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What Is On Your Medical Calendar For December?
Are you taking a holiday from medical appointments this month, or will it be business as usual?
Update us on whatever you have scheduled so we can give you good cheer and support you through whatever you are or will be going through. -
51 Replies
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December is my yearly cancer check-up. Squish-o-gram and lab work on Thursday. See the oncology NP on the 30th. Usual shrinking this month. Nothing too extreme…I hope!
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My positive thoughts, prayers, and juju are with you as you have your annual cancer check, @brendad53. Please do keep us all posted and how we can best support you.
I have a dental cleaning later this month. But my most important this month is the rescheduled neurologist consult next week on the 13th. Labs may be done again; who knows? Last week they called me back to redo part of my labs they forgot to get when I was there. But hopefully, a slower holidayish from medical stuff.
@colleensteele. do you have anything scheduled this year? Hopefully, you can get your flu shot when you do your SBUX run one day.
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May I ask, Jen, how neurology fits into PH? Or are these two separate things happening with you?
I’ve very recently become aware that three of my health issues may be grounded in a single malfunction: auto-immune issues. It appears that the world of medicine isn’t sure how they all relate, exactly, but note that they tend to be co-morbid with each other at a rate higher than expected. (Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, PAH [at least, that variant of PH], and apneas)
So I am naturally wondering if you are experiencing a similar kind of thing, where two health issues that on the surface appear to be unrelated might be somehow linked at a deeper level?
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Hey @brendad53, I have no idea if the neurology issues are related. We may know more once I see the neurologist and get the testing they want. Then again, we may never know.
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@brendad53 I hope it goes without saying that you will be in my thoughts and prayers during your Cancer check-up and @jenc during your Neurologist appointment. It’s good to hear you both have a fairly light medical calendar for the holidays but those appointments are big ones to check-off your list. Please update us when you are able!
@jenc I have excuses you don’t want to hear. If anything, I really do need to get my fly shot to protect Brian.
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Hi all, flu seavengeance is here with a vengeance especially here in WA and CA. We got our shots a couple of weeks ago and plan to be very cautious.
Medical stuff coming in Dec. check in with Dermatologist and Cardiologist, usual lab work stuff but nothing (I hope) that concerns me – maybe dermatology. I really don’t want her yo find more malignant Melanomas!
Jen, wishing all goes really well with your labs and your appointment on the 13th eith neurologist!! You are in my prayers. Sending you lots of positive vibes.
Hey Brenda auto-immune issues can and do complicate health issues. I have Scleroderma which caused PAH, SIBO, bowel inconvenience, has affective my liver, spleen etc. Everything is being msnaged and I am stable. So please ask your team for some help here. Wishing you good outcomes always, please take care and be safe.
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Hope all your check-in’s go well @cdvol3gmail-com . When you mentioned dermatologist it reminded me that I need to find and schedule an appointment for Cullen. He should have been established with one by now but it got lost among all his other specialist needs. He is high risk to skin cancer due to medications and genetics.
He also had a cardiology (post heart transplant) check-up scheduled for the end of December but he won’t be home. I’m so proud of Cullen. He called them today and rescheduled the appointment himself! He is taking over more and more of his care and handling it well.
Let us know how your follow-ups go, especially with the dermatologist.
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Thank you Colleen. I will keep you posted on the check ups.
Actually from what you have written about Cullen I am not surprised he realized he would not be home for his follow up and called himself to reschedule! Way to o Cullen!!
Now, if we can get your mom to make/reschedule her appointments!
Love and joy ????❤
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Hi @colleensteele, I’m incredibly proud of Cullen. As a mom, I know it’s bittersweet when they spread those wings. But you’ve taught him so well; that’s why he is such an incredible and responsible young man. WTG, my buddy, Cullen!
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Hi @cdvol3gmail-com, thanks so much for your prayers and positive thoughts. I’m happy that you and Dick have your flu shots. I had mine last month. @colleensteele is planning to get hers soon.
I hope all comes back with good results, my sweet PHriend—no more malignancies.
As you remind Brenda, autoimmune can complicate so many other things. I hope @brendad53 can get some much-needed help and relief soon.
Hugs, prayers, and positive vibes are coming your way.
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I haven’t been on much…..been busy between “medical stuff” and work. My eye sight got fuzzy, turns out it was “second cataracts” where stuff grows on lens they put in. Got the laser deal done and can see fine now. Got coughing pretty bad in July. Got some antibiotics and it went away. Got the same thing in October and it didn’t go away with antibiotics. Ended up in the ER as I couldn’t stop the cough and couldn’t get any sleep. Got some Codeine cough syrup and Prednisone. CT scan indicated my lymph-nodes were getting bigger and causing it. So here I am in AZ. My CLL oncologist at UCSD figures it’s time to do infusions to reduce the size so I will probably be here till April when they are finished. Not doing chemo…..using Gazyva. Do I have PH? Nobody knows.Tell Cullen I feel his pain on getting turned into a pincushion. If you remember it happened to me last spring. I talked to my nurse about that and she said it was pretty common……not much you can do about it. I gotta get a ct scan in a month or so and don’t want to go through what I did before.
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@wheeldog it’s nice to hear from you but I wish the update was better. I’m sorry to hear about all that you have been going through. Do they feel hopeful the infusions will be successful in reducing the size? How are you holding up mentally with all of this?
Cullen has always been a difficult poke, so he is used to that. I think his biggest issue was the lack of professionalism and the fact that no one seemed to be in charge. There wasn’t an experienced person around to take over if needed and we think that is unacceptable. And telling Cullen they couldn’t access his records to get the correct lab order…what?
I can’t remember with the CT scan if putting a line in through the hand is accepted. If you can tolerate that the hand is often a good option when the arm isn’t successful. Cullen always tells them to not even try the arm unless it’s something that requires them going in that way.
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The success rate of the infusions is 80%. I have ups and downs like everyone else. My way of coping is staying busy. We moved the “tin tent” to Yuma. We have way to much “stuff” accumulated over the years. Pretty much a full time job dealing with it.
I am a hard stick too. Someone who know what they are doing is no problem. I understand I am dealing with a teaching college. What gets me there is no supervision. They keep making the same mistake over and over. They need someone to show them what they are doing wrong.
I have had needles for CT scans put pretty much anywhere in my arm or hand.
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So sorry to hear Roger you too have such difficulty when techs are poking you.
I found that not only are my veins tough and crooked but also my nerve endings cross my veins.
Hydration help – I drink lots of water prior, hot packs help, also lidocaine also is a big help. If the tech does not listen, I insist on getting someone else.
Teaching hospital or not hurting a patient is just unacceptable.
I hope you have a restful weekend. Wishing you all the very best – warm hugs!
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@wheeldog exactly, that is what bothers Cullen the most too…where is the supervision? Who is teaching these students how to correct their mistakes? They shouldn’t be learning through trial and error on patients, especially those with serious illnesses. They are going through enough as it is and don’t deserve that sort of treatment.
Needless to say we are thinking of you and hope you will reach out to us whenever you could use some extra emotional support.
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Wow, that’s a pretty success rate, @wheeldog. I know you are in good hands. Please try and take it easy some days if you know how.
As Carol mentions, hydration helps. Teaching hospitals is incredible, but only if they practice safely without torturing patients.
How long have y’all been in the tent city? Did y’all come earlier this year?
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Roger, I have a friend whose husband has CLL. It’s a long road to travel, with that one. I hope you and your doctors get things back under good control with it soon. Question: If you have to have lots of needle sticks on a regular basis, have you considered getting a port?
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I am sure they will figure it out. They are pretty sharp at UCSD. I have had this since ’15. Thanks for the interest.
Usually I only get a stick every 2 or 3 months. With few exceptions the phlebotomists usually do a good job. It’s the folks at the CT scans is where I have problems. Might get 2 or 3 of them a year.
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Oh no, @wheeldog, I’m sorry to hear about your ongoing medical issues. You certainly have been busy, buddy! Have you already started the Gazyva infusions? How long is yours? It’s often a set of 6-10, I think.
As Brenda suggests, do you think they would place a port? They may use it for the infusions, too. Many cancer patients have ports, especially if you’re a hard stick!
How’s Mary Ellen doing with this all? How are you mentally? Thankful that you are already at UCSD, where they know about your cancer. Take one day at a time. Positive thoughts and pryers are with you.
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I haven’t started with the infusions yet. Supposed to start around the 15th, but I don’t have an exact date. I am supposed to get a total of 9. I get 2, 2 days in a row. The next 2 are a week apart and then once a month till I get 9.
Sticks from people who know what they are doing isn’t a big deal. Besides, I would forget about the port and do something to screw it up.
ME is doing ok…..just worried. Staying busy is my method of dealing with stress like this. Keeps me from thinking about it.
Hope you are doing well with your PH.
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I am doing pretty good, @wheeldog; thanks. I had a tumble a few weeks ago and had staples in my had, but those are out, and it’s healing. So, of course, I need to now find something to get into, LOL
It seems like many of us busy ourselves so as not to worry as much.
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@brendad53 I have multiple autoimmune conditions and it seems like they evolve and reproduce all the time. It just gets more and more and yes they definitely impact on PH. Maybe you should try see a rheumatologist to get to the bottom of it. Good luck.
@jenc, good luck with the neurologist. Ive just had a hospital visit that included MRI and that test where they stick all the electrodes on your head and you look like your best self for 24 hours. Then you’re sent home with glue stuck all over your scalp and are told that you should use coconut oil to get the glue off. Which you do for 3 days solid and you finally have the glue out, and then it takes another 4 weeks to get the oil out ????. So far they’ve found out i have a brain.
Due to lack of motivation all December appointments are canceled.
@colleenstelle, I loved seeing Cullen on Facebook making his way to the check in desk. I’ll bet he and his brother are having a great time together. I’ll bet it was a little bitter sweet for you.
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#Tracey….. Hmmm…I don’t know. You say they have evidence so far that you have a brain? My guess is that the REAL test wasn’t in the electrodes over one night. It was in the glue and the coconut oil the week after that! 🙂 Clearly you passed!
And yes, I think I’m going to mention this to my PCP and see if he suggests that I should talk to a rheumatologist.
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Thanks, @ traceyaustralianmigration-co-za. The EEG, as you describe, will probably be one test they will want to do again. I’ve had that one twice, and I hate waiting to get that “gunk” out of my hair.
I’m sorry you’ve been hospitalized and worn out from those tests. It’s more frustrating not getting any helpful information from the tests.
You had a great reminder for Brenda about asking to see a rheumatologist.
Try to relax before the holidays. Will the kids be visiting during the holidays this year? Take care, and thanks for your support ahead of my appointment tomorrow.
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Well Tracy, thank goodness they found out you have a brain. Instead of going through all those electrodes and sending you home to get the gunk out – all they had to do was ask you! You have a brain! At least coconut oil is suppose to be good for the hair and scalp. Seriously, I am so sorry you had to go through all of that! I certainly hope you find out the results and sending you positive energy the results will give you some answers and relief.
Fighting so many autoimmune issues is so very difficult. Seems to me any new medical issue comes out of no where it is caused by autoimmune disease. Your suggestion to Brenda is really good – to see a Rheumatologist.
Rest well my friend and be gentle with yourself.
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@traceyaustralianmigration-co-za it’s so nice to hear from you! I just realized I received your FB post about your village but had to log off and forgot to go back and read it. I will do that today and share it with my husband. He enjoys learning about new places.
Cullen and Aidan are really enjoying their time together. I have moments of sadness when I’m really missing them but for the most part I’m just happy they are good friends and at least have each other for the holiday.
How have you been feeling?
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Hi @colleensteele, I know it must be so quiet at your house with both boys gone. It isn’t easy as they spread their wings—big hugs to you and Brian.
I am so happy that they are enjoying this special time together. Both boys will benefit. Did they have any cajun food yet?
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@jenc I don’t think they have eaten out yet but Aidan’s 2 week vacation starts tomorrow so I’m sure it’s on their to-do list.
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@jenc I don’t think they have eaten out yet but Aidan’s 2 week vacation starts tomorrow so I’m sure it’s on their to-do list.
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I wanted to update y’all on my long-awaited Neurology consult. Well, it was precisely that. Honestly, as I told Colleen, my time was wasted for the most part.
He doesn’t think my issues are concerning and possibly linked to all of my medications and/or disease processes.
The next step would be to see a neurologist routinely, and they work with my other providers to see if they think the same. If so, he mentioned tapering off some of my medications until we noticed an improvement. I tried to tell him that wasn’t really an option.
I am not sold on his opinion and plan. I thought of you, @brendad53. Plus, the next available appointment is in May! So taking a break now for medical appointments except for teeth cleaning next week.
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Oh dang it!!! (love to say more but would be kicked out of forum). My heart hurts for you and my head aches for you!!! You must feel so frustrated my friend.
I agree with you, it certainly sounds like your neurologist needs to confer with the rest of your medical team and not just decide to go down on any of your meds.
I hope you are going to give yourself a break – you certainly deserve it – just relax, rest and be kind to yourself.
Wishing you and Manny a delightful weekend coming up – maybe rent a comedy that will make you laugh so loud you’ll have to go back and listen again! ????
Sending youvwarm hugs filled with love … ????????????❤
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Oh no @jenc I don’t remember you telling me his suggestion of tapering off of medications. I don’t want to stress you out but really…I’m counting 3 strikes and you know what that means.
One – dismissed your issues as not concerning.Two – Too much time in-between your next appointment.
Three – Suggesting you taper medications.
Are there any other doctors on your radar you can switch too? This one has your FWW feeling very protective of you.
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Wow Randy, you and your wife have been through soooo much this month. It is time you both had a break. What Colleen said is so true, it is the small things that can bring you through the hardest of times. I know you still have a great deal ahead of you to deal with, but I also know – you will! Wishing you and your wife a holiday filled with laughter and joy! Sending you a big air hug!!
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LOL, @colleensteele, I almost spit my hot tea all over my screen when I read your response. I felt like a small child getting in trouble and was ready to run on 3.
I do see my PCP again in January and will be asking her for suggestions. Because of their wait times, it will be tough to be choosey, but I may have to wait.
I’m happy the boys are having a good time and now start the vacation; so curious as to what they are up too, LOL.
My FWW is a tad protective, but that’s OK; we like to protect one another. Love ya, bunches.
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Hi @cdvol3gmail-com, thanks so much for your kind words of encouragement and that laugh!
Yes, I am taking a break except for a dental cleaning until next year. Then January, I have 3 or 4 appointments.
I take your advice and will take it easy as I allow myself a little grace. How are things with you, my sweet PHriend?
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Hey Jen, very happy to hear you are taking a break and going easy on yourself. Dental cleaning when your done feels good!
The only appointments I have coming up is PA to take a look at my knee – after surgery to remove the melanoma I got an infection and have been on a antibiotics – hoping all is healing as I have not been able to walk the White Tornado! Poor Dick has been walking (running) by himself for the last 2.5 weeks!
The only other appointment is eith my dermatologist on the 28th for a re-check. Other than those, we are taking it very easy and working with Cloud in becoming a good citizen of the dog world – si far he is really doing very well and is very smart for a 4 month old.
Rest easy dear friend and Many too. Sending hugs with love.
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Hi @cdvol3gmail-com, I hope both of your appointments go well, my PHriend. I bet Dick has been getting his exercise and walking with Cloud, hehe. Once those appointments are over, I hope you three can enjoy a relaxing time resting ahead of the New Year.
My late Pawpaw always reminded us, kids, “time waits for no one.” I was a young kid back then, but each year his voice reminds me of this as time seems to continue to slip away so much faster.
Manny and I will rest and prepare for the kiddos to arrive next week. However, they did rent an Airbnb at the beach about 12 miles away, so I may run away there. They didn’t want me to work hard to get the condo ready, plus they had strict sleep and workout schedules that they would continue most days. They thought I would be upset, and my first question was, when can I come to check out y’all’s beach pad?? LOL
Keep us posted on your appointments, sweet lady.
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What Colleen said Jen! Colleen, you are right on the button! And, Colleen, what you said to Randy really touch my heart ♥. Lots of love Jen, Colleen.
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This Advent and Christmas Season is becoming my medical season. It is difficult to get into a ‘Christmas Spirit’ when so many issues have confronted us.
My wife contracted Covid the first week of the month and that threw our life style out of kilter for ten days. She is effectively recovered, asymptomatic, but it took a while before we could share the same bedroom. I tested negative for this whole period but it led to missing a couple of social events. In the meantime my recovery from double pneumonia is slowly happening. I have to have a right heart catheterization and the logistics of traveling 120 miles with oxygen tanks had to be solved. I have to leave for the hospital at 4:30 am. Thankfully someone is going to drive me.
Added to that is a visit with my cardiologist who is concerned about my situaition and has opened up a slot for me to visit prior to my catheterization. When Christmas is past I have to get my INR back into range.
That is what my medical schedule has done to the season. But I cannot say ‘Bah humbug’. It is after all a time to celebrate life.
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This Advent and Christmas Season is becoming my medical season. It is difficult to get into a ‘Christmas Spirit’ when so many issues have confronted us.
My wife contracted Covid the first week of the month and that threw our life style out of kilter for ten days. She is effectively recovered, asymptomatic, but it took a while before we could share the same bedroom. I tested negative for this whole period but it led to missing a couple of social events. In the meantime my recovery from double pneumonia is slowly happening. I have to have a right heart catheterization and the logistics of traveling 120 miles with oxygen tanks had to be solved. I have to leave for the hospital at 4:30 am. Thankfully someone is going to drive me.
Added to that is a visit with my cardiologist who is concerned about my situaition and has opened up a slot for me to visit prior to my catheterization. When Christmas is past I have to get my INR back into range.
That is what my medical schedule has done to the season. But I cannot say ‘Bah humbug’. It is after all a time to celebrate life.
Best to all
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@ripple76 happy to see you were able to post…hope I didn’t just jinx it.
I know Cullen has had his share of medically complicated Christmas seasons and it is so hard to stay jolly when all that is going on. Somehow though, I hope you and your lovely wife find your moments of peace and joy throughout Advent.
I have a picture of Cullen putting the Christmas start on our tree. He was young and so sick at the time but full of the Christmas spirit anyway. I always look at that picture to remind me that you don’t have to go “big” at Christmas. It’s the seemingly small moments that somehow turn into precious memories.
I’m really sorry you and your wife have been going through so much this month. Praying your cath goes well.
Keep us updated!
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Oh no,@ripple76, I hate that you and your lovely wife are going through so much during the holidays. It is challenging to stay jolly when dealing with such a heavy plate, my PHriend.
It says so much about you, though, as you continue trying to be as positive as you can. I hope and pray that your heart cath goes well. My heart hurts for you and your wife.
A few years back, recovering from COVID, I was happy to be home and alive on Christmas. That was what was most important. As @colleensteele shares, it’s not about how big Christmas is; it’s the people we are with and what we make of things, right?
I hope that 2023 will start with much better news for you and your wife. Please keep us posted.
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I’m far behind. I just read all the posts. Wow!
I had a dermatology appointment earlier this month. It’s melanoma. Surgery is scheduled for Feb 6th (had to wait for me to get back from Hawaii). Found some more areas that need to be checked out, so that is Feb 10th.
Although my December has been mild with appointments, I’ve been going with my husband to his. Right before Thanksgiving, he had a blood clot in a vein from his small intestine to his liver – not his portal vein. The doctors can’t figure out why; it’s rare.
Only appointment in January is with a plane and then a boat!
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I don’t know a lot about melanoma, Debbie, but I do wonder how serious the melanoma is in your case. It’s one of the more deadly cancers. While you’re in Hawaii, do take a LOT of care with sun exposure!
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Hi Debbie, so sorry to hear you have to have surgery to remove your melanoma. I just had 3 sites removed one was stage 2 malignant the other 2 were instite-tu (sp?). Wishing you best outcome and glad you are keeping up with your dermatologist!
Did the doctors remove your husband’s blood clot and do they have symptoms they can give to your husband to be watching for in the future? Really strange.
Enjoy your holidays Hawaiian style as I am sure you will. You mentioned on your return it will be first a plane then a boat – being a boating person I wonder where you live.
Merry Christmas ????
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Hi @debbie, I’m sorry to hear about melanomas. I hope you’ll have good news when they do your surgery in February.
Wow, so weird how the doctors can’t figure out your husband’s blood clot. Was he able to dissolve it by taking medications to help? How’s he feeling now? Did they start him on any blood thinners afterward for prevention?
Hawaii sounds lovely. One of our managers at BioNews lives in Hawaii and said on a work call how they had those storms recently. But of course, usually, the temps there are perfect. Are y’all both resting up, so you’re ready for that Hawaii trip?
@brendad53 is a great reminder to use sunscreen and protective measures while enjoying that vacation. Thanks for the updates, and please do keep us posted—Merry Christmas to you and your family.
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@debbie I’m sorry to hear about your melanoma. My mom has struggled with skin cancer for decades but has only needed surgery a few times and they were always successful. The problem is once skin cancer is found you must see the dermatologist regular so they can investigate fully any concerns – which it sounds like your doctor is already doing.
Geez, but then there is your husband. How is he doing now?
I hope you can enjoy Hawaii without any more concerns other than what are you going to do today to relax?
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Thank you for all your kind words. My husband is feeling better. He is on a blood thinner for the next 6 months. There is still some discomfort – that just tells us the clot is still there. The body is suppose to fight it to make it dissolve.
Right before Christmas he had an emergency root canal. I asked him “Are we supposed to go to Hawaii?”
I will be wearing sunscreen. Once I passed my teenage years I was faithful to sunscreen. However before my faithfulness, I was born and raised in Charleston SC and was always at the beach with oil. I remember growing up I was always red during the summer.
Carol my return is by boat then plane. I live in Mount Airy NC.
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Hi @debbie, glad that your hubby is doing better. I hope and pray that the discomfort and clot are dissolved soon.
Funny, Manny had to have an emergency extraction and root canal on the Thursday before Christmas! That’s ironic! I think the oral surgeons are doing something because I know @colleensteele had an emergency dental appointment just before Christmas, too.
You’ll get to Hawaii, counting down, I’m sure!
@cdvol3gmail-com, good luck with your visits today. Thinking of you and sending you positive thoughts and prayers.
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Hey, Debbie! I’m in NC also. Pittsboro, about 30 miles west of Raleigh and 30 miles south of Chapel Hill.
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Hi @brendad53 – glad to know we’re neighbors!
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