Can we have a forum for "older" people with bc?
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I have had Tippy wear a bark collar off and on. When big dogs protect their property, he understands. But meeting a big dog on the street can be dangerous. If another dog barks, he reacts, and it can get messy. At times, he initiates it. When he approaches another dog calmly, he gets to interact. And with the collar, he gets this reward more frequently.
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Karen - Thinking of you and sending you healing vibes. When I embarked on my BC treatment journey, things happened so quickly I didn't have time to panic. I started my treatment at 8:15am on a Tuesday morning. I took a deep breath after getting out of the car. My oncology nurse Angela walked me through the day and so it began. Funny how even though it's been 2+ years, I can still recall many details of that first day.
Betrayal - funny how incidents with dogs at young age can scar them. You just can never tell how an animal perceives an event and the impact to them. Regan is so lucky to have you.
Carole - we've watch a little of the women's tournament. LSU usually has a good team, but SC looks really good again this year.
Mavericksmom - surprisingly, I'm tied for 1st place in our family bracket. Everyone lost and my DB and I ended up with highest points. What an odd tournament.
Hope you're feeling better Mary.
Have a healthy and peaceful day.
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Mary, 17 at heart, I love that and feel it sometimes too. I'm glad Tippy will get his walks in with your neighbor.
Karen it's always good to have another set of ears at those appointments. I still have my padfolio from the start of my BC journey, those notes were helpful. We're in your pocket for Monday. Sending HUGS.
Betrayal, Regan is lucky to have you. You're always looking out for her best interest.
IRS - I did my nieces taxes, federal and state, then my partners, and finally my own. Sort of a scratch first go through, then last night finalized and submitted them all. I'm the only one who owes, so I set up auto withdrawal to take place on 4/14. Getting everything printed was a pain in the neck but all done now so I can check that off my “to do" list.
Basketball, I hate to say it but I'm just not a fan. I think it goes back to being a kid. Our gym teacher Mr. Sands would blow the whistle and yell “Double dribble!!" or “Traveling!" Today it doesn't seem that those rules apply. I've been to a Nets game and it was very nice to see them in person and be in that mix, but I just can't watch it on tv. Maybe if I knew a kid playing, but I don't. My partners family is Syracuse grads and had their hom out there. They love it and don't care who is playing on the team. I'm the odd girl out.
Weather here has been hot and appears the same all week. One more baseball game tomorrow and spring training will be complete for us.
This forum has been a life line to women in the same or similar circumstances. Knowledge base runs deep here on a variety of topics, including outside of BC, and I appreciate you all!
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Cindy - your post reminded me of the one season, during my junior year in high school, that I played club basketball at the JCC. That’s when girls play 6 on a team - two rovers, 2 front court, 2 back court. I’m just under 5’1” and they had me play back court (defense) since I couldn’t shoot, dribble or rebound. Come to think of it, I’m not sure why I was playing. Must have had a friend on the team.
Looking forward to the start of the baseball season, although the NATS are expected to have another downseason.
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Holding you close, Karen. One day at a time. Mary, you are way too adventurous - and tough! Be careful.
Jackie, loved the Nora Roberts quote - guessing it's from her Irish series although it's been years since I read them.
I think dogs do remember dramatic experiences from quite young. Glad you got more info. Regan is lucky to have come home to someone who is so patient and understanding.
We always adopt shelter dogs so know little about their puppyhood. I always create a backstory for them though. We had one who we knew had had a hard life. Was a wonderful dog unless he was shut up - even in a good size room. His first weekend with us he bit through the dryer cord because we shut him in the laundry room. We weren't real fast learners about his fear and he shredded the rug in Ken's office when we had put him in there. When he had the run of the house he was fine. Was really good with my Mom too.
I love hearing about all your "backstories" too. Glad BC brought us together.
Marge
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Long day here but quite fun. Daughter Kate was going to take us to a small mall that her friend operated. Turns out it is not open on Sunday. So, I got the bright idea that we should make the trip to Ollies Bargain Outlet. It is close to Marion so a bit of a jaunt, but an interesting store. Just as it might sound to you, it is a store that features deep discounts on things. They do have some name brands as well as their a lot of their own.
I came home with a couple of hard back books as well as a huge crossword puzzle book. Also an ice cream scoop and a few other assorted items. I've already started one of the books. It is " I'll take Your Questions Now by Stephanie Grisham It as $5.00 as was the other one. Anyway I had four bags and spent less than $25.00 so I was quite happy.
From there we drove back on the interstate so stopped off at the antique mall at Rend Lake, Illinois. Imagine my total happiness when I spotted just inside the door, a little sculpture of two ocean seals. It was from 1981 and was a popular piece from one of those parties that you get invited to with the hope that some of the invitees will choose to have a party as well. To make a long story short, my daughter was quite young then and when I was gone, she let one of her little friends in and the little friend lifted my seal statue. I've missed my little seals ever since. So today I have them back now. I'm just really happy about this
I too got a kick out of Paragraph Police. I'm not good with it. I did however go through my school libraries and read almost all the books save for technical ones or those normally read by males most of the time. Not sure how it happened, because I did not spend much time at all looking up words in the dictionary, but I may not have been able to give you word definitions bur I almost never missed being able to tell you what the 'paragraph' said. I sort of assumed that reading so much ALL the time just gave me a better awareness of what was meant even though I might not be able to recite definitions for several words in the paragraph.
Regan is a luck lady indeed. I think her animal angels worked overtime for her so that she would be able to fall into a wonderful life. So wonderful if all could fine a great home with caring souls like Tippy, so many kitties and Regan managed.
Thinking of all here. Hugs to all with medical issues, questions, upsets, fears, etc. Sending positive loving hope and vibes for good outcomes and smooth paths.
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"The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss,and have found their way out of the depths."
— ELIZABETH KUBLER-ROSS
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Love the quote and I think it is applicable to many of the women on the forums on BCO. If BC doesn't take us to the depths, I don't know what in life would. I think we all try to find some form of normal which is not the same as what we had pre-BC, but permits us to participate in life again with an altered normal.
Regan is not a barker except if you ring my doorbell, are my DD's dog, or enter my house as a stranger. She has never barked in class even in response to the nonstop barkers we have had to endure in the 3 courses we have attended. So far the worst barkers have been Labs and one Australian shepherd. The trainer even asked if she does bark! The labs are the ones that spark the reactivity in the original class and the one we attended on Saturday. So do I wish they had bark collars on or even owners that responded to their incessant barking, yes.
Karen: I hope tomorrow is less of a strain than you expected. Fingers crossed it is bearable. ((Hugs)).
I was a playground supervisor during the summer when I was in high school. The pay was good and we only worked 9-12 in the morning and then 6-8 at night. To this day I shudder if someone asks me to play Candy Land. The city provided games like this, Chutes and Ladders (remember this one?), basketballs and other equipment for the kids to use while they were at the playground. The playgrounds were equipped with swing sets, sliding boards, seesaws, merry go rounds and basketball backboards. Mothers would drive up, kick their kids out of the car and we would have to remind them when the playground closed. There were water fountains at each playground and a bench with some shade where we could sit. I played so much basketball with the kids I became really good at "horse" and sinking foul shots. Of course, the way girls shot foul shots then is entirely different than the way men's basketball does. It was an amazing job and we were so busy the time just flew by.
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Carole - I'm a School Psychologist.
I had one of my very close girlfriend for dinner. We were talking about treatment etc and she asked what would be wrong if I had to retire? I told her I wanted it to be on my terms, my choice - she got it. The look on her face when we were talking about stem cell transplant - wow - she is an anesthesiologist so she knows medicine. Right now, I can't go there beyond is it a given and if so when after finishing chemo. 10 hours till I start treatment and my life changes even more than it did with BC - 17 years older and not nearly as healthy - so many more things going on. MY gf says that they are all related but I need her to explain more. She will check on us tomorrow.
I'm in a weird space right now. DH and I were going to tell our brothers tomorrow and not I'm not sure I want to tell anyone else including our brothers. I know I should, but....
DD#2 is coming home for Passover - she bought a ticket last night and got a great price and we talked this morning. She asked if we wanted her to come home and I told her she needed to do what made her feel best and that we would never tell her not to come home - so she said I guess I'm coming. I know she is so worried. She will miss one day of classes. It will be nice to have her here. She was going to go to one of her friend's houses for the first part of Passover and my gf who was here tonight for the end.
Well, it's late. I should probably go to bed shortly. I will update tomorrow sometime.
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Sending you a cyber hugKaren and keeping you close to my heart.
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I got a backstory with Tippy, as well as complete medical records. His original Dad died and the Mom couldn't remember to feed him. Their daughter took him, and either 1) Too many kids in the house, or 2) She didn't know anything about behavioral management or 3) a combination of the two. She surrendered him, and they sent him from Minneapolis-St. Paul to the shelter here. He was in foster care here until I applied. Every time we celebrate gotcha day or his birthday, I post his picture and an update to the shelter's website, and they alert the daughter. She and his original Mom message me with a thank you.
He was difficult to begin with, from all the homes (they bond fiercely with owners). However, once I got the training collar, he shaped up fine. I haven't put it back on, although I use the bark collar all the time for now. I now have a team of dog-walkers, and plenty of time to get him used to it.
My sister stopped by yesterday, and she is also coming up when my daughter comes up. My cousin will probably come over from South Dakota. Then parish ladies will stop by on a regular basis.
OTC diclofenac (Voltarin) will do wonderful things to a nasty and persistent headache.
Praying for you, Karen.
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Thinking of Karen today.
We're having some needed rain this morning. A father and son team came yesterday afternoon and pruned the remainder of one large azalea bed and three smaller (but still large) beds, also a sweet olive tree and a camellia tree. He used hand held power tools whereas I was using manual hand tools. It was very hot and I ventured out of the a/c a couple of times to speak with them. The job cost quite a lot in my opinion but it got done and this morning nature is providing watering. DH was glad he wasn't involved.
The trip to Scotland and Ireland is taking shape. And, yes, a visit to the island of Skye is included. Also, dh would like to see Hadrian's Wall, which will be an extra small excursion. I do not look forward to airports and plane travel or to exposure to Covid. There were two companies offering similar trips, Collette and Trafalgar. We've pretty much decided on the Trafalgar trip, though we had a great experience with Collette when we went to Australia and NZ.
A good Monday to all.
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I am at the car dealership waiting for my car to be inspected and serviced. It’s where I bought the car, in Doylestown, and I really like the service. It’s a bit of a drive, about an hour, but a nice drive especially this time of year with all the spring flowers blooming. Also nice that it’s a sunny day with rain later tonight!
Karen, thoughts of you today. Don’t stress over who to tell, you can do that when it feels right. Glad DD#2 is coming home!
Betrayal, I am surprised that the barkers were Labs! We had the most awesome, sweet black lab, Maverick. He was an English Lab, shorter, stockier, with a head more like a Newfoundland. He was quiet and when we walked him and he saw small dogs, he would drop down and “get small” like them! He didn’t have a mean bone in his body. Ragen would have gotten along well with him in a class. You are a great dog mom!
Mary, so nice of you to keep the shelter informed of Tippy’s life!
Hope everyone has a great day!
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If you go to work on your goals, your goals will go to work on you. If you go to work on your plan, your plan will go to work on you. Whatever good things we build end up building us.
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Trainer called today to set up a private class for Regan in hopes that she will be able to rejoin a future class with less dogs and definitely no Labs. My family has a history of owning Labs through my DB's and we have never had an issue until we met the 2 in separate classes that triggered her. We treat our animals as if they are family so when something is awry, we become protective and that's what I am doing with Regan. We have always felt there are "no bad dogs, just bad owners who do not teach their dogs".
One of our other Dalmatians (on a leash) was bitten by a Golden Retriever which invaded our yard and knocked my husband down to bite her. She required emergency vet care for the bites she sustained and I had to pursue the owner of the Golden to get him to pay. Dalmatians get a bad rap because of the bad breeders (inbreeding) and sometimes lack of obedience training. Regan is our 5th Dalmatian since 1975 so we know the breed well and have never had a bad dog. We adopted one from the breeder when she was 1-1/2 years old, and the one who died in August was a rescue from a kill shelter. They are quirky and that's what we love about them. Regan's prior owner loved her but she only ever saw a vet twice in 2 years: Rabies vaccine and for a neck abscess from her bite. No formal obedience training but she was house and leash trained. She is crated overnight and willingly goes in at "bedtime". So not a bad owner, just one without the means and time to provide obedience training and medical care such as spaying (we had to spay her). We are willing to assist her in becoming a calm, polite dog who loves to walk and is not triggered by other dogs.
Today started out with wonderful sunshine and warm temps only to downgrade to a gray, overcast afternoon with rain and a sudden drop in temps. This weather is causing the magnolia and cherry trees to bloom all too early. Concern is that if we get a freeze, the trees will lose their blooms quickly. Keeping my fingers crossed this doesn't happen. I have bleeding hearts erupting from the soil and it is way too early for them as well. Normally they erupt in May. I want a normal spring for once and not one that becomes a short introduction to a long hot summer. Have a nice night.
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Late again today. We had a trip to Marion for my feet. We got done early enough but had to eat when we got home and then rest awhile and then a few chores before I got here. Giant hugs (((((((Karen))))))). I hope some smooth sailing comes your way soon.
I too am a bit surprised by the barking labs although I will admit that Bill (who passed a short while ago) did bark a lot Having been abused he was suspicious of strangers and anyone he did not know so he barked -- if it was a person. Other dogs could come on our property, and he just wanted to go play with them. I had a Golden Retriever and Reggie seldom barked at anyone or anything. I think Regan and Tippy as well got lucky getting connected to caring friends who will work with them to make like good for everyone.
Time for dinner so I must run. Hope you all had a wonderful sunshiny day
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My DS taught his black lab to bark twice to announce a visitor. Otherwise, she didn't bark.
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Good visit with the hematologist. He answered all my questions. He is referring us to a transplant doctor for a consult- her speciality is multiple myeloma. Really liked what I read on the website and her video. Hematologist prescribed two additional meds and is putting me on Zometa - I think monthly. No more Prolia. I will get Zometa at second chemo as it needs pre-approval from my insurance and there wasn't enough time today. Felt okay, but tired for a couple hours after the two injections but then started feeling lousy - took a Zofran at 4:30 and will take another when I go to bed. The Revlimid is also taken at bed. The two new meds are Singular to take for 3 days starting day of injection and Albuterol inhaler as needed. Hope I feel better tomorrow. We moved chemo to Fridays so next one is not till April 7th. I see the hematologist monthly but have labs weekly. So total meds I'm taking for the MM are 9 Rx (2 are PRN) and 3 OTC. Plus the meds I've been taking. Don't even want to figure out that total. I'm a walking pharmacy.
All my kids checked in with me today, including my SIL. Thankfully by text so I didn't have to talk.
Still waiting for the neck CT scan to be scheduled. Endocrinologist called me last Tuesday to say it was being ordered. I'd have to look at my patient portal to see when I was actually sent. I may call tomorrow or send message on the portal.
Starting back to see my Nephrologist. The only appointment he has before the end of June is a telehealth appointment in about 2 1/2 right after chemo #3. I don't want to wait 3 months.
When I asked hematologist about stem cell transplant - was it a given, he said I can't force you to do it, but it's best to do it when I'm healthier and not doing it can cause more damage to my kidneys. I wasn't questioning doing the SCT, but more wanted to know timelines. The next bone marrow biopsy will be 2-4 after finishing the 4 cycles of chemo in mid July.
i ordered flavor free protein powder. I will added to a smoothie, teal or water to help maintain my weight and not loose more. I'm eating but not a lot.
I texted my brother to ask him to call me when he has time in the next couple days. He is Eastern time in Ohio (2 hours earlier than mountain time) and he wanted to know how late I would be up. I told him 10 or 10:30 and that I'm up quite early. DH will call his brother tomorrow.
DD#2 will be here for two of my chemos. I will have her go to #2 - I think she will like that. They only allow one visitor. It shouldn't be more than an hour total. She did well on the final on her birthday that she thought she failed. She was so happy and proud of herself. Dad and I are also proud of her - even when she doesn't do well on a test or in the class. It's a very hard program and she is doing it in he second language.
Cold, cold today. Didn't walk at all today when DH walked. Wasn't feeling good enough in the afternoon and after dinner, I was slightly better but it was COLD. Anymore I'm a wimp in the cold. Also, I didn't want to push the limits too far. Hopefully I'll be up to walking tomorrow.
Thanks for everyone well wishes, good thoughts and prayers. Greatly appreciated.
Sweet dreams.
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Karen, great to hear you are doing pretty well. It will be very good for you to have DD#2 go with you for round 2! I am impressed that your daughter is taking courses in a second language, I assume Hebrew, that is amazing! I took French for three years in middle/HS but didn't learn it well enough to qualify me as being able to speak another language. I am in awe of people who speak multiple languages!
I went to bed around 9:30, its after midnight and I am awake. Sleeping is so hard for me since the surgery. My feet and legs hurt. It used to be just the soles of my feet that felt numb, now, my legs feel different up to my knees. I once told my doctor about it, not sure if it was my PCP or cardiologist, but which ever one I told said it was due to my weight and being on my feet all day. Well, after my mastectomy in 2019 I realized the gabapentin helped so much, that while I was on that, my legs and feet felt normal. I told that to the doctor too, but he said nothing. I had the same reaction after my recent mastectomy. Of course, as soon as I stopped the gabapentin, the symptoms came back. If it was an OTC drug, I would take it all the time!
It seems weird, but nice, not to have any doctor appointments this week. I don't have any until April 12th. I am leaning towards canceling my PCP appointment in May. I am waiting until the week before to cancel in case some issue comes up. I find my PCP appointments are pretty much a waste of time. Like many here, I have a specialist for almost every body part and I feel I am the "coordinator" of my health. My PCP is a good doctor, but my visits always seem to benefit him more than me. If I see him once every 2-3 years or so, to me that is enough. I only have a PCP because the insurance companies insist on everyone having one. I will NOT have any wellness visits. I agree with Sandy's one doctor, that they are BS for people who see a lot of doctors. It is also weird but wonderful, to think I no longer need mammograms!
I guess it is a normal reaction, but I can't shake the feeling that there is a cancer lurking somewhere inside me. Before my third breast cancer diagnosis, I was so focused on getting as healthy as possible. I didn't eat junk food, I exercised, and was losing weight and doing well. Then bam, cancer again. I had three junk foods today, chips, ice cream (just one scoop), and a hot cross bun! I wouldn't have eaten that many in 3 months last year at this time! Worse yet, I don't care! I can't get rid of the feeling that if I go back to being super proactive at getting as healthy as possible, I will just end up with another cancer diagnosis. Oh well, maybe with time I will feel like being pro-active about my health again. Right now, as long as I don't gain weight, I don't care. I am not eager for any more testing. I have blood work April 12th and a Dexa Scan in May, but nothing else scheduled and I hope to keep it that way for at least a year.
Ok, going to try to go back to sleep, although I am not sure how successful I will be.
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Sorry to have been remiss by not checking in here since last week.
Karen, glad to hear your PET scan was negative. Hugs and healing thoughts headed your way (saying a Mi Sheberach more often these days). What's the sequence of the SCT, more specifically, when will your healthy stem cells be harvested? Would it be pre-chemo? Having your DD here for Passover should be a comfort. Of course, the matzo balls, matzo brei, latkes, flourless chocolate tortes, macaroons, tzimmes, etc. that are the bane of Pesach-observant dieters will now be exactly what you should be eating--indulge! I also seem to remember a flavored protein powder called "Tiger's Milk," which I used for milk shakes when I was recovering from wisdom-tooth extractions.
I hear you re: the "polypharmacy." Every night I fill two shot glasses--one each with my bedtime and morning pills. I've taken Singulair for decades--it has no side effects that I've noticed, and it is great for protecting your lungs and keeping seasonal allergies at bay. And I keep inhalers in nearly every room, just in case. Second nature by now. (Your DD probably knows they're much cheaper in Israel). Glad to learn that Bibi is backing down from trying to hobble the judicial system.
Mary, ouch! That's why I've been reluctant to buy a trike, much less haul out my bike with 20" training wheels. When I used it 20 years ago, I never rode without the full complement of helmet, knee pads, gloves, horn & bell. I think you owe yourself the coolest, most "rad" helmet you can find. If I do get a trike I might look for a semi-recumbent, for its lower center of gravity. I'd love to find a standing scooter with wheeled "outriggers" for balance: sort of a wheeled walker with a platform. But I doubt one exists, and I'm no inventor.
Whole lot of little things (income & property taxes, applying for and finding the documents necessary to prove our eligibility for exemptions, spring tidying) taking up time & energy--and Heidi is being more demanding. She eats five or six small (like 1T.) servings of wet food a day, the equivalent of a 3-oz. can, plus about 1/3-1/2 c. of kibble--so she is getting enough calories for a 9-pounder. If I feed her any more per meal, she gets intimidated and leaves it over. I have to turn her dish and scoop the food closer to her so she doesn't have to crane her neck--her peripheral vision & hearing are dwindling; and I have to heat the food so she can smell & taste it. I found out the average adult cat's stomach is about the size of a ping-pong ball, so it stands to reason that it's better to feed her no more than she can handle at any given time. After what Happy went through with IBD that became intestinal lymphoma, I'd like to minimize any chance of that happening to her.
I noticed a little nodule on her forehead (about 3-4mm, fully covered in fur with a white circular border) that doesn't seem to be bothering her (she doesn't paw at it or try to scratch it) except when I try to touch it. It seems movable. Spent a long time online looking for pictures of various feline nodules, warts, tumors, etc.--and it resembles none of them. She's 18-1/4, which translates to almost 90 in human years--could it be the feline equivalent of the "senile keratoses" we senior humans tend to get as we age? I sent the vet an e-mail with pix.
Weigh-in tomorrow--'nuff said. Ugh. Bob is over his head cold/allergy symptoms but had a GI scare over the weekend (I think the cassoulet didn't agree with him), so last night he COVID-tested. Negative.
Weather here is going through "multiple personality disorder." Can't decide if it wants to be spring or revert to winter. Snow Wed., rain Thurs. (Cubs opener), severe weather threat Fri., more snow Sat.
I found out my Ireland trip may prove even more expensive than we thought: my flight home from Dublin is at 4:30, so I need to get to the airport by 1:30. Unfortunately, the group transport from our hotel in Kinsale (in the southeast) doesn't leave till 10am, and traffic & road construction can extend the trip to 5 hrs. So I may have to hire a car service (a couple of others on the trip will be flying home about the same time as me) in order to hit the road by 8am, or even a (gulp) helicopter. Flying by small plane from Kinsale to Dublin requires a drive south to Cork and can take 6th hours--one route ping-pongs from Cork to Liverpool and then back to Dublin.
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Also, wasted tons of time dealing with Warby Parker. Got refracted on Sun, 3/12 at their Andersonville shop and picked out new frames: one for my progressives and another for single-vision sunglasses (I don't read in sunlight and have no problem seeing the dash or nav screen). One's a really cool rainbow "confetti" tortoise, and the shades are a blue "tidepool" tortoise. And for a spare pair, new prog. lenses in my current frames. (They don't "replace" the lenses in the frames I have but issue a new identical pair, knocking $150 off the price). Well, the replacements and the shades came in on Wed. 3/22, but not the confetti pair. Kept re-checking the site, but it was listed as "working on it." Finally, I got an e-mail Fri. that they arrived but due to a "minor imperfection" they were being expedited back to the lab (and presumably would be expedited back). I e-replied asking whether the defect was in the frames or the lenses....crickets.
Now here's the maddening part: the whole reason to go to a Warby shop rather than do it all online (with home try-on, mailing back, yada yada) is to save time (by shortening the process), see the various frames in real light, try them on and get honest advice from staff and even other customers. And having them sent to the shop rather than shipped to me makes sense precisely because sometimes the prescription gets screwed up and you have to go there anyway for adjustments. So I tried to call...nope, no shop contact info listed--just their HQ's Customer Service Dept.
I called Customer (dis)Service, was on hold for almost 15 minutes, and the agent couldn't tell me what the problem was, tell me the shop's phone or e-mail number, transfer my call to the shop or even--you're not gonna believe this--contact them himself! He also couldn't tell me which lab (Vegas or Sloatsburg, NY) goofed. The case notes were no more specific than the cutesy "oops" e-mail I got. The only way to find out was to drive to the shop, circle 15 min. for a street parking spot (no lot, paid meter), and walk 2 blocks in the windy raw cold. The optician recognized me instantly and said, "you're here about the pair that failed inspection, right?" Turns out the "imperfection" was by no means "minor:" the lab got the cylinder & axis (astigmatism correction) wrong on both lenses! At least the other two pair were ok. I should get the (hopefully) corrected pair by Friday 3/30. Not holding my breath.
Warby touted itself as an "industry disruptor" much like SmileDirect or Away luggage--online at first, eventually expanding to brick & mortar so as not to put customers at the mercy of postal carriers or shipping services. But this refusal to make the shops' contact info available to customers (and even customer service reps) is incredibly disingenuous. Glass is transparent--shouldn't the consumer-business relationship also be? For a business that proudly declares its customer-friendliness, this is unacceptable. I'd originally held off using them for a long time because I could get LensCrafters specs the same day (albeit at a higher price, feeding the Luxottica monopoly)--but once LensCrafters ditched their in-store labs, there went that advantage. And Costco's selection is comparatively skimpy.
Oh, and Zenni is no better--just cheaper. (And their frames are flimsy). You can try on only virtually--which I find to be virtually worthless. But if they screw up you have to return the glasses yourself (on your dime) and all you can get is a site credit on your next pair.
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Sandy - The SCT - stem cells will be harvested before the brutal chemo, then pretty much the next day the stem cells are put back in. Stem cells can be harvested a week or so before SCT. Happy that DD#2 will be here. I love when I'm with my kids. I doubt I will be getting to Israel any time soon - unless the time frame from finishing induction chemo to harvesting is a few weeks.
I've done most of my Pesach shopping except for dairy and of course fruits and veggies which DD or DH will purchase next Tuesday. I eat matzo brei for breakfast when I'm home. I bake chocolate chip cookies and sometimes mandel bread using Almond Flour. No torte. I don't like macaroons. Tzimmes - no really - I do make carrots with pineapple but no prunes. I have learned to keep it simple. I only make soup if its a meal in itself as no way can we eat soup at the sedar. For snacks, I like matzo with butter, nuts and sometimes potato chips. But who knows what I'll want to eat next week. i haven't eaten chocolate or chewy candy in over 2 weeks.
DD#2 got here glasses and contacts last year at Warby Parker. The store buy us doesn't do exams so she had to go to a different one and had her glasses and contacts mailed then went to the nearby store for them to be adjusted. I've ordered from Zenni with good luck and recently from Firmoo with good luck. Yes, the lenses are very light weight and probably cheap, but mine have held up well. Except for the temple that I tried to bend and it broke part way.
Sandy - when do you leave for Ireland? Bummer about the hassle getting to the airport.
I have a cruiser bike that I rode quite a bit when I first got it, but haven't road it in a few years, and now not about to get on it for fear of falling off and breaking something. I bought it after BC as it felt safer than my mountain bike.
Maverick - thanks for all your kind words. It is appreciated.
Sleeping beyond lousy. This is frustrating more than anything else. Waiting to see what if any side effects kick in today or a few days from the Revlimid. Doing my Cubii - hopefully I'll be up to walking today and putter a bit in the house.
Warmer weather today - 50s instead of 30s. And it looks like there might be sun.
Have a good Tuesday.
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Two of my DB's and my DS have had Labs and they were always lovely dogs so I do not have a vendetta against them. I think many of today's Labs are produced by puppy mills where the temperament of the breed can be impacted by their (in)breeding methods. Both of these dogs were hyper, lunging and not responsive to commands to "leave it". Neither had owners that attempted to respond to this aggressive behavior nor nonstop barking. So to me, not a bad dog, just an unengaged owner. These are behavior training classes where the owners are supposed to learn how to control their dog's behavior and in my observations they are waiting for the trainer to intervene rather than do it themselves. Hopefully, the private classes will assist her in returning to the level of comfort she had in the beginner's class where she was not threatened by 6 other dogs. To promote safety/prevent injury to her and to other dogs, I remain vigilant in reading her reactivity to any given situation. She can't talk so I do the talking for her.
Today is overcast, cooler than yesterday and I think I'll head to the grocery store. My daffodils are now in full bloom and while they are beautiful, it is too early for them to be all out. Most won't make it to Easter. However, they are yellow and sunny. The pink ones haven't bloomed yet while the white ones (actually a pale, pale yellow) have. The ones I planted last fall, in the new by the stream bed, have bloomed and the azaleas appear to have survived the winter.
Sandy: Thanks for all the info about buying glasses. This helps when one is looking for new glasses.
Karen: Sorry that your first day was rocky but hope that each day will improve from here on out. Glad that you will be able to get the answers you seek for the SCT and that your physician is so caring.
Mary: I agree with Sandy about getting a helmet. Unleash that 17 year old when you make your selection so all will wonder who that woman with the "racy" helmet is. It should be eye catching and reflect your inner you, plus protect your wonderful brain.
Hope all have a wonderful day.
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So nice that your children will all be with you for Passover Karen. I remember my Mom doing lots of baking for Passover. My Dad was a diabetic, so she made sure there were lots of things for him to eat throughout the holiday. I hope that you are feeling well today after your first treatment.
Sandy - my DS has been suggesting that I order sunglasses from Warby Parker. Right now, I have a couple of cheap sunglasses off Amazon as I get use to my new vision. They have a nice online selection, but I’m no where close to a store.
Sounds like there lots of vacation planning going on. We’re heading to Las Vegas for a couple of days at the end of April. We have credits from a canceled trip from 3 years ago.
Heading to REIKI therapy. It’s the anniversary of my Dad passing away in 1972 at the age of 47. So, I need some distraction and an energy boost. I hope everyone is doing well and has a wonderful day.
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Life is short. Each year passes more quickly than the previous one. It's easy to deny yourself many of life's simple pleasures because you want to be practical. Forget about practical and decide instead to be a joy collector. Always be on the lookout for gifts without ribbons. God is strewing them across your path right now. His gifts come tagged with a note: "Life can be wonderful. Do your best not to miss it!" Enjoy what is before it isn't anymore. - Barbara Johnson
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Karen, one day at a time and it sounds like you’re doing ok. Family surrounding you is a blessing.
Talk of glasses, for me it’s contact lenses. I get examined yearly at my eye doctor- dilate, look for problems, and prescription for glasses. But then I go to the optometrist for my contact lens exam and fitting. I pay $200-$250 for an insurance policy thru my union as a retiree. The exam and a 6 month supply of contacts is covered, which calculates to a good savings. But then I use that script to buy contact lenses from Freshlens.com out of Canada, at a good savings. Shipped directly to me and I’ve yet to have a problem. If your eyes are healthy and your prescription hasn’t changed you can order without a problem. I’m near sighted, and as we age we go farsighted, which has improved my nearsightedness. My lenses changed this past year.
Our last spring training game was yesterday, Twins vs Pirates. The Pirates were super friendly, tossing balls to the kids non stop. Not all teams do, so it was nice to see. We were able to sit in unoccupied seats in the shade again, super happy. But I was exhausted as was my partner. He woke up and was unable to get back to sleep at 6 AM (4 hrs of sleep).
Sleepless because he was thinking about our Ireland trip. Debating if we should move it down to 2 weeks vs the 3 weeks already booked. Not sure I’ve shared - last year 4 couples were trying to plan a trip but it never materialized. This was due to the planner of our group having problems with a son, 50+ yrs old and clinically depressed. This year he asked us if we wanted to go, his wife was staying home with the son (lives with them). We said sure. The men wanted 3 weeks, I thought 2 would be fine as we’re in FL for near 6 months away from “home.” We all booked airfare for dates he chose, for 3 weeks. Then later he dropped his trip to 2, his wife thought it would be too much on her alone with the son. And we fully understand that. But partners sleeplessness was thinking we too should drop to 2 weeks. Today he’ll see if we can change the return flight to 2 weeks. And if so we need to change the hotel stay for the last night (close to airport) and rental car as well. If not, we’ll be gone for 3 weeks.
Weather here is listed 88-91 for the next 10 days. In NY flowers are blooming a month or more ahead of schedule. By time I get there my early bloomers will be spent. Hope you all have a great day!
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Betrayal, no one here thinks you had something against Labrador Retrievers. You are such an animal lover, like most of us here! We had to put our beloved lab down about 9 years ago, and I was surprised, but shouldn't have been, that the breed has been ruined by popularity. Being the AKC #1 dog breed for so long comes at a cost!
Cardplayer, so nice for you to get away for a few days in April!
Karen, continues thoughts of you!!! Good idea about the protein powder!
I'm still very upset at the latest school shooting, knowing that there will be others. I have grandchildren of the same age as those precious children in Tennesse, and having worked in schools for over 32 years, it hits home. One of the downsides of Democracy is that we elect representatives to pass laws that protect us, and they can't or won't do that! We can only vote for Senators and Representatives in our own voting districts, and even then, they might not be the people we voted for. I am still pro-Democracy, but like most Americans, feel upset by mass shootings and don't know how to stop them!
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Politicians answer only to their corporate sponsors, who supply them with the money necessary to run for office.
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Here a bit late once again but I did manage to get a lot of work done. I have a bit more but I don't have much on the next few days so I won't be disruptive if I leave some for tomorrow.
I too wanted to assure you betrayal that you are a wonderful dog parent/person and wouldn't have it out for any particular breeds. I do think things happen and sometimes the animals are fortunate enough to attract parents who have the time and energy to help them be their best.
I've worn glasses for many years now. Basically since my thyroid upset. I never considered contacts because the thought of putting something in my eye everyday was distinctly un-appealing to me. I don't see close-up, or far away and have an astigmatism as well. So, I can't do a whole lot of anything unless I have my glasses on. In fact, I have an old pair on my bedside table because if I remove my current prescription glasses for some reason and lay them down, I've had trouble finding them again. It feels much simpler to me to just stick with the glasses I've had for so long.
We have had sun and warmer weather lately, but being spring-time rain will come quite easily so likely to happen any time now. We are going to have to make up a solution and have our roof washed off. Looked up the other day and it looked quite mossy green up there. Our weather has slowly changed, and this is a first for us.
Hope you all are having a wonderful day.
(((((((Karen))))))).
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Today has been an up and down day - tire out easily and tonight not feeling good. When I feel good, I do a few things in the house - this afternoon I vacuumed the two basement bedrooms and I was wiped out. Went for one walk with DH and made pizza and a salad for dinner. Hope tomorrow will be a little better.
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