new and future flat sister, with questions
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Ariom - Thank you for bringing up that today is Anzac Day! I thought about it a few days ago but didn't remember what date it was, thought I did remember it was more than a month before our Memorial Day. Hubby was in Perth for a port call many years ago on Anzac Day and was really impressed how it was celebrated.
(Perhaps you could explain the significance of it as there are so many 'here' in the States that have never heard of it.)
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Wow! I disappear for a day or so and you ladies post a ton! I will have to take a few posts to make sure I catch everyone. First thing I must say... Vintage... you may be 60,but you are HOT! I love the pic. What beauty and attitude I see
. I love the smile. Cdevl... I am so sorry it was shingles and also from another place we are together, I am sorry for the loss of your friends husband. I hope she is doing ok. So young, that is our age and makes one stop and think. Zills... HAPPY ANNIVERSARY! May you have many more blessed years together. ND.. sorry the nice weather didn't hold. SGC... so sorry the red bitch got you down, but celebrate with you that it is your last one! Ariom... so glad you have enjoyed your visit with Bec and know you have made memories to treasure. Grammab... hope the ear is ok and not anything to worry about. Wren... hope all is well and would love to hear how Goldie is doing. Idesim... I love the descriptions of the marathon. I just can't imagine... I really can't. Spookie, Holly, PBR, Fia, Dawny (who am I missing???) I am in the bag the rest of the week and hope all is well for each of you.Yesterday was the big 44 and Sailman made it an awesome day for me. We went to an early matinee and saw Draft Day. I think ANYTHING with Kevin Costner is good so I really enjoyed it. It was ridiculous that we paid $11 to get in and $17.50 for popcorn and two sodas. I have given up sodas (most of the time) but a good town coke (fountain) is a must with popcorn. Then he made me a red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting (my favorite). He was a bit puny later in the day so we spent the evening snuggling on the couch. He has these headaches come on similar to migraines and they upset his stomach and just really put him down for the count.
I still have two drains in and they are still putting out about 100 cc a day. I don't understand why they won't slow down so I can get rid of them. But oh well.. asi es la vida (such is life). I did get awesome b-day news yesterday in that all my pathology results from the surgery came back benign. So thankful that I don't have to go through what so many of you sweet, strong, brave, sisters have battled through. Huggz to you all and I pray you are all blessed.
Stacey
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Just noticed some more posts as I was on my way to the bathroom, I must get ready to go out. There are Pipe bands down on the foreshore and Bec is as bad as me when it comes to the Pipes, we will both be bawling soon!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! Stacy, sorry for shouting!!! But a clear path report is the best birthday gift EVER! sorry to shout again! I am going to be happy dancing for you on the way to the shower! Shit, but that's such great news!!!!!!!! Big smiles all the way over here!
I am so glad you had such a lovely day, but I am sorry to hear about Sailman's headaches, not pleasant at all. I wonder if it is a reaction to the worry he's had about you, and now the good news has brought this on? Wish him a speedy recovery from me.
I can't believe you pay about half what we do, for a ticket to the movies!
The drains will put out more, if you are up and about. It took me a while to realize if I took it easy, mine didn't put out much at all, but I did develop a seroma after having mine pulled, so I doubt it is worth trying to create the environment for the output to slow, only to start racing around again after it's gone and having the fluid land like a waterbed, on your chest:)
How is the swelling doing? Has it started to go away?
Could you please have a bite of that Red Velvet just for me? I used to love that, but don't eat dairy any more and miss things like this terribly! The rest I can live without, but cream cheese frosting can't be copied with anything else.
ANZAC Day commemorates the landing of the Australian and New Zealand troops in 1915 in Gallipoli and it is the day we remember all, who served in all the wars. There are dawn services all over Australia and many people make the pilgrimage back to the beach where they landed in Turkey. There are only a couple of the original Anzacs still living and they are revered on this day, and are always on the evening news with information about what it was like for them.
Catch you all later...M x
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Happy 44th to you Stacey!
I will be doing #5 rad today, TGIF. Then I'll go to the shop, bring a few things in & do a shuffle. I brought a pair of old wicker chairs in and they sold he next day so need to get something in for that space.
Congrats on the path reports!
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Happy birthday! Red velvet with cream cheese is one of my favs too. Around here there are many variations - lattes, whoopie pies, ice cream, pancakes, heard there were m&ms, cookies. Nothing can beat the original.
I love the bagpipes. I'm glad to learn about Anzac. We have a client that calls his farm that but they aren't Australian. Will have to ask about the significance.
Rainy day here. Going to finally wash winter jackets and move them out. Can't decide if I should go to yoga or stay home. Going to art walk tonight with gf.
Making taco soup. Boil chicken. Simmer in a packet of taco seasoning. Add chicken broth, big can diced tomatoes, can tomatoes and green chilies, black beans and corn (drained and rinsed). Add your favorite toppings. Pretty easy. I'm cheating and put chicken in crock pot or could use rotisserie chicken.
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Happy Birthday Stacy! glad you had a nice time. Red Velvet cake... yum, my gf always used to make me one for my bday but she used a cooked frosting and not cream cheese, her frosting is just wonderful and it is darn hard to beat cream cheese but I like hers better. I have made it too but not for a long time now. Remember it has to be cooked in a double boiler.
JS, dont rush the drains out, I also found that if I was more active it put out more but I left them in even longer after the amount was reached just because I did not want fluid to build up that my body wouldn't absorb. I know how annoying they are too.
Ariom, thanks for the post about Anzac I was going to ask as well. Bagpipes... shed a tear for me please, love them.
Vintage.. 5 down! good job.
GB, any news about the ear?
Zills, I made taco soup yesterday for a brunch that some of us gals had, except I used ground beef, it went over good.
It has been raining and gloomy for 3 days now, where is the sun?? farmers are wishing they could get planting their crops and me my garden!!
Hello to everyone I havent mentioned.
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Hi everyone! Sorry i've been MIA, it's been a busy week. Lots of work, then my father's visit, but all is good. I had my 5th chemo yesterday, it went well. Thanks everyone for being in the bag, was happy to have you with me! So glad not to be on antibiotics this round, I'm feeling great! I know the bone & joint pains might start in a few days, we'll deal with them then. It was great to have my father around for a short 2 days, I think it's been reassuring for my parents to see the hospital, see the whole chemo experience, meet my nurse, see how I am after. So just one left, May 15, yeah!
sgc, so glad you're done with the red devil!! Just need to recuperate from this one, and then you're back to your new normal again. Hugs!
vintage, wow! You rock! Repeating what everyone else said, you've got great style and a great attitude! Good luck with rads!
cdelv, sorry about the shingles. At least you have a dx and treatment, I hope this clears up fast.
jsj, congrats on the clear path report!!! And happy birthday!! Not fun to be spending it with the drains and all, but at least you received good news. And yes, they do serve a function, as you can tell by how much they're outputting, so we just have to put up with them.
zills, sorry about the sick kids. Glad you're doing all these activities (water aerobics now) even if they zap your energy, they are great for you! Happy anniversary!! Maybe you'll be able to celebrate a little more this summer in Ireland, with family around to look after the kids while your hubby and you enjoy the local pubs! It's good that your boss went through BC too, it makes it easier to talk about and have work understand what you're dealing with. Have fun at the art walk tonight!
Hi M, I'm glad you're enjoying this long visit from Bec, it must feel so good to spend this time together. Happy Anzac day!
nd, I don't think I posted since your results, congrats on the good mammo!! I didn't know you used to have 11 horses, that must have been a fun time!
gB, good luck with the sore on your ear, let us know wha the dr says.
Hi wren, dawny, spookie, idesim, PRB, kicks, and everyone!
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Zills, You can add toasted tortillas to the soup and make tortilla soup. They end up sort of like noodles. I was mad at myself for not trying it sooner in Mexico. I was hesitant because sopa de arroz (soup of rice) is not a soup at all.
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#5 rad went fine today.
I went to the gym first. Gradually starting on some arm & ab machines, but nothing that affects the chest or pecs. After rads I went to the shop, brought some items in & sssshhh don't tell anyone, moved a bureau, some chairs, a trunk & a Hoosier cupboard. Luckily they all slide on the floor.
TGIF I need the next two days off from driving to rads. Hope you all have a good weekend. Hubby has Sunday off & weather doesn't sound good. Our son is racing his motorcycle (first race this season) & we may go up there to the track (& freeze our butts off). But if it rains, I don't know. That also leaves out the big antiques flea down in Massachusetts that I would much prefer to go to!
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Morning all, just up and getting breakfast. Bec's train leaves at 12.15pm so we only have a few hours left. She is still in bed.
Haven't time to answer every post, but ANZAC stands for "Australian And New Zealand Army Corps" which was the name used for the "Diggers" (coloquial slang for soldiers) in the first world war.
Hugs to everyone...take it easy..M x
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Hello All!
Nice to be back! Sorry that I
haven’t posted for awhile! I can’t believe how fast the time has flown
over the past 2 weeks! So here is my update - Sat April 12th my DH and I
left by train from Toronto to Montreal - my birthplace. I traveled
there for business quite often but haven’t been back for personal
reasons in over 25 years!! We went to a hockey game Saturday night - my
New York Rangers vs Montreal (boo!!). The game didn’t mean anything to
either team - last game before the playoffs but it was nice to be there
and feel the energy! Of course, my team lost but it went to overtime
so it was exciting!! Sunday we walked the downtown core, visit Old
Montreal which used to be my stomping grounds growing up - had dinner
with a good friend and her husband - very nice!!
Monday we
traveled by train from Montreal to NYC. AWESOME! So relaxing! We
haven’t been on the train in close to 25 years as well and we just loved
it! Comfy seats - no rushing - nice scenery!
In NYC we
walked, got a tour of Madison Square Gardens, saw the firs playoff game
between the New York Rangers and Philadelphia Flyers - my Rangers won!
Woo-hoo! Saw a Yankees game - went to BB Kings Bar and Grill for a
Beatles Brunch and saw a Beatles Tribute band - very good! Had dinner
with my cousin and her husband - saw the Captain America in 3D which was
awesome! Then last Sunday, we took the train home.
The only
downside was that we both got colds! ARGH! I still have a few sniffles
but can’t complain! We really needed the getaway! It was lovely but
of course went by so fast! Hardly thought about the cancer stuff
although we did talk about it every so often. At the Ranger game I
cried a bit because I felt like I would never be back there and that I
was the only one dealing with a challenge. Silly I know - just an
emotion!!
Since being home, I’ve had appointments - slept because
of my cold, studied my chemo regimen, went grocery shopping, cleaned
the house - huh - I NEVER do this!!
Last Tuesday, I had my SYMA
(or MUGA) scan. Very bizarre. The tech explained that there would be
an IV so I asked where he would put it since my right arm has no veins
that you can find and the left should not be used due to the lymph nodes
being removed. He asked how my other tests have been done. I
responded that I have not had any since surgery. He then asked me what I
wanted him to do. What? Really? So for some stupid reason I started
to cry. He then changed completely and became very empathetic. He went
off to speak with a Dr. who said that he could use my left arm. I
wondered later how they do this test for people with no arms - where do
they put the IV then?
Anyhow - things proceeded well after that.
On
Wednesday I met with my Surgeon who is happy with my healing process.
He made it clear that he does not want me to lift any weights until
after my treatment is over. We shall see about that!! I miss my
weights and want to atleast try to do some light weights after 8 weeks
of recovery. I plan to speak with my MO next week.
Thursday
afternoon I too got a pixie cut. I also got in touch with Wellspring
and registered for a few sessions in May - Breast Cancer support group,
Nutrition for Breast Cancer and a Look Good Feel Better class. The
first class is on May 8 - the day I get my head shaved and have my wig
fitted. I hope that I will feel well enough to go!!
My nephew’s
wife gave birth to a beautiful baby boy yesterday shortly after 4pm
named Aaron Michael Sandow - 10lbs 3 oz - can you say OUCH? Wife had a C
section - baby, Mom and Dad are doing fine!!
Today my hubby has arranged a pre chemo party so we are expecting approx 30 people tonight. Should be very nice!!
Tuesday
April 29th is when the fun starts! My port will be inserted at 8am,
then I plan to eat, then I have blood work then meet with my MO to talk
cancer - ugh!!!!
Wednesday April 30th at Noon is my first chemo
infusion. I am scared to death!! I read the chats about chemo with
great interest. This is really NOT something that I want to do and am
thinking that once the port is in, I am tied to this until the MO
decides that I am free! Having said that, my MO is the Head of Oncology
at Credit Valley Hospital and actually led the development and building
of the cancer centre at the hospital. The details of my tumour and
treatment are in my bio - I do know that my cancer was aggressive at
stage 3 and that the two nodes which were impacted with macro. I know
two people who have gone through similar treatment and they are fine
today; one is 5 years out, the other close to 8. Right now, I am very
healthy with the exception of the cancer which tried to kill me so
hoping that I will be okay as I work through this. I know that I will
be monitored very closely. I too was told that the chemo is
precautionary as my margins were clear as were my Bone and CT scans.I
sometimes think - what if I did nothing? I suspect that the truth is -
no-one truly knows!! My thoughts are that I could possible have
microscopic cancer cells floating around just waiting to wake up. If I
do, chemo should wipe these out and prevent any new ones from growing.
But it can also increase the risk of other cancers or health issues. So
- it's only 6 rounds - FEC-D also known as FEC-T. 3 rounds of FEC
followed by 3 rounds of Taxtotere. Then the herceton and Tamoxifen. So
- do I walk away and say forget it - whatever happens happens? I don't
want to end up like a good friend of mine who had a rare form of skin
cancer - ignored it - then by the time it started to grow and ooze it
was too late! So, I'll give it a go I guess.Funny - I have
reflux - very minor - and while we were i n NYC, my chest began to hurt
while we were walking. This is the 2nd of 3rd time that this has
happened since feeling the lump in my armpit on Jan 27. So, I started
taking my Prevacid a few days ago. This morning I can still feel the
pressure a bit - funny - my hubby told me - don't even say that this is
lung cancer!! He reminded me that I have experienced this for years
especially when I am stressed! I find it off that I now feel somewhat
relaxed - more so than when this started.
I've missed all of you and am glad to be back!!:-)
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Hello Football nut! So glad to see you had such a lovely time away, but sorry about the colds! Wouldn't you think there would be something that would prevent, or cure a cold by now?
Just reading about your scan and have to say, please don't let them use you Mx arm for anything. I don't know if some Doctors are just overcautious but even I, with just one node removed, was told to always use the other side for any injections and especially blood pressure. There are other women here who have posted about this subject who have had a BMX, they have their blood draws, etc from their legs. I only stress this, because I had a Mother who suffered from Lymphedema after her Mx and it was always an issue for her. I don't mean to sound like the prophet of doom! LOL
I wish you all the best for your treatment, we will all be in the bag for you, if you need us!
Take it easy and get rid of your cold. M x
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Well, Bec is home safe and sound, but my house is very quiet this morning.
I am going to do some washing and take Dex on a big walk, he has missed out this week with the rain and having Bec here.
I'll check back later...M x
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footballnut - They can put an IV in your foot, which I've had done, easiest IV I've ever had. And my right arm has never been a good draw for blood tests, etc... But since my MX w/axillary nodes, and the appearance of LE, they use my right arm, and it hasn't been too bad! Many women have had bilateral MX, and have bilateral LE, they get BP's on their thigh, and IVs and blood draws in their feet. Sometimes they have to arrange in advance to have a tech/nurse/doctor...that is experienced do it, but using your BC arm really can trigger LE, or make it worse.
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PS... The smallest things can trigger or exacerbate LE. I had a punch biopsy on me MX scar, close to my sternum, within an hour my arm swelling had increased and my fingers, which had never swollen before, looked like little sausages! 😱
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Hi footballnut! Sounds like you had a great trip! I won't comment on the fact that you're a Rangers fan despite being from Montreal... :-) You're very well organized with all these appointments lined up. I hope the pre-chemo party was as fun as can be! You seem to be going through a range of emotions, it's completely normal. Just be proud of yourself that you're doing everything you can to beat this beast. In the bag this week for your first chemo!
Hi M, it must feel quiet indeed with Bec gone. What precious moments you spent together!
Vintage, did you end up going to the motorcycle race or the flea market?
Well, I was sick yesterday for the first time since starting chemo. We went out for dinner, and I think I ate too fast and put too much spicy sauce (i usually eat everything mild but my tastebuds are gone again). Anyway, I was sick when I got home. But that was it, I rested/slept the rest of the night and am ok today. Lesson learned! My body is going through enough, I should be gentle with it... I'm very tired today, eating very little, and the aches have started but they are not strong. I'll take it easy the next 2 days and hopefully will be ok to work on Tuesday. DH is doing all the activities with DS today so he's going a bit bonkers!
I hope everyone is having a great weekend!
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otceb
sorry you felt sick.
the weather didn't co operate at all. Our son has texted a few times from the race, hopefully he got at least one decent run in.
I wanted to go to the auction (indoors) but hubby reminded me said son had my truck. This auction usually has furniture, & I would not be a happy camper going & having to pass on big pieces.
Actually the pouring rain just changed to hail a few minutes ago though before that the sun came out & it was almost 50.
Hope everyone had a good Sunday. I could feel some pings, some burning from rads. Tuesday I will have my herceptin infusion before my radiation.
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vintage. Just keep slathering on aloe or aquafor or whatever they said. I put aloe on immediately after rads and the aquafor at lunch and bed. Sorry you missed out on both. Hail isn't fun.
OTC. Glad you have rebounded from your spicy food.
Football nut. The cleaning house is normal. I'm glad you're trying chemo. Everyone's different. Some get thru it fairly easy. Lots keep their port. Doesn't mean anything except one less surgery. It has to be flushed regularly.
Drink lots. Lemon water and baking soda toothpaste kept the mouth sores at bay. Go ahead and get some ginger just in case. Stay on the meds as directed. You will be tired the first couple of days.
You can do this. It's the fear of the unknown that's getting to you. I was amazed how good I felt by week three. Just don't eat your favorites and be prepared for unexplainable tastes. I could eat Pringles but not any other potato chips. If it doesn't sound good or taste good, spit it out and go with whatever does. You can eat properly after this. Main thing is eat something, anything to stay strong.
Scan bright and early tomorrow. Busy weekend. Wish I could relax and regroup on Monday.
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Morning all!
Otceb, sorry you were sick, but at least it didn't last. That's a good thing!
Yes, the house is quiet again, but we've spoken on the phone a couple of times. She got home fine. She got up late and discovered no power was on, she looked out her window and there was another massive surf kite in the power lines outside her place. It has become very dangerous at her end of the beach, it's the quiet end, but the Kite Surfers have taken to using it and there have been a lot of accidents with newbies who can't control the kites. At least this time there wasn't a guy attached to the kite in the power lines, but it is only a matter of time till one kills himself.
I hope you can take it easy for the rest of the weekend...M x
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Hi Vintage, sorry you missed the auction, but maybe the rest was more important. The bad weather may have made it easier to stay home this time. Just buy twice as much the next time!
Hiya Zills, I am with you in the bag tomorrow!
Hugs to everyone else...M x
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Hi Linda, glad you could explain about the LE. I sat out and got sunburned on my right arm the other day and worried I may start something up. Fortunately, nothing happened.
I remember my Mother always seemed to be massaging her LE arm, it became just her thing.
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Definitely what Zills said!!!!
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Ariom, I've heard that sunburns can trigger, but it hasn't for me. My arm aches a lot, especially when I've used it too much, and find myself rubbing my ar, maybe that's part of the reason your mom massaged her arm? I have started trying to make sure that when it is achy and I rub/massage it, that I do it more like CLD, I worry that I'll make my LE worse by rubbing.
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Zills, in the bag for you!
Dawn xx
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In the bag Zills, what shall I bring? How about candy cigarettes? Anybody remember those? I love them can't imagine the make kids want to smoke, they taste good and the real things do not, or at least to me! Good luck from cold ND, will it ever warm here?
Vintage, sorry no auction this time, bet you want warm weather too.
OTC, glad you have rebounded, take it easy now.
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Zills, in the bag for you.
It's supposed to get down to the low forties or high thirties tonight and be 81 by Thurs. Everyone will wear shorts. We take our summers a few days at a time.
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Wren, I just saw our weather is supposed to be like that too, crazy. It was 35 this morning and 39 yesterday. Not going to complain though! 😉 You're right about the Northwest summers, you just don't know which days it will be.
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Hi there everyone! Been a bit under the weather, some sort of stomach bug. Spent way to much time in the loo the last few days. Seems to be sorting itself now and feeling better. I was nervous that I wouldn't be able to make it to the dr on Friday but managed to do it.
He looked at my ear and couldn't decide what it was because it was scabbed over. He decided the best would be to try freezing it and see if it would heal up. If It didn't, he would biopsy it in June when I go in for my annual exam. I see my MO at the end of May so will ask him to look at it then if it hasn't healed up after the freeze. It is marginally better but still hurts and has some draining in the night witnessed by spots on my pillow.
In the bag for you Zills.
footballnut, glad you had a great trip. A getaway is so refreshing, the change of pace/scenery is so healing/relaxing.
We have been dipping into the high 20's°F at night and will for the next few days. Days in the 50's with clouds and spotty rain. Very dreary days.
Vintage, sorry you missed out on both. But maybe the down time was really what you needed.
Ariom, I know so well that quite when the kids go home!
I know I have missed so many, but know I am thinking of you and wishing only the best for all of you!!
Hugs for everyone!
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Hi again everyone, I have been flat out running today. I had to go into town to get some things and I called in to a cafe and had great pasta for lunch. Just got home and had to dash out again to post stuff for Colin.
I called in to the Gym while I was in town as our small pool and gym have closed. I picked up all the details of what's available and I will bite the bullet and go. I normally wouldn't commit to a gym that I have to drive a distance to, but I tried out the Yoga class here, in my little town on Thursday and it was a spectacular failure. I could perform all the poses, but my arthritic wrists couldn't take the half hour of continuous weight on them. I had no problem with the other half hour of lower body stuff, but the wrists were so painful it wouldn't be worth continuing. It's weird that I can manage the Rites, but this was too much.
At least the big gym has a pool that is kept at 29c, which is the same temp I kept my pool at the last house, so I can do water aerobics, deep water running and swim laps without it being too cold for the arthritis. They also have BodyPump which is my all time fave routine. I started doing it when it first came to Australia in the early 90's. I was addicted to it and did 3 or 4 classes a week and the pool workouts on the alternating days. I was the fittest and strongest I had ever been, but then I went to Kuala Lumpur and got bitten by something that started the reactive Rheumatoid.
Sorry you aren't feeling too good gB and sorry to hear about the ear, damn nuisance those kind of things. I had a weird one on my top lip that had to be frozen off, I had it done and in a few days it looked like I had a Kelloggs Cornflake stuck to my lip. It was so obvious, everyone I spoke to, just fixated on that thing, I couldn't wait and helped it along a bit and ended up with a scab for longer than I should have. I hope yours just heals and disappears!
nd, just bring candy, I don't care what it is!
I wanted to tell you, I have been wearing the Contact, the past few days. I got some really nice cotton and elastane crops recently, that are cut nice and high on the chest with a racer back, so I thought I would try the contact with one of these, instead of a structured bra. It is the most comfortable thing to wear, I really like it. It has been warm, so I have had a tank over the top with capris and it felt really great. I am finding that the Contact stays firm all over except the mid chest where the cleavage used to be. Does yours lift a bit? It sticks back down, but it is a little annoying.
Linda, my Mother said her arm ached all the time, so the massaging just became a habit I think. There really wasn't anything much known about LE in '94. I remember picking her up from the hospital after her radical Mx and they had just pulled her drain after 3 days. I was walking behind her with a tissue, wiping this clear fluid that was leaving a trail behind her. I asked the nurses what it was and they said "Oh that's just Lymph fluid, it has to find where to go now!" When we got home, I had to put towels down to catch the fluid and within a short time, she had a terrifying infection. I was looking after her and thought I was going to lose her. My Dad had only passed 4 months before she was Dx. It was a dreadful time.
That was why, when I was going through the testing and waiting phase, I was terrified I'd have an experience like she did, so when I had the first signs of my infection, I was on to it straight away. I know the chances of LE for me are quite low, but I am going to take all the precautions anyway!
Hi Wren, Dawny and Spookiesmom, take it easy everyone.....In the bag! M x
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wow Ariom, your moms experience sounds pretty awful!
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