My Husband, My Life, My Love, My Family, My Cancer
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Folks,
Please don't jump all over me for saying this -- but I think we're getting very close here to having a political discussion, and that's probably not that helpful to any of us. Like everyone, I understand "the American way" and how we are generally free to do our own thing, so long as it's lawful. But c'mon folks -- the purpose of any restriction on our freedoms right now is an attempt to SAVE LIVES. All statistics show that less contact equals less infection -- translation: we can help "flatten the curve" to give our healthcare system a chance to catch up so they can help all of us. WE are one of the vulnerable groups. WE need the healthcare system to be available for us. The message to me, therefore, is that we need to follow the "rules" the best that we can to protect ourselves and others.
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Chicagoan- I am in Southern Illinois. I don't feel like we are too restricted yet. I know people, that are not compromised like me, that are still going out to the stores (store hopping) to try to get items they want, going to drive thru/ curb side for meals, etc. They are not acting like they cannot step outside their homes. My neighbors across the street are going in and out, taking off in their vehicle, coming back, and back out again all day long.
And BevJen- I agree with you that this is to save lives, not infringe on our freedoms. What I fear is catching this and being told I am Stage 4 so I cannot get an ICU bed if needed. And that is what I am telling my group of friends--- that my life may hang in the balance, even if theirs does not.
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Good afternoon ladies
I have been isolated for awhile. I do go outside and do gardening. There’s always a lot to do inside and outside.
I also heard the news on the difficult decisions drs will make on who gets a ventilator and it sounded as if healthier younger people will get it before old people with life threatening diseases and such. I guess all this alcohol hand sanitizer and supplies better keep me inside bc some dr might not deem me save-able enough To treat me if I get sick.
Tuesday Dr appt. for shots I’ll be wearing a mask and gloves 🧤
If anyone is looking for alcohol we found lots in beauty supply store and at gas station store. I bought extra for my daughter and 5 kids. The kids are scared and stuck in the house. We live in the suburbs but to see tanks in the streets will probably fuel some unwanted reaction. Mostly everyone is armed to the teeth around here.
They have been having food and vegetable giveaways. The people just drive through pop their trunks and a volunteer puts a large box of provisions inside. Humans still are kind and thoughtful too
Tanya
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I agree BevJen.
The irony is the lives they are saving are people with pre-existing conditions & who are immune compromised. AKA us!!
I live in a very "disaster aware" area due to fires and EQs. We are accousomed to being bossed around by the govt when the govt is in lifesaving mode.
Even here, I had to ask someone not to push right up behind me at the grocery line. I said very politely, excuse me, we're supposed to be 6 feet apart." And she immediately backed up -- but WHOA so clueless!!
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I agree too Bevjen and I hate politics, so you’ll never hear me get into it. I also agree that some restrictions are necessary to protect us all. My only real concern is how close we get to crossing a line that some have determined is the tipping point. For me, staying home isn’t a big deal as long as I can walk outside and go to my medical appointments and so long as these restrictions are temporary.
FYI, DH is in the kitchen with our seed collection planning out a garden, not sure he sees this as temporary. Gotta keep him firmly grounded, although it never hurts to have fresh veggies.
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See this 7 minute speech from an Infection Disease epidemiologist from the University of Chicago.
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Candy,
Great post. Says it all.
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candy-678: I signed up for Shopping Angels on Friday. They are setting up shopping volunteers in as many states as they can.
Today, a shopping angel from my local town called. I gave him a list of 8 items I needed. He is out shopping for them. Will see how many he can find.
There is no charge for this service
I plan on spraying down any bags from today’s trip. And will let them set outside for a bit before bringing them in.
I am hoping my new angel will lower my anxiety about having to shop for my home and for my dad’s house.
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I do think people are misconstruing self isolation with only staying in the house. People are encouraged to take excercise outdoors. Keeps us stronger. We just don't want people in a large gathering in a small space. If people actually stayed home except for essentials, food, meds or doctors appointments that cannot be pushed back, the spread would be less severe. I actually hope that there is a mandatory lockdown so people are forced to stay home besides essentials
My SIL came to the apartment door and dropped off a mask she had left over from before this corona thing started. She sewed some Star Wars fabric over it. Looks pretty cool to me. Really sweet. I miss her and my brother.
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Mara~Thats awesome. About the cool mask.. I hope this doesn't last too long. For all of us.
loving the angel idea. What a smart idea.0 -
Dodgersgirl, that is great that you have a shopping to help you out. I feel more comfortable with a mask for getting groceries also. Going to stick to places that don't require a bus more often.
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Since we are all being kept inside we dressed our dog up! 0 -
Dodgers- Angel Program sounds good. Wish we had it here. I hope you get all items on your list---scavenger hunt !!!!!!
Mara- Fancy. Star Wars mask !!! Take a pic.
Mel- Maybe I can try to dress my cat. Not. Hahaha.
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candy-678: they are Shopping Angels in many states now including Illinois.. just not show how far south in Illinois. The shopper wore a mask and gloves. Went to 2 stores to get all but 1 item on my list. When there was a question, he sent pics asking if he had the right item. And they are not allowed to take tips (which I disagree with) worked out really well today
Micmel- love the puppy photo. So cute
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Hello Everyone,
just checking in. It’s been a strange couple of weeks with all the virus happenings. We just got a “stay at home” order here in Ohio. More stores and businesses will be closed. I’m staying home happily, worried like some of you, about my immunity being low.
I finished radiation on Thursday, just when the hospital was starting screening measures like questioning at the door and required handwashing before treatment. Nothing too severe at that time, but on Saturday they halted all visitors. DH and I are happy to be done with those daily trips. I have an even greater appreciation for healthcare workers. They keep showing up in scary times for the good of others, such dedication. Next up for me are scans on Friday, unless something changes. I haven’t had a bone scan for a year, (just chest, abdomen, pelvis CTs) so more nerves about that!
Take care all!!
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I think we should be able to qualify to shop early with the others , that are older and or compromised. All a girl want is some wipes ! Ill admit I want to go shopping but my online shopping will do just fine!! Look out, I’m on a quest. Believe it or not I’ve started Christmas shopping. I already have ten things purchased. I’ve decided I’m not going through what I went through last time. I blinked and it was thanksgiving. So each pay ive been buying one or two things depending what I see. It’s been keeping me busy. Today we cleaned the bathrooms DH & I together I’m so thankful he is here . I Don’t know what I would do without him and his calm being. I look at him and feel safer. My son stayed in all weekend. I was pleased . Good night lovely friends
Lynnwood~ thinking of you!0 -
Morning all.
Dodgers- I will see what I can find out about the Angel Shoppers. Thanks. Glad you got everything on your list but 1 item--Woohoo.
I need to vent. I have a guy friend. He is a guy and my friend, but not my "boyfriend". But we talk on the phone frequently. He is single like me. His life seems unaffected by all this virus thing. His job is one that is considered "essential". How do they determine what is "essential" I don't know. Anyway, he loves his job. So today he is excited about starting a new workweek. 8 hour days, 5 days a week. So no change there. He is remodeling his house. So he mentioned going by Lowes or Menards to pick up some items after work today. Yes, both stores are open--"essential" ??? He has a favorite restaurant. They ARE closed, for dine-in, but open for carry out. So he is going there for his supper. He went shopping for groceries this weekend at Kroger. Yes, out of some items, but he said he got what was on his list. The only sacrifice I see for him is that his church cancelled services on Sunday.
In the meantime, I am jobless due to the cancer. My volunteer activities have been cancelled. I have to shop online and/or wait for someone to volunteer to shop for me. I am fearful of going out in public and catching the virus. My counts are low. Even when my church reopens, I am fearful of being in the crowd. AND I have MBC.
Oh, and my neighbors across the street, husband and wife, both left for work this morning too.
I am getting to the end of my rope.
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Candy~Make some room on the rope for me honey! I’m coming along for the ride. Sending hugs. One day at a time
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Candy, I am feeling the same. I do live alone like you and I think it gets to people like us that much more. My position is a little different than yours, I don't feel afraid of covid, as I think my dealing with cancer so long has helped the fear of the unknown of the virus. I do take it seriously, only go for essentials like groceries and come straight home. I only keep track of the bullet points of what is going on here in Canada. I cannot watch constant coverage as I am an anxious person and don't need to stress out. I just need to know what is and is not allowed right now.
I had a bad, weepy day, very depressed and though SIL dropped off my wonderful mask she made from an old one she had, I knew that we have to stay away from each other. They will want to distance. Normally, it would not bother me not to see them for a couple weeks but knowing I am alone just hit me hard. Cried far too long. I realized last night, I have to maintain myself through this. Not being fearful of the disease, because I honestly am not worried for myself, I do take the rules seriously for quarantine, I am fearful of regressing back into my black days after Mom died and all of that.
For this reason, I have institued indoor walking regimen to combat this as exercise helps me best. I do 5 minutes of a brisk walk and take 1 minute rest and do this till the 5 mins go for an hour in the morning. I may do this throughout the day. I hope this will help my mood keep stable as I am very resistant to taking drugs. I also will abide the rules set out where I am and hope people do the same.
The only people I pity as I embark on my own mental health journey with the treadmill and songs is that my neighbours don't hear me singing. I tend to mouth the words to the song, even in public when walking but sometimes I can hear my voice. I am a terrible singer.
May we all be safe and find something that helps our mental health during these uncertain times. Once thing I know for sure, dealing with our disease is stresssful enough, let alone daily lives and family, we need to protect ourselves from too much covid 19 stress. Do not watch the news all the time or cut off coverage hours before bed. Do whatever you can do, just catch the bullet points, don't pay mind to worldwid events like Italy etc. Pay attention to your country and region as this is where YOU will be possibly affected. Good luck.
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Mara ~ Good points made there as usual!
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Thanks Mel. My mind is feeling better today from the exercise I did and I do my best thinking afterward.
Other than my exercise, I listened to updates about covid from my prime minister and then my Ontario premier. Keeping up to date that way. Not following too close otherwise.
Just doing some laundry and only outdoor activity today is taking garbage out. I have plenty of supplies. Just checking my spinach in the fridge and taking out the paper towel keeping them dry in my dryer, then putting back in package. Makes it last long enough for me to eat. I also wound up with a lot because my niece brought me a lot of it and I already had a nice big bag of it. No room in freezer to keep it either, lol
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Hello all, again.
I did walk on my treadmill yesterday and today- 30 minutes each day. Alternated slow and faster yesterday, but slow today. I am planning on walking 30 minutes each day. And the speed will depend on how I feel- emotionally and physically. Read some today too. Just hanging in there--this social isolation is hard.
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It’s gloomy and rainy and doesn’t help with the mood. I think this is anxiousness setting in for a lot of us. I’m trying to stay positive and realize somehow it has to disappear but what if we keep re infecting each other. I know we build immunity to it but we have none to start with. Makes me fear listening to anything. I’m just worried I don’t want to get sick. My son is still working. He’s essential. My DD is also essential. So they both work. I have a little tummy ache. But I’m thinking nerves?
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Micmel, I haven't posted for a while but read along everyday. I'm certainly finding that I am more anxious, it's hard not to be with all the uncertainty. Where I am in Canada, 5 senior care homes now have virus clusters, the number of cases is shooting up and everyday someone dies. It's out in the community so we don't go anywhere now. Like Mara, we're trying to limit our daily news intake....my hero is our provincial chief medical officer Dr. Bonnie Henry who stands up day after day calmly and clearly telling us what the science is showing; the current impact; results from actions today to flatten curve won't be seen for 10-14 days; this will get uglier before it gets better; It's up to us to look after each other by staying home.
My DH and I spend the day working on the yard, doing 1000 piece puzzles, listening to music, and we started an audiobook by Kathy Reichs. We’ll go for a drive later this week to get a change of scenery...to the cancer agency so I can get bloodwork, more drugs and see MO.
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Pots~Hello darling I always have you and stilivin in my mind. It’s good to see you and you can only self distance with your own. My dh and I don’t know what to think as far as when it is safe to go outside and talk to people. Regular store runs. Shopping just because we want to Maybe the good thing to come out of this is companies will see they can still be productive with telecommunicating. Especially, since id love to have my DH here more often. Then just weekends.
Hope everyone is sparkling sanitized!! Wipe a door knob for me.
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I think I have a head start of social isolation as an introvert and a writer. I think social distancing is my speed!
Luckily I do have my son at home for a few months. He just graduated from college. He is puttering on his resume and website and making calls to some of his contacts (nobody is hiring this minute but everyone has time to talk to him!)... he writes so I do have company but we both do our own thing most of the day and then cook for one another or cook together. We are planting a small garden. Organizing. etc.
I am THRILLED they consider construction essential. I am in the last 14 days of getting their new home ready and it would be a disaster not to finish it. I need to get them in my town asap!!
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My day ended pretty well. Did take the garbage out. Made a few dollars on my earning sites, watching videos, answering surveys etc. Talked on the phone with a good friend. Watched a couple of tv shows. Good day after my walk all in all. Whitened some socks soaking in oxyclean a few hours. Very mundane but good.
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Leaving links to a couple of videos. The first one is just humorous but the second one really nice.
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thanks for sharing Mara! It’s SUNNY outside today.... no rain. Maybe we will walk. My son and dd got essential Letters From their employers saying they can be on the roads. But the rest of us are “sheltered in place” crazy feeling just hearing that, something I have never experienced before....
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Mel, my brother works at a packaging plant here in london. He is the head of it and busy as hell. I did call SIL and ask if they would take me shopping but she said DB is super tired. I told her it was OK, I would go myself then. They have a security guard making sure not too many people in store at once and to enforce limits. I was able to get spinach which was good and garbage bags AND lysol wipes. Wore my mask but in the store but got so hot my nose started running.
Then a while after I got home, my niece called to ask what I need. I told her I went myself and she got upset at me. That I should not be going out. I said the chemo nurse said Herceptin does not knock back immune systems the way a chemo does. I believe her since I am rarely very sick at any time. Guess I will have to shop on the sly. I do not believe getting delivery is too much safer as we don't know how the person shopping the order is looking after themselves. At least when I am out, I know I don't touch face until after I get home or until hands fully sanitized. Kind of irritating to be told to stay in since I have to exit the building which could be germy to pick up the things they get.
Unfortunately, until this is over, it is a risk I take to get things, same as for everybody else BUT no riskier than it is for them who tend to get sicker than I do with the run of the mill things like cold, flu, stomach issues etc etc. Other than cancer, I am in better health than quite a few of them. I appreciate they want to help but I don't want encouragement not to take exercise outside walking either. I don't go a crazy amount of places, don't hang out in crowds and only go where allowed. Until I am ordered not to even go outside, I will take as much fresh air as I can and visit as few stores as possible to get groceries. On the plus side, I actually saw toilet paper in the store. Some progress is being made.
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