how about drinking?
Comments
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Karen, I say, if you are sleeping that much, your body needs it and you need to listen to it! I believe you are heading to see DD1 soon, and of course that grand baby.
Wally, you wouldn't believe the amount of dogs that roam our county and how many are left off leash. Also, people just dump their dogs. So we have lots of dogs roaming around, killing livestock also. They become wild and will travel in packs. I don't have them by me, but more so in town. I hope the call to 911 helps. That scares me, as I know it does you. Especially if he is dealing with PTSD! Good luck!
I def. like my winter here, as opposed to MI. Like Sandy, it has been brutally cold and snowy there. We have our cold and snow, but it's short lived. Heading out tomorrow, but no appts. until 10 am Tues. morning, then chemo after that. Depending on my TM's, will determine the next line of treatment, if I decide to go there. I'm not liking the SE's of Abraxane, and the fact that it MIGHT help. Otherwise, I'm doing it for no reason, other than to lose hair and possibly get neuropathy!
DOTD: 911
Ingredients
30 ml (1 oz.) tequila
30 ml (1 oz.) vodka
15 ml (1/2 oz.) lime juice
Ice cubes
4 bird's eye chiliesPreparation
In a shaker
Combine all ingredients, except for 2 chilies, in shaker filled with ice cubes.
Shake vigorously for 8 to 10 seconds.
Strain into a chilled martini glass using an ice strainer.
Garnish with 2 chilies.0 -
Lori - We don't leave for 3 1/2 weeks. Before then, I have post-op with surgeon, labs for hematologist and appointment with hematologist. Not traveling until restrictions are lifted. That will be 4 weeks post surgery and I go back to work the day after we come back. I know my body needs the sleep so I am sleeping but just don't like not feeling good. This morning I took my Tums for the calcium the surgeon wants me to take and I feel yuk! May take a Zofran.
Sandy - what is Zepbound?
I hate when we go hiking and people have dogs off leash and don't keep them by their side - most people will keep their dogs by their side fi they see other hikers. I love dogs and not afraid of most, but I still want to see responsible dog owners.
Wally - sorry to hear about your DH. I think I remember you telling us before.
Lori - that drink sounds powerful!
Might go for a manicure today. Need to do something to pick me up.
Have a great Sunday
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WARNING: LONG POST AHEAD (unusually long, even for me).
Lori, you are calmly (at least as far as you're letting on here) enduring health stresses beyond what most of us here both dread and could handle. All I can say is "bless you."
Karen, listen to your body and don't fight the urge to nap. Your body needs to repair itself post-op…and to that end, also snack on lean protein. Glad you can get that mani (pedi too?) in. We all need pampering self-care indulgences.
Zepbound is the weight-loss-labeled version of Mounjaro: same ingredient & dosage, but some insurers who'll cover an injectable T2D drug—Medicare Part D doesn't—won't cover them if prescribed off-label for weight loss in a non-diabetic or even pre-diabetic patient, but will (except Medicare & Medicaid) if labeled for weight loss. It is in a class of drugs called GLP-1 agonists, which mimic the hormone that signals you're full by slowing stomach emptying. But unlike semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy, and oral Rybelsus), it also mimics the GIP hormone, which normalizes insulin response, tamps down ghrelin—the "hunger" hormone— and prevents glycemic "spikes."
Why am I on it? Because I fell off the low-carb wagon so badly due to stress that giving in to my late-night carb-cravings was just this side of full-blown "bingeing," which is a bona fide DSM eating disorder. Paired with my inability to do weightbearing exercise ("the agony of da feet"), it has caused me to regain 2/3 of the weight I'd lost on first Invisalign and then low-carb since 2019. And the weight regain was also impacting my ability to exercise, a vicious cycle. It, along with osteoporosis robbing me of >1/2" in height in only a year, has kicked my BMI from "overweight" into low "Class 1 obesity." 10 years ago, that would've been tolerable, but at 73 it threatens my cardiovascular & metabolic health. The other choice given to me by my endocrinologist was bariatric surgery, with the same result and fully-covered, but even more dietary restrictions and the real risks posed by surgery under general anesthesia. No contest—bring on that weekly injector.
And unlike having a surgically-created tiny stomach (not just abdomen), I can eat a wider variety of foods without the pain of "dumping syndrome" and resentful sense of deprivation. It's like being on the early 1970s version of Weight Watchers, only with smaller portions of proteins and addition of liquid milk & minimal healthy fat. (Original WW, which I did in 1967 and again in summer 1970, banned all starches and fats and required a 4-oz. serving of a slightly carby veg.—not potatoes or yams—2 fresh fruits and 3 servings of powdered skim milk a day, plus 3 servings of red meat and one of liver a week). After 4 yrs of low-carb, I am already used to asking for substitutions and smaller portions in restaurants, should I choose to dine out. Just seeing more leftovers in the fridge.
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PART DEUX:
Day 3 on Zepbound—weighed myself, and have lost 4 lbs since it was prescribed last Thurs. (1/11). I know it's likely water-weight, but still optimistic. No problems yet. Gotta start using the bands & hand weights to build (or at least preserve) muscle, and don my OOFOS sandals so I can walk on the treadmill and safely pedal my exercise bike. Wish I had a rowing machine or recumbent elliptical (the cardio machines I actually enjoy), but no room for either one. Not setting foot in a gym, even fully-vaxed & masked, as long as COVID is still spreading.
The biggest downside is the cost, $1200/mo. minus $150 GoodRxGold coupon. We can afford it, but the people who need it the most—poorly or uninsured lower-income (especially minority), who suffer the most from "diabesity"—can't. Medicaid (like Medicare) won't cover it at all, and most commercial insurers would cover it only minimally at best. Commercially-insured patients can use mfr. co-pay coupons to dramatically bring down the price to that of "normal" drugs. But those coupons cannot be used by patients on any form of federally-funded insurance—even if the premiums of Part B & D supplements are as high as those of employer-funded insurance. And the coupons stop being issued after a few years, when the drugs are no longer "novel" (even if still on-patent). This class of drug needs to be taken for life, lest weight be regained and T2D worsen.
A sad case in point is my friend, whom we lost to the effects of T2D on Thursday. She was Class 2 obese (mainly abdominal) and T2D for a couple of decades. She had several coronary artery stents and eventually the double bypass that resulted in the blood clot that traveled to her brain, causing the stroke that killed her. She was living on Social Security, plus savings and a very small pension from her most recent employer. She began to resort to periodically visiting the local food pantry, as did many of her neighbors in her subdivision's senior center & gym—retired middle-class homeowners. Bob was her PCP/cardiologist, who put her on a statin, antihypertensive, anticoagulant, plus Jardiance to supplement the insulin she eventually needed. When Ozempic came out, he prescribed that—but her Medicare Advantage plan wouldn't cover it. (Advantage is great until you need what it doesn't cover and your chosen provider becomes out-of-network). Not just that, but after one month not only couldn't she afford it but couldn't handle the side effects & dietary restrictions. (Whenever I'd stay with her, she adhered to her diet; but her BFF tells me she threw all caution to the winds the rest of the time, especially at the food pantry which isn't exactly diet-compliant). When she stroked out and went on life support, I decided I had to do something to avoid her fate. My endocrinologist turned out to be the "fairy godmother" who enabled me to do that.
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DH's meds when he first started was 5,000/month; with insurance, it dropped to 3K..but part D has a drug max, so my February or March, it covered more and more. Two years later, I offered to pay cash and almost puked when they told me $52.00 . Now, I always check amazon pharmacy, singlecare, and costco because cash without insurance is cheaper. Example, the vagifem tablet inserts. $550 with my insurance and $48 on amazon, cash.
Goldie, I second what Sandy wrote…I freak out and have to take a beta blocker just getting and waiting for my labs (for my MGUS)….you and my DH are my heroes.
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Sandy - thanks for the explanation. Snacking has not appealed to me today. I finally ate breakfast/lunch around noon - and egg on 1/2 English Muffing and Smoothie. I've taken 2 doses of Zofan which is helping some. I just feel puny! Dinner is grilled chicken wings (a favorite but not sure how much I'm up to eating) and baked potatoes.
I've gone for 2 walks today and that is probably it for the day. I don't think I'll walk with DH after dinner. I didn't go for a mani today as I didn't feel good enough to get one. Maybe one day this week. No pedi in the winter as my feet are okay with socks and shoes. Spring through fall is a different story.
Other than the 2 walks, I haven't done anything today but rest. Well, I take that back - I've been deleting old emails that I've never deleted. Chemo last spring really did me in - and being 17 years old since my last major surgery - my oophorectomy. I'm not counting my last fix on the implants in 2008 and that wasn't messing with hormones.
Wally - my nephrologist and hematologist say that MGUS has no connection to BC, but you and Sandy have MGUS and I did too till it progressed to SMM/MM (depending on who you ask). My DH claims that all the issues going on with me have to do with BC and Chemo. Praying that the Parathyroidectomy solves the hypercalcemia and hyperparathroidism.
Lori - safe travels tomorrow and good luck on Tuesday.
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Good evening friends from rainy New Mexico
Hope everyone had had a decent weekend. I know the weather has been brutal in a lot of areas of the country. Most of the state has been spared of polar vortex except for the eastern state that has been very cold and with some blizzard conditions. Seems that the polar vortex is loosening it's grip and there is a warm up coming to most of the US next (oh all the snow melt in some areas). We always welcome moisture here in the high desert.
My project has slowed to a crawl but rather than complain about it, I told myself "be grateful you have some time to breathe". I have been going non-stop since I started this job over 3 years ago, and on this current project for the past two years. Its allowing me to feel less stressed, getting better rest and got back to the pool today for the first time in a very long time. I had to take a break due to some shoulder issues, but getting back on track with my laps which are my favorite aerobic exercise. Finding my way back to better fitness here in the new year with more walking, weekly yoga and more.
Still in the throes of deep cleaning, home organization, and purging. Got more things out of the house this weekend and more done. Looking forward to getting things organized here so by the time spring comes, I can refocus on the outdoors.
Hoping those having medical care this week have successful treatments, those in recovery are resting well, and everyone else stay warm and hoping things are less cold this week for everyone.
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Someone said the "hero" word. You are all my heros. These threads (I'm active on three) feel like I'm sitting around with friends. Chatting when I want, listening and often learning the other times. Thank you!
Jazzy, pool and laps for me tomorrow too I hope. My shoulders and moving house has sidetracked me for a while.
Hoping for a good week for all. 💕
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We just learned that my FiL will be getting heart surgery again. He has a significant "beer belly" weight distribution, and has the varicose veins to match. Two years ago, he had an aortic aneurysm cleaned out and a mesh stent put in. It was supposed to be a done procedure. Now he's going back in to repair another one. They get really concerned when they're 5 cm, and his is 7 cm. With the stent it shouldn't have happened, much less returned so aggressively.
For good or bad, FiL is a YOLO kind of guy who isn't inclined to stop doing what he enjoys just because it's putting his health at risk. DH has resigned himself to the fact that his Dad is dying and probably won't last to the end of the decade. It will be interesting to see how the family reacts to his passing. There will be grief, but maybe a layer of relief. He's also been showing some early dementia signs, so a quick passing to heart failure doing what makes him happy might be more merciful than a slow decline into oblivion.
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Good Morning, Loungettes! Happy Monday Monkey Day! The puppers and I had a nice lazy weekend. I did get signed up for a medigap plan, but didn't get the taxes started. Oh well, next weekend is coming and I hope I'll be more self-disciplined and get that done.
Goldie--yup, days are getting longer and that is a very good thing. Praying whatever is going on straightens itself out ASAP.
Morning, Wren!
Wally--trying new wines is fun!
Sunshine--The Lady Hardcastle series sounds interesting!
Karen-- hear you about falling asleep easier on the couch, I fall asleep in the recliner a lot easier than in the bed many times. You may have a point about the Medicare plans.
Chi--I'm so sorry about the loss of your friend. It sounds like it was peaceful for her. The cost of drugs and the crazy complicated coverage system we have is just horrible. Someday something is going to have to give. It won't be pretty when that happens.
Morning, Jazzy!
Goldie--glad to hear you are feeling a bit better, or at least more confident that nothing serious is wrong. Pretty DOTD!
Wally--sorry to hear of your troubles with your neighbors. Why do people have to be so crazy?
Karen--I'm doing well, the bitter cold here is easing up. It snowed most of Saturday, but it was very fine, fluffy snow that didn't build up any.
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Sandy, I always try to remain positive. It beats being depressed, sad, lonely, etc. So when things are not so good, I just deal with it, the best way I can. I can't change it, and how I feel doesn't change it either. So, "let's be happy". Good luck on your weight loss. I would gladly take any that anyone would like to share.
WallyCat, I DO worry, don't get me wrong. I just don't let it take over. I worry about it, then forget it.
Karen, good on you for the walks, but glad to hear of the things you wanted to do, (another walk, pedi) but didn't. That a girl, don't push yourself. You'll get there. And you want to be in good shape for when you visit that sweet, precious grand!
Jazzy, I admire how busy and focused you are. Always with a plan. My DH was like that. Anxiously awaiting spring here!
Reader, I don't know how much of a "hero" I am, but happy to be your friend. I've been on these boards since 2008, and just can't leave. Can't leave my friends behind. And the longer I stay, the more friends I make. I had several friends here, even some I had met, they left the boards, and I hardly ever talk to them anymore. This is the only place I talk about BC, except to my family, and a few friends that I grew up. I guess I don't want to keep up with all that left individually. If they were still here, they would know. Does that make sense?
Miriandra, sorry to hear about your FIL. I agree about doing what makes you happy, especially later on in life. What is YOLO? May is surgery go well, with no complications.
NM, it won't be long! Are we less than a month now??? Oops never mind, I see we are at 28 days! Woooo Hoooo! Are you hoping to be in NC by a certain time frame? I know I'm hoping to be in MI by spring.
I've been watching the weather, mainly my commute across the rim. We had some weather come through, and I was concerned about snowfall there and the possibility of the road closing. All is good and I'll be heading out sometime today. Nothing going on today, so it doesn't matter what time I leave. My MI peeps are excited, as the Lions won the playoffs. Me? Could care less!
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NM- glad you got signed up for a Medigap plan. That is probably the route I am going to go too, as I have learned more about the Medigap vs. Medicare Advantage plans. Medicare Advantage sounds a lot like the ACA plans I used to buy when I was self employed, that have the network limitations, etc. I heard it's easier to move from Medigap to Medicaid Advantage but not the other way around. I have lots more to do but will be able to sign up for Medicare Part A by end of the year. Right behind ya sister!
Twenty eight days, whoo hoo!
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Goldie, YOLO is "You Only Live Once". On the one hand, it reflects a seize the opportunity kind of attitude - eat dessert, take a day off to visit a friend, buy that beautiful scarf, etc. Give yourself permission to enjoy your life and the world around you. Unfortunately, some people take it too far, doing things that might be harmless indulgences for others but have deeper consequences for them - over spending, over indulging, ignoring medical advice to change one's lifestyle.
Sadly, FiL's more in the later category. (Not with money, thankfully, so MiL will be secure when he passes.) He's also tended to YOLO on things he wants to do without thinking about how others around him would react or how his consequences impact other people. He's got a big loving heart, but not much awareness beyond his own id/ego.
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Jazzy - you are absolutely right. If you sign up for "original" medicare plus a gap plan, you can pretty much see anyone you want. And yes, you can switch to an advantage plan any year, but you can't switch back w/o medical questions & then can turn you down. I'm very happy with my original medicare and an AARP/United gap plan. I just get the cheapest drug plan available since I only have one prescription med.
Goldie - hope you don't have trouble 'over the rim'. My cousin is in Taylor and she headed down early for her DH's surgery Wednesday. And hope there are at least some semi-positive reports.
NM - interesting drink. I never thought of combining brandy with eggnog. I usually use bourbon or rum. Think I'll try this with the very last quart of eggnog I could find in the stores.
Miriandra - I got the YOLO!!! Those people I know are ALL guys. But for me, there does come a point…. For example, I am not going to give up my nightly drink &/or glass of wine.
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Relaxed this morning, deleting old emails. Decided after lunch to go get a mani. While waiting for my nails to dry, I realized how tired I was. Came home and layed down. After dinner, I was feeling okay, until I got my shower and then around 8:00 the fatigue hit me hard. The bandage over the incision is annoying me. This recovery is harder than I thought it would be. Tomorrow is one week. I have several books to read and an adult coloring book, but don't have the attention to read or do anything that takes focus. Deleting emails is mindless.
Mirianda - sorry to hear about your FIL.
The weather here has been in the 40s and 50s but it doesn't feel that warm as there is no sun. It's gray and like the midwest.
Sweet dreams
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Good Morning, Loungettes! Happy Twofer Tuesday! I've been watching the temps in NC, which tend to be running about 10 degrees higher than here in Maine. I could live with temps mostly above freezing most of the winter!
Goldie--I'm hoping to be in NC before next winter, but am committed to taking my time and finding a place I will be happy with for the rest of my life, too. I've been looking at listing, seeing lots that I like the looks of and meet my requirements, so I expect things will move fairly quickly once I get the current place ready to list.
Jazzy--I was really surprised to find out what the deductible and out of pocket limits were for Medigap plans--much, much better than what I’m used to. There are levels of medigap plans, too. I opted for a plan that will be less than $200 a month premium, with small ($20) copays for some services. The next plan up had no copays, but was $100 a month more. Unless something significantly changes with my health issues, I'm very unlikely to have enough visits or services to total $1200 in copays. Both plans had the same deductible of $250. Which is crazy! I'm used to 20 times that much! I'm looking at Part D plans now to see what I need to do there.
Miriandra--YOLO is a slippery slope sometimes. It can be a very tempting mind set to live in, but not one that bodes well for the future.
Minus--I like the freedom of original Medicare compared to the Medicare Advantage managed care plans. It was only a few years ago that I found out the most people put bourbon in eggnog, I've always heard of brandy! Maybe it's a regional thing?
Karen--sorry to hear you are still tired, glad to hear you are paying attention to your fatigue. It's hard to work through this phase of recovery, wanting to do stuff and not having the energy. Hugs.
PINK FLAMINGO COCKTAIL
INGREDIENTS
- 3 ounces vodka
- 3 ounces pineapple juice
- ½ ounce fresh lime juice
- 1 ounce grenadine syrup
- Ice, for shaking
- Mint leaves, strawberries or lime slices, for garnish
INSTRUCTIONS
- Add ice to your cocktail shaker. Add the spirit, pineapple juice, fresh lime juice, and grenadine to the cocktail shaker, cover tightly with its lid, and shake until the shaker is very cold, about 30 seconds.
- Pour into cocktail glasses and garnish the edge of the glass.
- Serve cold.
From <>
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Good morning to all. January is developing as an expensive month. We had tree cutters for removing dead trees. Yesterday a plumber who advised us to call a septic tank company to repair a problem in the "field." The green light on the house generator turned to red so we need to call for service on the generator. The septic tank guy is supposed to come this morning and we're having light rain.
Sounds like you found a good medigap plan, NM.
Minus, only one prescription. Good for you. I take six, all generic and low cost.
I had back x-rays and discovered that I have some lower back degenerative disease. The NP will write a prescription for PT if I request it. Advice?
Hoping for good outcomes for all of us "drinkers."
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Carole, my Dad developed ankylosing spondylolisthesis, a form of DDD (degenerative disc disease). He had fantastic results with PT and core strengthening. He's been pain free for years now, and does his "morning constitutional" every day. I hope yours will respond as positively.
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NM we are finding the prices here in NC all considerably less than we are used to ( even insurance) although someone from a lower cost of living would perhaps not be the case for insurance. Good for you on taking your time. We took probably 1 and a half years. Will you be near your brother? We love that part.
Carole, when it rains it pours!
Goldie thinking of you.
A hot toddy toast to everyone 😋🍻
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Good Morning, Loungettes! Happy Hump Day! We've got a snow and ice storm coming in overnight tonight, should make tomorrow morning kind of interesting. Hopefully it won't be as bad as predicted. I've started telling my patients and families that I'm retiring next month, and word has already gotten around. I've had a couple of patients/families mention they heard I was retiring, and going on a celebratory cruise. I've got a couple of patients who are close to death now that I don't want to tell, I'm hoping they don't find out anyway, but I guess I can't control that. The work office is moving to a new, bigger location with much better parking on the 30th. The Patient Care Managers and Director were at the new office yesterday, it was most of the day before people realized that most of us do not have their cell phone numbers, and the phones won't move until the 30th. They finally sent out an email in the afternoon with the contact info. Apparently a lot of staff thought they weren't available while at the new office, which would have been interesting to have the entire management team out of reach. I'll just about get to see the new office set up before I’m done. I've been through several office moves and am very glad to not be involved in this one!
Carole--yikes, you are having an expensive January! Ah, the joys of home ownership. I hope the problems turn out to be easy fixes.
Miriandra--I think PT is underused. I know so many people who were helped more by PT than meds and surgery, and wish they'd been sent to PT first rather than last.
Reader--I will be near my brother, within easy visiting distance to play in their pool on hot days, among other things. I've noticed things are less expensive there than Maine, property taxes for one thing are about half what they are here. Gas is definitely cheaper, but I won't be needed to fill the tank 2 to 3 times a week when I get done working. I noticed a big jump in how much I spend on gas when I went back into the field. I hope it doesn't take over a year to find a place and make the move, but if it does, it does.
Ice Storm
Ingredients:
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 oz simple syrup
- Sparkling water
- Ice cubes
- Lemon twist (for garnish)Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes.
2. Add vodka, lemon juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.
3. Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds to properly chill and mix the ingredients.
4. Fill a highball glass with ice cubes.
5. Strain the cocktail from the shaker into the glass, leaving some space at the top.
6. Top it off with sparkling water to add a refreshing effervescence.
7. Give it a gentle stir to combine.
8. Garnish with a lemon twist by twisting a slice of lemon peel over the glass to release the oils, and drop it into the drink.
9. Serve chilled and enjoy the invigorating taste of an Ice Storm cocktail!From <>
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Miriandra, thanks for the explanation on YOLO. Had never heard that before. My brother wants me to fly first class when I go to MI. Well, tickets are over $2000 to do that. And he pretty much was saying YOLO, do it one time. Reg. ticket is 300-500. I just can't bring myself to do it!
Minus, no issues along the rim coming down, and all looks well for going back up today.
Karen, I think we feel like "oh I wanna do this and that", but then realize, nope, not happening. Sometimes I will lay down, thinking I'm not really that tired, and end up sleeping for an hour or more.
NM, being happy with your new home is the utmost important. I have to say, I'm not 100% with my new one. Just so much smaller than what I have. But things were getting into crunch time.
Carole, you might be getting light rain, but sounds like with all the problems at home....when it rains, it pours!
Reader, great minds think a lot! "When it rains, it pours."
NM, a cruise? Is that something that just came through the grapevine, or were you planning a cruise? Maybe I remember you mentioning that, I'm not sure. Scarecrow here! Hoping the storm isn't as predicted.
Cardio doctor put me on more blood thinners. My right leg is SOOOO swollen. He said the cancer is doing that, thickening my blood and causing blood clots. I'm usually at 110 for my weight, and now with this swelling, I was at 126 yesterday. So that just tells you how much fluid I'm retaining. AND, it's painful. Urologist today, then home, after I run into town for script and some refrigerated things I couldn't get yesterday.
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Goldie - so sorry for your pain & swelling. Hope you had a safe trip home. For the flight- your brother is right but I'm not sure I could do that either. See if you can compromise with Business Class instead of First Class? Or maybe Premium Economy instead of the basic seats. Those shouldn't be quite such a huge price difference if they're available. Have your docs in Phoenix been able to recommend docs where you're moving?
NM - love hearing about all your plans. I've been to Maine and it's gorgeous in the summer. I'm through being a snow bunny.
Carole - we're up to 6 inches of rain in the last 3 days. Everything is just soaked.
BTW Reader - what are you reading? Come on over to the book thread.
Mae - how's the Beach House in this weather?
Egg Nog - interesting the different combinations. During my times in Utah & New Mexico, it was mixed with Rum. But after I discovered rum makes me cry (a long Caribbean story), I adapted to mixing with bourbon.. Besides, then I can still have a shot of my Tuaca (Italian Brandy) after I drink the adulterated egg nog. (I was mostly honest with the doctor that I have 1-2 drinks a day & sometimes wine with dinner on top of that). I have one more quart of Southern Comfort egg nog stashed in the fridge - but I'll have to hurry up since it expires 1/29
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Today is the first day I've done anything other than sleep/rest and a couple walks/day. DH and I went to see "The Boys in the Boat". Great movie. Then we ran into TJs to pick up a few things. I also made pizza for dinner. Now tonight, I'm tired. I'm still struggling with eating breakfast and feeling quesy so still taking a Zofran. DH will cook dinner tomorrow and Friday night and I'll go to the grocery store Friday. Since they no longer bag groceries or put them in the car, I'll need to be sure that they ar LIGHT - well less than 10#.
Lori - sorry to hear about the edema in your legs. That's quite bit of water retention. Why Blood thinners for the swellin? Wouldn't diuretics work? Of course I know nothing about cardiac treatment.
Minus - I've never like eggnog.
My weight is down again as I'm not snacking and can't eat much at each meal, but it's not as low as when I was on chemo last spring so I'm okay with it. I hope I can keep the not mindless snacking at night. I've also been drinking chai tea with TJs almond/cashew/macadamia nut beverage.
Going to go lay down and probably fall asleep. Sweet dreams
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Karen - hope you DID lie down and can sleep through the night.
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Karen and Goldie - sending warm healing thoughts to both of you.
Who wants some choc chip banana bread ?
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Good Morning, Loungettes! Happy Thirsty Thursday! We're getting up to the tail end of a mix of snow and rain that left a couple of inches overnight. Lots of schools opening late today, lots of cars in ditches this ayem. I'm going to leave home later than usual to give the roads a chance to get more cleared off and the crazy drivers to get to work, or the ditch, as the case may be, so I don't irritate them by driving too slowly. Too slowly is defined as any speed less than 10 mph over the speed limit regardless of the conditions, and our roads are not in condition to go that fast even without icy stuff!
Goldie--one trick I've learned is to book a regular plane ticket, then upgrade. It costs a lot less than buying first class outright, and sometimes I don't get a first class seat for one leg of a flight, but I do get the other perks like no luggage fees for a couple of bags for the whole trip. First class seats are much more comfortable, and the attention makes me feel special. You should try it at least once! I'm not expecting to find the 100% perfect home, but something close. I don't have any time limits so I can afford to be very picky. My cousin is taking me on a cruise in March to celebrate my retirement. We were going to go to Greenland and Iceland, but the volcano started acting up and there was too much chance of flights being canceled and travel being problematic, so we're going to the Caribbean instead. This has been in the works for several months now. I've heard that blood clots can be pretty painful. That's a lot of fluid to be holding onto! I hope the blood thinners work quickly.
Minus--Maine can be great in the summer, but the last several haven't been all that wonderful. Last summer almost wasn't a summer at all. No one's gardens did well, yards didn't do well, either sogged out with the heavy rain every few days or burned by the really high temps in between. Who knew Egg Nog was so versatile!
Karen--have you tried taking a zofran as soon as you wake up? I've had good luck with people with morning nausea putting a zofran at the bedside and taking it before they even get out of bed. Nausea is no fun, especially when you are trying to maintain weight. Good for you for resting and taking it easy!
Jazzy--That bread looks WONDERFUL!
Banana Cream Pie Martini
Ingredients
- 2 ounces vanilla vodka
- 1 ounce banana cream liqueur
- ½ ounce Irish cream
- ½ ounce heavy cream
- Ice
- Banana chunk for garnish, optional
Instructions
- Chill a martini glass or coupe.
- In a cocktail shaker, add ice, vanilla vodka, banana cream liqueur, Irish cream, and heavy cream.
- Shake to chill.
- Strain into chilled glass.
- Garnish with banana chunk, if desired.
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Minus, I’m not to the point of getting new doctors yet. Still on the fence with the flying. Would rather use the money for more trips there.
Karen, so glad you are sleeping when needed, I DO!
Jazzy, I see nuts too, that is a must. I like putting choc. chips and nuts in zucchini bread. It looks delish! One of the gas stations I stop at on the way to Phoenix sometimes has some Cappuccino that is Banana Nut, it’s so good. I have to mix half coffee with it, as it’s so sweet.
NM, good for you leaving a bit later for work. I’ve mentioned before, that when I was in MI, and weather was bad, I was the slow poke on the road! How fun that you are going on another cruise with your cousin. Bummer about having to change plans, but that’s ok, don’t need travel problems, right? What islands will you be visiting?
Oh my, what a couple of days! I didn’t get to leave as early as I wanted to, had to take care of some business with selling the house to my son, that I bought. Got into Phoenix and visited a friend for about an hour. Tuesday appt. With cardiologist,(some of this I already explained in prev. post) he said it’s the cancer and treatment that is causing the leg swelling, it thickens the blood and causes clots. No diuretics, as it causes dehydration. Said he could take them out, but given the circumstances, they would most likely come back. Need to schedule another appt. with him to do another US. Prescribed more blood thinners. Then off to chemo. Wednesday, was urologist to see about scheduling to have nephrostomy tubes replaced and remove the stent from my right kidney, that is of no use. Appt. 10 am. I knew I would have to wait, so I did not get there early. Also told them I needed to talk to someone about an $800 bill, insurance wouldn’t pay. Well, it was right when I was transitioning from Humana to Medicare. So, they either billed Humana, when I was already on Medicare, or visa versa. More than an hour and a half later, I get called in, 5 minutes with the doc! Still no one to talk to me about the bill, so I mention it again. So and so will help you as soon as she gets off the phone, I wait, nothing. 12 o’clock rolls around (I’ve been there for 3 hours now, they stop seeing patients at 1), I go back to the window, “well, we still have patients to see, so after that”. I said I have a 4 hour drive home, well she can call you. I won’t have cell service for most of my drive. Well, what if she calls you tomorrow after one…..FINE! What do you want to bet, they don’t call! Then the cancer calls, and leaves me a message, you can go for a blood transfusion if you want. Well, I had groceries in the car, wanted to get home, and I needed to get those blood thinners, so I could get started on those. So, I opted out of that. I did get a shot that is supposed to help with hemoglobin, Retacrit? Something like that. So, maybe next week I’ll do the blood transfusion. I may have to spend at least 2 nights down there, chemo, cardio doc and blood. Transfusion is 6 hours.
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NM - can't wait to hear about your cruise. I'm.planning a trip to Ireland and Iceland when I leave the Full Time work scene
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Good Morning, Loungettes! Happy TGIF Day! Waking up to what is going to be another snowy day, another few inches expected. On top of the stuff that has melted and re-frozen this will make life interesting in places.
Goldie--The cruise is stopping at Ocho Rios, Jamaca, Georgetown, Cayman Islands, and Cozumel, Mexico. Wow, what a run around day you had! So not right to keep you hanging like that, they should have been able to connect you with someone in the billing office to straighten that out. 5 minutes with the doc seems like an awfully short visit, I hope you got what you needed out of it. Sounds like the beast is keeping you busy with appointments.
Jazzy--I'm looking forward to the cruise, too!
Classic Transfusion Cocktail
Ingredients
- 3 ounces vodka such as Tito's (about 2 shots)
- 1 ½ ounces Concord grape juice (about 1 shot)
- 1/4 ounce fresh lime juice (about 2 lime wedges)
- Ginger ale
- Lime wedge or frozen grapes for garnish (optional)
Directions
- Fill a glass (preferably a highball glass) with ice.
- Add vodka, grape juice, and lime juice. (For those who prefer a fruitier, slightly sweeter kick, add an extra shot of grape juice to taste.)
- Top with ginger ale to finish.
Garnish with frozen grapes and lime wheels, if desired.
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Yesterday was the first day that I started to feel decent - no more nausea after eating, but then I needed a nap at 10 - I got up at 6:30 and by 10:00 I was falling asleep - slept for an hour. So far this morning at 7:00 - I've been up for 1/2 hour, I'm feeling decent. Hope it continues. Today is day 10 since surgery.
Lori - sorry that they gave you such a run around regarding the billing. Hope all treatments went okay. Keeping you close to my heart.
Kim - the cruise sounds action packed. So nice of your cousin to take you on a cruise to celebrate your retirement.
It's snowing this morning. Denver will probably on get 1 - 2" snow and then next week it will be in the high 50s to 60! Winter in the Rockies.
Have a great Friday.
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