Chit Chat for July 2023

[Huronna]

Can you believe that 6 months have already passed in 2023, Gads!  that's 1/2 of 2023
With a blink of an eye, here it is July.
So when you get a chance drop in, check in and let us know how things are going with you.

[silk]

Good morning everyone.
Flagryl I am afraid of gas. In the old days I lit an oven and my eyebrows frizzled . A vegie dish we love that is versatile is Ratatouille. Can be a side dish, or with pasta or rice , or even cold. I also like it by itself. Frittata is always good .
Huronna...days are bearable in Winter here but nights get to 3 degrees. I feel like a wimp when I read how cold Winters are for some of you.
Leonarda is amazing; her variety is unbelievable. Thank you again for the work involved in tubing and misting.
Mary, how is your dad?
Grassy ...I hope for good results with the new meds fo you.
Milyn, there comes a time when you can't do everything for everyone. Kim is lucky to have you.

[Mary]

Morning guys. Well yesterday the first doctor came in, an oncology doctor. I knew what that meant. Findlay hospital saw some things on his mri they did there. They need to do biopsies to make sure what they are but he has a mass in this kidney, lungs and abdomen. Doesn't sound good.

[silk]

Oh Mary. Let us hope that it's not what it seems. It's such an anxious time. ♥

[Huronna]

Mary, so sorry to hear this addition to the other problems. A difficult time ahead for sure.
Milyn, I can't imagine you being even one ounce overweight with all the running around you do.
I can't remember the last time we had a gas stove, oh yes it was when we were stationed in Japan. Jaspar my Siamese enjoyed sleeping on the top because it was warm from the pilot light. Until I saw him and yelled at him to get down!!
How are things going Grassy. It's a lot to handle, new diets, new docs and new meds . that's a lot of changes at one time. Hang in there.
We are looking forward to our next little trip. we are flying to CT July 17 for 8 days. Turned out there was a non-stop on a relatively new airline. Tampa to New Haven , CT which is 15 minute from out friends house. They are the people who stayed in out place when we were gone the beginning of the year. This coming year we are going to be doing about the same thing. We leave on the 20th Jan, they will arrive on the 30th. This time we get back the third week in Feb, and we'll spend the last week in Feb together. Jackie suggested they find an air b&b that last week but we said, heck no, why repack and go some place else for a week. Besides she's great cook LOL and we get along really well.
Now I need to see what Flagryl has put up for challenges at Angel and finish Silks challenge, Be back later

[Smilyn]

Hah! Huronna; I gained 75 pounds during Covid Long Haul. Then I couldn't breathe for two and a half years, couldn't use my left arm for a year, sustained a circulation injury to my left leg and damage to the knee and hip on my right side - so couldn't walk. I went from size 12 to size 24. It was an excruciating time for me and I injured both thumbs trying to heft my bulk about in bed.. That was in the era when you all were hearing that I had up to 17 med appts a week - many of them various PT - including how to breathe again. Currently I am fighting to get below 200; the closest I have come is 207 four days ago. Caring for Kim put me back up 2 pounds, but I will regain (relose?) that ground soon. Under 200 I will be a 16. My overall goal for the year is the 180 I weighed before CLH, but I'm not looking at that yet. I want so much to be back in my own clothing and regain mobility and strength in areas I'm still working on. thankfully I am now allowed to swim as long as I don't kick too vigorously. I am still going to need at least one joint surgery on that right side soon. Hoping to push that off till a bit more weight comes off.

Kim is doing more on her own. I'm glad and worried at the same time. It's hard for me to see people overdo things when I know they have doctor's orders not to do so as the situation is very delicate with potentially dire consequences, but I know I can't control anyone but me. So I am pulling back, letting her ask for what she needs, and TRYING very hard not to remind her of limitations she wants to ignore - or worry about her. Trying. Sigh. I wish I didn't live right across the street where I can see her, lol. 

We have almost always had a gas stove even though I set the front of my flannel shirt on fire waving out the window over one as Steve left for work when we were engaged.  I just saw it in time to brush it out before it hit my hanging long hair.

Grassy I am pulling for you. I have never heard of a specified calorie amount like that; interesting challenge. Mary... Sending tons of supportive energy your way. Remember to breathe out. Going to do some yard things with Steve. He has been peeking at me.

[Flagryl]

Just posted the challenges over at AD. I did a new thing on Tag-Me-This...I'd really like your feedback so PM me over there. Would love you all to try the Color Picker in #2 challenge and see what you think. Most experienced PSPers can eyeball it, like Silk...she's a master. But, sometimes when you do a tutorial and change the colors from what the tut writer uses it can get dicey and this Color Picker might help some. Let me know.

Wow, 350 calories with your meds, that's amazing but I get it. I used to have to take at least 1/2 a Luna bar w/meds after my surgery to protect my tummy. Thinking of you and hope it works out.

Mary sweetie, my heart goes out to you. This could be a rough road, one I've traveled unwillingly.

Milyn, I can't imagine gaining or losing that amount of weight but I know Mary has done it. Hard go. I gained 3 lbs after the steroid meds and haven't recovered. Don't hit me, I know it's not much but w/my back and frame it's more than I need/want.

Silk I hope you stay warm, no you are not whining...cold is cold.

Trip sounds fun Huronna, a nice break coming up for you! Thanks for all your keen monitoring of AL and AD and those Leonarda images! I offered a WWO over at AD.

I've had gas cooktops and ovens for years. I have a gas cooktop and electric oven in this house. We've never had an outdoor gas grill as John loves the charcoal method and taste. I'm doing chicken salad tonight w/previously grilled chicken. John will usually grill 3-4 boneless chicken breasts and freeze what we don't eat.

Had a rough day yesterday, think I flipped over to hypo thryoid so not taking my med today to get it regulated. I can always tell because I get lethargic and bloated and just don't feel well. Better this morning.

[Deleted]

Gee whiz it's July already. Half the year is gone and before we know it, it will be Christmas time. Mary my heart goes out to you my friend. Hope you get Prayers are in order for anyone having health problems here. As for me I did my health assesement two weeks ago and got my decision yesterday. I was turned down for a waiver to get a ride to Iowa City to see two doctors in December. But didn't give me a real good reason why. Looking for another places that might help me get where I need to go.

[Huronna]

Sorry to hear that Margie. I hope you can get what you need

[silk]

Me too Margie. Good to see you.

[Grassy]

Me three Margie. I hope everybody gets what they need.
I hope you and your father get the answers you guys need too Mary.

So far so good on the meds. I slept well last night - not too much anxiety. I think I might be OK.

The Big Holiday Weekend has begun. I am unsure what all will be closed or open on Monday since a lot of businesses appear to be taking the day off, so mind your announcements. I haven't had Dove for fireworks so I hope she does OK. I am not letting her out. She is chipped. We don't have big plans. Just staying home - maybe eating watermelon.

[Huronna]

Our big outing today was the gym and then grocery shopping, we had ice cream for dessert

[Grassy]

I have been applying for jobs and we did go to the store for birdseed.

[Flagryl]

Margie, sorry about the healthcare glitch so I hope you find another alternative. Grassy, so glad the meds seem to be working. I am better, too. Stopped the methimazole which suppresses my overactive thryoid and I'll start back tomorrow with 1/2 tab. Not sure why I flipped but I sure can tell, felt terrible. Probably explains the weight gain so let's hope I can find that sweet spot of normalcy.

Saw the PG doe yesterday but she didn't hang around, I think she's got some time.

No big plans for this weekend. Our friend who lives in Mesa and spends the summers here just have extensive lumbar fusion and was in ICU for 5 days after an entire day in surgery. No extensive details, his wife is brief in texts. He has a room now so I may pop up for a visit. He's going to be 80 and a retired doc and not a great patient according to his wife. She was in jr high and high school w/John and they all grew up in Eau Claire, WI. He may have had a blood clot issue and some kind of screen had to be inserted. He had surgery w/this surgeon [my spine surgeon] last year and chose him over many down in the valley. And now again for this fusion. I just hope he recovers well, it's not easy. I told him he would have to do the PT religiously...that the followup is just as important as the surgery. If you don't re-engage the muscles...well enough said.

[Grassy]

How are you feeling today Flagryl?

I am worried that with eating 350 calories, my weight loss may be thwarted.

It is nice of you to go visit your friend.

How is everyone else?

What is happening?

[Huronna]

Spoke to our friends in North Port earlier. they are the ones we met on a cruise back in 1013 and we visit every 6-8 weeks alternating homes. Usually spend two nights. We have not seen them since before Christmas. After we got back from our long cruise, we planned a visit but he got sick. then we planned another and she got sick. Then again, but he wound up in the hospital, had bladder surgery. came home was recuperating and then back in the hospital. Another surgery. He's been home now for about 10 days, still has to take it very easy. Soo I called and asked if it was ok if we just drove down to spend a couple of hours, just sitting and chatting. They week so glad we would do that because it's a full day for us to drive there and then back.
So I'll be gone most of tomorrow. It's a good day to ravel because everyone is already where they want to be for the 4th.

Flagryl, sure glad you are feeling better.
Mary, any update on your dad?
Grassy, what type of job are you apply for. Wish you the best of luck

[Flagryl]

Grassy, if you can take the med with meals. I am better, will gradually get back to the thyroid med tomorrow or the next day. Nice you'll have a chat w/friends. My friend will be going to rehab facility in the next couple of days as he is better.

Discovered our Passports have expired so need to get them renewed. Grandson Nate graduates from Univ of Victoria, BC next spring and I want to go.

[Grassy]

Yeppie, I have to take the meds with meals. I eat the 350 cals and then swallow the pill. It's just weird. I am trying to keep my meals small, so eating 350 is weird.

I applied to be a SPAMbassador again and also to work for a plumbing supply company office. They wanted me to take a test so I am not sure I will get that one.

It's a bit long weekend and our neighbors are having a birthday party on their lawn. It's so cute - they even have a bouncy house.

I hope all is well with everyone.

[Mary]

Well they detected a 16cm mass coming from the righ tkidney and touching the vena cava, more than 15 - 20 nodules in each lung and liver, metastases in his 7th rib side and in L2 and L3 in his back. Only a biopsy will show what type it is, but he refuses to have an biopsies done. He's ready to go to his Heavenly home. First he is going to come home and be under Hospice for whatever time he has left. I feel like I have cried a million tears since Friday. He grew up in a nursing home with his Grandmother,, he helped her take care of the one she ran and he doesn't want to die in one. So if I'm quiet you'll know why. This is all still such a shock!

[Grassy]

Mary, I am so sorry for what you are going through. Just do what you need to do and know that we are right here praying for you and pulling for you. I love you.

[Huronna]

Mary, I am in agreement totally with your father. My Dad was 88 and never anything really wrong until that one time when it seemed everything erupted. My Dad had mesothelioma, but no one knew, we thought he just had some stomach ailment. When they opened him up it turned out that he had a web of cancer through his entire abdominal cavity. Never a symptom before, just like your Dad. Why spend the time you have left in agony with chemo and radiation which really isn't going to do anything except make you more miserable. take the time you have and enjoy every minute you can with you loved ones. Respect you Dad for his decision, and love him and care for him as if there was nothing wrong.

Mary I guess I'm just putting myself in your Dad position and what I would do at that time in my life. Don't cry for him, respect him for his decision and love him every minute that you have left with him,

Things are so much more difficult for the family than for the person in the situation. 

[Flagryl]

I truly understand your Dad's situation and would do the same myself. For you, it's a shock and so very hard. I'm so sorry. It's amazing he's gotten to this point. Yes, take the time...you have a lot to deal with now and in the coming months. Enjoy your Dad and yourself and your family. Hugs to you!

[Mary]

I had this all typed out and to stop and make the cats stop growling and lost it.

I do accept his decision. He has gone through a lot. He had back surgery, both knees replaced twice, got MRSA from the rehab he was in. I know he's tired and he has made it longer than he ever expected to. I am just feeling sorry for myself. I have only had a couple days to process all of this. I will pull up my big girl panties, I promise. Thank you guys for caring so much! Love you guys

[Grassy]

I love you Mary.

[silk]

It's very hard for family Mary and I feel the same as Huronna. Your Dad has had enough pain. Invasive surgery would just mean suffering. Lots of love to you.
Flagryl, I know little about thyroid problems but it sounds awful and I'm sorry you've been feeling so terrible.