My Husband, My Life, My Love, My Family, My Cancer
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Tougholdcrow and others with recent scans that are stable, I am very happy for you all, may that continue.
Irish and others in pain, may that pain ease for you, in pockets for that as well.
I am in an odd mood. Woke up with tears because of a weird dream, in the dream a kid was pulling at my pants. I told the mother to get the kid to stop pulling at my pants, wound up yelling at her and scaring the kid. I woke upset since I am not a yeller at children or adults and in the dream people filmed it. Sometimes I talk in my sleep as well, mostly when waking but hate when the dream is upsetting. I am presently just telling myself the dream is over and not worrying about it as my mind is prone to do. Wonder if it means worrying about financial security, like I wear the pants in the family and something is causing the security to go down. Who knows, all just really weird to me. Enough of this dumb topic.
Not sure what I wish to do today. I am expecting peanut butter that I ordered from Amazon, crunchy as there was no smooth but did pay under half price with gift card. Not too much laundry to do, I am sure I can scare up a blanket to do. I still like doing them one at a time. Cleaned filter of my actual dryer and was shocked how much lint came out of both the washer but also the dry. Crazy though not sure why I am surprised between cat fur and lint from the fleecy blanket. Cleaned it after a blanket dry overnight and everything was covered, it looked like the filter had never been done. I do use a couple of filters to keep stuff from getting into the hose though. Works pretty well. Oh well, nice that stuff can still surprise me these days. Other than normal sweeping and vacuum, my house does not look bad and one nice thing about a small space is that it takes all of 30 seconds, sweeping, vacuuming and mopping each room.
Edited, I was super hungry so kept first meal simple. Took a frozen penne pasta with chicken and added some ham to it. Microwaved for 4 mins on high. Put some sour cream and onion and garlic seasoning with bit of salt. Put a bit of sour cream in as well. Mixed up and it was very good, tasty and filling. Glad I did that.
I hope everyone has a good day and in pockets for all who need me, especially those dealing with SE, pain or whatever else life is throwing at you easing everything for you.
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threetree Awww glad Buster warmed your heart.
tougholdcrow Congrats on a good scan, lovin all the positive results!
sondraf Glad you had an energetic day and I hope there are many more to come. Hope the OT assessment goes your way and you feel well enough to work a little.
Mara Dreams can be so weird and deep sometimes. I also have had some weird ones that were hard to shake. Hope it's a peaceful sleep tonight.
Much needed rain coming tonight. Started watching the new series on Paramount plus called Landman. It's that time of year to find a couple good series. We just finished Tulsa KIng and are patiently waiting for 1923 to return.
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Yes Cookie, Buster always warms my heart. I just love the photos of both Buster and Theo.
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trying to get along. Wanted to say hello.
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Mel - Absolutely adorable. Thank you so much for sharing Theo with us! Sending you all the best.
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Mel, hello back. And give a hug to Theo for me! Hope you both are doing well.
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Hi MeI, Theo is adorable! We miss you.
Mara - I totally missed wishing you a happy birthday! It sounds like you had a good one. On a separate note, I agree, it's so unsettling to wake up from those odd dreams that come along.
Is it just me, or does it seem like more of us are on an upswing recently. Stable scans, less pain. I'm sorry for those that are still struggling.
My scans this month were good. I got a reprieve from the 2-month bloodwork. So now, bloodwork and scans at four months, and if they're good again, we'll stretch them out to six months after that. Yay!
We took our trip to Vegas - had fun and came back with almost all our money. :) We discovered Fremont Street for the first time, and loved it. One foot was killing me, for some reason, but it's mostly better now. Gearing up for DSD and family coming for Thanksgiving. I'm really looking forward to it. We're both cooking dishes, so that could be interesting in my little kitchen.
We've finally had some rain here, and our lake is 90% full. So good.
And, exciting news from my daughter on two counts. She's closing on a new house next week, and...she's expecting! I can't wait to see my new grandbaby in May!
Love to all.
Catherine
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cookie - Buster is so cute❤️🐾🐾❤️.
Mel - so glad to hear from you! Theo is so dapper in his coat❤️🐾🐾❤️.
Mara - I have always had very vivid dreams, some that almost pick up where they left up weeks before. One is about some amazing jewelry I bought; another is about this huge mansion we had in the inner city. So crazy.
Well winter is visiting today. Expecting 2-4” of snow with winds of up to 50mph. I did just get a new wonderful winter coat from Lands End. Will get to test it when we go to GS 🏀game later today.
Hoping all that are struggling can find some comfort. Sending hugs to all🤗🤗
Here’s a photo of our Bella after her recent groom.
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Bella looks fabulous after her trip to the spa! And thank you Mel for a THEO update, hes as handsome as ever. I hope you are feeling a little better, I know we all miss you around here.
My Oodie wearable blanket arrived today and I've been skeptical for so long but oh my, it really is like wearing a cloud of fleece. We have another wind and rain storm coming in this weekend and I've got to rest my legs more so this is perfect. Now I don't want to take it off for my therapy session in an hour, but its just too naff to wear on a proper call....
@seeq maybe its the time of year where everything is cosy and getting ready for the holidays. I'm about 50/50 right now on the medical stuff but am seeing improvement. I hope things continue on an upward or stable trajectory for all of us.
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Catherine, I am happy to hear about the fun trip to Vegas and the grandbaby on the way, that is such good news. Glad for the good news on scans as well.
Mel, I am glad to see you and Theo as well, we miss you but are always happy to hear from you. Hope this time off is helping you as well, in your pocket with dog biscuits.
As I went to bed last night, sent the other dream away, when I get rid of thoughts or dreams, it is like a transporter on the Enterprise, they go away for at least a while.
I am still watching Tulsa King as well, very enjoyable, South Park is a good one for me as well. I am also starting out with Cross on Amazon Prime. I do keep forgetting about my regular shows like Law and Order Criminal intent Toronto, all the Chicago block of shows, Med, Fire and PD but can stream later. I am hoping Interview with the Vampire Season 3 would come up soon and there is still Only Murders in the building on Disney as well.
I have a small load of laundry on the go, in the dryer already. I am astonished at how much comes out the lint filters when I wash blankets both in the washer and the dryer. Makes me think I should toss blankets in on no heat between washes. It is garbage/recycle day as well. Will be taking both out between 5 and 6pm. I want to get rid of the huge box that new washer came in. Also need to check on old washer and see about washing up cloths that have been soaking up the residual water and perhaps switch them out. I have to wait til DB can lift stuff again so we can take it to the dump.
I do not know if shopping is in the future today. Not much I actually need and not looking to fill the free space in the freezer, got a lot of food to use up. I think breakfast will contain an egg, 1/4 beans, perhaps a bit of frozen onion. Put in sprayed bowl to heat the egg, ham should be part of it as well. When it comes out of the microwave, after 3 or 4 mins, will chop up with croutons, it will be fine, just need to take it easy, put all back in the bowl and reheat 45 seconds. I usually add the shred cheese during chopping to get the cheese in every fork or spoonful. Planning to add some of the KD cheese powder left over and some mayo, should be enjoyable. Will not run out of the elbow macaroni or cheese powder as Amazon makes me buy 7 minimum which is just crazy.
I hope everyone has a good day, pockets for anyone who needs me, my own pocket for not wimping out on recycle or garbage.
I keep forgetting to add my name which is also Catherine.
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Goldens - Bella looks like just one big fluffy ball of love - such warm sweet eyes! Keep the dog photos coming.
Mel - Forgot to add in my last message just how much blue becomes Theo.
Seeq - I do think I've been feeling a little better lately, and maybe you're on to something about an upswing for a lot of us right now. Let's hope it holds!
Mara - Ongoing thanks for you "covering" for Mel. It's really nice of you to do that.
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@micmel and @goldensrbest - how beautiful the puppies are. Thank you so much for sharing the photos. It is a very good way to start the day seeing stylish doggies. Blue is definitely Theo's colour. I am looking at a day over 37 Centigrade so will go to gym early to miss the real heat of the day. Enjoy the day everyone.
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Mel Hey there glad you popped in! Oh my that Theo sporting his bluise coat, simply adorable😍 Hugs to you and Theo
seeq What exciting news, congrats! Glad you're doing well and were able to enjoy your trip.
Goldens Bella's name certainly fits her, beautiful! Her coat looks so thick and soft, great cuddling. Hope your new coat is nice and warm!
sondaf I'm going to have to look up that blanket, sounds fabulous!
Cold and damp with rain here today. Made a pot of tomato/beef soup and baked a chocolate chip cinnamon loaf .Pretty productive day getting some listrs going for Thanksgiving dinner items.
Hi to all here , always in my daily prayers.
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@threetree Yep, I very much agree with you about the medications we take cause so many uncomfortable and painful SE. I never realized the why I have so much acid reflux but thought th Verzenio. Only caused the nausea and diarrhea.. like you I try not to take any more medication than I have to.
@snow-drop Wow, so sorry you went through that scare. I also have learned the Chest tightness and redness are side effects from treatment meds. The. Shoulder pain i have is from the degenerative arthritic effects on my bones. I think. All the meds e get in treatment cause all these side issues.
@weninwi It never occurred to me that the Verzenio cause the lower leg edema which I notice sometimes after I get the monthly injections. I’ve always taken. 3 B6 tablets every night at. Bed time since the 70’s &. 80’s during my pregnancies to stop the water retention in my lower legs.. I did it all through my younger years for pregnancy edema of ankles and the for premenstrual edema. It works great and I always keep a supply of B6 in the house. It’s been a bed time ritual for decades, and I always notice if I run out I do swell with some edema..
@tougholdcrow I’m so happy to hear you had clean bone scan. And also @goldensrbest Happy happy news good scans for you and @malleemiss251 and sweet @intolight 🥰
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Oh no I missed your birthday. Mara 🎊🎂💙🧁🌷happy belated. Hope it was a good one. Love to all.
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Hi to all you lovely ladies and puppies. We so love the Dog show after Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. I think the pups on this thread should be in a calendar! Adorable and they offer so much love and support.
Speaking of support, I can't begin to thank each and every one of you for your love and support. Hey it comes without the dog fur, so much appreciated. It was wonderful to read of stable and improved scans. I think I lose half my mind waiting on results.
After my last and great scan my mental health was so good. And then I developed colitis once again. Damn it. Off Ibrance again and 10 days of 850 mg Amoxoclavin. Just started Ibrance again 2 days again and I noticed trouble down below. Thrush infection. First one in 20 years. I know it's from the antibiotic. So tomorrow I have fulvestrant shots and I'll head to pharmacy . Saw the neurologist and we talked about the pain in areas other then bones. In plain words, nerve areas. I expected him to say MS is acting up but no… he believes it is peripheral neuropathy. So I have to up the gabapentin. Too soon to say it's improving. Back to PT and using the walker. Safe then sorry and I really worry about falling.
On the brighter side, kids are here for a week (almost). The wifi is not working at their home and neither is the heater. It's 48 here right now, too cold to be in an unheated home. So we cooked pot roast and carrots, mashed potatoes and DGD did all the decorations for Christmas, with exception of a tree. Have to buy one. We saw the snowstorm in Boone vis Mast Store cam camera. It's so pretty. Sorry for the folks that were hit with the bomb cyclone storms. Hope you all are safe and have electricity and heat.
In all your pockets for scans and life needs in general.
Laurel
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Irish, I am glad your scan was good, I am sorry that colitis has reared its ugly head again though. In your pocket to help meds knock it back again. I am glad to hear you are enjoying the kids and getting some Christmas help. Yes, 48 is pretty cold to be without heat for sure. Our temps are dropping here. Supposed to get some snow soon, not sure if will stay around since temps are above 0 a lot of days.
Mel, that's OK, it was a nice birthday dinner I have to say.
tougholdcrow, Glad to hear about the good scan, always good news for that.
I did wind up shopping last night, Costco and No frills. I did buy some stuff from Costco. Got lunch meat, big jar of M&Ms, eggs and a couple of little things. Then bought some english muffins, more junk food which is OK and got brussels slaw, don't ask why I got that, could not tell you. Niece and nephew were there as well to shop, nice visit as well. SIL brought in the groceries, DB wanted to but his hand is still not supposed to lift anything, at least the splint is gone and finger finally looking better.
Not sure what I want to do today, Laundry and sweeping, running the robot vac and walking around in sock mops, need to take all the stuff off the old washer as it will likely be quite stinky smelling and see if it needs to be dried out again. Still pretty sure it was ruined due to rinsing clothes in the spinner, don't think that helped the draining function. Rinsing will be in the washing side. finally saw some one who was crazier about laundry machines than I am. They have 2 portable automatic washers and two dryers and live in a smallish apartment too. I am honestly a little jealous but still like my set up more if I am being honest. I may also keep the old washer and just pump it into the bath tub if got huge loads going on and use the other spinners. I will see, does not bug me to keep it if I am being honest about thing since it can be pumped out.
I really have no idea what to have for food, did not buy meat pies but still working through pantry. I managed not to fill the freezer too much, just some extra cheese. I am still enjoying the bacon flavoured cheese shreds, added it to a couple of frozen lasagnas that I enjoyed. I also got some ready crisp bacon, can add that to a lot of things. My first idea is an egg sandwich on a buttered english muffin, I don't love the egg maker for that purpose. Just put an egg in regular mini griddle. I could then toast an english muffin in the breville, I will see. Other option involves more veggies. Microwave an egg in a sprayed bowl, add some frozen peppers, bacon, KD cheese powder and possibly more frozen potato and onion, heat for 4 mins, pull out of microwave and as I often do, take the mix, put into my chopper with croutons and a few chips and shred cheese, take out and heat for 45 seconds. i like things chopped into a ground beef type thing as well. Usually bind with caesar dressing, possibly may or sour cream. Nice filling meal and uses up stuff well. Egg sandwich could be done later. Many possibilities.
I do hope everyone has a good day, I am in pockets for all who need me as well. I do not have plans yet but I am looking to do some budget boosting today as I want more cat litter as well and I enjoy it free.
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@seeq Love to hear all your cheeerful news. And a. New GRANDBABY in May! How wonderful. I’m glad all Is well with you.
@micmel Hey there, Mel. 🩵Good morning. Give Theo a Hug.
@mara51506 love the idea of egg on a buttered English muffin. Sounds good. yum 😋
@irishlove I love dog shows. And puppies are the best. Enjoy theMacy’s Day. parade and the visit from from the kids. I’m in your pocket, Irish. I hope you have less pain this week.🩵
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Shanagirl - You and I are so often on the same page. Maybe it's the drugs we take?😉
Irish - What a wonderful idea to have the dogs on this thread in a calendar! I can just see the likes of Buster, Theo, Bella, etc. hanging on my wall😊. I'd buy that calendar. Also, so very sorry for your latest troubles, thrush, etc. Like you said, you were on that upswing, and now this. It is so hard for you to get a break - NOT FAIR! Thanks for the good wishes re the "bomb cyclone". Yes, I did experience it here in the "Puget Sound Lowlands", but I think I fared real well. My power only went out for about a minute - just long enough to have to re-set the clock on the stove. I think I did pretty well. Others I know in this area did loose power overnight, but got it back in the morning. The wind howled all night and it was actually pretty cool if you were inside and safe. I think in the less urban areas though, it's been a bit rougher. I purposely took a walk the next morning, just to see everything from overnight - it was great actually; lots of sun, along with downed branches, pine cones, etc. - pretty in a unique way, all with a wonderful fresh cut Christmas tree smell, due to all the fir branches that fell. The mellow dramatic names they give weather situations now is all a bit much for me; "thunder snow", "bomb cyclone", etc. Yes, we had a pretty big wind and rain storm. We're actually supposed to get another, milder round today and tonight.
Do enjoy this holiday time with your kids there. That would be nice and it's sounds like you are all having a warm and cozy time together. I like that.
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Well, I don't have a dog anymore, but I still have sunsets on the lake. This one was a beauty.
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Very nice, Seeq. Thanks for posting it.
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Hi all!
I heard from Carol (sunshine99) yesterday. She let me know she is having family and friends visit and feels so much love. She is being kept comfortable. It was so good to hear from her.
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Just checking in.
I got my scan results yesterday— still stable.
When I was getting roomed by the nursing assistant- weight, vitals, review med list, etc- she asked my stress level 1-10. I said 9. She asked what was wrong. I said "well I am here to get scan results, and I have a procedure coming up in 2 weeks" (long story). So when my MO came in the room he said that his tech told him of my stress level. He asked what was wrong. Again, I told him what I had said to her. He had a strange look on his face. He said "your last scans looked good, and these do to". I told him, yes, but I know that sometime things will change and this may be the time. He seemed to shrug it off. Said women are living longer with MBC. He seemed like he didn't understand my stress.
I have had 7 years of MBC. Yes, I am fortunate to be on only my second line treatment, and there are other treatments to use in the toolbox. But sometime things WILL change. What will that look like? And when? I guess even our doctors cannot understand like we that are walking in these shoes everyday do.
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seeq - love the sunset❤️. We lived on an inland lake for 10 yrs when we were in Michigan. Had a lovely view of the sunrise. My husband really misses that house.
Mara - I can’t believe that you don’t know what to do about food! You are the most creative person I know when it comes to mixing up things.
Candy - great news on stable. I’m sorry your stress level is so high. My PC switched me from Effexor to cymbalta 5 yrs ago. I had a severe sciatic flare up and he had hoped the pain relieving properties know to cymbalta would help. I have to say that this drug has really helped keep stress and anxiety away. I hope that you can find some way to lessen your stress. And here for pocket duty for your procedure.
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KBL - Thank you so very much for letting us know about Sunshine/Carol. As always please let her know that we send much caring and many hugs! Glad to know that she is comfortable and with family and friends. (A hug to you too, re your dad.)
Candy - I understand your frustration with the medical people over these things. Sometimes I'll go in for the weigh in, etc. and they say, "How are doing today?" I say, "Well, I have cancer and I have to come here, so not very well." They look at me like I'm nutty or simply a major downer trying to throw a wrench in the works or something, but if they were seriously asking, I would think they'd care. I always get the feeling I'm just supposed to say "fine". Getting those scans every time is extremely stressful, no matter what the previous ones showed, because like you say, at some point it's going to change, and it can change on a dime. You have every reason to be nervous and stressed out when getting new scans, procedure results, etc. More "treatment" from medical people and not "care".
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Goldens- I have been told that I need to be on some med for my anxiety. But I just hate to add another med to the "soup mix" that I already have going in my body. Side effects too—- "you may grow another arm, but no worries". Haha, you won't worry because you are on the med, haha.
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@candy-678 Another stable…yay!
@goldensrbest I understand the frustration of dealing with the medical teams. I know I am borderline in need of anxiety meds, but so far I too refuse them. My onc says to let her know when I am ready. I am 8 1/2 years from original stage IV dx and on my fifth treatment. I think unless something new has arrived I am out of oral options for my specific cancer. I am just getting tired of it all and nervous for IV chemo since I have never had it.
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Goldens, I just have so many different things, I become overwhelmed. I must say that the black forest ham slices I got from Costco this past week are delicious. Made an english muffin with garlic spread, bit of broccoli slaw and put shred cheese and ham on top and toasted in the breville, it was delicious, could make the same thing using eggs and beans too. Yummy.
KBL, thank you for the update on Carole, I am glad she is comfortable with family, in some ways being off the meds could have helped how she was feeling as well. In her pocket.
Candy, I think that MO and tech should realize test results and further treatment can be very stressful for people, even if test results are stable. They need to be sensitive to people who are letting them know they are stressed and hear them. I get the same how are you but for me it is not bad as I am not stressed overall BUT I am not the same personality as you or others and I do think places should make it a point to observe the patient for signs of stress and treat them accordingly. In your pocket for the further treatment.
Love the sunset picture, it is quite beautiful.
Due to a late bedtime, I just woke up, cats must have thought they were never getting fed again. I don't mind the extra sleep. I stayed up watching people talk about the game The Last of US part Two. I watched it being played as I like commentary from the player, almost like a long movie. Once I was done that, watched Deadpool and Wolverine. Can watch that over and over which is why is was so late.
I am presently doing laundry, accidentally spilled tea on one of my shirts, got it to the wash before too late, agitated for 15 mins leaving to soak a bit and then it should be fine. I am also going to play some mobile games for some money, it is not a lot but enough to push me to getting cat food, litter and peanut butter at reduced cost which feels like a boost. Later after a good breakfast, chores and the budget boosting, will likely do a Paul Eugene standing up and moving arms, no canes and checking Amazon for ice melter. I always get my own as the building is usually pokey about it. As soon as weather shows snow flakes I am ready
I am also happy due to an announcement that Paratransit is accepting smart cards like the regular bus. I can load that card online and it is more convenient. Yay. Still need to ride the regular bus and get ramp down as sometimes it is free and can save money too. Depends on weather and time of appointment as I only get free rides during off peak hours. I have a busy week so that is why I may plan rides during the off peak, got MO monday, Herceptin Wednesday and MRI Thursday partly checking the brain and partially the blood pool. Not too worried, no neurological symptoms happening for me.
Probably starting with a sliced ham sandwich with an egg. I would precook the egg, decide which veggies I want in the egg and then use mini egg griddle. While making the egg, put all the toppings on the english muffin, garlic spread, some chopped slaw, either brussel sprout or broccoli slaw, cover the slaw in cheese. Put the english muffin with slaw and shredded cheese on top with a slice of ham cut in half, pull out of Breville after a toast to cool down and add the egg last, should be good. Supper will have to be dry pasta pre cooked and put the precooked pasta in a container that I can microwave with a lid, add some chopped whatever on top like frozen onions and peppers with some chopped potato, put a lid on top to stop any explosions and microwave same amount of time, probaby put sour cream and onion seasoning along with sour cream, bit of the KD cheese from the Kraft dinner box and a bit of sour cream as a binder, will need it since no sauce with the pasta like the frozen stuff comes with. Anyway, sounds good to me.
I do hope everyone has a good day, in pockets for all who need me as well
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seeq Wow, absolutely stunning pic!
Candy So happy for you! I am absolutely convinced at this point that NOBOBY truly gets our frame of mind except all of us here. Yes, I have lots of people in my life who can sympathize with me. But unless you live with the axe over your head you can't possibly get it!! I really try to live on the positive side but that little devil on the other shoulder is still there. Every ache, pain, weird feeling gets my mind rolling sometimes. So for today we celebrate you and stable, hugs.
Mara Glad to ear paratransit is accepting smartcards. That will make your life a bit easier. You sure do have a busy week. I hope the weather cooperates , in your pocket with some hot cocoa as you travel.
kbl Thanks for the update, I think of Carole everytime I login. Glad to hear she is enjoying her time with friends and family. Sending lots of love her way.
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