Can we have a forum for "older" people with bc?
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Betrayal, wonderful to have you back and the vicarious cruise was wonderful -- save of course, for the covid experience. I was full of hope that you would be able to do this and not get anything since you had waited so long. I think it is difficult for travelers these days no matter by boat, plane or train. Always large groups of people. I will so love seeing the pictures when you are able. Glad your furry friends were thrilled to have you back as well.
Hope Regan did well at class while you were away. I too am sorry about the young male parakeet. I do think animals and birds (there are some wild birds that mate for life) suffer when there is a death as much as we do.
Maverick, I think Patagonia and climbing glaziers sounds very interesting and enjoyable too.
Mary, I'm thinking about you and hoping your relief comes soon.
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In the meantime:
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Betrayal, good to have you back among us. I, too, enjoyed your description of your trip. You're a good writer. Sorry you got Covid. What a bummer. Your good experiences sound interesting and rewarding.
Mary, I hope your life gets better. You can only post what is the status quo. No apologies necessary.
DH seems to be feeling almost normal after taking this latest antibiotic several days. Not a single doctor or NP or nurse has called to check on him. We're discussing a change of doctors for him once he gets over this UTI bump in the road, which at times seems like a very large bump. Our retired gastroenterologist BIL laments the change in medical care since he was in practice. Out of sight out of mind seems to be the kind of care dh has received. You have to be a squeaky wheel and keep calling the office and going through the same routine of identifying yourself and your reason for callling.
It's a beautiful day outside and I've resolved to take a walk a little later.
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What we say and what we do ultimately come back to us, so
let us own our responsibility, place it in our hands,
and carry it with dignity and strength.
Gloria Evangelina Anzaldua0 -
Carole, good news about your hubby, but I do hope you can find someone who will be far easier (medically receptive) to work with as well. I think of retirement as being much more relaxed than it has been for some here on this thread. Hoping ALL find a way to make it a lot better.
Sunny and looking delightful outside. I don't think we will have near the wind today which will make our slightly higher temps. feel much better.
Hope to be productive today. I will have to get pushy with myself. Hope you all have a great Sunday.
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Carole, I truly wish your DH the best finding solutions to his UTI's. I can relate to seemingly uncaring urologists/PAs. I too was ready to go somewhere else for treatment a year ago, when I had almost constant UTI's, followed by an episode of similar painful symptoms but no bacteria or nitrites when tested. I was told at that point that I had interstitial cystitis which has no real treatments. I had another cystoscopy with one of the other doctors in the practice and thankfully, haven't had any major issues since. I think after having almost 2 years of constant UTI's my bladder just needed "to calm down and heal." It did seem like they were not concerned or really aware of how painful UTI's are. Makes me wonder if they ever experienced a UTI? If your DH isn't happy there, making an appointment with a urologist at another urology practice might be good, if for nothing else other than for a second opinion! Patients do that all the time. I learned the hard way over the years, that I need to advocate myself when it comes to medical care, so now if I am not happy with a doctor or a practice, I go elsewhere and don't look back!
Jackie, it was sunny and much warmer today here too! So thankful for the sunshine!
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Betrayal, welcome back from what was a magnificent trip, minus the covid. Carole, glad your DH is feeling better. I think corporate health care is fast paced without any follow up. Just putting it out there, switching his Dr may not help.
We went to a Gumbo festival today with some great music from s group in from New Orleans. Then to friends high rise on the River for a sunset drink.
Tomorrow is tooth extraction day. Not looking forward to it. My brain says I’ll be numb, and it will be over quickly. But my head says OMG the things that happen in life along the way. We’ll leave here at 12:45, it’s down in Naples about an hour ride. I’ll survive to tell the tale.
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MM - what great news about your DD. Hope she continues to have negative checks.
Betrayal - what an experience. So glad you could go. I too love your word pictures. We are scheduled to cruise the Eastern Seaboard in April and had Covid anxieties about travel even before your experience. The couple we are traveling with came home with Covid from a cruise in November.
Brunch here went well although entertaining is getting harder for us. It was warm enough that we had the house open.
Busy couple weeks coming up. Lots more stuff with the food bank than usual. The community we live in is doing a week-long food drive, we are moving on strategic planning, and the Pres. and I need to get our pictures taken getting our check from Total Wines. Super Bowl party, dinner party, and a Valentine's event before my sister arrives the 15th for a visit from Boston.
She tries to come every winter because she has SAD. I always look forward to it. They just bought a house in Fort Mills, SC but I hope the winter visits continue. We see them when we are in Maine at DD's but we don't have much just "sister time" then.
Hope that's the end of the really cold weather for you New England folks! Sounded dreadful.
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Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest. . . . whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are of good report, think on these things; these things do, and the God of peace shall be with you. -Elizabeth Clinton
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Lots of sun today and good temps. I'm enjoying sitting by the window while I get some of my computer work done. I will have to go out to the bank. if possible, so as not to complicate tomorrow. Need to be in Mt. Vernon by 8:45 for a blood draw. May stop in at Kroger's then while there. The VA. clinic is along the way.
Cindy sure hope your dental work goes well.
Taco it would be wonderful, if by April, there was a lot less covid to be found around and on ships. I'm hoping for you.
Hope you all have a really good Monday.
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Celiac - congratulations on being 6 years NED. That's great news. Seventeen years is an amazing milestone Karen. It's hard not to relieve those particular days - mammogram day, biopsy date, etc.
Congratulations on an amazing charity haul for your food bank Taco from Total Wines. Best of luck with acupuncture. Hope it helps.
Sandy - sorry to hear about your finger. Can cuts are quit painful. Hope it heals quickly.
Good luck with the tooth pull Cindy. Hope it goes well.
Hope PT helps your pain Mary. Do you have a surgery date yet?
Do you have a surgery date yet Jackie? Will you have the surgery done at the VA or another hospital nearby? Sorry to hear about your cat. Will your neighbor help cover the vet cost?
Mavericksmom - so glad your DD got good news on her mammogram. How are you feeling about your upcoming retirement? My DS and DIL also ventured to Patagonia several years ago. Thoroughly enjoyed the trip.
Carole - sorry to hear DH continues to have UTI issues. I hope he's able to find a doctor who'll spend time solving his frequent UTI issues.
Betrayal - welcome back. Sorry your adventure was disrupted by covid, but it sounds like you and DH enjoyed your trip despite illness. Looking forward to seeing photos. Sorry to hear about the loss of one of your birds. I'm sure the other pets are happy to have you home.
Petite - thinking of you and hope you're doing well.
Karen - we've been scanning our old photos. Our old albums begins to disintegrate and some of the photos were fraying. DH scanned most of them. I have a shoe box of old photos that I still need to do. Mostly of my parents and their siblings. Many from my childhood were water damaged and had to be thrown out years ago (before scanners existed).
Had lunch with DD, DS, SIL, GD, SIL, DIL and DH over the weekend. It was fun having the family together. GD is smiling and laughing. She's almost 5 months. We're going to babysit for her in a couple of weeks. Should be interesting/exciting.
Hope every is doing well.
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Mary, we are a combo of sorority & therapy group. I envision this thread as all of us sitting in a circle. If we can't vent, cry & complain here, where CAN we? We hear you, sister, our shoulders are here for your tears and for resting your hear upon. And I hope Tippy's "respite care" recharges your batteries and resets your "operating system" as well.
Carole, glad your DH's UTI is resolving.
Betrayal, on balance your cruise sounded wonderful (COVID and consequent food supply chain issues notwithstanding). Hope to see pix soon. BTW, all my friends who did cruises since this autumn caught COVID. So we're staying on dry land (masked in planes & airports) for the time being.
My finger is healing--as soon as I ordered a bunch of the first aid supplies they used at urgent care.
Sat. morning my back locked up completely. Using cane & rollator to get around the house, It took every topical I had, plus Aleve and doubling up on my CBD, Baclofen & Xanax (and a quirky heating pad) to get me to the point of being able to step over the tub rim & take a shower. Bob's tux fit, but the bow tie was too short to fit around his neck--so he picked out one of the 100+ ties in his collection to match the pocket square. When we got there, half the men wore long ties with their tuxes. I wore the same bead-trimmed pantsuit I wore to Gordy's wedding, plus gold flats. I could have worn the alternate outfit (sheath dress with crystal neckline, sheer crystal-cuff jacket over it, but it was a tad too short for tops of thigh-highs to be hidden and I could not deal with pantyhose). I had the bartender put seltzer in a champagne flute (folks said the champagne was crummy anyway). I rarely needed the cane to get around. 1/2 hr. after getting home, it was like Cinderella's clock striking midnight and her coach turning into a pumpkin--the back hurt like hell again. Got up both yesterday & today stiff & in agony. Sat. Bob did the litterboxes (I showed him how) but he didn't bother yesterday--so Happy decided to eliminate in an inappropriate space (upstairs, but at least linoleum). HK did come in today.
I had a "Medicare Wellness Visit" scheduled for today, but no way could I get dressed (much less drive up to Mt. Prospect & back). PCP let me convert it to a televisit about my back--and says "keep doing whatever seems to work," and move around as much as tolerable. Says it could take 2 weeks--if not healed by then, should have neuro order another MRI or even an EMG to see which nerves are affected & why. And I still have to do that "wellness visit" in person when I can drive.
We have two non-refundable prepaid chef's tasting dinners comong up--tom'w and Thurs. I called both places to cancel my drink pairings--alcohol, Xanax & Aleve are a stupidly dangerous combo.
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ChiSandy: Sorry to read of your back issues. It never rains unless, it pours. I think you are correct when you state this forum is a sorority/therapy group. The support here for each other is wonderful.
Taco: I will warn you that the cruise line did insist we have UTD Covid vaccines, have proof of a negative test 48-72 hours pre-sailing and stated wearing masks was mandatory for the first 3 days. None of this was enforced except the proof of vaccines and that was mandated by the countries for entry. So regard a cruise as a super spreader even no matter your own precautions. Being in a crowded terminal with over 3,000 people with most unmasked, having to remove my mask for the ship's photo and some not having done the pre-cruise test were the whammies for us.
I had to provide feedback to the cruise line today and gave kudos to those who provided excellent care and slammed those who did not. I actually missed 2 ports as did my husband. We will look at the youtube video of the cruise to see the missing ports since we will not repeat this cruise again. I do understand that the cruise lines have suffered due to Covid but the cost cutting efforts they have implemented have a direct impact on the quality of the cruise experience. The Cellar Master was extremely upset with not only our wine experience but the fact that the stores were so depleted he actually went ashore and bought 250 bottles at one wine store not regularly used as part of the supply chain. He reported the owner had never made as large a sale before and was pleased. The one wine he provided (4 bottles) was a Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc from Chile that was not even listed on the premier wine list, so we know it came from the private reserved stores. The last 4 bottles we purchased with a wine package were all premium wines and one arrived at the Italian restaurant with a note around the neck: Do not remove this bottle. CM (Cellar Master) and was assigned to our stateroom number. The wine sommelier was duly impressed. The wine from Chile was like the nectar of the Gods and we were pleased to receive it.
Will try to attach a few photos today of our land tours. In all, it was a very memorable trip with more plusses and experiences we will treasure just not Covid or isolation. DH still has a very bad cough and we are heading to Jackson Hole this weekend.
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Cruising along coast of Chile.
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Glacier with waterfall.
Sunset off coast of Chile.
Off coast of Chile. Sky and clouds were always so beautiful.
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I gasped seeing the first picture -- looked like the mountain tops were trying to reach right into the clouds. All so georgeous.
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Betrayal - gorgeous scenery
Cardplayer - scanning seems like so much work - but I've thought about it. I've taken photos of some old pictures.
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will post tomorrow. Feel like I am half alive.
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Gorgeous photos! We have never been tempted by cruises on huge ships. The small ships or large boats are less claustrophobic. In Juneau we saw the gigantic ships lined up at the dock. People disembarking looked so tiny. We're in the minority, though. Many people have enjoyable experiences on cruise ships and there are some good prices sailing out of New Orleans.
DH just left to go to the gym. We were both planning to play golf today but the weather forecast discouraged us. Showers are moving up from the south, bringing not only some rain but humidity.
I bought some Einkorn flour online and am thinking of making some bread this morning. Einkorn is an ancient wheat. I learned about it on the What's for Dinner? forum.
Mary, sorry you're feeling too bad to post. Your health has deteriorated a lot in recent weeks. Jackie, hope your upcoming appointments go well. Sandy, glad you were able to attend the gala and your finger is healing.
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Betrayal, those pictures are breathtaking. It is a memory for a lifetime!!
I am adapting. A neighbor loaned me one of his forearm crutches. He prefers a walker. He has lost half of a foot and a leg from diabetes. It is really nice, and I was able to walk Tippy around the block this morning with only a bit of pain but would rather stay with just walking around the building. Concentrating on keeping my leg straight. I keep using my right arm for the crutch, but fret that then there is stuff that I want to do with my right hand while it is busy helping me walk. PT said to use my left arm. Duh (I have mild CP, for anyone who doesn't know yet). The neck ache and headache are less, hopefully they will go away as my body gets better aligned. He wants me to stretch out some tendons. Need to use my exercise bike.
Today we are taking my trike to the shop, finally.
Then in the afternoon someone else and I will be grocery shopping. Need to get some Hillshire Farms lunchmeat. In 1/4-pound packages from the deli, they are less expensive, but the containers are nice for freezing food. I need to fill my freezer, although some purchased convenience meals would be good.
We had some tragedies in the neighborhood a few days ago. A close neighbor and her dog were attacked by another dog. Both had to go to their respective hospitals to get stitched. Her dog is a dachshund/chihuahua mix, so really tiny. He nearly died.
Another further neighbor had had a golden doodle, who was very large and had some metabolic disorders which really slowed him down. She is nearly ninety, and very tiny. He died, and she was devastated. When she was ready, she asked the local shelter if they had anything suitable for her, but they didn't at the moment. So, she found a beagle from an organization that empties high-kill shelters in Texas and Mississippi. She was using two leashes to keep from falling over when he pulls. Yes, he was the culprit. He escaped his harness. Local shelter gives full history to adopting parents, the traveling organization tells them nothing, and the organization may end up getting sued. She is devastated, and they are at the vet today for a gentle killing. She says she will never want another dog with two losses in a short amount of time.
For surgery and rehab I will need someone to foster Tippy. His previous foster mom says that I do not need to worry. To prevent surrender, she will take care of the situation. Tippy will only walk with people he knows and trusts, which means very few people. I suppose with frequent rewards for walking he will get over it.
Yes, I needed that break from Tippy, just to get more sleep. Seems like every time I turned around, I was looking for him.
I edited and re-wrote to just tell you guys that my mind is working OK this morning. I don't know how long it will last, since today is going to be busy, but for now I am functioning at something close to full power.
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We are all born with a belief in God. It may not have a name or face. We may not even see it as God. But it is there. It is the sense that comes over us as we stare into the starlit sky, or watch the last fiery rays of an evening sunset. It is the morning shiver as we wake on a beautiful day and smell a richness in the air that we know and love from somewhere we can't quite recall. It is the mystery behind the beginning of time and beyond the limits of space. It is a sense of otherness that brings alive something deep in our hearts.
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Betrayal, I also loved your photos! Breathtaking!
Mary, so glad you posted again, your earlier post worried me! I feel so sorry for the person who lost two beloved dogs in such a short time! Also for the other person and pet who were attacked by another dog! Terrible!!!! So glad you can at least get around! I understand not being able to use your right arm! So hard to function! I had both shoulders replaced and have bad lymphedema in my left arm thanks to 24 nodes removed with my first breast cancer in 2003. I am not supposed to lift anything more than 5 pounds, which doesn't sound bad until you think of all the things one lifts in a day. I can only imagine needing my right arm to walk too! I am so sorry! You will find a way around that issue, I know it, because you have such resilience in all things! I think when it comes down to it, we do what we have to do. Those who have the money can afford to still have it done, those who can't won't. Another step backwards in our health care system!
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Mary, sure glad you are somewhat better today and have less to worry over with Tippy. I keep thinking of 'this too shall pass', but the getting to that point sounds still daunting at times. I hope your path is as smooth as possible.
It is overcast today. We had a visit with the Animal Warden today. Glad for that. I didn't want to make things too hard for the dog or the owner but do need to get their attention about watching out for their pet. I didn't know the protocol for handling this type of situation as we have never had the issue before. We have lived out here since 1998 (this being our second property) and never had any upsets with other people's pets. The Warden has been there several times now and no one answers the door. He does say he thinks no one is home but the dog actually comes to look out the window, so they are at least keeping it inside while they are gone. If nothing else he will send word through the mail, but he prefers a face-to-face conversation.
I got my blood draw today and will see the PCP next week to talk about results. I will try then to find out a bit more info on why I need to see another implant Specialist in St. Louis again soon. I presume, things perhaps changed due to whatever was seen in the last Echo study. The first Dr. I saw was relying on my previous Echo since he didn't have the results from the one we did right before I saw him. I think JC is too big a place (unlike Marion) to get the results within mere minutes. Hate having to make the long drive again and pay for a driver, but hopeful that whatever the verdict is that it can be done here at home. Fingers crossed.
Mainly overcast today and a bit windy but not really cold. That is nice. Need to run to the store early tomorrow I think as for two days running, I've been busy and not getting out of here early enough to suit me. I try to avoid driving at night. I can do it, but not as comfortably. as I use too. Maked just make us a toasted cheese. I use Sargento aged Swiss cheese which is quite reasonable on salt so can do it once in a while.
Hope you all had a good day.
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Tooth is out. I was super numb, shot in front of and behind the tooth. Then after packing it w an antibiotic and putting in 2 stitches, I had a wave of a cold sweats like I’d pass out. I took off my light weight hoodie, they gave me cold water, 2 ice packs and put me on oxygen. It was funny but not. I may have been tense all through it and the relax knocked me for a loop.
We left there, partner driving, to get to the dentist for the Invisalign. It went in ok, I was still numb. But by the time Novocain wore off, my whole mouth ached. I took the Invisalign out and will try it again after all the swelling is gone (a few days anyway).
Iced my face for 20 minutes every hour. Took 800 mg ibuprofen. Awake at 2:40 AM in pain, took more pain meds & iced my face. Asleep by 3:30, back up at 7. If I’m still in this much pain tonight into tomorrow, I’m calling for some real pain meds.
Lunch w neighbor ladies tomorrow, I’ve let them know I won’t be going. We’re meeting after lunch for a movie (I think 80 for Brady). A good cast of older ladies we love. No popcorn for me but I’ll still have a good time.
Hope everyone is good. I did read things but can’t recall much. Sandy’s hand is ok and now her back isn’t. Jackie’s neighbor needs a lesson in good pet ownership.
It’s been sunny & warm here - I got a bike ride in before the oral surgeon yesterday. Today I never went outside. Be well.
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((((((Cindy)))))) Dental work is so easy to be apprehensive about and for gooooood reason. Hugs.
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Cindy, hope your mouth can calm down to the point you can wear that Invisalign. When I had an abscess requiring a root canal, my endodontist suggested 800mg ibuprofen+1000mg.Tylenol q. 6-8 hrs. Worked better than any opioid I'd ever taken.
Mary, so sad about your neighbor and her beloved dogs.
My back is nearly healed, but Happy is giving me major heartache. His IBD is worsening and has diarrhea several times a day, now sometimes "outside the box" (like, on the second floor). The vet is stumped--anything we can give him to make him feel better would worsen something else. He reeks of poop but still wants to snuggle. And he still loves to eat (has the energy to run to the dish and try to climb the cabinets to the counter and jump up on to a barstool for treats) and be cuddled & petted, so he still finds enough pleasures in his life that it would be incredibly selfish of me to consider cutting it short because of the difficulty I have taking care of him. All he has ever known in life is human love (in fact, our love since we adopted him at 8 weeks old)--how dare I deprive him of that?
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The dog who attacked is now dead. I have not heard directly from either woman. The one whose chihuahua got mauled is known for her short temper. She needs some time alone to cool off. The other one is always sweet. Hopefully they can get together and sue the organization that gave her the beagle. They practically shoved him into her face. Yes, it was one incident, I left you to literally put two and two together. Two women, each with a dog.
I slept very well last night. Used the forearm crutch all day, took a short nap in the afternoon. Took Tippy for several walks around the building. Looking forward to having my bike back. Went to the grocery store and froze my card. Totally lost my temper. And had to give back my groceries. I don't know whether it was due to the stress of my knee failing and impending surgery, or lack of sleep. Or a combination of both plus the day was so good, then it was ruined.
I had a drying rack in the tub, so Tippy peed on the bathroom floor. I wiped it up, but he is still concerned that it smells like pee. Hopefully he will start pooping in the tub. My bathtub is not useable as a bathtub due to a hole cut in the side for easy entry. I have a plastic one when I really want to take a bath.
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Cindy, all my sympathy.
Mary, hang in there until things are better.
I did a dreaded cleaning job in the bedroom yesterday. Took down the little curtains and put them through the "remove dust from curtains" cycle in the dryer. LOL. Then rehung them. Three windows and three wide curtain rods. Also dealt with the blinds without taking them down. I used to take all the blinds down and wash them in the bath tub. "Used to" is a common theme in my life these days.
I learned the dryer trick when I took the living room curtains to the dry cleaner one year. The lady at the counter commented that the curtains weren't soiled, just dusty, and suggested the home dryer "cleaning." My window treatments are minimal since I make them myself.
My loaf of bread made with the Einkorn flour came out pretty good. It does have a different taste from regular wheat bread. I plan to experiment with ingredients.
Happy Wednesday.
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When we are aware that each moment of each day, each gesture and step we take, is truly mystical and full of wonder, we will live our lives with greater thought and care. We will also have greater respect and appreciation for the lives of others.
Daisaku Ikeda0 -
Carole, I think you just did a major hack for people sharing how to clean dusty curtains. I also identified strongly with the "use to do" theory that becomes prevalent at an older age. I only go as high as my two-step step stool now and never get out the ladder anymore. I also don't step up until I know for sure there is something to hold onto once I'm up. Hmmm, was it only yesterday???
Mary, I sure wish things had gone better for you. I must say when you get your surgery and are back on your feet hopefully all this will fade as you become strong and heal and are able to maintain.
Just catch-up things here today. Sometimes I wonder where my days go. Too many non-sensical things,
I think. Let cats out, let them in and then the dog too. It is never at the same time. Grrrr.
Sandy, sure hope something turns up that can help with Happy's stomach/bowel issues. Our pets have a limited time with us and I'm all for making adjustments so they can stay as long as possible if they are not in true distress. I know it's a royal pain since I've been there a lot of times. I think their might be some 'animal wipes' that help with debris to remove from either end of a cat that might help. We use some on our kit's nose which she hates but she breathes better with a clean nose.
I hope you all have a really good day.
Hang in there Mary.
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