Can we have a forum for "older" people with bc?
Comments
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What a huge difference 24 hours ( sometimes even less as in this case ) can make. Yesterday morning the sun was out and it was reasonably warm for us. By mid-afternoon, it was cloudy and gray and early in the evening hours ( I came out of school at 6 p.m., it was blowing and snowing. We thankfully did not get that much snow but the drive home in the dark was really not fun. Because of the big temperature drop I was a little nervous about possible ice on the road. Did stop when I turned on our country road and engage the four-wheel drive -- and got home just fine.
Carole, due to having some left-over neuropathy in my feet -- I considered trying a 'cream' for diabetic people ( I work for a Dr. so felt certain I could get some ) but I never did it. About the time I was having those thoughts -- it seemed to improve enough that I didn't feel the need. Still there ---- but just enough that if I become involved in something -- I don't think about it until I become quiet enough to 'notice' it again.
It is VERY tiresome and wearing on us to have a rather constant pain of some sort. That is a big stressor and really shouldn't be taken lightly, but then until you find someone who is 'highly skilled' in being able to diagnose and treat, you are at the mercy. I sure hope you are able to find that certain person/Dr. or whomever who REALLY knows and can give you sound advice or what to do.
Cammie, I got a big kick out of your and Chevy's client "lists". Never in my wildest dreams, did I ever think when I first signed up so long ago to BC. Org, that I would one day be laughing over something like this. I mean, you know, we were all so serious ( translate serious to so very much fear ) and so apprehensive about our futures when we were diagnosed -- I don't even recall just when it was that I realized that I could laugh again and REALLY mean it completely without nagging fear coming along for the ride. We are all so fortunate here in these friendships we have made -- a little of this, and a little of that and a wonderful mixture. My heart warms up every time I open up my favorites list at BC. Org. I feel such anticipation to check in and see how everyone is doing.
So big hugs to all and as always -- sending lots of strength and care and positive energies to anyone having issues.
Blessings
Jackie
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Hi, ladies
Jackie- I agree this is my favorite thread and one of few things I look forward to visiting each day. I feel we have truly become friends. Just like most friends at the start, we had something in common, BC, and of course we still share that, but we have grown from that into a group of friends that just plain enjoy each other.
Speaking of enjoying, I went to lunch and a movie with a friend yesterday. Our daughters were very close church friends from the time they were in middle school. We were friends, too, but more in a church family kind of way. Her daughter moved to Ga, about an hour away from where I am, several years before Nancy moved here. When she heard of my diagnosis, and that I was being treated here in Ga, whenever she came to visit her daughter, she came over to visit. When I was comfortable driving, we met at the Mall of Georgia for lunch. Then she called me one day in Fl, and we met for a movie and dinner. Long story short, she is as lonely as I am. She is married, but it is one of those marriages that is now more a marriage of convenience, and for years they were together for the kids. She called several weeks ago to see where I would be this week, because she was coming up for her granddaughter's birthday. When she told me she was flying home Sun, I immediately called and made reservations on the same flight. This has become one of the silver linings of my cancer journey- someone on the fringes of my life has become a friend. We are already planning another movie date when we get home.
I realized this week that while my time with Lucia aggravated my lymphedema ( I forgot to take my sleeve), I actually moved much easier and with no pain. I usually have some pain in my upper arm/shoulder area when I raise my arms. She also had me sitting on the floor and getting back up several times each day, which became easier to do each day. Back at Nancy's I am back to where I was before the visit to Lucia. So I guess I am one of those that has to be hit with a 2x4 - or in my case a 20lb tornado, to finally get the message - I have to begin some regular exercise. I plan to look into it as soon as I get home to Fl. I also have the incentive of getting strong enough to handle several days of walking Disneyworld at the end of March.
Prayers and hugs for Sandra, Mike, Blondie, Mommarch, Carole and everyone else
Anne
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I went to see the podiatrist again yesterday, exactly a month after my 1st apptment. He seemed impressed that I was "all in" in following his directions and there was still no improvement. He did some diagnostic things, like testing sensation on the backs of my toes. I wish he would have included me in exactly what he was testing, but he didn't. He apparently concluded that the next step was a cortisone shot because he gave me a shot just below my toes. It wasn't terribly painful, which was appreciated. My mother has had cortisone shots in her knees and her shoulder and she had told me how painful they are. The needles are very large and the point goes into the inflammation.
Oh, I just remembered that my dr. said the problem could be a pinched nerve. My foot only hurts when I stand for quite a while or walk a good distance, especially on a concrete floor. Like a supermarket. I said to the dr., "I guess my days of exercise walking for 3 miles on a pavement are over." He answered that he hoped not.
I decided that maybe I should start testing my sugar level, having been dx'ed pre-diabetic. So I went to a pharmacy, bought a monitor but didn't have the knowledge to buy some strips. The pharmacy employee suggested I get my dr. to write a prescription. It's time for a checkup so I'll discuss the matter with my PCP.
Time for a weather report! It's sunny and cool here today. The temp. is in the 40's but will warm up to 50's. Tomorrow will be warmer and it will be 70 degrees by Sun. This has been a cold winter for us, but very tolerable. I don't really mind cold as long as it doesn't rain too many days or stay overcast.
Hi to everyone and concerned thoughts for those dealing with health problems. Sandra, we appreciate your updates on Mike when you have the chance to post.
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Perhaps one of the greatest rewards of meditation and prayer is the sense of belonging that comes to us.
~Bill W.0 -
Good Morning Ladies
Carole I'm glad u went to the Dr. and I hope the shot works, cuz when it does it's supposed to be really good. Is he just guessing about the nerves or is it a fact. I never know with Drs. and soooo many people I know are getting cortisone shots lately and for the most part they've been good. So I hope it does it's job. And for painful I think who administers it make a bit of a difference.
Well thanks or the weather update Miss 70 degrees out--we're freezing here and more snow on Sunday, but u go ahead and enjoy u'r temps. and o course without guilt as u seem to have none anyway.
My phone started early this morning so I'll see how the day goes
I'm all behind on my Dr. stuf so I'll call today and see if I can get in next week and I'll go for my tests before, so I havde to get it all straight. Which at this time or anytime I never do. So she's used to that.
Hope everyone has a good day.xoxoxox
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Good morning,
It is fine here. The sun is muted a bit right now, but the clouds are high and it should be brighter later. Our temps are going to move up and be very nice ( 60's ) on the week-end. I think after that we may be having to think rain -- but till it changes again I'm just going to enjoy what the weather people say is coming up shortly. I'll think about " the other " when I am forced to.
Carole, I sure wish a bit more had been accomplished with your Podiatrist, but then it is a specialty and so it does seem there could be an answer ( like a pinched nerve ) that he may not be equipped to find. I think it is likely good to have your sugar tested -- though a regular blood test could give you that information too. Your Dr. may have information on that to share if you have had a blood panel done lately. Otherwise -- may be he would order it for you. Here where I live Srs. can go to the local county health office and at reduced price get full panels or specific things tested. The tests are far cheaper for us there and YOU are given the results that you can then take to your Dr.'s office visit.
You may be familiar with what your area offers, but I did not find out about our local health department services until I took the ( health and dietary ) classes which I still refresh from time to time, at our Rec Center. You might want to check into this in your area. I'm not so sure how available some info might be 'anywhere' if you don't have at some time, some reason to be searching for services for Srs. or other categories. In fact, anyone who has a nearby county health department may want to check. I was amazed at all this department handles in our area. I'd have never likely found out save for having taken the ( mainly for the dietary info ) classes that I did at our local Recreation Complex. Just thinking sometimes -- there is a lot out there for people who might never find out if you don't know to look -- and I sure didn't.
Anne, I'm really with you on the exercise. I dislike it, but it is VERY, VERY important, and especially for the 'ahem' older crowd. Gravity plus age is not a fantastic combination and science based information indicates that so many falls in older people are from lack of exercise. Some situation comes up and the weakened support system we all have -- just no longer is strong enough to keep you up-right. A little stumble that you might have once recovered from will have you down on the ground. I know what happens to me when I don't exercise -- and I might add -- my teacher at the Rec Center does say --- sitting too long for most people is one of the biggest things that get us. She also says --- three 10 minute bouts per day of exercise often will do more for you than a half hour straight. It just boosts the body more to break it up in smaller periods. I'm sure there is likely some information on the Internet here and likely charts for your age and physical condition so you could probably design your own program -- though it is also likely that your Dr. should have some idea about you and your needs and approve anything you might wish to do.
Anyway -- just some things to bear in mind which may be good info for a lot of us. I know I have some changing and re-arranging that needs to be done and A REAL commitment to be made.
I'll will see you all later and thoughts and prayers for all who are dealing with medical issues, and rehab issues and just issues. My prayers and thoughts are still very much at work.
Blessings,
Jackie
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Morning from Freezing New York State. Was 0 this morning, but the sun is out now. The birds are devouring all the seed and suet we put out, and the wood peckers aren't satisfied, they are attacking out log house again!
Carole, for what it's worth, if nothing works to help your feet, I had terrible tendonitis for a long time. Then when we went on a cruise there was a certified acupuncturist in the spa. I listened to her talk, and with much skepticism I decided to give it a try. Had 1 treatment, no result, BUT, the next day the pain was gone and I haven't had it return in 2 years. Figured I had nothing to loose but some money, and now I am a believer!
Yesterday was a fun day, DH went to the dentist to have a tooth pulled. They took his blood pressure , it was sky high. This is not the first time, they say he has "white coat syndrome"! Anyway, no extraction, off to the cardio, where it had decreased, but his BP med was upped. This happened after open heart some years ago, upped his meds, he got home the BP was too low! He had seen his primary Tues it was 120. At that visit the primary heard something in the carotid , so a doppler was sched. , cardio moved that one up, we are waiting for the results on that. Seems we go from one thing to another. What wud the drs do without us seniors?
Jackie, yes I sure need to get out of the recliner and back to the gym , or something. We had a senior gym for a while. It was great. Went at your own pace, no beautiful young bods to contend with. It didn't bring the Chiropracter enough new patients, so it is no more!
Trying to enjoy the sun while it lasts, more snow forecast Sunday to Tues.
Jean
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Our senior center has multiple exercise classes, Tai Chi, Yoga, hikes, etc. You don't have to be a senior to participate.
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Hi gals - It was good to read three pages of this thread and catch up on the news. As a woman of Finnish descent I loved the quote from Jackie about little stars shining. And who doesn't love Leo Buscaglia. Thanks for those quotes. I do believe acupuncture could help the pain in your foot Carole. I firmly believe there are spots on the bottom of our feet where nerves can be accessed. I use essentials oils myself, and found that some oils on the bottom of my husbands feet could help him breath easier. Crazy, but true. Talk of exercise always interests me - a basically sedentary person. But I've upped the amount of steps I take daily and it has helped with energy level overall.
I've been involved with the completion of the basement remodel after the hot water heater flood. It is all now recarpeted, painted, bathroom torn out and redone. It is now my new clown studio since my upstairs studio was too full to walk into. I even have three separate areas: magic, balloons, face paint. And the spare bedroom contains my costumes. Make up is now in the bathroom down there, so my main living space doesn't look quite so much like a circus explosion. It will be a little lonesome here now that all the workmen will stop coming and going. It's been a great socializing experience for my young, gigantic golden retriever.
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Good Morning ladies--
U know I do forget how many pressure points on our feet, but there are loads--even I u have a cold they say load the bottom of u'r feet with Vicks and put sox on and it will help all the coughing and aching. So who knows it really might help u Carole.
Oh Jean what a fiasco for u and u'r DH, but then again it might be a blessing if they know what to do to help him. And that syndrome is awful actually, but I know for myself I'm pretty OK with it now
Mimi glad u have so many things taken care of--oh who's going to miss those guys coming in and out--Oh the dog OK if u say so. U must really have lots of work going on, u'r always so busy with jobs, that sounds like u'r having a good time--It's all good.
And I agree the Drs. are making money on Seniors to bad for us tho.
Joey is still taking music lessons, a couple of his friends have quit, but so far he's still practicing, I still think he should have taken the triangle, but what do I know, even the tambourine would have been better.
My skin is soooo dry I think I'l try that Goldbond Healing lotion and see if that helps, of course the TV makes it look like magic, oh u never know.
I still see the moon, but it will be light soon and I'm planning another nap--My DD has school all day and Marty works around the house and who know what Joey will do--but he does like to help his Dad and I bought a bissel sweeper , it has to be put together and Joey loves doing those things--like the old fashioned one--so I'll tell u, if I remember, how it works--Boy what an exciting day I have planned and I included u all in it.
Have a great day all and we're supposed to warm up and then get snow, but no one knows how much et.
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When I speak about attention, I mean literally, "How much attention
can we pay to ourselves?" As children, sometimes we cannot hold
our attention for more than a couple of seconds. Over the years we
are able to attend to more and more. Yet, we're seldom schooled
to hold life in respect, to enlarge our ability to love, take care of,
and be respectfully connected with all things around us.
Brooke Medicine Eagle0 -
It is a bright morning here, made brighter by having such great entries to read beforehand. Hmm, acupuncture. I've always felt there is much to be said about "older" practices of different kinds of healing techniques. I think too with Cammie that pressure points play a big role in how the body operates. I also know that everything is connected and there are "major" spots I think where connections sort of meet so to speak before they continue on farther --- sort of like relay points. So, if you can get a good flow going through these "relay" points --- it can enhance the well-being of the whole body.
I think sometimes we get caught up newer methods ( not meaning that is necessarily bad ) and sometimes the older ones might in fact work a little better if you have a therapist who really knows what they are doing. I do worry about some of the 'newer' things, but then, I hear all these new drugs being hawked on t.v. and then they start to list all the "problems" you might have and they just go on and on. I then think -- you better REALLY need that stuff badly to pit yourself against all the things that could go wrong.
Not sure things were that much better when we didn't hear " the list " of side effects because back then Dr.'s seemed to know most of the time what you could take without big interferences going on. Just seems drugs have become SUPER big business and sometimes the public is the real guinea pig for them in my very humble opinion. I don't like that part.
Mimi, I'm sure it is a relief on one hand, but yes quieter not to have a parade of men around. Sometimes we like it to be still around us -- I like my quiet time, but too much of a good thing and I have to turn on the t.v. ( don't watch it much ) but I let it talk and fill the quiet. No noise here now but the sound of typing while the sunshine lights up a few different spots in my small bedroom/slash office. I have only a valance in here so that the sun can come in and play.
It should be a really good day and I think I'll be going to work tonight for awhile. That will be good for me. I didn't have to go Thursday -- and it only takes a couple of days for me to feel rusty.
Anyway lots of prayers, positive healing energies, to all those having health or any other issues. I keep the flow going to the Universe that Angels stand right by you and be ready to intercede.
Sending lots of
Blessings,
Jackie
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Good Morning,
Yesterday I actually had enough energy to get up at 6:00 and be on the road by 7 taking DGD to school.
Came home and then went back to town. We are being suied by this idiot that we bought the toyota motor home from. As you know we had major problems with it. After we bought it the idiot changed out the rear end and the tires and rims which were on the vehicle would no longer fit. DH was in the process of getting new rims and tires and the idiot came to the shop and said I just ordered rims and tires from
Discount Tire Direct. Tune of $475.00 He did it without consulting us. Then he gave Ron a used diaphram to ship to Junction, TX now is saying we owe him $900.00 for that. So while we were gone to Iowa, they had small claims court and we were never notified. We filed a counter suite on Jan. 21st.
We went to the JP who is new, sure wish we had our old one in. She called yesterday afternoon and
said they were throwing out the decision and will have a new hearing, things were not handled correctly. I hope we win, it is a long story.
It is to be very warm here today, we are under a fire advisory, very dry and windy. Hope all are careful around here.
Thinking of you Sandra and Mike.
Hugs to all
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I had to say good bye to my sweet girl today. The pain meds weren't working for her anymore. She had been such a wonderful companion through all I've been through that I had to be there for her. Penny will be missed
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Lovely day here today, sunny and high about 70. I spent the afternoon at my mother's house visiting with her and my sister Linda, who is in town for the weekend. It's always a pleasure to spend some time with both of them.
Mommarch, I hope that legal situation works out in your and your dh's favor.
Bonnets, wishing the best outcome for your dh's health.
I may look into acupuncture if all else fails. The main drawback is the out of pocket expense. I doubt medical insurance covers acupuncture. My foot felt fine today but it got very little use. Cortisone does wonders for many people.
Hi to everyone.
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Teacher, I'm so sorry about your Penny. I know your decision was not easy, but it was the right one.
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(((((Teacher))))) Yes, very hard for you but compassionate for Penny.
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For Teacher
If it should be that I grow frail and weak
And pain should keep me from my sleep
Then will you do what must be done
For this—the last battle—can't be won.You will be sad, I understand
But don't let grief then stay your hand
For on this day, more than all the rest
Your love and friendship must stand the test.We've had so many happy years
What is to come can hold no fears
You'd not want me to suffer, so
When the time comes, please let me go.Take me to where my needs they'll tend
Only, stay with me until the end.
And hold me firm and speak to me
Until my eyes no longer see.I know in time that you will see
It is a kindness you do to me
Although my tail, its last has waved
From pain and suffering I've been saved.Don't grieve that it must now be you
Who has to decide this thing to do
We've been so close—we two—these years
Don't let your heart hold any tears.Julia Napier
I was so sorry to hear that Penny needed to go to the Rainbow Bridge today. I am entirely convinced that someone who has been so close to us in our life here, will be just as close when we transition to our eternity. On days like this if there are any bright spots, and there probably are not, I do feel that our animals are not only stoic, but very accepting when it is time for them to take their leave-taking. They are so guileless, so loving, and so nearly perfect, that we feel bad -- but like us when we have gotten to a certain part of our ending -- being able to let go is just a transition to them into what is next.
In this transition, perfect health is returned with all the energy there ever was and life is once again full of peace and joy. They do not count their life in years -- only we do that. If they can please us ( their only and highest goal in life ) then time does not matter to them. One of the quotes I read mentioned that God knew what he was doing when he gave our four legged companions shorter lives. Just think of how bad we feel when we have to part at 10 or 14 yrs. How much harder would it be if it was 2o or more years.
So, we grieve -- but at some time we will be able to feel peace again.
Blessings
Jackie
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Teacher, It is so painful to loose our pets. Be it a doggie or a kitty , they are definitely a part of our family and we love them. Cherish your memories. Hugs, Jean
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Mommarch.... Hope things get settled before, but in case you have to go, make sure you have all of your information, time-line, and pictures all with you.... I had to go one time, because this jerk was supposed to be "fixing up" things in my Grandma's house.... I paid him $900 of her money, before he started, because he said he needed it for the repairs.
Instead of replacing some shingles on the roof, he got up on a ladder and spray painted the holes that the hail damage left! I know, because I got up on a ladder and saw for myself! I took pictures...
THEN he bought window glass replacements for the broken windows, but didn't seal them in.... Also tore the piece of Linoleum he put in the kitchen, and when I went over one day to talk to him, he was sitting in the rocker watching TV and eating a sandwich! Which was FINE, but this little odds & ends job had gone on for 2 weeks, and he just screwed everything up!
So I went back with my Husband and told him he was finished... To take his little tool box and not come back.
Took him to court... I "presented my case" shaking like a leaf.... I said " I would PAY for the materials he had bought... but didn't want to pay for the shoddy work that he did. "
He talked to the court first... told them he repaired the roof, put new linoleum in the kitchen, replaced the windows...blah blah... Then I showed the judge the pictures of how he DID those things.... The judge asked him " You PAINTED the roof??? " Hah!
I had to hire another guy who "fixed" everything, but the judge found in my favor, and I, meaning my Grandma was out nothing extra...And we got the work done right.
Teacher..... (((( hugs)))) I'm so sorry for you.... about Penny............... I know....... It's been a little over a year, and I still miss our girl Lacee....
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Our little "snow-dog"....
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Teacher I'm so sorry, when I read his I felt so bad, we all love our furbabies and when we have to loose them it's so sad, they are part of our family.
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Good Morning,
Yesterday DH went to broom shop and came home about 1:30. He had a sneezing fit as he was entering the main road to our subdivision and hit the gas pedal instead of the break and ran into the stone sign at the entrance. Our 2012 Ford Fiesta, only good car we had is now not driveable . We have an old 1986 Ford Tempo which does run but sometimes gets hot. If life gets any better I don't know what I will do. Trying to keep my chin up.
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How far you go in
life depends on your being tender with the young,
compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving
and tolerant of the weak and the strong.
Because someday in life you will have been all of these.
- George Washington Carver0 -
Mommarch, just as the above quote says -- we all need to be sympathetic with the striving --- and I for one think you have had to STRIVE so much and it seems rather endless. Thinking here too of Mother Theresa. She said there were times that she wished God didn't trust her so much -- with all the things he gave her to do. Now, in some ways maybe I am being a little un-fair -- insinuating that we are given what we can handle. In reality, I actually do believe that -- I just haven't answered the question of why so much of it comes, it would seem almost unrelentely ( sp ? ), before you have barely had time to catch your breath.
I'm sure it means almost nothing when you go for such long periods without a "break " but I also feel that when we "handle" things, others around us, either now or later, will be inspired to give that extra little nudge when they are close to despair -- because they will recall that YOU kept going through it all. We are here to not only lean on each other, aide each other, but to LEARN some of the better aspects of each other -- like perseverance through trials. Even though it is if at all, right at the moment, very small comfort to you Mommarch --- someone I think will revere the courage and determination you display in life. I just wish I had more care and comfort that I could send.
There is sunshine out my window today and there will be warm temps. It was nice outside when we did our chores. I could really like it, but it will move away and some colder temps will return -- it is still winter with one of those little tempting lulls that make you DREAM of the coming Spring.
Spring is a big favorite of mine -- and along with the renewal of leaf covered trees and grass and warmth comes my feeling of using energies to renew myself -- I want to try and enhance the things about myself which I think are good things. Seeing and feeling the positive bloom of returning health and life after the winter inspires me in endless ways to make me wish to improve and enhance what I can about myself --- as if grass and trees can do it, surely it is something I should be doing too.
Chevy -- I have always loved the picture of your snow dog, little Lacee. I always think -- they may have to go, but the pure love they brought is allowed to remain with us. They are so ok with moving on -- because they FEEL with their souls while we feel with our emotions. No wonder it is often so painful for us.
Thinking of the many who are having trials -- some for Cammie, Momarch, Sandra, Mike and Blondie and Carole with her feet. Wish I could give you all five minutes of total peace to renew and re--charge you. Just five minutes to sit in the sun and get completely in touch with your spirit. It so helps to let go of all that seems to hold you back -- even for a brief time -- we are our own renewable energy source.
Blessings
Jackie
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Carol: I went to a talk about acupuncture that was sponsored by our cancer center. We have a doctor within the system that does acupuncture and she said it's covered by insurance. So look around, you might find someone in your area that's covered.
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Jackie, thanks for the perfect poem
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Puffin, thanks for that information.
Mommarch, you do have more than your share of trials. Somehow you deal with things and keep going. Sympathetic vibes sent in your direction.
My sister lost two dogs the last six weeks or so. She and her dh run their own personal rescue shelter, taking in all kinds of animals who need a home, some of them having been abused. She gets attached to all of them. They have four horses and goodness knows how many dogs and cats. Heaven should have a special place for people like my sister and Jackie.
The weather couldn't have been nicer today. Partly sunny and 70's. I was too warm in my jeans and would have been more comfortable in shorts. But we probably have some more cold weather ahead, too.
Hi to everyone.
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In your days - things like this happen to you...
You get a tap, a nudge, a gentle shake,
and life whispers to you, "I know you're tired -
but I don't want you to miss this."
- Mary Anne Radmacher0 -
Gloomy here this morning as we pretty much knew it would be. Maybe even some snow flurries. The wonderful warm 60 degree weather of the past three or four days and moved onto some other area. Sigh !!! I do think it will warm again, but not sure how much. We will get by.
I hope you are all feeling ok. I'm always surprised when I come and no one has been here for a bit -- at least in the morning.
Blessings to all,
Jackie
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