Geriatric MM Warriors June 13, 2010

Diane W. · Jan 24, 2011

Hi Everyone!
Kathy - You're lucky you have a great place to get your hair cut that is so reasonable! The new place I went to is $60 for a cut and $55 for a color. It's basically the same price as the old place I went to. It's pretty much the norm for a regular salon around here. The mall shops are a little cheaper, but they're chop shops. Since I lost my job I've been going longer in between cuts and I use the root touch-up home kit.
I can't use the links to see the pictures.

I get this message:
"The page you requested cannot be displayed right now. It may be temporarily unavailable, the link you clicked on may have expired, or you may not have permission to view this page."

Today's high temp was 9! Tomorrow will be a heat wave with a high of 37! Can't wait! :lmao:

We're supposed to get snow showers tomorrow night, but it doesn't look like it will accumulate.

Lisa - I hope Tom is feeling better today. Is he still working?

I hope everyone has a good evening.

Wisteria1956 · Jan 24, 2011

Kathy: That is so sweet of you to pray for us. I think you're really on to something with your soul searching. We've all been on quite a journey this past year together. Keep asking yourself those questions. What am I hungry for? is a big one

Diane: Tom is feeling better today. Saturdays seem to really hit him hard. He had his radiation today and ate some dinner. The anti nausea pills he took over the weekend make him really sleepy. He's working 3 days a week and taking off on chemo day and for the following 3 days to recover. That schedule has been manageable until today. He stayed home because the weekend kicked his behind. We're so looking forward to getting a break in a couple of weeks. Then we'll have another scan in 4 - 6 weeks. Therefore, I worry when I'm not doing well with living in the moment. Seems like the other shoe is waiting to drop, if you know what I mean. Trying really hard to be positive.

Staying home with Tom prompted me to organize all my recipes I've been tearing out of my Sunset and Living magazines for years. I put them in page protectors and sorted according to category. It's wonderful to have them all in a binder. If only Tom felt like eating, lol! He said I'll know where to go when he finally does, though! :yay:

I've been coughing for over 3 weeks now. Its slowed down to a tickle, but it's so annoying! I think this was more than your average cold. :sick:

gettinhealthy · Jan 25, 2011

Diane W. said:
I can't use the links to see the pictures. I get this message:
"The page you requested cannot be displayed right now. It may be temporarily unavailable, the link you clicked on may have expired, or you may not have permission to view this page."

Diane, when I get home (around 1 or 2) I'll redo the links from photobucket instead of facebook. Sorry about that.

I just had them out in the snow again to play them out a bit. They were out for about 10-15 min. and loving it!! Tyson and Bailey had fun playing with them. I'll try to get a video of them all, but I need to figure out my phone first to do it. Something happened to it that I can't send videos. I think it was back when I had to "reset" it.

gettinhealthy · Jan 25, 2011

gettinhealthy · Jan 25, 2011

Sorry guys, didn't realize I posted that many pictures!!

Diane W. · Jan 25, 2011

Kathy - thank you so much for sharing those photos! I enjoyed them all. They are so cute! I love the pic with them all in the crate with the glowing eyes - it should be your Halloween card next year! :rotfl:

I will definitely be in on the puppy-napping (I want the darkest (black?) one).

We had about 4 inches of snow this morning - that was unexpected!

Lisa - I'm sorry Tom isn't feeling well today. All in all, it sounds like he is handling it pretty well though. Is that right? I know you have your ups and downs - that is normal. We are here for you to vent your fears and frustrations anytime you need to.

Aloha Jocelyn! Want to adopt me? :laughing:

Where's Robin? Has anyone heard from her? I hope only her new job is keeping her too busy to post. :goodvibes

Wisteria1956 · Jan 25, 2011

Kathy: The puppies are so cute! And huge! I'm surprised Bailey doesn't want to take off that tape. She must be so tired from them all bothering her.

It's a gorgeous day here. I'm going to run some errands to blow off steam from a frustrating communication from a short sale bank. I can't wait for my job to be fun someday again. We have to deal with so many depressed and sad people. It's good to be of help and hard to hear all the sadness sometimes.

gettinhealthy · Jan 27, 2011

Diane W. said:
Kathy - thank you so much for sharing those photos! I enjoyed them all. They are so cute! I love the pic with them all in the crate with the glowing eyes - it should be your Halloween card next year! I will definitely be in on the puppy-napping (I want the darkest (black?) one).

Diane, I am afraid to tell you, the black one was the first to go. Our good friends got her. I have some pictures of her in her new home, and they brought her over last week to say "hi". She has grown soo much in 2 weeks! It is so weird, because boxers can't produce a black boxer. It is genetically impossible. She is actually a reverse brindle where the black is so dominate, you can't see the fawn stripes. If the sun shines on her just right, you can faintly see the stripes! I think they will have their hands full because they haven't really set any boundaries with her yet. That is not good at all. She is princess in their house, so she is getting spoiled a bit too much

But I can only give suggestions. Nipping as 11 weeks old isn't as bad as nipping at a year old.
I also liked the blue eyed ones LOL. It so funny, only my camera flash does that to their eyes.
Bailey already knows what she wants to dress up like for Halloween. She wants to be a Dalmation!! At least she has the spots for it LOL.
I told Mike we need to change Behemoth's name to Marmaduke!! When he looks straight at me, his face looks just like him! I'll have to try to get a picture of it LOL.
I will keep the pictures coming. I'll be sure to link them with photobucket. I'll have to take my phone to Verizon and see why I can't send any videos on it now. I know it has to do with the settings getting messed up.
I also wanted to say, like your picture in the avatar. Just wish it was a bit lighter, but if I move my screen down enough, I can see you!

gettinhealthy · Jan 27, 2011

Wisteria1956 said:
Kathy: The puppies are so cute! And huge! I'm surprised Bailey doesn't want to take off that tape. She must be so tired from them all bothering her.

Lisa, the puppies range in weight from about 14 or 15# (we call her red because of the collar color) and blue being 20#. They are only 11 weeks and that big already! Even red being the "runt" is right on weight wise for being a boxer. When we got Tyson at 10 weeks, he was 10#, so they are out weighing him already! At 8 weeks, red weighed 12# and blue was 14#!
Bailey never did bother his ears. I thought she would. All the other puppies tried to grab onto the posts and chew on them or pull on him. We use small round foam post things you get at Lowes. I can't remember the name right off what it's called. But they are all now pretty used to them looking like that, and everyone leaves them alone. The first couple weeks were the hardest. That was why he had to wear the e-collar. They kept pulling his stitches out
Bailey is now at the point where she plays with them. More playmate than mommy. She and Tyson have so much fun with them. Now that they are going outside a little, Tyson has turned into a mother hen LOL. He is constantly keeping track of all puppies. Makes it a little easier for me to take them out, as they will follow Tyson and Bailey, so if they go into a part of the yard I don't want them, I call in "the big dogs" LOL. They did so well this morning. They pee'd and poo'd outside.

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gettinhealthy · Jan 27, 2011

Good morning Ladies. Just got up an hour ago, and ready to go back to bed

The benedryl I'm taking is kicking my butt!! I am taking about 100mg/day. My doctors have always told me it's ok to take that much, but not to go much more than that. I am taking it about every 4 hours. I wish I could figure this out. Thought it may be milk, as I had some each day I broke out, so didn't have any dairy yesterday/last night. Nope. Got them withing 15 min of getting up again. Thought it might be the dogs. Nope. I stayed away from them all evening and this morning. I think I'd die if I'm allergic to my babies!! :eek:

So, the other thing I am thinking is my robe. I didn't get to wash it, and I put it on first thing when I get out of bed. I don't get the hives while sleeping or in bed. And since it's external, it is making this a bit more difficult. I got new clothes detergent and softener. The tide free and clear and downy free and clear. I bought Aveno colloidal oatmeal bath stuff, Aveno colloidal oatmeal bath wash (boy that stuff makes your skin REALLY soft!), baby shampoo and baby detangler stuff. No make up, no perfume (I really hate not putting that on!) and no hair spray. I am hoping to figure this out soon!!
I was washing yet another load of clothes last night, and it is again not doing the spin cycle

When Mike gets home sometime today, I think we will have to get a new washer. Last time (a couple months ago) he took the front off and gave the belt a turn or two and it worked. But the washer is on it's last legs anyway. Maybe I can find a second hand one from a moving sale or something like that.

Diane, did you get hit with the newest storm? We got about an inch, thankfully. I am hearing another front is headed our way by the weekend.

I think it's going to be a long end of Jan and Fed. March is still iffy with winter weather

But at least it doesn't get dark until about 5:30 or so!! :cool1:

Lisa, I hope your job gets fun again too. I remember my old house, I wanted to do a quick sale, but Rich wouldn't sign the paperwork to do it. :confused3

But that's water under the bridge.
I hope you don't mind if I vent for a moment. I am a little upset and just need to get it off my chest.
Tris told me the other day that Rich's partner called her at 5am!! He told her that he saw Rich's oncologist and then proceeded to tell her that Rich has 3 months to live. He also told her that Rich didn't want them to know. He said Rich is depressed and cries all the time. Well, hello, the poor man is dying! Of course he's depressed and crying!! He then told her that they are almost broke and he doesn't know what they will do if he has to get a prescription and can't afford to pay for it. They were going to cash in his 401K to help with the bills.
He also called Rich's mom and I believe his one brother. I am so furious with this person!! I don't think it's his place to be telling Tris and Rich's family these things. I feel if Rich wanted them to know, he would have told them. And to call Tris at 5am!! I asked her if he seemed to be drinking, and she said no.
Tris said she and Levi are trying to talk Rich into moving in with them. At this point, I think he should. He would be with family and friends that love him and will be there to support him. I know it would be a lot of work, but it also sounds to me like his partner wants out of the relationship and is looking for an excuse to do so. Just really burns my butt!!

Ok, enough rambling and what not. I'll try to get back later if the benedryl doesn't knock me out first. I also have to work for about an hour and a half tonight. Was thinking of going to the Y and get into the pool and steam room. May help with the hives if stress is the culprit.

Have a great day everyone!! Sending many hugs your way :grouphug:

kater · Jan 27, 2011

Hi, everyone.

Kathy - just love the puppy pics! I thought it was cute how many of them included sleeping pups. I still wish I could take red.

Things are good in my part of Cali. I started a six week beginning meditation center. It is held at the wonderful place called Spirt Rock. Chloe is going with me. We went to the second one last night. I am really enjoying them. I have also been seeing a woman that calls herself a "healer" since last summer. Something has changed, I don't know what, but I sure different. I have also been listening to different audio recordings/mediations by Jerry & Esther Hicks. They wrote the Law of Attraction and lots of other books. They really seem to "speak" to me. So, for now, I am going to just go with this good feeling.

HCG update. It is not easy. Last week, I made it through the first three very low cals days but had a headache all three days. I kept telling myself that I would get past it. However, on the fourth day (Sunday), I caved and ate stuff like crackers, grilled cheese sandwich and ice cream. Can you says YIKES! Monday and Tuesday were the first two days again this week and they were easy. Yesterday was day three and it was harder - I was sort of nauseated all day (like I get with a migraine - could have been one?). Today is day four - the hardest one I had last week. We will see. I woke up feeling okay. I am down 3.2. Of course, I am sure some of it is water weight. I can't say that I have been starving. I think the hardest part is eating something different than everyone else. And, of course, going out to eat is not easy either (not that we do it much but sometimes I have to for work stuff). I have been eating Miracle Noodles (they are 0 carbs/0 calories because they are 100% fiber) with my allowed amount of protein (usually a chicken/turkey sausage from Trader Joes) and my steamed veggies (usually Broccoli Slaw from Trader Joes). Anyway, that is the update on HCG.

Off to work. A couple of big "court days" coming up. Trying to remind myself not to stress and picture myself cool, calm and collected.

Hugs to all!

Diane W. · Jan 27, 2011

Hi everyone! Yay - we're in the last week of January!!! :cool1:

We got about 5 inches of snow last night.

I'm watching the last 5 minutes of Dr. Phil right now and a dr. is talking about his diet - the 17 day diet. One guy in the audience lost 34 lbs. so far. I've got to google this one, I've never heard of it before now. He just said that tomorrow on the Doctors show the winners of this challenge will be guests. I guess I'll watch that too.

Kathy - Can't something you eat give you hives too? My sister gets internal hives, but they say it's her body attacking itself. She carries an Epi-pen at all times. I used to get eczema on my hands all the time when I was married. It was so bad at times, it was disgusting. Since I got divorced I never got it again. Go figure!

Kate - Wow, I wish we lived closer. I would love to go to a meditation class with someone. There's a place by me called the Garrison Institute that has free guided meditation on Wednesday nights, but I feel funny going alone. Sounds like you're on a great path. :hug:

Lisa - I hope your next clients are a newlywed couple expecting their first child and looking for their first home. How fun would that be! :lovestruc

gettinhealthy · Jan 27, 2011

Good evening everyone! Not much going on here. Waiting for Mike to get home. He went to work yesterday afternoon around 2:30. He thought he'd be home around 7 or 8 this evening. He is then off the next 3 days.

Kate, Red holds a very special spot in my heart. It's like we connected on some soul level. I will really miss her.

it would give me much peace of mind if any of you had her as I know she'd be so well loved.

Diane, I am lucky that these hives are all external and pretty localized. Mostly my knee/thigh area, forearms upper chest/neck area a little on my face.
When I was younger I used to get them internally and it was horrible! They would start internally and within 30 my whole body would be covered with them. That's when I would end up at the ER. I became pretty much immune to Benedryl and that's when they started giving me the Atarax.
They are slowly getting better. I only took 50mg of Benedryl so far today. I found some lotion at the local natural store. It has tea tree, camomille and Vit E in it. Seemed to really help with the itching.

I saw the Dr. Phil and Doctors that started the challenge. Did you know the Doctors is produced by Dr. Phil? I was wanting to check out that diet also. I may do that after my Aveno soak. Boy that stuff makes my dry skin sooo soft!

Ok, got to go. A couch full of puppies and typing don't mix LOL

Wisteria1956 · Jan 27, 2011

Kate: My sister is doing the same meditations you are! Something about Vortex? Anyway I know its by the same people. Im so excited for you! I love meditation. Tom and I are getting so much out of my gratitude book. We read it together at chemo today.

Kathy: Its hard sometimes when youre dealing with a potentially terminal illness and the person themselves isnt asking the questions or telling their loved ones. Tom has never asked I think because he thinks it will lessen his resolve to beat the cancer. I finally told J-P that Dads cancer is aggressive and serious and most people dont survive much more than a year so you should do what you can this year to make special memories just in case. I also said I didnt want to make you sad or depressed and that I felt like I was in an awkward position since Tom and he hadnt asked, but if I didnt warn him and something bad happened I would feel like I should have said something. Richs partner is grieving too and perhaps spilling over onto the kids more than he should.

That was a rerun about the 17 day diet. Remember I told you guys I saw it on The Doctors? I googled it and wasnt too impressed with what I read but it sounds sensible.

I saw a guy on Dr. Oz a couple of days ago that has written a book on the science of how people burn fat and change their metabolisms. Its called the 4 Hour Diet. There are things you can do in 4 hours a week to dramatically increase how much fat you burn and its not hard to do. The first thing was to eat 30 grams of protein within 30 minutes of waking. He said you can use protein powder to do it. He wants you to pig out once a week. It does something to jolt your metabolism and thyroid. You drink a bit of grapefruit juice before you eat the no-no meal. He also said it keeps you on task the rest of the week if you know you can have what you want once a week. I think that makes a lot of sense. There were some squat type exercises you do for a certain amount of time after you eat something you shouldnt. He said his Dad was losing about 5 lbs. a month, started eating the 30 grams of protein in the am and went up to over 18 lbs. per month weight loss with no other changes! Dr. Oz has been testing this with his medical team and believes the guys methods are valid. Dr. Oz has begun eating the extra protein. Im going to order the book.

Tom's in a chemo nausea drug stupor so I'm going to go check on him. Only one more week of chemo to go after today. Yippee!

kater · Jan 27, 2011

Wisteria1956 said:
Kate: My sister is doing the same meditations you are! Something about Vortex? Anyway I know its by the same people. Im so excited for you! I love meditation. Tom and I are getting so much out of my gratitude book. We read it together at chemo today.

Yes - that is it! Ask your sister if she has read Ask and It is Given? Also, tell her that I ordered the CD set of a recording of one of their courses that took place on a cruise a few years ago. I got it on Amazon. I love it! I listen to it mostly in my car so I just get ten minutes here and there but it always seems to be just what I need, when I need it. I find it very comforting. And uplifting.

I keep Tom in my prayers. You too. Hugs.

Wisteria1956 · Jan 31, 2011

Sorry I'm not here much these days. Tom's pretty sick, although it could be worse. He can barely eat and has an upset stomach all the time. The anti-nausea pills make him sleepy and he pretty much has to stay on them 24/7 so he sleeps a lot. We are so anxious for this next week to be over. He finishes his treatments on the 10th, but last chemo is on the 3rd so he should feel somewhat better by around the 7th. Radiation makes a person fatigued also, though.

I made candied ginger, lemon-glazed cookies yesterday for Tom and to take to our last chemo for the other patients to share. They should help with nausea. Took me nearly all day though! Chopping candied ginger takes a long time to get 1/2 cup.

Kate: We need another HCG update. Did the hunger and headaches pass? I don't know what I'm eating these days. It's so hard to cook for one person. Tom ate dinner on Friday night. I think that was the only dinner he had all week. We did go out to lunch that day also. Seems chemo takes 3 days to hit him hard. After that, he only eats baked potato. He did like my cookies.

gettinhealthy · Feb 1, 2011

Wisteria1956 said:
Kathy: It’s hard sometimes when you’re dealing with a potentially terminal illness and the person themselves isn’t asking the questions or telling their loved ones. Tom has never asked I think because he thinks it will lessen his resolve to beat the cancer. I finally told J-P that Dad’s cancer is aggressive and serious and most people don’t survive much more than a year so you should do what you can this year to make special memories just in case. I also said I didn’t want to make you sad or depressed and that I felt like I was in an awkward position since Tom and he hadn’t asked, but if I didn’t warn him and something bad happened I would feel like I should have said something. Rich’s partner is grieving too and perhaps spilling over onto the kids more than he should.

Lisa, I agree with you about spilling over to the kids. I understand he probably needs support as well, I just wish he wouldn't call her that early. She said this isn't the first time he's called that early too. I guess the part that upsets me the most is they don't really know him. Rich never brought him around, and they only met him maybe a handful of times.
I can understand Tom not wanting to "admit" that his cancer is so aggressive. I too think that plays a lot in the recovery of the person. You can't give up when it comes to this type of fight. If Rich and I were still married, I would have told the girls, I just feel that them not knowing his partner that well, he shouldn't have called and told her. But what is done is done, and we are dealing with it.

Wisteria1956 said:
I saw a guy on Dr. Oz a couple of days ago that has written a book on the science of how people burn fat and change their metabolisms. It’s called the 4 Hour Diet. There are things you can do in 4 hours a week to dramatically increase how much fat you burn and it’s not hard to do. The first thing was to eat 30 grams of protein within 30 minutes of waking. He said you can use protein powder to do it. He wants you to ‘pig out’ once a week. It does something to jolt your metabolism and thyroid. You drink a bit of grapefruit juice before you eat the no-no meal. He also said it keeps you on task the rest of the week if you know you can have what you want once a week. I think that makes a lot of sense. There were some squat type exercises you do for a certain amount of time after you eat something you shouldn’t. He said his Dad was losing about 5 lbs. a month, started eating the 30 grams of protein in the am and went up to over 18 lbs. per month weight loss with no other changes! Dr. Oz has been testing this with his medical team and believes the guy’s methods are valid. Dr. Oz has begun eating the extra protein. I’m going to order the book.

I also "heard" that episode. It actually intrigued me enought to stop working and watch it a bit. I want to watch it online since I couldn't really watch it at work. I like the way Dr. Oz explains things out and why what you're doing works or doesn't work. I may try to do that today since I am not going to work

gettinhealthy · Feb 1, 2011

kater said:
Yes - that is it! Ask your sister if she has read Ask and It is Given? Also, tell her that I ordered the CD set of a recording of one of their courses that took place on a cruise a few years ago. I got it on Amazon. I love it! I listen to it mostly in my car so I just get ten minutes here and there but it always seems to be just what I need, when I need it. I find it very comforting. And uplifting.

I watched that movie, The Secret, and it really made me think about things. I spent most of my life in a depression, and negative thoughts. I have tried to change my thinking after watching the movie. I am thinking I may need to read those books as well. :thumbsup2

gettinhealthy · Feb 1, 2011

Wisteria1956 said:
Sorry I'm not here much these days. Tom's pretty sick, although it could be worse. He can barely eat and has an upset stomach all the time. The anti-nausea pills make him sleepy and he pretty much has to stay on them 24/7 so he sleeps a lot. We are so anxious for this next week to be over. He finishes his treatments on the 10th, but last chemo is on the 3rd so he should feel somewhat better by around the 7th. Radiation makes a person fatigued also, though.

I made candied ginger, lemon-glazed cookies yesterday for Tom and to take to our last chemo for the other patients to share. They should help with nausea. Took me nearly all day though! Chopping candied ginger takes a long time to get 1/2 cup.

Kate: We need another HCG update. Did the hunger and headaches pass? I don't know what I'm eating these days. It's so hard to cook for one person. Tom ate dinner on Friday night. I think that was the only dinner he had all week. We did go out to lunch that day also. Seems chemo takes 3 days to hit him hard. After that, he only eats baked potato. He did like my cookies.

Lisa, I am so sorry Tom has been having a difficult time. I know you are taking good care of him, but remember to take care of yourself as well. I still continue to pray for you guys each day. I am finding I am thinking of Tom more and more these days. Not sure if that means he's needing more prayers, but I am sending a small prayer each time I think of you guys.
I bought Mike some candied ginger at the health food store and he loved it. If I remember right, isn't ginger an anti-inflammatory as well? I am thinking that was why I bought it. I never chopped it up before, but I can imagine how long it took to chop it!!
I can imagine how hard it is to cook for one person! I think that's where i get into a bit of trouble. When Mike's at work, I just grab whatever since I'm not really hungry. I need to improve that a bit more I think.

gettinhealthy · Feb 1, 2011

Hi everyone!! As you can see, I am feeling a bit "colorful" this morning.
Not much going on here other than the ice storm we are having. We had freezing rain all night. I know it wasn't raining when I went to bed around 10 or so, but when Mike got called out at midnight, it was raining. I finally fell asleep around 3:30 and I think it was still raining. It is icy out, but it also seems to break up easily right now. So we haven't gotten too much yet. I need to run a few errands before it gets really bad. They are saying we can get about an inch of ice before it turns to snow

I don't mind driving in snow, but ice is another story. No traction at all.
An update on my hives. Yesterday I was still getting them, so I decided to make sure I take a benedryl before I go to bed. Seemed to work. I got up with the puppies at 6:30 and didn't have much problems. My fingers started to swell a bit and itch a tiny bit (usually how they would start) so I took a benedryl as soon as the dogs all came back in. Not that they stayed out long in the rain LOL. Only 2 puppies out of all 6 dogs would go out in the rain!! I am thinking it's stress related or emotional type of hives.
I am going to sweep the floors and couches really good today after I run my errands. I took today off so I wouldn't get stuck in the ice.

Diane, Robin, and anyone else effected by this storm, please be careful if you have to go out. By sounds of it, this storm is packing a huge punch out west, and up the coast. I think once again we lucked out as it seems to be staying more north of us. That puts it up Diane's way

Ok, going to go get this stuff done before it gets any worse out!! I'll be back later on today, after my nap LOL.

Geriatric MM Warriors June 13, 2010

Counting the days until I get a job!

DIS Veteran

Kathy

Kathy

Kathy

Counting the days until I get a job!

DIS Veteran

Kathy

Kathy

Kathy

DIS Veteran

Counting the days until I get a job!

Kathy

DIS Veteran

DIS Veteran

DIS Veteran

Kathy

Kathy

Kathy

Kathy