Can we have a forum for "older" people with bc?
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You may have to copy and paste the above. I don't know why the link won't open.
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Third time is the charm. Sorry.
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Betrayal, I thank your sis-in-law and you for sharing. Reaffirms the adage "dogs have masters, cats have staff".
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So far I've had a productive day. I went through my desk once more and used the shredder all afternoon. Two big bags full. I cleaned the desk as well as one of the file chests. Also he floors underneath. Also washed the French doors that lead out to the screen room. It will be great using my desk later on and hopefully much easier to get a lot of my work done. I seem to collect way too much paper in my life. Too bad it isn't the kind you can take to the bank and let them keep it for you.
Thanks again Betrayal.
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WOW illinoislady!!! I am impressed with all you did yesterday! I am STILL cleaning out my desk and file cabinets! I want to finish the desk and files in our office today and also clean out one file box in my bedroom where I kept all my school yearly certification documents and a file for each health issue I have. I was required to have 20 unpaid hours of enrichment each year, and I kept copies of the documents in case the school needed verification. Now that I am retired, time to get rid of all of it!
Sunny again today. DH and I plan to stop at Home Depot and then BJ's. Tomorrow I have my bloodwork done in the morning followed by hopefully my last plast surgeon follow up appointment, at least until next year.
I continue to battle with nausea. I am waiting to see what the blood work results are as they might indicate something that explains the cause. If the blood work is normal, I might still try to move up my PCP appointment set for end of May. I have an appointment with my breast surgeon in June.
I finally got a pension check for the two weeks I was retired in Feb. My March check is supposed to come sometime this week, then monthly checks on the last work day of the month. Glad I didn't have to dip into savings to pay the bills.
I got a call from work yesterday asking for my permission to allow them to give me some money raised in a "walk for moms with cancer." I do appreciate that so much. I have no idea how much it is, but what really shook me up was that the person calling me told me about another co-worker who is in treatment for breast cancer for the third time, and so is her former next-door neighbor who lives in my neighborhood. I don't know the neighbor she told me about, but she is in her early 60's. The thought that I know of two other people who also have breast cancer for a third time makes me wonder if this is becoming more and more frequent?
I don't know about any of you, but I got an ear full the first time I had breast cancer in 2003. I was told it would be rare for me to get a recurrence or new breast cancer. Because I was premenopausal, I had chemo and radiation on top of two lumpectomies. The same thing happened after my second diagnosis. My breast surgeon told me I would never get cancer in my other breast! Everything I was told turned out not to be true! I did get breast cancer again! I only recently realized after reading the surgery report from October, that not only did I have DCIS this time, but also IDC. In reality, we can only do so much to prevent it. We deal with whatever happens, when it happens, so no use worrying about it.
Thinking of all who are going through treatments now and who have upcoming surgeries! Sending healing vibes to all of you!
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Loved the video!!!!
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We should so live and labor in our times that what came to us as seed may go to the next generation as blossom, and what came to us as blossom may go to them as fruit. This expresses the true spirit in the love of humankind. - Henry Ward Beecher
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Beautiful morning here. A mild breeze. We are meeting with a couple who are friends of ours this afternoon. They called a couple of nights ago to ask if we were missing a cat. We said no. By the next morning Dh was mentioning how we lost Gordy. He was a huge orange cat with a big fluffy tail. We felt it was the neighbor's dog next door who had managed to get loose again and had already killed one of our cats.
SIL and Dh walked through our woods but found nothing after hours and hours of calling. No cat fur -- just nothing. So he was thinking maybe it was Gordy. Gordy disappeared before winter this year. I'm not holding my breath, but we do want to speak our friends further. At the same time we can catch them up on all that is going on with us and hear the same from them. I think it would be a miracle if by chance it actually was Gordy. Stranger things have happened and actually once before to us. I do believe in miracles, but this would be a big one after going hrough the winter
Speaking of breast cancer. This same friend had breast cancer a while before I did. Then one of the other ladies in the area we have termed the Lake people had it. We don't know whether it is more prevalent and more people willing to talk about it, or if there is something about our area. I personally think it has something to do with our climate and our chemicalized style of living. It is all over. Outside of a couple of other people I didn't know anyone that even had, had bc., when I got mine. It is one of the major reasons that I ended up on this blog. Grateful every day for BC. Org.
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When I was diagnosed with BC 17 years ago, I was the 5th person in 8 years in my building to have BC. Unfortunately, we all know people who have had it more than once.
Not as wiped out from work today. Thankfully, I'm off tomorrow and Thursday for the last two days of Passover so a short work week. DH and DD prepared everything for dinner tonight and for tomorrow night.
85F this afternoon - same for tomorrow then cooling to 70s Th and 50s Friday. Crazy spring time in the Rockies. At least it's not snow.
Have a great couple days. I won't be online till Thursday night or Friday morning.
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Cindy - hope you got your tires squared away.
Sandy - great list. Thanks for the reminders. My grandmother use to save coke bottles for me so that I could get the .02 and use the money to buy ice cream at the corner store. And the milkman use to bring milk every couple of days.
Betrayal - love it!
Illinois - fingers crossed that you’ll find your missing orange cat. Sending you healing vibes for Thursday.
Sorry you’re having nausea Mavericksmom. I hope your doctor is able to identify a cause. Glad you got your pension checks started.
Glad you had a better day Karen. I hope you continue to feel good.
When I was diagnosed with BC, other than family members I didn’t have any friends who had been diagnosed. First person I called was my aunt who is a two time BC survivor. She didn’t remember her exact diagnosis, but does remember taking Femara (letrozole) for several years. My Mother had BC as did my Grandmother, aunt, and two cousins. I was tested for BRCA years ago but did not have it. I was considered high risk for BC (due to family history) and tested twice a year - mammogram and breast MRI. My BC was found on a breast MRI.
Beautiful day here today - sunny and mid 70s. We took a walk around the lake in our community. It was nice and quiet. Had my REIKI therapy earlier today and felt refreshed. All in all, a lovely day. Have a nice evening.
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Thank you all for the lovely welcome.
Like many of you I have many aches and pains so I will really happy to finish PT for my hip yesterday ( and had my last mental health therapy session as well). Today I walked on a short trail through the Manassas Battlefield to see the bluebells. There wasn't the expected "blanket" of blue flowers and the part of the trail that I managed was rougher than my hip was ready for. It was a nice day to be outside.
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Lily, congratulations on your last PT for your hip! Last year I had PT for a knee issue and I remember how happy I was to end the sessions! Also happy you had your last therapy session. Hopefully they both worked well for you!
Nice to get out in nature! Liky I have a silly question for you. When I look at your picture I see things other than the beautiful bluebells. Is there a person on the other side of the flowers? I am guessing no, but it really looked like a man wearing glasses on the other side, as I looked under the flowers! I also thought I saw the face of a young deer up higher on the right side. I am equally sure there was no deer! LOL
Welcome to my crazy mind! I should mention that I can look at something as simple as a floor tile and see animals in it! Perhaps I looked at one too many “where's Waldo" books with my kids and grandkids?
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MM, funny! LOL.
Lily, that's a beautiful flower.
Karen, you seem to be handling your health situation with courage and composure. I'm sure the family support is a major factor.
We haven't heard from Mary recently. Hope she's doing well.
Wishing everyone a good Wednesday.
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Still here, Carole. I meet with a nurse for a blood pressure check in an hour. I am worried about pain management and blood pressure and further hearing loss. My audi says we will wait until after I have recovered from surgery before we make any adjustment on my HA's.
This afternoon, I am hosting the book club meeting. Had a disaster with rhubarb cobbler. The biscuits did not rise. So we are having rhubarb shortcake. Added to it is that I picked up ice cream at the store yesterday evening, thought it was vanilla, instead, it was rocky road. So I went back to the store early this morning.
Will have fresh bread with cheese and summer sausage, and a honey/goat cheese spread. I usually put flaxseed meal in my bread, but just read that it goes stale in about three months. Wondered why...... Groceries for one just don't keep well.
So busy. Leg is aching.
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Youth is not a time of life, it is a state of mind. You are as old as your doubt, your fear, your despair. The way to keep young is to keep your faith young. Keep your self-confidence young. Keep your hope young.
Luella F. Phean0 -
Mavericksmom : No deer, no person behind the flowers, just blurry wood in the background. Of course now every time I look at that picture I will see deer and some guy hiding behind the flowers!
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MM, Look up David Zinn. He's a chalk artist who uses flaws in pavement to stage little cartoons with animals. He's widely known for these and has published 3 books. It's amazing to watch him do the drawings. I think he's in Minneapolis. He sees the possibilities like you do.
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Sorry to have put those images in your head, Lily! Honestly, I don't know where I come up with things like that! LOL
I had bloodwork this morning. I went to a Labcorp very close to my house because my cardiologist wrote the address on the script. Never went to that location before and never will again! Tiny waiting room, only4 chairs, all filled with patients, and a small amount of standing room, which was crowded. I had made an appointment or I would have gone out to my car to wait. Only 1 person works there at 7:30, my appointment was for 7:45. Waited half an hour even after another technician arrived at 8:00. I wouldn't mind the wait if not so crowded. Then coming out I couldn't make a left due to school flashing lights and super slow moving traffic so I had to go a longer way to get home. Closer to my house yes, but more convenient than the location I used to go to, no! I will tell my doctor to put the other location down in the future.
I also had an appointment with the plastic surgeon, PA today. Will go back again in September. I did tell her about my nausea and bone pain and she agreed with me to wait for blood test results, then call my MO and PCP and try to move those appointments up. I am not worried, but trying to be proactive, and I don't want to suffer if there are solutions that can help.
Gorgeous day, supposed to be in the 80's! I plan to get outside and work a bit in the gardens today. I can't stay inside on such a beautiful day, a real plus for retirement!
illinoislady, I will be thinking of you tomorrow and sending you tons of healing vibes!
Karen, you are truly amazing! Sending you healing vibes too!
Mary, sorry to hear about your rhubarb cobbler disaster! Good plan to make it into rhubarb shortcake! Also sending healing vibes to you!
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Love the photo Lily. I’m hoping to go to the Museum of Shenandoah Valley in the next week or so. Their gardens should be in full bloom this time of year. Lots of things in bloom around the neighborhood.
Sorry to hear you having BP issues Mary. Hope you’re able to get it u control and feel better. Hope the book club went well. The food sounds yummy.
Mavericksmom - I think that’s the Labcorp model. Small rooms with only 4 chairs and not fully staffed. The only local Labcorp is located in Walgreens, so people lineup outside the pharmacy. My neurologist seems to use them exclusively. They’ve been pretty good about keeping waiting time 10 minutes of appointment past so far.
Thinking of you Illinois. Sending healing vibes your way.
Another splendid day. High in the 80s and sunny with a nice breeze. We’ve started to take our walk in the morning to avoid the warmer part of the day. I spent the rest of the day cleaning up a bit getting ready for my brothers visit on Friday. Enjoy the rest of your day.
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Beauty of a day today. I got Dh off at 10 a.m. to go see his eye surgeon for his last follow-up today. I think Dh goofed maybe. The eye office called me about 1;30 as they hadn't seen him. They said his appt. was at 12 O'clock. He tole me t O'clock -- so I think he and his twso brothers went out to lunch beforehand. Sigh !!! Makes it a long day as they will fit Dh in now. I then got supplies out to detail the inside of my car. Took it to the carwash yesterday. They do a terrible job for $10.00 but I just wasn't up to doing it myself. It was all I could do to do the fine detail work which was basically only inside. I washed the upholstery this time along with floor mats and swept out the whole thing. I also used Armor-All on dash, doors, and all the rubber molding. Could have done a lot more, but all the warm air and sunshine wore me out.
I have to rewash my bed sheets and shower and do my hair yet. Supper is a who knows -- you may have to do it yourself. ..I do have leftover meatloaf and some potatoes so we wont' starve.
I will take all your well wishes with me and with all that on my side it should be a breeze.
Hope you all had a great day. Hugs Mary, Karen and Maverick.
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Illinoislady: Good luck tomorrow. You are amazing with what you accomplished today.
Mary: Can you freeze the flaxseed to prolong its life? Can't speak for your surgeon but know that for my GI surgery, they had a whole pain management plan ready to use post-op and for at home. Hope you can also have access to a plan.
Karen: Glad you had a good day at work and can now relax at home for several days.
Magnificent day today. In the 80's so I got some yard work done moving some bleeding hearts that I did not want the lawn service to weed whack. Got them moved just in time because they showed up this afternoon. Getting Regan used to going out on the long lead in the backyard. She likes to sniff and explore so I am getting about 30-45 minutes out of her outdoor exploring. Trimmed some branches on the Japanese maple that were rubbing on the bay window. Yesterday I took photos of all the places I have planted daffodils and hyacinths since I have a number of hyacinths purchased this year to plant. So I was scoping out areas where I can plant them. I have about 20 bulbs to plant and will try to do it this week while the weather is so nice. Also did 4 loads of laundry. So an accomplished day.
Hope everyone has a good day tomorrow.
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illinoislady, thinking of you today! Sorry you had issues with your DH's appointments yesterday. You did accomplish so much!
Betrayal, I got tired just reading about what you did yesterday! Isn't it nice to complete so many tasks! I was impressed and inspired
We used to have a fenced in yard. The fence was old, not attractive anymore. The water company made us take down two panels a few years ago because they needed 5 ft clearance around the sewer line. The fence was there when we bought the house over 40 years ago. My DH took additional panels down, so now the lawn care man we use can drive his larger mower easily into the back yard. He came on Tuesday, but didn't realize the fencing was gone until he headed for the back yard. I am in awe of how fast he mows the yard, even when he pushes the mower! He does the edging too. We are pleased with his work!
Going to get started on my list for today. Trying to start some kind of normal routine now that my health care visits are back to a more normal amount. I took Advil and did sleep much better last night. Hope to get blood test results today. Not much nausea this morning and feeling pretty good. Nothing too bad could be going on with me if I feel so well this morning. At least that is what I am telling myself!
Karen, continued thoughts of you. Glad you have time to relax and spend with your family!
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Betrayal, you accomplished enough for two of me!!
Thinking about IllinoisLady and sending positive vibes for a successful surgical procedure.
All the promised rain didn't fall here. I may have to water the planters on the patio.
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Yes, betrayal, that is a very good idea to store it in the freezer. Thank you.
I again did not sleep well according to Fitbit. Usually happens with emotional issues. Had a good talk with nurse about setting up a habit of recording BP, particularly with upcoming surgery. When I got home, PT had ok'd recumbent exercise bike, and PCP had moved up my appointment. I am sure there will be a pain control plan set up. I am more concerned about BP control, as they cannot medicate me to the point of no pain. Neither do I want it so.
When I left and got on my bike, I realized I had a flat tire. Called book club members, and finally had to call Mrs. P.A.
Book club meeting went well, despite depressed feeling afterwards. I know it came from Mrs. Passive-Aggressive, so it really didn't hit me so hard.
The bike-nut took me to Clinic, and we agreed that the first measure would be to inflate the tire. There is a Bible Study after Book Club, but I am not going because COVID is still going around, and there are too many people in a small room. I got home just fine. Wondering what I will find when I go out to take Tippy for first walk of the day.
Prayers for you, Karen and MM.
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Illinois - hoping surgery went well. Thinking of you and sending a gentle hug.
Betrayal - wish I had half your energy. I no longer do yard work. DH takes care of the yard, but I do enjoy the spring and deck flowers that he plants. I hope you enjoy your yard this summer.
Mavericksmom - hope you get your test results back today. Glad you were less nauseous this morning.
Mary - hope you get your BP under control before your surgery. Of course, being in pain is probably contributing to it being high. Hope your doctors are able to help reduce some of your pain. Take care.
Sanay - enjoy your trip to Ireland!
Preparing for my brothers visit tomorrow. DB#1, DB#2 and SIL and coming for lunch. Making tuna salad and raw veggies for lunch. Was cutting celery when I sliced my thumb. It stopped bleeding after 3 hours. Still have some more veggies to cut will just be more careful. Lunch with 18 family members on Saturday and brunch at DB#2 house on Sunday. First time we’ve been together in 9 years.
Took a walk around the lake this morning. I’ve attached a photo. There’s two small lakes and we have a path that goes around them. It’s about a two mile walk, so it’s good exercise for us. A few houses in the community back up to the lake. People fish in the lake, but there’s no access for smallboats or kayaks.
Have a wonderful day.
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Okay, here is a stop gap measure for bleeding digits, tongues, etc. Take a wet tea bag and apply to the area. It can be fresh or used and most of us do have one on hand.
Too hot today to work outside so worked on genealogy for a bit. No new leads but found some interesting family facts I can add to their stories. Need to wash bay window and just got a new long handled squeegee and bucket for it. Will try to do when it is less sunny to avoid streaking. This should also work for the garden windows and I won;t have to use a ladder to reach. Maybe tomorrow morning?
Hope Illinoislady did well with surgery today.
Enjoy the day. Regan's class canceled again because trainer has MD appointment. So next week but need to get DH to practice with her in the interim.
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Jackie, hope your surgery went well!
Weather has been gorgeous since Easter--even here by the lakefront it hit 80 for the second day in a row. Wind is supposed to turn in off the lake tomorrow and we'll be lucky to make 55 for a high (but several miles inland it'll be in the 80s again). Turned the heat off and ceiling fans on Sunday night. Not running the A/C yet, just wearing lighter PJs. But have been running it in the car since yesterday. They've moved the Sat. thunderstorms to evening or even late night, so we should take off on time.
Alas, Aer Lingus is one of only four airlines on earth (the others being China Southern and a couple of Third World charter carriers) that doesn't participate in TSA Pre-Check (not even for those of us Global Entry members), and won't print it on my boarding pass. At O'Hare, showing my Global Entry card and ten bucks will get me a latte...after I clear security. So for a 3:30 flight I'll need to get there by noon to deal with the TSA--and because I'm not yet 75, I'll have to take off my shoes & blazer, take out my little quart baggie of gels & liquids (yeah, they even count lipstick, liner & mascara as "liquids") and haul my iPad out and put it in its own tray. Sigh. Wish I'd known beforehand--I'd have chosen United or American. At least my business class ticket gets me into the BA lounge (or the multi-airline pay-per-use lounge for free). Oh, and Aer Lingus' website & app's check-in tool isn't working, so I'll have to go through the line at the ticket counter. Boo. Hiss.
Been going nuts preparing for my trip--setting aside & organizing hair tools, chargers, cables and the like. Gave travel notices for all my cc accounts. Need to decant my special shampoo & conditioner (hotel shampoos have sulfates), heat protectant spray, serum & moisture creams into their little travel bottles & jars. Most of that is going into a toiletry bag in the zippered compartment of my suitcase, along with a couple pairs of shoes (I'm wearing black sneakers for travel). The other side will be for the clothes I'm taking. Deliberately using a medium suitcase so I'm not tempted to over-pack. An extra tee (can double as a nightshirt) & pair of underpants go in my rollaboard just in case. Still have to pair my Air Tags and hide them in the suitcase linings along with photocopies of my credit cards, ID & passport (which I need to make--the last copies I made were all of now-expired stuff). Already set up my pill-wallet (including a copy of my Xanax Rx in case Customs gets petty). Also have to go to the bank tomorrow to trade in my British pounds for Euros and buy another hundred or so (I only have 50).
Had my heme-onc appt. yesterday. She said if my "m-protein" level were any lower it wouldn't even have been detected in the monogam panel. I have a slight IgA & IgG deficiency, but she said it's not low enough to be considered immunocompromised. Still gonna wear my masks in transit, though. Also, a1c dropped to 5.6--so I am no longer "pre-diabetic." Alas, I did gain a couple of pounds, between Easter & Passover carb-"fressing" (all that matzo and kosher candy adds up).
Heidi had her 6-month geriatric-kitty checkup today. They took blood, but couldn't get a urine sample (she'd likely just peed before we put her in her carrier). Vet says that deafness, dementia, head-nodding, clinginess, "sundowning" and dietary pickiness are all par for the course at her age (18+). She's maintained her weight, too. The increased drinking might signal early kidney issues--also to be expected. (I did notice that her drinking increased when we bought her a fountain). Hairballs aren't too frequent--vet's not worried about that, especially since it's "shedding season."
I'm dreading having to teach Bob how to feed Heidi (how much, how often, how warm to nuke it) and scoop her litterbox in my absence when our HK is off. Hoping Gordy can come over occasionally to help out, as he did when we were in NOLA.
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Jackie, we will all rejoice when you come back online.
Enjoy the music, Sandy!
I headed out to Ace Hardware yesternoon, but had multiple system failures. Rode slowly, waving my handicapped tag, and someone with a truck picked me up. Did the bike repairs, and went again, one trip south with Tippy to grocery store, one trip north immediately after without Tippy. I got everything done, after all, and something I forgot to put on the list. All I have left on the list is cleaning the refrigerator.
Stll having problems sleeping, but I think that will continue for a long while, now. Anxiety over all the changes.
We may end up having 4 inches of snow Sunday-Monday after temps hitting 80 to 90 the past few days.
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Jackie, (((((hug)))))
Lily, loved the blue bell picture.
MM, I see a face in the back ground. LOL
MC, that cobbler makes me hungry.'
I went on a pontoon ride with my grief group. We saw a lot of manatees. It was a pleasant, relaxing day.
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I use Quest Diagnostic for labs that are not done at the doctors office. I can go to any location I want - doctor sends the order to Quest and it is in the system.
Had nuclear scan and CT scan on Wednesday. I was told that doctor would have results yesterday, but nothing yet in my portal.
Treatment #3 is in an hour (2 injection chemo). Sunday I finish day 21 of the oral chemo and then 7 days off. I've been using the inhaler more (never used one before this) - walking stairs winds me. Weight continues to go in the wrong direction. I have no appetite, but I force myself to eat 3 meals/day. I don't know how to eat more. I'm worried about the continued weight loss. I see hematologist next Friday. Monday I see my medical oncologist. 6 month visit. It should be interesting. Virtual visit with endocrinologist on Tuesday afternoon. Virtual visit with Nephrologist later this morning. Fun, fun, fun!!!
Two more days with DD#2. Her flight is at 5:45am on Sunday morning. I'm really going to miss her. She is an amazing young lady. Her help and love has been invaluable.
Well, I best get ready to leave.
Have a great Friday.
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