Uplifting and Lively Messages. No holds barred..
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I have bought marble there, my chandeliers came from there, some furniture for my niece's house came from there. Other than the condescending toilets, they have some interesting items. My doctor today told me that I can do the cologuard test and if anything comes back, then do a colonoscopy. She does not want to put me through the freaking torture right now, maybe next year. She also knows I am beating myself up over this, trying to move past it. Have not been eating raw veggies since. Ate an apple yesterday.
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I am also on the Cologuard plan, or rather its competitor. I think a vast improvement over colonoscopy. They are nearly as reliable (this is new in the past few years as now can do a genetic analysis in addition to testing for blood), and a minor inconvenience once a year. I'm in!!!
I am still on the soup-for-dinner plan so will be another day or so before I am ready to resume normal eating.
I plan to stay away from "Armitage Shanks" and his lot for a while, or at least when gathered in mockery of passers-by. - Claire
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Claire, you really got the brunt of of the stomach "thing." I could not look at a raw veggie or salad after my failed attempt at a colonoscopy prep. Found out today that my insurance will pay 100% of the cologuard. I see my BS on Friday and maybe a plastic surgeon to make my breasts match (need to do a tidy up of the areola.)
Went for a bite with my hubby tonight and had a really good salad at Red Robin - Mexican chicken with the trimmings. I will have the other half for lunch tomorrow. Last night I made tacos, as I was really wanting something that had some taste to it. It is weird with the house so quiet and the kids at the dorms. It is the first time in over 22 years that I did not have a direct caretaking responsibility for them. My daughter commuted last year, graduated high school last year 2016, and then I was diagnosed. I get to plan what I want to do now, and what my husband and I want to do now. This summer was very hectic with teens/21 year olds popping in and out of our house. First item on list: "get new bike tire and rim." Mine is bent.
One year ago, I had my lumpectomy. It is so hard to believe that I was diagnosed in the first place, and then went through surgery, radiation, oopherectomy/hysterectomy, introduction to Tamoxifen, iron, vitamin D.
Tomorrow is hump day, and I hope everyone is having a great week!!
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Deciding what to have for lunch, make a protein smoothie without dairy at the smoothie king....hmm....Made pulled pork bbq for hubby for dinner, and I am going to a volleyball game. I have got to get back to the swing of things watching my fav sport. I have about 8 games lined up this fall with a former coach of mine to go and watch.
I went to the phamacy on Monday and scored some Teva brand 10mgs Tamoxifen. It has been hard to come by since it was bought by Mayne, although Mayne is using the same manufacturing code. I am trying to build up a stash of Teva, which it seems I can do every 30 days with my insurance. I may have enough to get me through December. Hope everyone is having a great week!!!
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Michelle - where do you find the manufacturer of Tamoxifen? I am on 20 mg. Wonder how the oncologist decided on my dose?
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Varga, ask the pharmacy, if the pills come in the brown bottle. They can tell you who the manufacturer is. I like Teva, but Mayne bought Teva. Mayne is still manufacturing the exact Teva brand medication. I take 10mgs twice per day. So, I do get 20mgs per day, just broken up. I think it helps with side effects to spread it out.
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I take my 20 mg is one dose. I take it at night. My Tamoxifen is in a blue bottle. I am about ready to refill so I will ask the pharmacy. I have read on other threads that some women have side effects depending on the manufacturer. That's scary!
On another note, the hospital contacted ne about my "unpaid balance"......WHAT UNPAID BALANCE?????? Apparently I have a balance due on my biopsies that I NEVER received a statement for what insurance did not cover. I requested a detailed summary. Looks like we will be going over it all with the business office. I am not at all satisfied with what I received in the mail. Our hospital system is the most expensive in the state and my insurance company is fighting with them now. I am shocked at how much some of the things cost. That ugly surgical bra was $326! I could have brought my own for $35!
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Varga, I gave my hospital a royal chewing yesterday regarding a remaining balance on an MRI, after I had met my out of pocket. They told me they contacted my insurance company to revise its statement showing that I needed to pay a balance. I told them that I do all of my surgeries there, my kids go there, my husband goes there, etc. Last year we totalled over $200,000 in services, due to an accident my son was involved in and my bc. I had an audit on the bill every, single month, since January. Do you know what they did? They wrote it off, finally. After fighting since last year about the balance, they got tired of my complaints. My insurance statement showed that I had a zero balance due the provider.
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Down 4 more pounds over the summer, and that is even on Tamoxifen. Saw my BS today, and I will have to wait until my weight loss is at goal weight for having surgery to match my breasts. Even more reason to keep moving. I had an amazing meal with my husband at our lake club.
It really is weird not having the kids around. I took a box of zone bars and a couple of dresses, that my daughter had at the tailor, to her school. I was lost and I asked a guy where the Student center was at, and had my daughter on the phone at the same time. He had an English accent, and he was her age. I told him to look up my son on campus, 'cause my son is pretty cool. That way, Isabella could meet him through my son.... She was so embarrassed on the phone, as I told her that he had a voice like Siri, but British not Australian... She was busy making dorm decorations. My son is a senior and my daughter is a sophomore. They fit in very well on campus and get a degree from a major institution, even though it is just 6 miles away from our house. I am glad that everything worked out so well, because I caught hell for not sending them further away. They are both well adjusted and really like their school.
I have been working on some fancy earrings, and they are too cool. Oh, today I wore the pants that I wore last Friday - colonoscopy day. I told my husband, (chuckle, chuckle), that I was wearing my colonoscopy pants. It just sounded funny...
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Congrats on the weight loss, Michelle. Earrings are gorgeous! Congrats too on the zero balance.
I am back at full energy and had two culture evenings in a row. The first was actually work, where I was paid to observe attendees of an outdoor arts event. Tonight's was a re-interpretation of Giselle. Both were wonderful fun.
Got a major compliment from my research client, so very stoked about that. More to come.
I chose a very bad seat for tonight's performance. Wonderful view of the stage but I was seated between some people who mentioned how small the chairs were. For some reason, they fit me just fine.
Lots to do this weekend. Major bike ride tomorrow as my body thinks it's on vacation and needs a bit of straightening out on that topic. Writing up last night's observations. Plus a research proposal, the report I am working on, and text for an mass email. A few other items I can't think of at the moment......
Off to bed on this balmy late-summer evening. Can't wait to wear my fall clothes! - Claire
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Thanks, Claire. Two culture evenings, wow. My two evenings were a really wonderful dinner at our lake club, and a movie - The Hitman's Bodyguard, tonight. It feels so weird without my daughter. I had not realized how much her light filled our lives. My son popped in today to do laundry, and he is always fun.
Good that you are back to feeling like yourself and had a major compliment on your project. I plan to start walking tomorrow. Today, I had a scratchy throat and really did not accomplish too much. I did tidy up some of my beading "things" and forced myself to go to the movies. I know my husband misses the kids too, so I wanted to get him out of the house. Hopefully, the sore throat will be on its way soon!!!
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Felt better today, and did not overdo it. Just went back up on my Tamoxifen to 20mgs a day. Had to go off before the colonoscopy prep, known as B.C., because it can bother my stomach if I don't take it with food. Another evening out with my brother in law, sister in law and husband. Had another great grilled chicken salad. I feel so much more free now that the kids are in the dorms. My son has managed to make it home every day. His friends just show up with their cars, motor cycles, you name it. I am working on some pink jewelry pieces, just because I like pink as an accent color. I plan to wear a hint of pink with navy blue this fall. Here is a pic of my salmon salad from Friday night's dinner at our lake club.
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Looks delicious Michelle! Have been busy since getting home from Florida. School started back here last Monday so grandson (11 y/o stays with us 99% of the time) is gone during the day and I am finally able to get my routine back in order. First time since December! Feels good. I still have my girl with me 24/7 which is my typical normal. I can't imagine having an empty house. I might enjoy it for a little while
Claire - what kind of research projects are you working on?? Your life sounds so interesting!
Having the family over for Labor Day. A total of 16 I think...4 of the six grands wI'll be here. Enjoy your day!
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Wow, that looks so delish!
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Wow, Varga, you will never be an empty nester. You have alot of responsibilities on your shoulders.
Beach, as good as it looks, it was twice as good eating. Such an amazing chef.
Did I tell you girls what my breast surgeon said? My favorite words, "see you next year!!!"
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Thursday evening was attending an outdoor arts event as an observer to get a sense of the audience. I wrote the report today after finally figuring the easy way to get pictures off my phone. Because you can't easily email 40 pix!!! I am working on a proposal for another arts organization project where I will be part of the team, and most likely writing the report. I am also working on a pre-advertising study for a business certification organization and their ad agency. I am writing the report, had input to the questionnaire, and watched the field. So basically an assistant project director for my client.
He is just thrilled with my work. I have one other project in the queue from him, with more to come in 2018. Plus the post advertising survey of course. (Did awareness change?)
Not to forget my nonprofit work, but have decided that I need to focus more on the research end of what I do as things are picking up in that direction and I can't do it all. I worked all of today, if that gives you any idea. True it was blistering hot, but I would have loved a cycle and swim, but I found a data problem, so had to put that right.
Victory today was a small tomato on my plant so quickly picked it and brought it inside to finish ripening before anyone (raccoon or deer) decides it looks tasty. Sipping a lovely blood orange, lemon, and vodka cocktail with borage blossoms on top. So decadent and my own invention.
I need to get some potatoes and sweet potatoes in the oven, so that I am fed/ready to go for the week. Can't wait for cooler weather. But I did get in 85 miles of cycling Saturday-Sunday, so calling that bad boy good. (Only a 3-mile walk today.) - Claire
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Claire, do you bake your potatoes and make your food for the week? What do you top them with? Tonight I am making chicken taco soup, with corn, tomatoes, red pepper, onion, raw jalapeno, black beans, chicken thighs with skin off. Flavored with a touch of salt, cumin power, pepper, chili powder. I had so much that I had to use 2 crockpots. I thought I could freeze some or leave some in the fridge. I don't mind eating leftovers, but my husband does not eat them.
It has taken me two weeks to get my Tamoxifen back up to 20mgs. I have walked a bit today, and have plans for alot more tomorrow!!
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It's still warm (and very murky air here from all the forest fires) so it was Caprese Salad with beans for dinner which was delish with Italian mozzarella. Some of the small roasted potatoes went in that. I rotate food in and out of my menus. The leftover salmon burger from last night will be tomorrow's lunch. I plan ahead, and will do something like roast beets for one meal, and plan the rest for salad. (Which I still need to do as has been way too hot to roast.)
Tomorrow, I am planning brats of some description (have 3 different types in the freezer) to go with potatoes and roast beets?
I might do chicken thighs again soon, but with skin as I think they need it when roasted to have any flavor at all.
But as I have been craving fish recently, that could change. And it's off to the farmers market on Saturday. That will dictate next week's menu. - Claire
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All your foods sound yummy, Claire. My chicken taco soup turned out really, really good. It is almost like a vegetable soup, with chilli powder and cumin. My husband thought it was good too. After dinner, we went trail riding on ATV's, and I added in more walking (which I plan to up my game today). First time I had driven an ATV and it was bit scary, but I am careful. My son had carved out amazing riverside trails on our property, and next time I will take pics. With my allergies, I never went there, into the thicket with Bambi. I did go on a boat, when it had a 500 year flood. The deer are glorious, and my husband plants tons of food for them, tons. So far, no animal has died on our land, at the hand of man, which makes me happy. I prefer to think of it as a sanctuary. The deer come up to the cameras and smile, truly smile. I tell my husband that they are thanking him for such care and feeding
and that they are our friends. We are truly blessed being able to observe nature in a peaceful, undisturbed place.0 -
Michelle - we had a doe and 2 fawns come through our back yard yesterday. We have a few deer pass through often. The largest group had a total of 5. I so enjoy seeing them! Our home of 17 years was on 28 acres. (MY HOME! I didn't want to move) our current home is on 1.5 acres in an older neighborhood that is close to a middle school so it's well keptes. (With the exception of the neighbor directly across from us...smh!) We had so much wildlife at the old home so I was surprised there was so much here at the current house. (It's closer to being called home but just not quite there yet)
Today I guess I will join the " get ready for the storm" crew and get the floats out of the pool, get all the kids outside toys put away and anything else that will blow away!
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I haven't been on this site for months. I just wanted to stop in and say hello. I skimmed through some of the posts and it looks like all is well with everyone.
I have been doing well. Currently recovering from my oophorectomy that I had on 9/6. We have been busy with lots of music concerts and a labor day weekend trip to Myrtle Beach S.C. Our youngest son just started his sophomore year.
I had my last zoladex injection in August and still take my aromasin daily.
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Varga, hope everyone is well and safe in NC. I have been watching the news coverage regarding Irma's destruction. It must have been a large adjustment for you, going from so many acres to a neighborhood environment. I am happy in my neighborhood, my 100 year old home, and my small back yard. It is enough for me.
Logang, I am glad that you finally had the surgery. How are your feeling? I was walking the day of, and kept moving to prevent blood clots. I really am so happy that I had it done, as having a cycle for so many 38 plus years was taking a toll on my iron levels. My iron is perfect now, and I have plenty of energy. I think I walked over 11,000 steps today. When can you start walking again?
Other than walking, strolling with my dog, hanging out with my husband, my life has turned very quiet. The kids are in the dorms, no friends running in and out, and it is downright weird. I have made several pair of earrings, just came back from a volleyball game where my friend was coaching, and am now planning on attending future games.
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I am back to working feverishly with deadlines everywhere. I think though that I should be in good shape with the market research study I am working on as sent a draft to my client. Thankfully, he is safe, although sideswiped by Irma. All went well with a client presentation yesterday, and I'm making headway in all directions. I can't wait for some time off, though.
Just gorgeous here, and hopefully we will get some real rain soon. I just love this time of year. I can't wait for it to be cool enough to wear my new St. Laurent sweater and Akris jacket.
Just got off the phone with my business partner, and she is coming to Seattle on business!!! Will be wonderful to see her. Hope too that we get the arts project. Not sure how I am going to manage everything, but I always do.
Hoping everyone gets to enjoy September...... Oh my, we are almost half way through it, which reminds me that I had better dig out my estimated tax forms and pay up. Life is good. - Claire
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Not sure when I will be clear to resume my normal, but I follow up on the 18th with my GYN. I have over done it a few days and had over 6000 steps. Still sore, especially my right side, but it hasn't even been a week yet. She did tell my husband that there was some scar tissue and I remember that I did have a very large ovarian cyst when I was pregnant with my oldest son who is now 20. I go back to work on the 21st.
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Claire, again, you are such an inspiration. Please post a pic of your YSL and Akris ensemble, so we can appreciate vicariously. Congrats on all the work that you do!! Illinois weather is quite nice, this time of year. Air conditioner is currently off and window is open.
Logang, you will be back in saddle soon, just enjoy some Netflix/Amazon/Xfinity while recovering. I am so happy that I pulled the trigger when I did, to have surgery without the zoladex. My mind and body are more intact, and my iron level is perfect. It has been a very long time since I have been above 11.9, and now resst at 14.4 hematocrit. I was able to resume my vitamin D therapy last week and really feel amazing.
I am so grateful for everyone on this thread. Thank you for sharing your day with me.
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I am finally through the crunch with (well, almost) everything in hand. One more slide for the report and survived the other "excitement" this week. It's been quite the time. I will be catching up with exercise and with life this weekend.
Made the most amazing dinner tonight with a veggie stew and grilled chicken thighs. Food for the gods. I added leftover runner beans and rice to the mix. To die for!!! I invested in a bottle of good wine for a change as thought I needed to celebrate surviving the ordeal of the last 2 weeks. I am hoping to repair to the wine bar for some good tipple plus hopefully some jazz tomorrow night. I am scheduling in a burlesque/dance show "Burlesco Divino: Wine in Rome" for next weekend. Wonderful costumes, and just a romp. Plus, you never look at a glass of prosecco in quite the same way.
Promise pix of the new designer duds.
I still want to get out for a spot of vineyard camping before the snows arrive......
More about the show here: scroll down and have a look at the video if you dare
http://verlaineandmccann.com/shows-and-tickets/burlesco-divino-wine-in-rome/This might mean that I need to have a glass or 2 of prosecco while there. A girl can dream...... - Claire
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Okay, Claire, what do you put in veggie stew? I really like to use seasonings for mid eastern or mexican fare, in most of my cooking attempts. I stay away from salt and sugar, but love seasonings. I just warmed up some of my chicken taco soup from last week, as I had frozen in a cube container. It was still yummy. Sounds like you had a really great business week! Vineyard camping sounds so glamorous too. I checked out your review/show, and it was fun. I was surprised at the LA/NY flair that Seattle has in show business.
Yesterday was exasperating. I was waiting on a package, that was supposedly diverted to my p.o. box. Somehow, UPS found an address of one of my father's properties, from 30 years ago and attempted delivery to an empty lot. The driver said he left it at the door of that address. I drove by and took a picture of an empty lot, which I shared with the UPS manager. If that was not enough, they actually delivered my package with financial papers, with my address, and other forms of identification, to a random person, on a random street. I went out to the office and waited 1.5 hours until they retrieved my package. I was not leaving until they remedied the situation.
This weekend I will be staging a house for sale for a friend, and attending a dedication ceremony for a new building at my daughter's former high school. My husband was on the building committee, so we want to show our support.
Have a fun weekend ladies!!!
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I'm back!! It's been a very busy...week or few days...not sure the last time I posted! I have been reading along must no time to respond. The storm skipped right over our neighborhood. The electricity was finally restored to the last 250 people last night. Most had been without power since Monday night. So hard to believe that a hurricane can destroy multiple homes, businesses in small towns this far in the mountains. Some schools are still closed two counties over! Today is a beautiful day which will help with storm clean up for many.
Michelle- it was hard moving to a busy street. The traffic has nevery bothered me at all but the thought of having actually people that might possibly look inside my house freaked me out a little! I would close all the blinds and the curtains it was ridiculous! After 4 years it doesn't bother me at all.
This past week I have played with g-babies. Baby Charlee is 6 months old now and is happiest g-baby! She is also the smallest baby of the 6. Her brothers were so big!
Got to answer a text will be back soon...hopefully!
I'm back! The message was from my DD. It was pictures of the 2 little ones. We are attending a memorial service for one of my Meals on Wheels clients. I have delivered the same route for almost 11 years and I love all my clients. Some I have delivered to for the entire 11 years. My DD and the g-babies go with me often. Ms. Pat who passed away was my DD favorite. After the service I hope to enjoy the sunshine. I'm making stuffed shells for dinner. DH is working at the rental properties today. SIL is working with him as well. Maybe I can get DD, SIL and the g-babies to say for dinner.
Have a restful weekend. I'm at 22,589 steps already today!
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Will post more later. I awoke this morning to a dead and hot mobile phone. So off to Sprint for an upgrade. Fortunately, it came back to life enough to transfer data. Still figuring out how to do the basics. I am awash in accessories as I had $500 in credits. Christmas in September!!!
I also finally fixed a problem with one of my email accounts, so now the "from" reads Claire and not "CLAIRE". Major step forward.
Last real day of summer here and quite smoky from the fires. I did get off for a ride and took pictures. Which I will post once I get all the pieces sorted out. Wonderful food as the end of summer. Ratatouille on the agenda for tomorrow.
The good news is that I have time for this sort of stuff this weekend. Score was finding amazing black patent platform pumps yesterday. I don't need shoes like this very often, but some of my clothes are crying for something other than flats. Clark's of all places. Did I mention they fit and are comfortable? Will be rocking these pronto plus think I will want another pair of something I can run around in.
Was wonderful to get on my bicycle following the mobile phone excitement, if only for 20 miles today.
Off to bed and looking forward to much less excitement tomorrow. Boring sounds ideal. - Claire
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Discovered that happiness is figuring out that your planned prawn sauce for the fresh fettuccini you bought at the market last week would be greatly improved with the addition of saffron.....and that you have it in your larder! I am soaking in white vermouth so that I extract the full flavor. Will serve with the amazing runner beans from the market yesterday. Plus Maison Chardonnay from the wine bar.
Major work challenge facing me tomorrow. Wish me luck. That said, my new motto is that whatever I do henceforward will be on my terms.
Nearly up to speed with new mobile. Just a few more apps and configurations to do. Victim of what JB Wood refers to as "complexity avalanche". This was several years ago and things have escalated since then.
Which brings me back to life's pleasures. I am assuming that the pasta will be delish as will be the tabbouleh salad I am making for the week, not to mention the ratatouille in the oven.
Deliciousness awaits. - Claire
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