new and future flat sister, with questions
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I understand Zills, didn't remember that.
Still not to much of an issue to cut anyway. It depends on what you like, but just about anything goes, and broccoli and cauliflower just pull apart. There are canned baby corn and water chestnut, which isn't a nut, but an aquatic plant. Carrot celery, onion, cabbage if you like it, beans peas, the list just goes on. I use only lean Organic chicken, cut into strips. I cook them first in a little plant oil, garlic and ginger, remove and set aside, then stirfry all the veg for a few minutes. Return the chicken to the veg, and Tamari and Honey mix together and there it is. You can serve with noodles, or steamed rice. I love steamed rice with coconut milk powder with this.
Bon appetit! M x
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Thinking of Zills, and so glad of the good results, you will continue to get them! I am just sharing a tip on veggies and fruit, if you run your sink full of cold water and add about 1/2 to 1 cup of vinegar and let them soak for about 15 minutes it is to remove any contamination and also I find fruit like berries keep so much longer, normally never wash strawberries before eating but I have been doing this all summer and they keep so much longer and better. Glad you daycare will be closer, things will start to click better all the time.
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Thanks for the tips. Haven't heard of washing with vinegar before.
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Happy Birthday Ndgirl! We have had just the most gorgeous week and it looks as if tomorrow will be just as nice.
Sorry for all the sleeping issues, I appear to have the exact opposite problem in that all I want to do is sleep. We have a busy day today with various activities that we must at least show our faces at... and I didn't start things off very well with sleeping 10 hours. I should be getting a handle on the laundry, but I just can't seem to find the energy. Joe was called to an altercation my nephew appears to be having with a family friend.. he is always the one everybody runs to when there's a problem... which doesn't usually bother me, but today I am annoyed over it.
I skimmed over the posts, has anybody tried Skin So Soft for mosquitos? I bought some and am going to give it a try... I'm not crazy about the smell, but it sure beats insecticide. Next weekend we have a family get together and will be outside all day, and I just don't want to chance the mosquitos, nor do I want to spray myself with chemicals and I cannot stomach the smell of citronella.
I hope to catch up more later.. have a fabulous day/evening!!
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Meant to say, Ndgirl, love the tip... I have some blueberries I am going to try that on! Thank you for sharing!
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Z, that does suck about the pre-cut veg. I think our M's recipe would be perfect for you. It has ginger. Maybe do one veg -- like squash, something mild -- to cut down on the chopping?
Ariom, please send me (on the thread) a picture of this 'V' pillow. I am pining for one now. Overdid it with the cleaning today, and I have the claw. I am thinking my 'V' pillow would get in there and be so cosy!
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Idesim, must you show your face so much? I am doing laundry all day too -- come over and do it with me! Many hands make light work. I sound like my grandmother.
Ariom, where do you get coconut milk powder? That is an excellent idea.
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just to clarify, I meant when I said I never wash strawberries before eating, I meant to say I never wash them before storing them in fridg! You must all think I am crazy!!
! I sometimes think the same. I wish I could send everyone of you a bouquet of sweet peas! I have so many growing up my 2 gates, they just keep blooming! The scent is heavenly, so close your eyes and sniff! I brought in 3 big bouquets for you gals this morn. I hate to leave my garden this time of year, even for a week, but the Dr. calls!
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Thank you for the flowers! I love them. XXX
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Happy Birthday Nd. Hope you are having a grand time with the grands! May all your birthday wishes come true!
I talked with the OGs therapist about the claw yesterday, yes I know shes a hand therapist, but I thought she might know something, and she did, it was like she had been waiting on me to ask. Her first suggestion was to get a big pillow, one as big around as you can find, sleep with your arms wrapped around it, she said it was difficult at first but with time and practice, it becomes easier. This keeps the chest muscles opened up and helps with posture when you are awake. She also shared 2 pages of exercises, to improve range of motion, to strengthen back muscles, and to stretch chest muscles. She also asked if I had heard of the Rites, and excellant way to improve balance, core, strength, and relax. Massage, massage, massage the scars. So I guess I'll be spending as much time with my own therapy as the OG.
Idesim I tried Skin so Soft, my mosquitoes loved it. I can't seem to find anything to keep them away. Hate the feel and smell of the chemical stuff, but I still put it on for the little good it does. Wonder why no one has invented insect repellent with sunscreen? By the time I put on all that junk I feel like a greased pig.
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I just ordered a boomerang pillow (Amazon), I can hardly wait for it to arrive! Should be here the 21st, I'll probably need it after all the appointments that day! My first post op check up with BS is the 22nd so I'll get a good night's rest before it.
The Claw visited briefly today. It flared up as I emptied a drain. That must be where the end of the tube is..... ouch! Still not draining much.
Didn't sleep well last night, so ended up napping earlier than normal. Still a little rough around the edges.
Zills, I hope the next 4 weeks fly by for you!! I'll keep everything I can cross crossed for you for no more chemo!!
ndgirl, thanks for the tip, washing in vinegar, who'da thought? Oh and thanks for the flowers!! I can just imagine how good they smell!
Idesim, like gramwe, SSS just attracted the mozzies to me. Where I live now bordered with water on two sides, there are tons of mozzies all around. BUT, I have the most wonderfull swallows that come out late afternoon and swallow all of them up!! You have to be careful when you go out side at that time because you can easily get in the way of all that swooping! It is fascinating to watch though!!
bobo, don't over do....you're just on the mend from being sick already, don't want to relapse.
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Morning All!
Another fabulous day! A bit windy, but warm and blue skies. Dex is circling, hoping for a big walk. He watches my every move to see if I go to the entrance hall clothes rack, to get his harness and lead.
Just had a great conversation with Colin's girl, and her daughter who came to work with her today. Great family who feel like part of our family now. They were asking about all of you, so just filled them in.
ndgirl, I use vinegar for lots of cleaning jobs, and always soak my juicing veg in it so I don't need to peel them.
ldesim, I hope you are feeling good! Your body needs the sleep, but I know that feeling when it feels like too much.
I have a few things that I have bought but haven't tried yet for the Mozzies. A bracelet that omits a high frequency sound that they avoid, another bracelet that has some kiind of organic stuff that it puts out to deter them and some new stuff made by a local company here that you spray on, it has no chemicals. We have shelves full of repellants at the supermarket and pharmacy and most have sunscreen at varying strengths. I have heard of the SSS from Avon, but never tried it. I am ready for the arrrival of the little buggers!
Bobo, so sorry you're feeeling the "Claw" from overdoing it. Colin is going out, so can't download pic right now. If you google V pillow, you'll get a picture, I will try to post pic later.
Will you take it easy, washing now, with the Claw, geesh take a rest!
Coconut powder is available with the canned version in our supermarket. If not try an Asian grocery, or maybe the International aisle at the supermarket. It is just spray dried coconut milk, Ayam Brand.
Thank you for the flowers ndgirl! I love sweet peas, but haven't grown them for years. Now that's an idea!
I am sorry you have to leave your garden, but it will be so lovely to come back to. I'd love to see a photo. I like to get a sense of where you're talking about. I'll be there at the Doctor too, just give me warning!
gramwe, how are you? I am so glad you asked about the Claw. I asked my surgeon and he just stared and blinked, I think I heard a cricket outside! Nada, nothing, just the same old story about the severed nerves trying to find each other across the abyss! LOL
He had never hard of the "swallowing hot or cold stuff sensation either" Oh, goodness, did we warn gB about that one? If you're reading gB, don't freak out at the sensation that feels like the it is liquid is filling the spaces in your chest, it is totally normal, and really really common, although my surgeon said he'd never hear of it before.
I digress, the Og's hand therapist has a good handle on what the Claw is. I have always been a pillow hugger, do the Rites religiously, and massage at least twice a day. Mine is a shadow of its former self, so I am pretty much proof that all this works! I am so glad to hear of a professional who prescribes it as a regime. I know I sound like a broken record, but if you are going to try the Rites gramwe, pleas, just 3 reps. I am still only on 8 and I have been doiing it for months now. If there is an exercise that hurts or feel like too much, I have the alternatives in the book that I can send pics of. Don't push it, and you'll feel the benefits in no time.
I am off to get the day started...will call back later.......M x
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Gramwe, We have the swallows in our back yard also. They're more fun to watch than the Blue Angels. Masters at the quick turn.
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Enough with the non-sleeping! Tonight I slept from 11 until midnight. Now what to do until the sun wakes up?
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So what did you do Granwe? I changed diapers and played footsie while wearing a cold washcloth on my head. I hate hot flashes. I went to sleep with a cap and two blankets on because I was cold. At least soggy bottoms kept the night monsters away:)
Am very sore from the steroids. Need to go for a walk. Wishing today was over since its my low day. Boy will be grumpy as he spent the night with his brother. His allergies/asthma is acting up too. Is supposed to rain this afternoon.
Ndgirl. We know you like to walk on the wild side and eat unwashed berries! Thanks for the sweet peas. How sweet. That's my sisters favorite at Bath and Body.
Idesim. Hope you get to rest today.
Granwe. My husband will shoot me if I get another pillow. But I can see where it would make a difference. I haven't been as deligent with the massage either. Oops.
GrammaB. Every day is a little better.
Wren. Love the swallows.
Bobo. Hope you will take it easy after your youngins leave. I know you won't be able to before they go.
Ariom. Hope you made Dex's day. Looks like you'll have all of us on the rites. Sleep well.0 -
Morning Zills, I am just about to go to bed!
Yes, I did make Dex's day, I got ready, did the Rites, and then we went out for a 90 minute walk. It was blowing a gale, but it was a Northerly which was warm, so not as unpleasant as it could have been. We coverd a huge area and went down to the marina and checked the ropes on the boat. She got a bit damaged in storms a few months ago because her ropes weren't done properly. All was well, I was tempted to get on board and seeing how much more interior work needs doing. I haven't been on board since she arrived here. I wasn't confident enough to try to get on while holding onto Dex, in that wind, we could both end up in the water:)
Later in the day, friends came by for coffee and stayed a couple of hours, the rhubarb cake was delish! Someone asked if we grow rhubarb here, I don't, because it isn't advised if you have Rheumatoid, so I rarely eat it, even though I love it.
Hoping there's been lots of deep sleep happening for all of you! I am off, chat tomorrow! M x
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Zills I tossed, turned, watched terrible television, punched the OG, read, then I cleaned, gave the dogs and cats baths. The body is tired, the mind goes full speed ahead. Living on less than 2 hours of sleep a night isn't my idea of fun. I even tried to take a nap yesterday, couldn't go to sleep then either. Now I'm going to vacuum, mop, dust, and clean the bathrooms, I look like he11 but the house is looking fantastic.
Hope you got in a walk before the rain.
Night night M. Sweet dreams.0 -
ah yes, Ariom I have seen mention of the swallowing hot or cold sensation, so am prepared for that.
I think I have figured out that what I am feeling may not actually be The Claw. It think the pain is right at the end of the drain inside my chest. When I drain one of the drains (#3) I get an awful pain just to the inside of where the nipple used to be. I can feel a couple of the drains under my skin near my collar bone, and this spot seems to be another. It is slightly swollen there too. I keep gently massaging the spot towards the side where the drain exits, in hopes of pushing fluid out.
I'm not getting much in the drains at all. Yesterday morning was a total of 32 ml for all 4 and the evening emptying was a total of 26-27 ml again for all 4! Total of about 59 ml for the whole day. Doesn't seem like much.....
gramwe, I am so sorry you are not sleeping. I know just how crappy one feels after a few days... sending you peaceful thoughts and soothing energy to lull you to sleep.
Zills, yes I do feel better each day, I think I will feel tons better once the ace bandage comes off for good!! I'm crossing my fingers for the 22nd!!
Wren, so right, the swallows are much more fun to watch than even the Blue Angels! It amazes me they don't crash into each other some times!
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Morning all, just lost my post, where do they go?
Sorry to hear of the broken sleep gramwe, it's nice to have a spotless house, but geesh, not instead of sleeping. I see you're not "nanna napping" either. That F Femara must act like rocket fuel and keep you in a permanent state of "On" there must be an "Off" button. I hope you get a chance to relax and maybe just a little snoozie tonight, fingers crossed for you!
Good gB, I'm glad you're familiar with it, I got the shock of my life when I drank a frozen slushie right after my surgery. I got brain freeze and the empty chest sensation all at once, it took my breath away.
I too, had a reallly uncomfortable, burning, sore spot, at the drain exit point. All I could do was massage it too.
Hopefully you'll get the drains out soon...yay! You won't know yourself when you're free of that little annoyance!
Lots of lovely birds arriving here at the moment too. I have one, that I have never seen before that sits on my kitchen servery and does a lovely call that I whistle back and imitate. It cocks its head and tries to see in the window. Colin laughs and calls me "Nature Girl", I have never experienced so many species of birds and animals before. The city doesn't offer much to migrating birds.
I hope everyone else is well, I am off to attempt grooming Dex for the first time with new dog clippers. It couuld be a really bad idea, but I'll never know till I give it a go! Wish me luck.....catch you all later..M x
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Gramwe, well at least you do something productive while not sleeping.. not me! I try to read or whatever, watch some terrible tv as well, I know not supposed to do computer or tv because of the light syndrome but sometimes I do, I feel the tv takes my mind off and shuts it down a little, even try watching boring politicians, but usually that just makes me angry! I better start cleaning house at least I would feel good about that. I have started taking valarian root again lately but will ask on my apt. on Wed if it is ok to take it while taking arimidex, want to be safe too. It helps sometimes, bottle says take 3 but website says you could take 6-9 for severe cases.. think that might be me but havent tried that much yet.
We are off to take grandson home today and my first appt. on Wed. kinda nervous, hoping I remember all the ?? to ask. Had such a good time with these boys, it is sad to see them go, not sure when we will see them again. maybe Thanksgiving but never know in our country, could be a big snow storm by then but sure hope not. Take care everyone, thinking of all! I will try to post after appt.
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Oh little Dex, hope you are still looking dapper after your new do. My first attempt at a haircut for Miss Molly was a disaster, she looked like she had been trimmed with a weedeater, manned by a 2 year old. She squirmed I didn't have a guard on the clippers, and she ended up with a down to the skin racing stripe down her body. It was a traumatic experience for Miss Molly and for me.
Watching nature is one of my favorite things to do, too. Hummingbirds are fascinating to me, so tiny, so fast, and so beautiful. This summer has not been a great year for watching them, to rainy and cool I suppose. Butterflies on the other hand have been plentiful. Our DIL has a butterfly bush, it has been covered in 100s of butterflies all year, all different sizes and colors.
Gb, drains are pains, being rid of those will give you a new found freedom. Glad you are aware of the odd sensations when you drink hot or cold beverages. The first time it happened to me I pulled my top up to have a look, I was sure the beverage was pouring out of my chest.
Nd, hope you slept last night. Packing my lunch bag early for the ride in your purse. No soup, so there wont be a mess in there. Safe travels to you.
Where is Zills, Bobo, Idesim, Wren, this fine morning? Hopefully resting comfortably. I slept last night! It was wonderful. Now I can enjoy my clean house while it pours down rain outside. The plan was to work in the yard today, Mother Nature had other plans, she always gets her way.
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I was searching for answers to my problems this morning and stumbled across this. May be worth a try for you sleepless people. I know you've tried just about everything else. Good luck! Let us know if its a dud.
http://www.wisebread.com/how-to-naturally-reset-your-sleep-cycle-overnight0 -
Love hummingbirds. Glad you got to sleep and enjoy a clean house.
Can't wait to hear about Dex's haircut.
I hope Idesim isn't still knackered.
Maybe Bobo had a late date night?
Ndgirl. We're here for you. Me and my wonky digestive system will be there. Ask your hubby to tread carefully. Hopefully JS will make a difference tomorrow.
GrammaB. Hope you got a nice shower today. Bandage off yet?
Wren. How's those kitties?0 -
Zills, That trick about eating just might work. I used to be a travel agent with lots of trips to different time zones. My strategy was to get on local time as soon as possible. If I ever get to go somewhere in a different time zone, I'll give it a try.
Kitties are still way to plentiful. My foster cat is without medication and I'm trying to develop a relationship with her beyond grabbing and medicating. She needs to be adopted by an early riser. Now that I'm retired, 6am is just too early.
All you sleepless ones, check to see if your library has a book "Ambassador's Journal" by John K. Galbraith. It's a real oldie, but they might have it. He has the most hypnotic writing style - I have no idea how anyone ever sat through one of his classes. I used it for a sleep aid for almost a year.
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GrammaB. Another sensation is the iron bra. You may have it now and just think its the bandage. It too comes if you over do it. I also had it feel like one of those fancy dresses with one sleeve on my node side. Anyway the pressure will go away. Massage helped a bunch. Your BS will let you know when you can start massaging and exercising, usually after the drains are out. I think that's it for the strange sensations. Most are gone now (except for the prickles) unless I sweep or pick the baby up too many times on the weekend.
Correction. The baby is now a toddler. The boy said so:)0 -
I did have the cold sensation the other day but not that bad, probably because I am still wrapped tight. The hh nurse is going to bring me a binder today that fastens in the front w/velcro so I can do it on my own. HH called on Sunday and said my orders did say to shower every day after the first 3. No way I can do the ace alone, and they only say 2 days a week. I guess that is why the binder. Frankly, I thought that is what I would go home in.... ah well, my hospital was one of the ones that sends you home with 2 big safety pins. But that's OK, the care is excellent!!
I drove up to the road yesterday, about 1/4 mile, to deposit the garbage. Probably a little early to try, as I couldn't turn well both directions. I've been off the percoset since Saturday night and feel so much clearer! All I had all day Sunday was 2 aleve. (I found some vicodin from my back issues in Jan so took one of those at bedtime last night.....really didn't need that.) Nothing since, not even aleve.
Barely anything in my drains. I've milked them several times too. Last emptied yesterday afternoon. Not enough to do it in evening. Will do today when hh comes. My sorest spot is just to the right of center of chest, I think it is the inside end of the drain. Exits are starting to itch a bit and ever so slightly tender.
Feel really good!
Can't wait to be free of these drains!!Oh dear, I hope Dex survived his hair cut, and you the cutting, Ariom without too much trauma for either of you!!
I am another wild life watcher. There is a bird sanctuary not far from me so I get the occasional heron, owl and eagle. Quite a few hawks and tons of little birds. Also, a coyote or two, & elk occasionally. The other day I had a mama dear with 2 yearlings. The babies were trying to get at the low leaves on my weeping birch. They had to jump up to get a bite and then did a little kick jump thing like a bucking bronc in the air, then they started tussling with each other. Hilarious. I took some photos, will see if any are good enough to share.
Have a safe trip ndgirl. Glad you had such a good visit with the grands! Hope the appt goes well, I'll be tucked in a corner of your bag, trying to avoid any food spillage!
gramwe, glad to hear you had a good sleep. I'd love to see some rain here!! We had a little the other night with a thunderstorm, but not enough to get rid of the dry dust.
Zills, interesting article on sleep cycles. Shower was wonderful! But, still wrapped tight as a sausage. Nothing much is draining out and no swelling in hands, feet or arms, so hopefully on Thursday when I see BS drains and wrap will be history!!!
Wren, when I used to travel a lot, I did that too. Adapted to local time/eating/sleeping right away. I had to laugh about the book recommendation! I'll keep my eye out for it at thrift shops and book sales, just in case.
Zills, yeah, I am wrapped so tight, I wouldn't know if it is the ace bandage or "iron bra" at this point. It feels so good when it comes off for shower, I just revel in it and don't pay attention for any aches or pains. The most annoying is still the little flaps that buldge out of the top of the ace under my arms. The bruising is just about gone, but they are puffy and tender still. It feels like I am holding a hot dog under each arm if I try to put arms down completely. No pains at incisions.
Cute, the boy has graduated the baby to toddler!
Still waiting on final report on SNB. Guess she will share all path on Thursday. I hope so at least!!
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Okay, so we have nd on Wednesday and GB on Thursday. For appts. Is that right? Any others?
Z, I hope you are rounding the corner of your 'low day.' The baby will always be the baby to you. Mine is, and she's seven years old! I hate hot flashes too. F them.
Granwe and nd, I feel for you not sleeping. 'The house looks great but I look like He11.' I laughed when I read that! I too like to clean when I can't sleep. But, as one of several resident non-sleeping experts here in our gang, I can report that I have done something excellent. Here's what I do. When I wake up -- worried about appts, or night-sweats, or whatever -- and I know I won't get back to sleep, I remember that I've promised myself something. For a while, it was to watch an episode of "House of Cards" on Netflix. M, that is an excellent show. By the way, I have ordered the first season of Dexter!
Anyway, I get up, fix a snack or a cup of tea, and sit down in the front room with my computer. That show is excellent. I don't watch it any other time. It's total quiet. And I don't make myself feel guilty if I feel like staying up after that. The point is this: I try to make it into a 'treat' time instead of a terrible time. It's so quiet. No one is asking for anything from me. I get my cozy blanket that I got myself for the second surgery. And I just enjoy it! Does that sound crazy? Unfortunately I am done with "House of Cards," I am going to have to find something just as good. I would read, but I find reading really turns my brain On -- I will never have hope of sleeping after that.
Wren, I loved my kitty update! How does your bad 6 a.m. kitty wake you up? Z, you are right about being busy getting the kids ready. Now I am up to my neck prepping for classes. First class Wednesday!
Ariom, can't wait for a picture of Dex with his new haircut!!!
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Just wanted to poke my head in and say hi.... hi!. Been a busy couple of days both with family activities and work... and I've been trying to maintain at least 20 mins on the bike a day... which I am off to do now before dinner on the coffee table.
Didn't want anybody to worry.. *hugs*
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Just here for a minute, still to catch up on all posts.
Big garden day, then my haircut, then shopping for morning tea, having morning tea, finish Dex's haircut after giving the clippers some serious recharge time, making lunch for Colin, and trying to find a way that Dex will allow me to finish his feet. He hates having his feet touched, so he is perfectly groomed all over, except for big "bear claw feet". He let e do everything else without so much as a squeek, but the feet are going to be hard. I will post a shot if I get the chance.
I'll be back.....m x
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Bobo, Kitty comes up to my head, purrs in my ear. If that doesn't work she pats my face with her paw. If that's not successful she puts her claws out a little and repeats. Last resort she will walk on our heads. If I put the sheet over my head, she'll lay down on my pillow. She doesn't meow very much but might in the morning. I think putting the sheet over my head signals that I'm not going to get up no matter what.
Ariom, Kitty is long-haired and we're learning how to brush her. All our own cats have been short-haired. We had one other long-haired foster, but she was mostly shaved for a hernia operation. I think she needs her claws trimmed, but it's hard and they sense my lack of confidence.
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