My Husband, My Life, My Love, My Family, My Cancer
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@mara51506 I am so sorry you fell but glad it was not a balance issue. I am so thankful you had family there to help you up.
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Hi everyone. I hope anyone in California area of the fires is/are safe and sound. We do have a family friend that works in the fire zone, but he's working remotely for now. So far his employers building is still standing. What a sad, sad situation. Prayers for the residents, first responders and all the animals. I never thought that area would suffer such devasation.
I tried to catch up on posts since I was away for a few days. Sondraf, I hope you heal quickly and get out of that germy hospital. As for cataract surgery, it is a piece of cake, but I sure would ask for meds if you feel you need them. They will occlude the one eye until time for surgery on that eye if you are not having surgery at the same time. Thank goodness you did not injure yourself Mara. It's usually my pride when I fall. Glad you had your family to help you. It is stressful to gauge driving, walking and appts., with this kind of weather.
Still haven't heard from Pfizer. Down to 3 doses and that's it. I do still have the 100 mg, since I was switched to 75 mg. I know you can't crush or cut it but maybe MO will ok it until Pfizer ships supply.
I did the iron IV twice now. Not a problem other than finding a good vein. 3 more treatments to go. I do feel a little more energy. What concerns me is the weight gain probably from the AD?
Made a lovely roast beast. Found an idea to slightly change the taste, add V8 juice. It was delicious. Leftovers will make a good veggie beef soup.
In pockets for scans, procedures, lovely nurses (such as Charlotte) and life in general.
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Thankyou Intolight and Irishlove, yes no injury that I know of, have been stretching legs and arms. Had to clean the floor as there was a lot of salt, my own salt on the floor but not a problem. I am grateful balance had nothing to do with it as well. I did have some pain in Walmart and was muttering ow but that has since resolved. Hopefully DB and SIL don't worry about it too much either. Still proud of no tears on my part, I would usually break down in tears but this time told myself to stay calm. I am OK with my cancer pain or symptoms but not good with anything to do with my own injuries or whatever. Oh well, the snacks and meals I got are well worth it.
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Well, decent night sleep last night, woke up today, shoulder a little sore but nothing else. Been stretching since I got up just now. Lucky all the way around for no loss of balance and for not hurting myself more on the pavement. Lost the PT exercise sheet so will do the stuff I remember, add some extra stuff to it from youtube. I mostly remember the leg and ankle work.
I am presently doing cloths in the smaller washer. Planning to wash blankets from my chesterfield that have not been washed in months. It will not take that long, pull out my drying rack, no heat, just the regular rack and take turns for the dryer. Those will go through larger washer of course, imagining lint filters being filled with fur but that is to be expected.
Not sure what else the day holds, debating a shovel in front of my building again with less salt put down. The steps last night were still pretty bare from the salt and we had lots of snow last night. I still have a shovel that can be put together. I will see how I feel after breakfast.
Got a bunch of english muffins, need to eat through freezer before freezing them but my muffins don't seem to ever get moldy. Planning more egg sandwich meals. Main stuff I got were the eggs, tea, chips (mostly for chopping in with other ingredients and some chocolate. Got more beans that were 50 cents per can I did buy a frozen pizza and did heat it to store in the fridge since I knew there was no room in the fridge. Only thing missing for me is a pizza cutter which I plan to save up for. Don't think I will need shopping for quite a while now which is very good. I am planning egg sandwiches for my first meal, cook eggs in small sprayed bowl in the microwave, add some beans and other frozen veggies, chop up with croutons, couple of chips and season with whatever I want to for later on. Might also consider cooked rice put in with the eggs as well, many different things to do with ingredients.
Edit, forgot all about the pizza, just made an egg english muffin, spread butter and put the cheese on one side, decided I needed two eggs so put those in a spray pan after english muffin was done toasting, added bit of mayo and just fell into it I did heat the eggs for 5 mins since I like them fairly firm. Later today, thinking will do the green beans and some cheese chopped into chips and croutons and heat those for a couple minutes with different seasonings, can decide later.
I do hope everyone has a decent weekend and in pockets for all those needing me including my own to get stuff done that I wish to do.
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Mara - So very sorry to hear about your fall, but equally glad to hear that you seem to be just a bit sore and nothing broke, etc. Like Irish noted, it is usually more a pride thing for me too than anything else - even if I do get seriously injured. Again, just so glad nothing real bad happened and that you had family there to help you. Take care and keep getting better; hug too.
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Threetree, yes it was lucky family was there and not painful, just a PIA. Not fearful of falls so much now, just need to pay more attention though the curb was covered with snow. Nothing too sore today either which is good, been stretching arms and hips and woke up just fine.
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@mara51506 so glad you are okay! And good to hear that it wasn't because you were dizzy or feeling off balance, although if course it's no fun whenever we trip over something.
@irishlove your comment "roast beast" warmed my heart, my family always called our pot roast that, thank you to The Grinch!
@snow-drop I had someone recently say to me, "you're REALLY stable with your cancer, aren't you?" And I chuckled and said there's no gradation of stability, it's just stable. And it's good enough on its own without the adverb. Sheesh.
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I caught the "roast beast" term also, but had never heard it before. Thought it was your own creation, Irish, but from what SFcakes says, it's from the Grinch? Whatever, wherever, it's a good one!
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@snow-drop Good to see ya, I agree with Mara on retirement. I felt a weight lifted when I retired, as it was too hard physically and mentally. It stinks that we are basically forced out of our lives from cancer and it's side effects. I hope you find peace with your decision eventually.
irish I also made a roast "beast" today, one of my favorite easy crockpot meals to make. I laughed when I read your post because I call it the same thing lol. The original grinch is one of my favorite holiday shows. Well I sure hope your hear from Pfizer soon, how annoying! Glad you have the 100's as a back up, fingers crossed. Happy to hear the iron infusions are helping restore your energy.
Mara Glad you are feeling ok after your fall. Hope that's your first and last this year!
Thinking of you Mel, hope your doing ok.
Oh my those fires…absolutely terrible. Praying for all in California.
Wishing all here a peaceful night.
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Well geez louise, I never have my door open as I do not like sleeping with animals, keep my door shut too. Well lo and behold, I feel something strange and my tuxedo Ava jumps on the bed first and then my orange Tigger. Startled me a bit, found that the door opens easily for them so will have to barricade the door, used to do it with the portable dryer, can do it again I guess. Still slept OK though, I credit the blackout sleep mask for that.
Nothing happening today, perhaps a bit of budget boosting with TV ads and mobile games that pay a tiny bit, some of the games are fun so don't mind paying those, water bottle sort games where you match the colours together are good too. Never get rich but they help from time to time.
Not too much laundry for me to do, thinking the blanket plan would be good, have not washed any of the sofa blankets as of yet so this is as good a day as any. Anything smaller in the repaired washer I think. I can feel a laundry marathon brewing up, use my rack to hold blankets since my dryer is small. Might hold one or two throws at a time. Felt like I was banging my head against the wall as the rack I want to put them on while other stuff dries would not assemble and kept collapsing. Decided to use two elastics to hold the ends and it seems OK now.
Planning a bean and egg meal, might put in the frozen potato as well, got to eat up frozen stuff and making eggs that way works well. Microwave the egg, beans and whatever else I chuck in for around 4 or 5 mins. Cook times longer in the smaller watt microwave. Once done, planning to chop it up with croutons, little bit of chips, got Doritos I could add as well as Sour Cream and Cheddar Ruffles. They add some good taste. Putting the chopped mixture in a sprayed pan with melted butter, turn heat up high, stir them together, turn off the burner and let it all go together. Main reason that restaurant food tastes better sometimes is the butter and oil it is cooked in. Later on today will have an egg sandwich OR do something with pizza with the melted butter and add cheese to the top. It will melt. Still got two of the ground chicken tubes from Walmart, will defrost them in the near future. I also have the frozen meals, I am thinking can heat them up and use them as sides for other meals. I will see.
Other than that, hoping everyone will have a good day, my arm is a little sore in the shoulder but considering I did not land on my head onto the unseen curb in the parking, I got off lucky I think. In pockets for anyone who needs me.
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Mara- Ava and Tigger must have been in heaven… mom’s door is open ! I don’t let Jordan and Igor in either, they would be knocking stuff off the shelves all night long. Or crying outside the door at 4 am to eat. We keep them in the front of the house at night. So glad you didn’t land on your head, oh my goodness. A sore shoulder hopefully will heal over the next week.
Sounds like you’ve gotten used to the smaller microwave for good results. I saw a sign in a bakery once that said butter equals love. Though I’m mostly plant based, I now bake with butter or put it on toast.. after these last two years off dairy, butter feels luxurious. Yum.Go Bills for whoever might be football fans, and sitting rooting for the Eagles right now. Taught a weekend workshop and feels good to have my feet up, cup of peppermint tea, dreaming of scones …
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rlshaller, I could not go without butter, not copious amounts but it really is good. Buy the butter bar to rub the bottom of the pan when heating things and the soft butter you can get at the store as well. I am used to the smaller microwave, usually just multiply time by 1.5 and still comes out fine. I did put my bigger spin dryer in front of the door so woke up myself.
Doing a small load of laundry but in bigger washer since I feel it would overload repaired washer. The little hankies I use for my nose go in the smallest washers and get hung over shower rod. It really is amazing how much lint my floating lint catchers pickup after clothes or blankets, pretty crazy. I have 3 floaters and the regular lint catchers the newer washer has, repaired one has 3 of them.
Having a weird breakfast today, 2 eggs, some potato cubes and peppers with beans. Put in sprayed bowl for 5 mins, bring out and chop up with cheese and possibly doritos in the chopper as well. Scoop the mix in another bowl and microwave 90 seconds or so to melt the cheese, season with mostly the sour cream and onion seasoning, garlic and taco with a little salt. Later can have the english muffin egg sandwich with cheese on the bun.
Garbage day today, will look out to see if I need a salted path, if so, still got salt to put into my container. Just want a straight path to the patch by the road. I saw the best snow clearing method online with a fellow, sitting on a lawn mower but he attached a large TV box and was driving down the sidewalk. Clever problem solving on his part, love ingenuity like that.
Hoping everyone has a good day, in pockets for all who need me and people with scans, surgery or anything as well.
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Mara Those kitties just wanna be with their momma lol. I'm with you , I have never let our dogs sleep with us. I would never get any sleep being I'm such a light sleeper. So a barricade sounds good to me tonight!
rischaller Boy those Bills are really good this year! I am an Eagles fans but a bit nervous being there are so many good teams this year..we'll see….
sondraf I hope your home and comfy by now been thinking of you.
@goldensrbest Thinking of you hoping you and your pup are doing ok.
@shanagirl Hey there you just popped in my head today Jersey gal, hope your hanging in there!
In everyone's pocket for a calm week , good scans and appointments, hugs to all
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Well, my goodness, I am still a baby. I did put out a bunch of salt so step was not slippery at all and yet was convinced that I was going to fall over. Got the bag put where it needed to be and made my way up the steps, was panting from the effort as well. Came in and started bawling. I need a new system for garbage, either lighter bags or something else. I did not slip or anything either so not sure what the issue is. I am sick of my mind making me feel scared about being outside when there has been a minor snow. The fall last week was due to not seeing a curb behind my brother's van at Walmart, it was covered in snow and I know very well I did not simply lose balance because of the snow. I may have to learn to walk in this stuff to get over the fear, take two spiked canes and go up and down my sidewalk, wear spiked boots as well. I will see or I need to walk at home and get more confidence in myself.
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Just getting caught up - been silly busy with grandkids 🏀 and 👯. DGD took🥇in a Poms duet.
Mara - so sorry you had a tumble. Happy that there were no injuries and that you knew you fell because of a curb covered in snow and not losing balance. I’m sure all the PT you have done has helped. Which is why it’s important to keep doing it. I’ve made a vow to spend 30 minutes daily on our recumbent bike as post PT from knee replacement in August. I read while biking and average about 8.5 miles in that time. I do an interval setting which combines flat road with hills. Helps knees and cardio!
Thinking of all of you. Sondra - still held hostage in the hospital? Candy - have you had cataract surgery yet? Mel - I hope you will have a much better year and that you will be ready to come back to us. Mara has done a wonderful job keeping things up and running👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Cookie - thank you for thinking of our dear Bella. Took her for lab work yesterday and the vet wanted to keep her for an exam. Good thing is that her potassium is back to normal and her balance in her back legs has returned. The nose growth is getting bigger and bigger and we went through all the possibilities of treatment vs. no treatment. Combined with renal disease, her complex medical conditions right now mean we just want to keep her comfortable in the last stage of life. She does have a UTI/possible kidney infection and was put on a 3rd generation antibiotic ($$$$). She has also lost 2# in 2 weeks so we will start feeding 3 meals a day (other pups won’t be happy). She also is being put on Vicodin for pain. I know it’s selfish, but I pray she passes in her sleep🙏🏻.
Here for pocket duty for all who are in need, which is everyone of us. And 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 for those in California.
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Goldens, in your pocket and Bella's pocket for her comfort and the three meals a day. It is not selfish to wish for a comfortable passing in her sleep, that is all we want for our furry family members. I hope she does.
As far as cardio, I do wish I could fit exercise equipment in the house, I regret getting rid of my own treadmill which folded up but I did not use it. Once there is less snow, will definitely take some walks as my walking is fine, walking around Costco and the mall are my favourites to do. I debate joining the gym again but not until after winter as realistically, I do know I would not likely go. Who knows, could save up to buy another walking pad that could fit under the couch but that is far off in the future.
Need to start laundry and do the dishes, I rinsed them but left them in the sink since I was tired last night, slept really well too which was good. Might wash up two largest blankets today and try out Panda spinner into a container, I will see about that later on as I do not want to haul two larger washers out of the tub.
I need to eat up my english muffins, the main thing with them is they really do not get moldy on me when stored at room temperature. I do like egg sandwiches but yesterday when I hit the inevitable what to have for supper question, just threw some cheese on both. It was very good. I still have a lot of food in both the fridge and freezer, not taping the freezer shut which is good, means space is better organized. Thinking this morning, will take one of my frozen pastas and add chopped green beans and cheese and heat it up, may add more seasoning after as well. I have frozen lasagna and frozen fettucine alfredo too. I will see. Got many mini pizzas and larger meat pies too. I also have tomato sauce in a couple cans I forgot about but I will see.
I do hope everyone has a good day and in pockets for all who need me as well.
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Oh Mara - You're not a baby! This stuff would be so frustrating and exasperating for anyone. You've been and continue to go through so much, and it really is the old "it's just not fair!" A person can only take so much, whether "baby" or adult. Nothing wrong with just opening that steam valve and letting it all out. Hugs!
Goldens - Wishing you and Bella all the best with this dog aging situation. It's another one of these situations that is just "too much" when it happens and there's just nothing for it, but to take it one day at a time. Sending hugs to you too, along with Bella. Maybe you could give her a little extra pet and tell her it's from ThreeTree.
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oh gals, life can be too much sometimes, I agree ThreeTree. Hugs to all. My DH says..it’s always something ! And Mara sometimes crying is the best release. We are traumatized and carry these triggers and for no good reason that we are aware of, we are balling. I can cry at game shows. Goldens Wishing Bella an easy last stage and a peaceful transition towards the end.
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goldens Your not being selfish at all, your being humane! You are doing all you can to keep her comfortable and giving her lots of love. I had the same thoughts with my 2 previous dogs, I just wanted to come down one morning and see they gained their wings. Sending you and Bella a giant hug and Busters sends kisses too.
Mara No way are you a baby! You are one of the strongest determined people I know. Of course you are being cautious which is normal. I have a treadmill which I use on really cold days but I much prefer outside walking.
Wishing all a restful night.
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Princess of Wales visited my cancer hospital today to thank the staff and meet with people on thr NHS ward. found out about it on the 6pm news!
I asked my nurse if there were vvip accommodations and she said there is an secret entrance not many know about, with a special suite where they receive treatment. She'll also become joint patron with William, which now makes why they took down the beautiful portrait of Diana above the piano in this one little foyer area. Perhaps they will put up two newly painted portraits then.
Should be home finally in the next day or two!
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Sondra-That's pretty exciting! Glad to hear you are headed home soon. How are you feeling? Does your hip feel better with the infection drained?
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Sondra - I read about that yesterday, but didn't think at all how that might be the hospital where you are! I should have made that connection. I do hope you are getting better and reasonably comfortable. I continue to think about you and wish you a trip back home very soon!
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Hello ladies
Had to catch up with a few days of reading. I caught covid first time. Had a couple of yucky days and today was able to eat a protein bar.
Sondraf I saw the princess and her remission news. I hope you’re feeling better and get home soon. It’s easier to be mobile at home.Mara sorry to read about your fall. When you explained the fear it causes you (icy sidewalks and uneven surfaces), I totally understand. Sending hugs 🫂. So funny your kitties snuck in for a night of snuggles.
Goldens you have a nice plan for Bella. She’s getting love and care. Thanks for sharing her pictures.
Mel I hope youre feeling ok.we all miss you.
Take care all
Tanya
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Tanya - Feel better soon! I had it in 2021?. It's no fun, but it does usually just come and go, so it shouldn't be long before you are good again. Sounds like maybe you are already on the mend.
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@sondraf exciting news to brighten your day. I had no idea you were that close in area. Praying you can go home soon.
Too tired to be more specific, but read through and am thinking of all you wonderful supporting ladies. Hoping to go out to dinner tonight. It will be expensive with us all but totally worth it as my DS and I have been in the kitchen so much.
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Sondra, that is very exciting indeed to be near royalty and that she will be joint patron with William. I am also excited you will get out soon and hope this all has made you feel better.
Tanya, I am not as fearful as before. I was very frustrated that snow covered up the curb behind the van causing the trip. When it comes to putting out the garbage, am a little bit fearful but realizing I should make smaller bags and keep tossing as I do. I will always keep stuff well salted.Thank you though.
Cookie, I think you are right, I do need to put my big girl pants on and just move through the snow as needed. Life is easier with deliveries, canes and everything else, in spring I have taken tours around the block as well. Pretty much decided going to march on my other stepbench, should make marching less noisy for people below. I also need to stop worrying about taking my time to coordinate movement like getting into DB van. Once spring and even summer come, do some walking outside, perhaps just around the block once hot but just walk.
Got wash on this morning in repaired washer as there was not enough to tax the larger washer with. Could wash bigger blankets and try the panda for the spin. Have to find bigger containers for it to drain into since it is no longer in the tub. Also need to clear my kitchen sink, I am very lazy about getting dishes done after soaking. Just need to pick up my habits and do better at finishing things I start.
Was lazy yesterday and only had frozen meals, today will be improved after everything is cleared from sink. Kiss will apply, Keep it simple stupid is what that means. Eat up eggs, on egg sandwiches, beans chopped up and put on rice type stuff, got tons of croutons and chips to fulfill that texture I want to have. May also open a can of lentils so I can use the cooking spray and butter to fry up some of them, love how they come out if I am hones as well. For now, egg sandwich with cheese on english muffins for my first meal, beans and rice with cheese for the second meal I think. If not may take the frozen dishes and put in precooked noodles in the frypan with butter and serve with whatever side I may choose. I will see what I am working with first. May also add to veggie stirfry from Walmart. Could make up a couple of meals or sides ahead of time. I will see what I decide. In the mean time, need to get myself off to bed earlier, finding myself going to bed around 3 and although I sleep well, not the best when working around appointments. Working bedtime back.
In everybody's pocket who needs me and wish all a really good day, thinking of goldens, mel and hoping Sondra gets out of hospital.
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@tanya_djamila Ugh covid….glad to hear you are heading in the right direction. I hope each day is a little better.
@sondraf Well Amen! I hope it's before the end of the week, fingers crossed. The Princess of Whales seemed very empathic to the patients when she made her visit. I don't follow the royals but she appears to be a sweet woman.
Mara You always have your "big girl pants" on. I think we are all just our own worst critic…………
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Mara, I fell on the sidewalk today. No reason, maybe a slippery leaf. Landed on both knees and hit my forehead hard. It bled for quite a while. It was the perfect finish for the morning. I had lab tests and it was the usual 3 sticks to hit a vein. I have a mental list of things I’m tired of. Others on the list are thin kinky hair and being too short to reach anything. I sure hope tomorrow is better
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Hi sweet ladies. Sondraf, hope you get home to your own bed, like yesterday. Good to hear you are finally healing. I had read the article on the Princess of Wales visiting the hospital. What a beautiful soul she must be. Wren, oh my word falling and hitting your head and the sheer frustration of 3 times to hit a vein, yeah tomorrow is bound to be better girl. Maybe buy a lottery tickets. Your luck has gotta change and I'm rooting for you. Goldens, ah my heart aches for you and your family. Sweet Bella, she has been a wonderful mascot here at Breast cancer.org. I pray that St. Francis hears your wishes and she passes peacefully in her sleep. Mara, I read some great advice about walking on snow and or ice. Sounds silly, but walk like a penguin. The author suggested looking it up on video, and that author was an orthopedic surgeon. Can't hurt to try it and if nothing else, perhaps it will give you a good laugh to see yourself trying.
An absolute crappy day for me. This was the 4th round of IV iron. It took 5 Sticks to get an IV in and even that one burned (they had to go with a super sensitive area as they were out of options). It's so sore some 12 hours later. Two areas are severely bruised. These RN's are all in the oncology dept. and most are super good. It has to be me. Dehydration, rolling veins. etc. My arm started to tremor severely and I think it frightened the lead nurse. I explained it happens when I'm stressed due to MS. Lost some tears from frustration. I rescheduled my Friday IV (last iron one) till Tuesday. I need a break. Tomorrow I finally get to see pain management doctor for the compression fracture of L4. I had radiation in the past, but it was primarily for the right side of spine. This is pain traveling to the left side and down my butt and back of leg. Hoping for cortisone shots for relief.
Nothing from Pfizer, called RX to go (handles Florida Cancer specialists rx and problems with Pharma companies. A patient advocate is working on it. Down to 3 days of Ibrance left and they are from packets that I had to stop and start, so I need 10 more tablets to complete 21 day round. I'll admit I am very weary and feeling low right now.
Hello to all that I have missed and know that I'm in everyone's pockets for scans, stability and a peaceful evening.
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