Uplifting and Lively Messages. No holds barred..
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I am feeling great. Went in for a complimentary facial and makeover with a makeup artist. Yes, I admit to buying that much skincare, but then I do have great skin. Skin is glowing, and I stocked up on a few items. Was sent home with generous samples of products I use all the time. So money and time well spent.
Then I went on to the resale shop where I snagged the most amazing Akris black cashmere jacket. It is trimmed with leather, and really does things. I have the shoulders to pull off the double-breasted look and it looks fab on. I wanted it, but was willing to wait, and this time waiting paid off with the price reduced by 75% by the time I got back. It's about 1/25 of what the jacket cost new, so feel I snagged something major. (Akris jackets are in the $2500-3000 range new, so why I am thrilled to find one I can actually afford.)
I ditched a few "what was I ever thinking" items earlier today. Much more room now.
I ended up at the wine bar where I had a couple of glasses of wine and some pate. Yum! I was planning on some dinner when I got back, but think just some fruit.
Sharing the results of last night's great borage mixology experiment. Blood orange and lemon vodka cocktail. Just delish. - Claire
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Claire, what makeup brand do you like to use? I don't wear makeup everyday, but have quite the assortment Laura Mercier, Nars, Lorac, MAC, Lipstick Queen (lipsticks of course), Urban Decay (Palettes), Bareminerals and Laura Geller Foundations with some contour bronzers, Stila, Marc Jacobs lip sticks - love. I can't wear any cosmetic with fragrance in it, so some of the more "department" store brands don't work for me.
I just looked up Akris, and what beautiful tailored clothing they make. I am not familiar with the brand, but it is spectacular. I remember when I was working and a poor student in Chicago, I would look at shops like Ann Taylor and window shop. My classes at Northwestern were $2000 per class (1980's), not including books or anything else. I paid in cash. There used to be a consignment store near where I lived, where I found the most luxurious items so reasonable. Post a pic of your new threads or send it in a message. Would love to see the coat!!!
For now, I am stashing the items that I am keeping in our family room, separated from the rest of the stuff that I am going to go through. That stash, plus my purses are off limits for selling/donating. I am preparing for a new, minimalistic life, where black (of course black), white/off white, maybe a nudish pink - okay, definitely a nudish pink, and navy will be my go to colors. I don't look good in camel colors, but I do look good in taupe. I have a shirt from Macy's that is taupe and it looks pretty. I love scarves and jewels, so those will be my accent colors.
I spent some time this evening over at my niece's house giving some direction. She seems a bit lost at times as to what to do next to prepare the walls/floors, etc. So, I pop over and work awhile, plus steer her in a progressive direction. As we have seen this week, leading by example a/k/a McCain's long game, works pretty well.
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I started a thread in another forum dedicated to mammoversaries - the day that marks the mammogram that found breast cancer. Here is my story that I posted.
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I have been thinking, for a while, about starting a thread dedicated to the anniversary of the day our mammograms found breast cancer. My day is coming up on Tuesday, August 1, 4:30pm. In honor of that day, I invite others to share their thoughts, emotions, plans for the future, in the context of what that telling mammogram laid out for their future. This is a place for our stories of how we were initially diagnosed, how we handled the news, how we progressed through treatment, and how we are now.
Sometimes, just putting words on paper, or in this case computer, is very healing. The following is my story.
I decided to make all of my appointments with doctors on the same day last year, I had my obgyn appt, my psychiatrist (anxiety/depression) appt, and ran late to my mammogram appointment. I dislike these types of appointments so much, that I want them over in a day. However, it did not go that way. August 1, 2016 was on a Monday. By early Tuesday morning, the radiologist called me for followup ultrasounds and 3d mammograms. I thought I would just get a slip of paper in the mail telling me how dense my breasts were and how everything was normal. That did not happen. The radiologist told me that she highly suspected cancer, but that my lymph nodes looked really good. I thought I was going to pass out, that I was having an out of body experience, that they had made a mistake with some one else's chart. My knees felt weak and I went into to full panic mode. I went to a radiologist friend of mine's house, near my house, and she helped me figure out what to do. I trusted her, and she usually read my mammograms. The next morning, August 3rd, we did a 7am biopsy. Afterwards, I went to my sister's house for several days in a row, shaking, crying, feeling like I was going to die. Somehow, about a week later, I pulled myself together, had a plan in place with a breast surgeon, saw a counselor that I had used for post partum depression, and took responsibility for my health. I had input into what type of surgery I wanted, mastectomy vs. lumpectomy. I went with lumpectomy and have been very fortunate to have recovered well. I had 20 total treatments of radiation, which I flew through and finished by November. While contemplating what antihormonal I was going to be taking, I decided to to have a hysterectomy and oopherectomy. That was in January 2017. I was no where near menopause and was worried about reproductive issues. It had been a concern for a few years, since there was no sign of menopause and we did the CA125 to make sure my levels were always good. I take Tamoxifen, with very few side effects, I am healthier now that I was a year ago, I am active and try to walk five miles per day. I am no longer scared of breast cancer. It was my worst fear, my worst nightmare, and I got through it. This year has been a growth year for me in facing a major crisis, and taking control of my fear. I have learned so many lessons along the way, and met many wonderful survivors. This website has been a godsend, and I appreciate each and every one who contributes.
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Wow, today is the day of my mammoversary and tomorrow is the date of my mammoversary. I spent this day sanding floors and getting them ready to stain at my niece's house. They are turning out really pretty. Tomorrow I am heading to world market to secure a canopy for my newly repainted table and chairs and will take in a few other stops along the way. I need to clear my head and celebrate my one year facing this big life changing diagnosis. What is everyone else up to?
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I went to St. Louis and found my fav canopy at World Market ..... on sale from $80 to $17. They ran out of cushions for the chairs, so I will either make some using a wood bottom and waterproof fabric or I will find some. Went to Trader Joe's and Whole Foods ---- yum!! It was too hot to purchase groceries and haul them home. I did get a really, really cute top at, get this, the Dress Barn. Never have I purchased anything there, but it was so cute on me. I will take a pic. My friend, Deb, and I head to the Galleria to check out Macy's last act, and found some cute Michael Kors tops. I gave away all of my short sleeve t's to my niece. I have decided that it is either "long" sleeve or "sleeveless" shirts for me. Short sleeved tops tend to get bunched up underneath my arms. It does feel really good to get rid of things that I won't use anymore, and get a few nicer items.
After an hour and half trip back home, I took a little nap, and then went over to my niece's house to continue sanding the floors. I am almost done and ready to stain. And that, in a nutshell, is how my mammoversary went today.
I was thinking about everyone that I have met on this website, and my personal growth this year. I am so thankful for all of you that contribute to my life, through this thread. You give me great comfort and a sense of peace.
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I finished sanding the floors of my niece's house and they looked good. I had to use a little wood filler in places and sampled my stain with it. There are rough edges on the pine floor creating splinters and I had to somehow fill in around those edges. The stain "took" fine and I will go back over for a "looksee" today.
We celebrated my daughter's 19th birthday yesterday at a very nice restaurant. She wanted plain white cupcakes from Sams Club, and they were very elegant. I ended up freezing 18 out of 36, which I will pull out of the freezer for a future activity. She did not want the choc 4 layer cake, which I was glad about because of the floor sanding. I did not get to go to her party last year, it was the same day as my biopsy. This year, I was just happy to be there.
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Michelle- you have been busy! I had my first follow up mammogram on Monday. It was "all clear". Then PT on Tuesday and Wednesday is always meals in wheels. I have delivered the same route for 11 years now. U did do a little shopping Tuesday before PT. I was in need of new panties so I ran into Victoria Secret. They were having a sell! I was sad that I wasn't getting new bras to. I hope to find a style and that works with my LE soon! PT has put an order in for a compression bra for me to wear at night. I read a few nights ago that tamoxifen can cause LE so I'm wondering if that is the root of mine!
Have a beautiful day!
Teresa
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I have been having fun this week, celebrating my one year mammoversary. This weekend, I have the house to myself with the husband and kiddos out of town. My teeny bopper and 21 year old, especially the 21 year old, can cause some stress. So, I am taking complete advantage of my downtime and visiting with my friends. I plan to paint my nails and relax. Yesterday, I had my dog groomed and he is so handsome - miniature German Schnauzer 25lbs. I won't leave him in a kennel or have anyone but family watch him. He has been there for me through thick and thin, and he is 13. He is very protective and intuitive. I would consider him a therapy dog, as he does not leave my side.
Varga, how much swelling do you have with LE? Does it affect your clothing options?
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Michelle - yes it does interfere with clothing! It was a nice excuse to buy a few new tops ;o). My right boob is huge! It looks like I had an addition to the surgery side. If I wear fitted top I can tell the right is bigger. The swelling under my arm and back around my shoulder blade is puffy and squishy. I can hid it all with the right tops. I also hate the top of my compression sleeve showing. So many of my summer tops had cute "cap sleeves" or were sleeveless and I will not wear them with my compression sleeve because the band at the top makes it so noticeable. That sleeve screams "I had BC!" So many people do not know about my BC and I just don't want to explain the sleeve so I hide it. I do not wear it to church or around my parents. (Never told them) the people who do know can not believe I got away with surgery, radiation and all the LE stuff without telling everyone. My contract office doesn't even know!
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Varga, I am the same way. Only a few people know that I went through bc. I don't talk about bc. I don't put anything on facebook. I don't wear anything associated with bc. I am a very private person, except for this online community. It is hard to understand with just three nodes removed, how this has affected you so much. If you are large chested, would a breast reduction help? That might be an ignorant question, but I am curious? Have any of your doctors explored the possibility of short term diuretic therapy? Certain types of LE responds to that type of med.
Sam's Club has the nicest, softest Eddie Bauer long sleeve t's that can be used as a layering garment. They are my favorite "go to" shirt and are in stores now at about $10 per shirt.
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I don't consider myself large busted. I'm a 34DD. I'm only 5'2" and very curvy.( got a big booty ) I was told that you can not operate on a breast that has had radiation. The LE for 3 nodes is not the norm. I always figured it was because I was lifting 116 pounds 7 days after surgery. Plus lifting my 30 pounds grandson. My DD had grandbaby #6 just a few weeks after my surgery and I had him a few times a week while Baby Charlee was in the NICU (2 weeks there) I just started researching LE and found an interesting article that connects radiation and tamoxifen to LE. So I wonder of the tamoxifen has something to do with it. The cording and swelling did start about the same time I started the tamoxifen. When was a few weeks before radiation. So many variables! I just want to be able to wear my pretty bras again and not have to hide the sleeve!
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There are qualified surgeons that could do a reduction, even with radiated tissue. They should look for the reason why your breast is so inflated. There are a couple of different things that can cause it. If I were in your ballet slippers, I would want to get some further opinions. I am considering getting my areolas redone because they don't match very well, at all. I have been trying to wait as long as possible while still under my insurance this year. I also wonder if a LE specialist can shed some light on why this reaction occurred, because 3 nodes usually does not dictate LE.
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Hey, girls!!! Well, my staycation was peaceful and I was able to get a few things done for myself. I worked on a few beading projects, making my bracelets smaller because I have lost weight - intentionally. Also, I was able to sleep in, until late morning, which I have been having a problem doing. My schedule is not the same everyday, and I have been overtired due to "mom" stress. Mom this, mom that, mom, mom, mom.... Dorm life comes soon for both kids.
I will miss them, but they are at a local university, about 6 miles away. My son will go to grad school next year, maybe Ivy League, or California - Berkley, UCLA, USC, Stanford. Both kids were 17 going into college, so the local state university school, which is very good, was the best choice for them. It has worked out well. The university is an international school, with about half of the population being of international, first and second generation American descent. Our family is Jewish, Muslim (Pakistani), Italian, German, British, Irish, so an international school was a good fit. I am hoping to continue my relaxed state of mind today. 
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Hi Michelle,
I am so glad that you made it through the cancerversary and got some downtime in. Mine is coming up, or could be already here, as it was 8 years ago this week that I went for help because I knew I would die if I didn't. I love shopping at World Market which I use for specialty eats at least as much as for home furnishings. That said, the fab chairs I have on my deck came from there. They don't sell them any more, but these are a phony wicker, which means they can say out and don't rot. And yes, I did invest in the cushions. So nice to sit out with a drink in the early evening.
I am hard at work on my consulting projects which are a good thing as I have done a fair amount of retail therapy lately. Either fabulous, or much needed items. I took a good look at my cycling shorts over the weekend, and the back of the butt is faded from exposure to sunlight!!!
I had a brutal week last week work-wise, but survived. Then, I got up at 4:15a on Saturday to head out to do the Tour de Lavender. I can't believe that I was able to do the Metric Century (62 miles) plus the 3 hour car and ferry trip each way, but I did it. I was rewarded with the most heavenly scent and fabulous views despite it being overcast with a marine layer. And cool temps which were welcome after the heat last week.
Needless to say, yesterday was a rest day! - Claire
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Claire, thank you for the well wishes during my cancerversary. I had the opportunity for some down time this weekend and made several bracelets smaller. They were just too big..... thanks to your encouragement on my walking. It has really paid off. A year after going through a bc diagnosis, and I feel really amazing. Congratulations on your big ride, and what a ride 62 miles....omg.... The pictures are really, really lovely.
So, how do you feel with your anniversary this week?
We don't have a World Market where we live, but there is one within a couple of hours. They do have very cool homewares. The following is the umbrella that I got for the furniture that I painted, and the cushions came from Pier One.
Chairs and table are now a bronze/charcoal color....will take pic when all together.
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With a mesh seat, cushions are really helpful. You will be very happy you did this project!
How do I feel about my cancerversary? Nothing in particular, although I am grateful to be here, but then, gratitude is a daily occurrence. Those pictures reveal everything. I think though that 10 years out will be a different deal. Paris perhaps???
Although extremely busy at the moment, I am delighted to have the work. Things will be hopping as I go into September. I have two different research projects going on plus my nonprofit work. Which reminds me that I need to sign a W-9 and get it into the system. In fact, it needs to go two places, now that I think of it.
My client who is back thinks I am wonderful. That means a lot to me. But then I selected the two projects that would play to my strengths.
I have my oncologist appointment on Friday afternoon, but not especially worried. She laughs that I bus it in and then walk up this ginormous hill to her office (and wishes more of her patients would do the same). I still need to schedule my internist appointment, but that is here in Redmond. I am meeting a friend for wine after I am done with the oncologist. Hoping that they have some jazz as well.
So I think what I will be celebrating this weekend is the wonderful life I have been granted - at least 6 more years than otherwise. - Claire
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Claire, good luck at your Friday appt., but you don't need luck. Grateful is a word that I believe is true for many of us, in the context of how we feel at our anniversary time. So, far this week, I have walked 275 minutes, 75 minutes on Monday, 100 Tues, 100 today, about 13 miles walked and I am tired. My daughter has a sore throat, so I had to run and get dinner for her, I had already picked up a rack of ribs, cheddar macaroni and brocoli salad for my son and husband. I had a salad. I have been house sitting/checking on a relatives kittys for the last week and dealing with very nosy neighbors. Tonight, I am exhausted and my feet hurt. I would not be where I am at today, without my girls on this thread!!! I am happy, fortified, and I have my groove back....
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Just waiting on the cushions and this project will be finished!!!
from this....to above
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Just fabulous Michelle! I am doing a half rest day other than a bit of background prep for a research project I am doing. Not to mention laundry as produce more than normal when it's hot out.
I was able to sneak in a cycle and swim after work yesterday. Hot cycling the 10 miles (even with a lot of shade) but the water was wonderful. I stayed in for half an hour, more than anytime recently other than when I got to ride waves in the Atlantic ocean. Body surfing is THE BEST.
I do have to snag a pair of cowboy boots for the Barn Bash event next weekend. Life is good! - Claire
Edited to add: oncology visit went just fine yesterday, so done for one more year!
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I walked about 4 miles today, took my high dose of vitamin D, took a nap, worked on some beaded earrings and was just kind of tired. When I go, go, go, all week, I am tired by the weekend. I want to get back on my bike, and ease into some decent rides. Now that we are having less heat, that is an option. I need to get my wheel fixed because it is bent.
Claire, glad that your visit went well and that it is over for one year!!! That deserves a pair of cowboy boots and a celebration. Where are you going to look for your cowboy boots? I am with you on the body surfing, I love to do it in Boca Raton on one of the most beautiful beaches of the Atlantic Ocean.
This week I am getting some lowlights put in my hair, because it is so blonde. I have not had any color in my hair since April and my hair looks good. After radiation, my hair started coming back in really blonde again. It had gotten to a darker blonde stage, but now it is lighter.
Just a couple of weeks and I will have a colonoscopy and my kids will move back to the dorms. I am looking forward to just working on myself and further minimizing our household. I will miss my kids, but they are not far away.
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I have been reading the post and attempted to post twice! Once my phone decided to do an update and poof my post was gone! They next time my post totally disappeared !
We are in Pigeon Forge for a few days. Staying at the Wilderness of the Smokies. The kids are having a great time and iI'm sitting g in a lounge chair by the wave pool. I'll catch up soon. So happy to see all are well and enjoying life!
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I got the boots and they are just great! Plus had a cycling date with a far-too-young guy. He chased me which has certainly perked up my ego
Did I mention that is also very fit looking.Not sure if we will do this again, but it was an adventure, and helpful to see things from the POV of a Millennial.
Doing a bit of work prior to dinner.
Air has cleared here so just marvelous out now. High 60s and crisp, clear air. Just heaven. - Claire
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Boot pics pls....Claire.... Varga - pics of the Smokies.
Go Claire with the younger rider dude. Finally, someone to keep up with you!!!
Here is what I have been working on or reworking on....had some great tourmaline that I made into a bracelet, with a spiculated clasp, and I made a pair of spiculated earrings in honor of my mammoversary...
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I paid for my misadventures yesterday with a bout of tummy crud. Ended up spending a lot of the day in bed recovering. Just fine now. Got in a fair amount of work anyway, but just the basics.
Have a ton of work in the pipeline to help finance the boots and some of my other things. Including upgrading my cycling duds. Now that I have new shoes......
Funny story from my oncology visit. They asked about my energy, very gingerly so as not to hurt my feelings. So I told them the story about getting up at 4:15a following a brutal week of work, traveling to Sequim 3 hours each way via car and ferry, and THEN cycling 62 miles. They were convinced I was just fine, especially once I confirmed SIXTY, not SIXTEEN miles of cycling.
Below are the boots. Can't wait to wear them! - Claire
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Great boots!!! Where did you find them, Claire? I cleaned my bathroom, literally scrubed the grout with an old toothbrush. Now for some walking time....
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I "road tested" the boots yesterday and racked up compliments. They are super-comfortable, but you do need to learn how to "strut your stuff" in them! Got them at a Western wear/work duds shop here in Redmond when I was at the market on Saturday. I am glad I sprang for the better model.
Did a fair amount of walking yesterday as a trip to Flying Saucer Pizza on top of my walk. Yes, the pizza is that good, plus they have a good selection of microbrew. I must visit when I am able to partake which isn't lunchtime when I need to be productive in the afternoon!
Next Monday is going to be "interesting" and glad that I will be staying home. The eclipse is expected to create the most monumental traffic jam ever in the Pacific Northwest as people flock to Oregon to view it in totality. I shall be fine with >90% which will require walking to the golf course, but I am planning a 5k run. I am calling it the "Made in the Shade" Virtual 5k Run/Walk, which means anyone can participate.
The other hilarious news tidbit is that there is a regional shortage of porta-potties as Central Oregon gears up for the event!!
My colleague is attending with her family and I told her to make sure she brings toilet paper. Initially, she thought I was being funny, but then she got the point. 250,000 people descending on a town of 6,000, and camping out in fields? You want to show up well stocked! We were also recommending chocolates and wine.
Final observation as to why cowboy boots are popular with dudes - they add a couple of inches to your height!!!! I don't wear heels that often anymore and they are fun for that reason. But real dudes can wear them and look "taller in the saddle". A point I had somehow missed until yesterday....
Have a great day! - Claire
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It is always better to "spring" for a little bit better western boot. There is a huge difference in quality. I like Corral boot brand. I saw some shortie stetson's some years ago and loved them. I did not buy them, but I wish that I had. Sometimes, I feel a rocking sensation when wearing cowboy boots with a somewhat curled toe box. I don't like that feeling. I want to be light on my feet and comfy.
I think alot of us in the eclipse zone will be at home on Monday. I need to keep my dog in the house in case he would look at the sky. Apparently, we can cause eye damage looking directly at the sun. I am going to try to find out what type of glasses are needed to view the eclipse. I can't believe people are camping out to see the eclipse. We are in the path, so I might use my repainted outdoor furniture and have a little viewing party. I did get my cushions in from Pier One, and ordered a couple of extra. They were only 8 bucks, originally 35. I have to scotchgard them before I put them outside. They are indoor/outdoor cushions in a Tiffany aqua blue.
I am working on a beading project and have been focused for about one week. It helps me to forget the days are getting shorter here in Illinois. Yesterday, I re-wired a long strand of tourmaline, and today I worked on a really cool beaded feather looking pattern. I will post when I have time.
I hope everyone has a great weekend and gets to take in some of the eclipse view on Monday. I just love sci-fi.....
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Just had a surprise visit from my department of public works. I have a dead ash tree in my front yard. Arborist came on Wednesday, tree is now gone. I have to transplant my hostas to my back yard and hope they survive. I had a ring of hostas and curbing around my tree, which I planned to remove before the end of September. Low and behold, surprise, tree went today. Guess you know what I will be doing this weekend!!!! So, hosta luego, or hosta manana!!!
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OMGOSH, talk about hostas. It was 93 here and I moved several plants and dug trenches myself. After three plants, I could not take it anymore. The Tamoxifen makes me so hot, my face was beet red. I came in, took a shower, picked up some beading and looked out my front door. My husband was digging up the rest and had carried them to the back. Together we planted about 12 hostas. I have to water them in a couple of hours. They are all in the ground with moist black dirt, and line my tree and fence area. I am so pooped. I will never, ever complain about the cold weather, because the hot weather is just not tolerable, period. I will bundle up and go for a winter walk enjoying myself. When the thermastat reads over 80, count me out.
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In the midwest, I think our chances of dying from a heat stroke are great than our chances of dying from breast cancer. I am sure that the anti hormonals do not help the heat situation, nor the fact that I had a hysterectomy/oopherectomy. Even going to Walmart in this sickly, humid, heavy heat was enough to keep me in the house the rest of the day. Tomorrow, we have the eclipse. Where we are at, it will be close to 97%. I don't have glasses and don't plan to look up at it. NOAA will televise it, which will be much safer than looking at it. Tamoxifen and other AI's can cause vision issues, and I do not want to temp fate. My dog, Sylvester, and I will be beading and I will have the doggie door closed. I will look outside at the darkness, but not up at the sun/moon. Just not worth risking burning my retinas. The last eclipse in the 70's, saw 145 with retinal burns and various stages of blindness. I think that is so wierd because we are in the sun all day long the rest of the time. Is the solar eclipse sun stronger? The answer that I found is no. Input? What are your Eclipse Day plans??
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