new and future flat sister, with questions
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PRB, Lansing MI,love it, that is where my first grandson was born, son#1 lived there and we visited often, they lived in East Lansing . Sorry about all the snow, this winter is something else for many parts of US, where is the global warming? We'll maybe in FL, good for you spookiesmom and bobo.
So glad to hear she has an extra week,
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Good Morning from Sunny, but Windy Downunder!
I am trying to get my head around those freezing temperatures. It gets to our coldest here at about 1c and we don't think we can get any colder, but the cold you guys are experiencing is just wicked!
The winds that we experience here are scary and yesterday was no exception. We have big branches down and I won't be surprised if there are trees down too. I am so glad I got home when I did, it all started about an hour after I got in. It is a wind that roars, off Bass Straight which is the scariest water that takes you to Tasmania. If you've ever seen the Sydney to Hobart boat race, that's where the race is held and also why there is sometimes a tragedy.
Viv, that weather sounds terrible!
The beach hut sounds fabulous, and your Dad rents it
The "Claw" is a sensation that I named because it feels like a sharp claw holding onto the chest and underarm, usually when you've overdone it. I always found that any kind of sweeping motion will do it for me. Mine has dissipated now, but it used to be pretty full on.
Posting before I lose it...M x
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I am so relieved that Bobo has more time off to get stronger. Boy has she had a bad run. Hugs Bobo, if you're reading.
Zills, I can imagine how worried and then mad you were over your Husband's drive!
Thank you for the concerns about my "Devil" eye. Colin is having trouble looking at me!
Have to run, but will check back later...M x
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Clear, cold (18°F/-7.8°C), and windy making it even colder. But nothing like you peeps in the East are getting!
ldesim, thanks for the report re bobo. Glad she was able to get more time off work, that has got to have removed some stress. I hope everyone around her will let her make the final decisions about what the next step/steps will be. ((((bobo))))
Thanks otceb and Zills, ever since the bc dx, I just haven't been motivated to go back full force on eBay. I am going to keep trying though!
otceb, have fun making the snowman!! Over Christmas, my neighbor's 18yo son was home visiting. He and his sister's baby daddy made a huge snowman in front of the house. They had to use a fork lift to stack the balls they were so large. He is still gradually melting away.
Zills, sorry you had to cut your trip short. Glad you didn't evoke the Claw from the shoveling!! Also glad you finally heard from DH, with all the bad weather, you must have been so worried. Hope he gets home safe and sound.
ndgirl, I'll bet you are really looking forward to CA weather!! How many days till you go? That info seems to have fallen out of my brain....
viv, the weather seems to be the $hits everywhere!! You'll do fine at work. You may get some sideways looks the first day, but when everyone realizes you are still you, no one will pay any attention. Lol, Spookie is teasing those of us in real cold weather, 79°F = 26.1°C, she is getting down to some low temps at 32°F = 0°C but many of us are in single digits and minus numbers for example I am at 18°F right now which is -7.8°C. Quick check of WeatherUnderground shows Madison, WI at 0°F = -17.8°C, so you can kind of see she isn't getting the worst of the weather.
Ariom, I think wind is the weather I dislike/fear the most. I have so many trees around my house, I always fear a branch will come down.
Hugs and stay warm everyone!
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I'm in bed listening to the wind howling outside! Scares me too!
Night night lovely ladies, stay safe.
Xxx
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-15F is -26C. They still haven't called school off yet. Don't know why they need to wait until morning. Probably keeping him home so I don't have to take the baby out. Gates may be frozen anyway. Cat in. Doing laundry in case pipes freeze. Bought junk and kid food to eat. Will make a big pot of soup beans. Stay warm and safe!
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Checking in from Oregon where we came to celebrate GS #3's 10th birthday. He's really into science and math, explaining to us about centrifical force. We were going home Tuesday, but snow is predicted Monday night so we're leaving early. I'm glad Bobo is home. She has really had it rough.
(((((Bobo)))))
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Ok Guys: I live in Winnipeg which is affectionately referred to as Winterpeg. To make all of you feel better, our temps today are a high of minus 30 C with windchills well in the minus 40's. We plug our vehicles in to power with block heaters to hope that they will start the next day. We get ice fog so bad that you cannot see the car in front of you. Today I had to say good-bye to dh for at least three weeks, so feeling down and this weather is not helping. He works in the north for an oil company and has to go away at times. He did not want to leave, but given my "good" diagnosis, I encouraged him to go. The reason we live in this god forsaken country is that we live right on the waterfront of a beautiful and huge lake and the summers are unbelievable. Must take out pictures tonight to remind myself of this. And Ariom, we have pelicans too. A testament that we do become habitable in the summer months lol Everyone keep warm and safe. And oh, the wind that comes off this lake . . . have I complained enough?? They filmed a famous movie right in front of our home in the winter about a submarine that got frozen in the ice in the northern part of Russia I believe. I cannot remember the name of the film but was famous with a famous actor....it's coming to me . . .Harrison Ford! So that is how dismal it can be here. We resemble the bloody North Pole!!!!
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omg Zils, I would have been going out of my mind! Hope he's home safe and sound soon.
Night Viv! Hope your first day back is a positive one..you'll be fine.. just have to get through those awkward first moments.
Googled Sandbanks... Viv.. we're coming over to crash! lol. It's gorgeous... if anybody else wants to look, here is a link...http://www.sandbankspoole.com/ I have to say they have a shitty website!
PRB, hope you get through the storm safely... I do love when it snows but hate the aftermath. Tomorrow we are getting up into the 50's so ours is going to turn into a wet slushy mess. I feel like work like your daughter feels like school lol. Ahh, to be able to return to 6th grade... on second thought I'd rather not! 30's again would be nice... very nice.
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M, I'm not sure I could look at your devil eye either... I hope you are torturing him a bit. It's not painful or anything is it?
GrammaB, I hope so too.. she didn't mention mommy dearest, so hopefully she is off torturing somebody else.. preferably the useless brother. Oh wow, that snowman sounds incredible!
Back to work tomorrow.. dreading it!
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TB, another water lover! Our view is a lake too, Lake Victoria, but it's salt water, which comes in from a place called Lakes Entrance! It gets cold here in the winter, but nothing compared to you. We are about an hour from the snow fields, but can see them from here.
I get scared in these massive winds too. I have never experienced such strong winds before. Poor Dex feels like he will be lifted right off his little feet. I hang on tight to his lead! LOL
Apparently there are trees down all over the place this morning, so I may not bother going in to town. Need to sweep up outside though, lots of leaves under the outdoor furniture. Catch you later..M x
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Zills, I can't see why they haven't called off school either. What do they expect a heat wave will make everything better tomorrow? Sheesh!
Wren have a safe trip home.
TB I've been in your part of the world and no arguments on how brutal the winters are there! Your place sounds lovely when the weather is better!
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TB, we are not far apart, maybe 125 miles or so, we live just south of the Canadian border, if you know where Crystal City and Pilot Mound are, we are just a stone's throw away! and we are sure feeling the pain of winter too. Dont think I have ever seen a December so cold and early... and lasting it seems! We love to golf in Pilot Mound, nice little course,ski lodge in LaRavier, and love to go to Winkler's tea house. Yes this is a brutal land but so beautiful in summer, I always wonder how the pioneer settlers could ever withstand a winter like this or any for that matter, we owe them a great debt! how tough it must have been.
Zills, hope school is called off, it is around here, just too dangerous.
So anyone have any advice on visiting San Diego? who has been there and tips on what to do and see? I leave Jan. 22, cant come soon enough!
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Zills - hope they call school off for you tomorrow so that you don't have to worry about bundling up baby and son.
gB - wow, that snowman must have been amazing! I really could have used those guys' tips today, although I will blame my lackluster result on the fact that we only had a thin coat of snow before getting to the sheet of ice from the ice storm, so not that much to work with. Our snowman is only... 2 feet high
But we built him on a mound! And with twigs and pine cones for arms, smile and buttons, and pine branches for hair! DS was happy, that's all that matters! TB - Winterpeg was all over the (Canadian) news tonight, the rest of us have nothing to complain about - except maybe ndgirl, who's probably feeling as frozen! I hope all goes well while your DH is away, I guess you have gotten into a routine with those regular absences? I hope it makes for sweet reunions!
wren - glad you're enjoying your visit with GS, have a safe trip back!
M- hope those winds calm down, and like Idesim asks, I hope the devil eye does not hurt.
ndgirl - so many places to see in San Diego. La Jolla is a very nice neighbourhood with good beaches and cliffs where you can get up close to sea lions. If you were travelling with kids, I would say go to Legoland, the zoo, and Sea World, but it won't be that kind of trip! You can also walk in the Old Town, walk in the outdoor mall Horton Plaza, walk along the Harbor/Seaport village, go to Coronado Island (gorgeous), etc. But basically, just enjoy being outside in the sun!
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otceb, yes, it was huge, almost as tall as their one story house!
ndgirl, you might find the mission interesting, lots of different museums there too.
TB, you stay safe and warm too!
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Got a text from Bobo. She's slowly recovering. Eating toast.
Chilly here. Zero by lunchtime. Cat in. Kittens out and about. Running up trees. Power keeps going on/off. Boy had no school.
Been cleaning a little. Pot of soup beans on stove. About ready for lunch and nap.
Granwe. I bet you are hunkering down. Stay warm everybody. M stay cool.
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Thanks Zills! So glad to hear that Bobo is at least eating toast!
Happy all is well in your house, at least when the power is on!
Otceb, my eye is still a Devil eye, but it doesn't feel as scratchy today. Thanks for asking.
I love the sound of those snowmen, but can live without that dreadful cold. It is just 12c this morning, unusual for January, but a heatwave for some of you
I have a lot of sweeping to do today, leaves everywhere after the winds. Why does it all have to collect under the outdoor furniture? Hmmm? Off to drag around some furniture.....M x
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Evening Ladies,
Hooray Bobo is slowly recovering! Wish you were quickly recovering, but glad you are recovering!
I guess the big news in the states is the frigid temps! If it is cold in VA, ya'll must be freezing in the north, northeast, north west and Canada! I hope everyone can stay safe and warm!
M- hoping your eye is healing and the winds are calm!
Going to my preop with the surgeon's nurse practioner tomorrow. How important is my surgeon that she doesn't even see me herself? All I can say is Wow! Not feeling warm fuzziness!
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Thanks Zills, so glad to hear that bobo is eating toast and getting a bit better. Tiny steps but finally in the right direction!
Ariom, glad to hear your eye is better today. Are you putting any drops in it?
sgc, really? Really?? She can't take the time to meet with you??? Not feeling any warm fuzzies here either. That is just wrong!
Hugs
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Sgc, I had a pre-op with the NP also. She had lots of time and let me ask questions; even answered questions I didn't know to ask. Lots and lots of very practical advice. Had me get all the prescriptions filled so I wouldn't have to wait to go home when I was ready. Much better than a rushed BS appt.
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Hi sgc, I also had my pre-op with a nurse too. I also met the anasthesiologist during this appointment and the physio. No BS there, but it's not needed.
Glad to hear that bobo is slowly getting better. I hope her spirits is good.
Saw the BS today for f/u for my infection: the infection is now gone after the cycle of antibiotics, and the wound that they opened to let the fluid out is healing well (although it's still a gaping hole, but whatever!). I'm not allowed to exercise until this wound is closed, I can only do the stretching exercises. lt's tough to not gain tons of weight since I have a huge appetite! I'm also going back to work in 2 days... a little weird to think about this. I'm still waiting for the stupid MO appointment, still no date after 3 weeks, F* holidays. So I might be going back to work just for a short stint if I need to start chemo soon. Anyway, I'm going on with my life until I know more.
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Everybody staying warm today? Our cold blast is coming overnight.. we were in the 50's today and the snow is all gone. Boy is it muddy out!
I didn't see my BS for pre-op either.. they just took my vitals, took blood, I met with the anesthesiologist and picked up that lovely soap that we had to wash with. I can't remember if I got my camis too or if that was a separate visit. I was at the hospital so often it all ran together lol.
Sgc, ask them about getting a nerve block if they dont bring it up and getting the nausea patch. Google nerve block for breast surgery and you'll find lots of articles on it.
The block lasts like 15-20 hours See if you can get your prescriptions too and remember no childproof caps
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ariom - which Marika bra is it that you like?
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Hi Linda!
I just went on to the site to see what they have. I always buy from the Clearance area when they have their 50% off sales. I think they only have the bright lime in this bra on sale at $18.00 at the moment. I bought all the colors because I like to wear them under a zip front jacket with the zip pulled up to the chest. They look like a top underneath the jacket. They also work well under a tank top, where they can be seen under the arms and across the chest.
The bra that I really like is the "Seamless Mesh Bra" it has good chest coverage and pockets with those little modesty pad things. I can fit a microbead foob in them. I find the silicone prosthesis is too heavy for the pocket and has a tendancy to droop down a bit. I think those who go flat could also wear these bras without any foobs in them if they like that look under a jacket or tank.
I am waiting on a delivery of another 2 called "Geo Storm" which look to have even more coverage. I have bought some of the other styles, but they just didn't have enough high chest cover, and gave me the dreaded "fall forward" even with a light weight foob. It is the ones that look to be more like a crop top than a bra that work the best.
I hope this helps!
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SGC. Mine was a patient navigator. She was great, wasn't rushed and told me all kinds of hints. She's a people person unlike most surgeons. Also she took out my drains and was available to answer any questions after the surgery and even when I started chemo, she could still answer general questions. I wouldn't feel slighted.
Do you have some special Legos/books etc for your son? Let him help you. Mine was able to stand on the coffee table and drape a robe around my shoulders. He was eager to help. He's also very gentle with lotion and my back is still dry and itchy.
Try to explain to him about the scars (red, this long) and big bandaides. Don't think you can explain drains but tell him about it. Tell him you'll be sore and tired but just for a little while. It took my son about four days to adjust. Then he was telling everyone about the bandages. Tell him he'll be Mommy's helper. He can fetch the remote, stuff from fridge and once you can do your exercises, he can be your coach.
Keep cleaning and cooking and playing. It will be ok. I promise it's doable.
Yes the polar blast has arrived. Thank goodness DH fixed the generator. Don't want to go stay at local fairgrounds. Boy thinks it would be a fun. Out of school again today.
DH arrived home late last night. Said roads were terrible. Actually left on Sunday. Was on the road more time than he spent with his brother but it was good for him to get away. And good for me to know that I can handle it on my own.
Still can't mop. Will have to skate floors again. Will try to clean tubs. Everything else in good shape except desk is full of papers. Most will have to wait until kids back in school.
Not sure what we'll do today. Beans for dinner again. Made rice Krispy treats yesterday. Laundry done. Maybe sort baby clothes. Will have to bring them in from garage and warm up first. Afraid to start on closets unless it's mine. Baby likes shoes.
Stay warm everyone. At least the artic blast is only temporary for most of us. Stay cool M.
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thanks ARIOM for all the great info!
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Update from the tundra called Michigan. Current windchill -35 and was as low as -42 over night. Got up to go to the bathroom at 2:30 in the morning and there wasn't any water... frozen pipes!! I was in shock, went downstairs and held a space heater up to the pipes. That wasn't cutting it so I took the hair dryer out and started aiming at any exposed pipe (most of it is wrapped). A couple of minutes into it and the hair dryer quit! I really couldn't believe it...now what??. I frantically started looking for the small portable hair dryer that I had used on a trip many years ago. I started throwing crap around like a crazy woman. lol Five minutes into the search I had a moment of clarity (or more insanity...kind of hard to tell at that point)...did I even have another hair dryer? I wasn't sure..maybe I donated it to Goodwill or something! Enough of the madness...defeated...I walked over and turned the water back on (I had shut it off early on). OMG...I heard the beautiful sound of water trickling into the pipes!!!! YES! Ran and turned the faucet on and there was WATER. woohoo.. Thank you Jesus! (those were my exact words I believe).
I was a little excited to say the least, and was up until 6 am before I conked out. Lesson learned, leave the water running a little when the windchill is 40 f*ing degrees below zero.
What a vacation this has been. No power for 7 days, 3 snow days with no school, and now frozen pipes. I'm ready for this vacation to be over!
Oh wait..I forgot to mention the 15-18 inches of snow we received in 2 days or the ice storm that put the power out, or the busted tail light from backing over the garbage can. Yeah.. so done with vacation! I guess the silver lining to all of this is that when I am dealing with all of this crap, I am not thinking about cancer .... and that's a beautiful thing.
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PRB, oh boy do I hate waking up to frozen pipes! Been there done that way too many times. Besides leaving the water running a bit, open the cupboard doors below the sinks to keep the pipes warmer too.
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PRB, frozen pipes are the pits to say the least! We dont have that problem in the house but have in our early married years at times, nothing worse. I thought I posted to you that our oldest grandson was born in Lansing, MI, but cant see it, but if I did please forgive me... so far today I have lost keys 2 times!! Anyway they lived in East Lansing and we have been there many times. I loved watching the red cardinals in the snowy yard! But this winter is unbelievable! Glad you have water again. I can see myself throwing things and then wondering if I really had what I was looking for!! Stay warm!
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PRB-So sorry about the frozen pipes! Such a pain in the a$$, You have had your share of weather related trials! Praying for some warmer weather for you and all northerners!
Zills-Glad DH is home safe and sound!
Octeb-medicine in Canada seems very patient centered! I would love to meet the anestheologist before hand!
DD2 left for California this morning. I haven't heard from her, so I guess her flight hasn't been cancelled. She is due back the day after my surgery. I am sure she arranged it this way.
Thanks for all your suggestions and personal experiences with your nurses. Idesim-I didn't get to talk about anesthesia or anything along those lines, but my BS assures me that she wouldn't have anyone knock me out that she wouldn't have for herself.
Went to my preop appointment with the nurse this morning. I was given a front clasp sports bra, told when to show up for surgery (1pm), reviewed the "no-no list", and shown how to empty the drains. I was then told that I was having a SN biopsy/dissection. I started telling her that it was not indicated as I have lymph node involvement and the chemo didn't get it. The nurse said she didn't have a medical degree so I would need to speak to the doctor about it. She left a note for the surgeon to call me. DH is very upset that I will be discharged the next morning! He doesn't understand how they can do that. (Since there is widespread flu in Va, I am happy to leave!) And that is all they wrote.... I guess I am atypical as I had breast reduction surgery in '89 and had drains and the same basic information then. Seriously, not much has changed. My surgeon called a few minutes ago and we discussed the whole SN thing. She agreed and I will not be put through that since the nodes will have to go anyhow. At least I don't have to bite that bullet! Feeling very grateful!
So for the day of surgery- (Monday)
DD1 said she would take the day off but...., DS2 is on duty (firefighter), and DS1 on duty (cop). DB and DSIL will be driving down on Saturday and DMIL and DSIL (his sister) will be there to hold DH's hand! It ought to be a very interesting day. How I hate to miss a party! Until then I have a house to clean and ready for guests! Feeling blessed to have DB and DSIL staying with me. She is a great advocate, knows the medical field, and cooks! I will have food!!! I will have homemade food! I will have protein! My DB is a nice guy too!
I bought a new cord for my IPad so writing is much easier on these arthritic hands, as you can tell. So dear ones, bear with me as my surgery approaches. I am a nervous wreck- which DH made worse by telling me, "the closest you ever come to death without dying is when you are under anesthesia!" So glad you all are here! {{{{}}}}Susan
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