita, Annie, Carol, Jill, Ginny, Mandy, Colleen, Scarp, and any I have missed,
My sil arrived on Thursday, and we visited with her at my MIL's house. Thursday, we went over there for dinner. Friday, we went shopping at the Tanger outlets, and Saturday, we had Christmas dinner at my MIL's. She went back home on Sunday.
I have a sinus infection, so I have been laying low for awhile. I don't think the new antibiotics work as well at clearing the infection out, so I may need a second round of azithromycin.Hope everyone has a very Happy Holiday, and a very Happy & Healthy New Year!!
HugsHarley
PS Thanks for the card, Rita and Annie!
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Hi Rita-
I got your Christmas card and decided to take you up on the suggestion of checking in here on the CMF thread. I can't believe this thread has been around for almost 3 yrs now and that I was one of those who first posted way back on page 1.
I'm doing great. In April I will finish with my 5 yrs of tamoxifen. It's been wonderful since I made the decision to officially 'Move On'. It was a long time in the making. I just needed that one final push which came one day back in March of this year after a luncheon with some fellow survivors.
Sorry to hear Arimidex is as times giving you a hard. I don't know if you remember but I switched from Tamoxifen to Arimidex and then had to switch back to Tamoxifen. Tamoxifen turned out to be more tolerable than Arimidex for me.
Best wishes to everyone.
Mary
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A speical post to welcome back Kats!!!
Oh Mary, I'm so glad to see a post from you and so glad that things are going well for you. You'll never know how much you've helped me through my treatments and how many times I've thought about you this past year. Please come back often here and join us. You were one of the first gals on this thread and how greatful we all are that you helped keep it going for us! I can't believe that you'll be finishing up on the Taxmoxifen in April. It will be interesting to see if they put you on anything else or if they consider you officially "done!"
As for the bc survivor luncheon..... I guess it did do something good for you! It showed you the wisdom in moving on! It's been hard for me to move on, too. I think I'm there. Finally I'm planning long range activities. We hope to tour the West in early June and I'm bowling on three different leagues this winter. It's only been two years for me but I'm findng joy in Christmas again this year. The last two years I've just gone through the process.
I stay around the boards to try to give encouragement to the new gals. I remember the fears, the anxiety, and the total frustrations that accompanied the diagnosis and the treatment plan. I no longer dwell on breast cancer each day of my life, but I still get very anxious and concerned when the routine check-ups roll around. Maybe that will always be an issue for me that I'll just have to deal with.
How's your granddaughter doing? I imagine that she is becoming quite the "grown up charmer" now. My two little grandsons are so excited about Christmas this year and it is going to be so much fun! Then to make it even better, we are expecting grandson #3 in late March or early April.
And they tell me that the Cubs are again favored in Vegas to win the National League Championship this next year. Now all we have to do is get them moving in the right direction and find somebody who can convince them that the season isn't over until AFTER the play-off games!
Mary, I'm so glad that you checked in! I know the rest of the gals on this site will welcome you back with open arms. We've got a really good group here. Please check in when you can and keep in touch.
Best wishes for a happy, healthy 2009! Your post was a wonderful Christmas present to me! HUGS!
Rita
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Harley...So glad you had some quality time with your SIL. It sounds like you had fun. Now you need to concentrate on getting over that sinus infection so you can enjoy the rest of the holiday.
Thanks for the cards, ladies! I treasure each of them because they come from special friends!
Catch you later!
Rita
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Hi All ... Just got home from work today, the base is still a mess with snow and ice, but the freeway getting there is okay.
So after the guys and I shoveled off some of our trailers (just in case we had to use them), we decided to make a snow "gal". So with a slight bit of encouragement I made her with a left boob. I think her pine cone nipple may have slipped off before this pic was taken !!! Another co-worker said "let me take a pic so you can show "those ladies" you chat with on-line !!! Gotta love the guys I work with ... they are the best!
I'll hopefully have time too pop in again later ... I've talked the dh into taking me out to dinner tonight (that snow gal making can wear you out)! I also need to finish wrapping up some last minute gifts ... I'll be going to work again tomorrow unless we get alot more snow ... we're forecasted for 6" more inches tonight. No need to dream of a white christmas this year.
Jill, good news gal! I know that you can lick this thing once and for all. The power of positive thinking will continue to be spread upon you.
Carol
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Snow gal is JUST TOO FUNNY, Carol. I'm sitting here looking at her and laughing my butt off!
Rita
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Carol, I'm giggling right along with Rita! Can I copy? The kids and I have snowmen on the agenda today-- not much else to do!! It's coming down fast and furious again! Enough already! We are supposed to drive down to Bolingbrook (45 minute drive in good weather) tonight for my husband's Italian family feast. He looks forward to this gathering all year and right now, doesn't want to entertain the idea of not making it. So- we will wait a bit, but I'm skeptical and it's not a drive I want to risk with the kids.
DH's dad is homebound and has round the clock live in help. We learned yesterday that his sister never arranged for snow removal. (Actually, my husband DID arrange for it-- but the sister, who insists on managing everything financial, didn't pay the guy for so long that he said forget it-longer story). So found out yesterday that nothing has been shoveled or plowed for 2 weeks--so as type, dh is bundling up to drive over to his dad's to solo shovel. Am really really irritated. grrrr. Not a Xmas sentiment.
So- will shake off this momentary moment of Scroogeness and go play in the snow with my kids.
Have a wonderful safe blessed holiday everyone.
-julie
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