Now I really did it :((

[marcy]

Happy Rainy Snowy Tuesday!

Missy, I should start packing and get out of here. I’ll bring Teddies, one Killer Rabbit and lots of bling. It’s going to be so much fun. Too funny about you and Greg rating the movies you watch. At work we rate movies as: Doesn’t suck, sucks and really sucks. We put a lot of effort in to determining our rating system. Greg has many talents; he is a seamstress too? Sweet. Good deal that Greg is looking at options to get his shop. What did they say? Did he have problems in the fog? I love the picture of you and your mom in Italy. You were having fun.

Jimmianne, I hope you get your AC fixed soon. Our last house didn’t have AC but we had it put in and it sure made a difference. Very pretty asscher diamond. Sorry your ring guards didn’t turn out well; that is tough since you got them from a friend. I would maybe at least ask her to fix the applique that fell out.

Junebug, glad to hear your mom is doing okay physically. That is too bad she is bored and antsy when she is alert. I got my mom reading on the iPad; she could barely remember how to turn it on and I had to always open a new book for her but she enjoyed reading so much she’d go through almost a book a day when she was alert. I know how tough it is for you. I think a band will look fabulous with your ring. We’ve been in our house for 2 ½ years and I still don’t want to move again. It is a chore. My advice – throw out anything and everything you haven’t used in the last year. We filled 3 large construction size bins with stuff and we still moved too much. The end reward is your cool new beach house though. I am glad you are going away for the long weekend. FUN! I am excited for my earrings too. The customer service lady at WF said she noticed the cloudy spots on the pictures too and I really wanted to say – then why did they send them out that way? But I was nice. She attributed it to dust bunnies get in the pictures sometimes. At least you, Callie and I have company with our DH traveling and playing golf. They deserve those rounds of golf though.

Ovi, you did have a busy day. I hate when bad weather triggers headaches. I hope you sleep well tonight. I rarely nap and if I do I am wide-awake all night. That’s great your friend is coming to visit. The exhibit at the real estate conference sounds really fun. Is there a big crowd there? I will get some earshots for sure of the EC studs. I am so anxious to see them in person. Glad to hear your perfume finally arrived. Do you like it?

Callie, most people would probably be excited if their husbands were taking them on an international trip. I have no idea why but flying over oceans really freaks me out. I know we’d have fun once we got there. Oh no for waking up during your colonoscopy.

I am watching American Sniper. I am not watching it too intently because I am sure it will bother me quite a bit. I really wanted to see it though.

It started raining pretty heavy last night sometime; it woke me up early in the morning. It’s been raining most of the day and starting snowing about 4:30. Looks like snow is melting so far; I just hope it doesn’t get icy. This is cold for May here.

Marty should get home tomorrow and my earrings will arrive too. It’s be a good day in Marcyland.

Take care.
Marcy

 

[canuk-gal]

Ah, sorry about this Jimmianne - this is an awkward situation - you have to just go with what you think is best - sounds like you're more comfortable not saying anything. I'm sorry this didn't go as planned.

Well said JuneB.

Marcy--I look forward to your report on your new earrings. But from the pictures, I am already inclined to love them!

OV--I hope your headache leaves and doesn't return. Keep well! Let me know what you think of your perfume samples.

Missy and Callie--no decisions on the necklace....because I am otherwise scheming about other loot...that is all I can/will say for now!

cheers--Sharon

 

[Sunstorm]

Hi Girls,

Heading out soon.

Jimmianne, sorry I missed part of this newest ring venture, what happened? Was your ring way too big? France is awesome but very expensive, best good in the world thus far to me plus just gorgeous, lots of culture, ooh and bling. My favorite vacation was in Southern France I think I mentioned. Awesome auctions and great prices for bling at auction.

Callie I agree, wedges have not helped me at all either, I either completely lose the shoes or even if they are wedges then I will get horrible blisters on my toes.

Marcy and everyone thanks for the well wishes for allergies and headaches, thing is I hardly slept anyhow, I think it is also the weather change. Had I napped, I would have been awake all night. This is just the way it goes.

The real estate conference is for people on top of the real estate industry in Europe and there will be some vendors including us. I was the one that really wanted to do this event as I met the organizers at Diamond Vienna and thought this would be lots of fun and a great opportunity, we shall see. I better tend to my animals as I am staying in Vienna overnight.

I am glad my friend may be coming because it involves seeing a good friend I feel and lot os opportunities to see gorgeous stones.) Also bling talk or rather stone talk.

Junie glad your mom is fine. Yes I stopped being a breeder as I really was the right kind but that involved being really emotional and treating all babies as my children. I have many stories of success, life saving but also heartbreak. I suffered a nervous breakdown and stopped because of that. There is nothing as wonderful and heart warming as raising babies but there is nothing as heartbreaking as losing them. And you are right letting them go can be awful when you sometimes brought them back from death as newborns or perhaps you have an adult you have had for many years die due to an irresponsible owner now matter how much you screen. They are forever my babies. My mom has Lobie, who was a survivor from a litter that got terrible herpes, my only litter with that, which involved months of round the clock work to save their eyes and I later lost two of the four to FIP. Lobie lived with me until he was 6 but my mom had lost her cat and wanted him so he is with them and happpy.

Talk to you all later, hugs everyone.

 

[missy]

Good morning girls!

Junie, I am glad your mom is doing well physically but I am sorry she is lethargic and sleepy and bored during her alert times. Does she enjoy watching movies or listening to music? Does she get visitors during the week? It is so difficult watching a loved one go through this and I am glad she has you to be there for her.

LOL I definitely do look different from 30 years ago as that was when that picture was taken-it will be 30 years this August but thanks for saying that Junie. You're so sweet.

I am glad you are going away for Memorial Day weekend. Are you going to the beach house? It's so nice to go away for even short periods of time and don't feel badly about having your brother help out with your mom. You are best for her when you have breaks too otherwise you will be burned out.

I think a classic gold band will look lovely with your new pear ring. I don't remember if I wrote this before but I love that you are wearing the pear as an ER at times too. I think it is a gorgeous ER and with the band then it really says married. Of course I also believe at this point even a single ring on the hand says married when you have been married as you guys have for such a long time. You definitely don't need the ring to say that but it's certainly nice to have it.

Hugs to sweet Zoe. She is a love and such beautiful eyes. They look right through to your soul. That's what I love about animals as I feel many of them when you get to know them really can look at your soul. Love to all the NIRDI furbabies.

Kristie, I have a question about Cologuard if that's OK. Does it detect the presence of polyps in the colon? It seems like such a great alternative to the invasive Colonoscopy.

How is Maggie feeling this morning? I never got to finish my thoughts re the energy efficient washing machine. I don't like them lol. Too long to finish a load. I think you said it was relatively new? If it is could you return it and get a different LG?

I think it is amazing that Bob is going to retire at 58 and Jeff at 59 and hopefully Junie's dh at a young age too. It is great to be able to retire young so one can enjoy their retirement while they are healthy and energetic. When I think about this I realize if we stay where we are there will be no early retirement for Greg. It's so hard to know the right thing to do.

Hugs to Finnie boy and Princess Maggie from their Aunt Missy.

Callie, good luck today. My thoughts are with you and I am there with you in spirit. Please don't just accept it if you don't love it. Remember what we spoke about. It's a business and happy customers bring more business so you are actually doing her a favor as well if you let her know what you don't like about it. OK? If you need me you know where I am.

Thanks for the sweet comments about the pic and my mom. She was a very young mom my whole childhood and it was nice that both parents had so much energy and were involved with us as much as they were. I have good childhood memories. It all goes so fast.

I forgot to tell you and Kristie yesterday that I actually extended my work hours because the clinic director asked me to so now my last patient is scheduled at 3:30 vs 2:30 so that means if everyone shows I probably will be at work till 4:30-5PM which is a more normal workday. We'll see what happens. Last week I looked at this week's schedule and today was almost fully booked but Thursday was only half booked. I am a little nervous actually because if everyone shows today I might run behind due to EMR and the time it takes me to finish each exam online. I also never know what to expect there these days and if he spoke to the other doctor yet so I am a bit apprehensive. Silly I know.

Sharon, Ooh I cannot wait to hear what project(s) you are thinking of or what you might be purchasing. Please keep us posted. Fingers crossed it works out your way.


Ovi, hope you have no headache today and that work goes well and isn't too crazy busy today. I hope it's the right amount of busy and challenging to keep you interested but not stressed in a bad way. And I am glad you have good news and that things are looking up YAY!

Thanks for sharing about your days as a breeder and I can imagine how heartbreaking it was when animals died. As for problem feet you can add me to the list now as I think my left foot especially has changed since the accident. Ballet flats are no longer comfie and I have to search for a better alternative. Kristie has given me some good suggestions but I ran out of time yesterday so I still have to check those suggestions out. As well as Junie's suggestion of the barkingshoes.com. Thanks Junie for that rec.

Have you mentioned Salsa dancing in the last few weeks? I might have missed it. What is going on with your Salsaing?

Jimmianne, ugh I am sorry what happened with the rings. You won't call your friend and tell her about it so she can fix it for you? I understand you don't want to hurt her feelings but isn't this her line of work and wouldn't she want to make it right for you so you can enjoy the rings? I know if I were her I would sure want you to tell me so I could make it right for you.

I guess I am the voice of dissent here about how to handle this but I understand your reasons and of course you are in the situation so you know best. However it plays out I hope you can enjoy your rings soon!


Marcy, Today is the day you receive your earrings WooHoo!!! Very excited for you and good luck! I hope you get them today and LOVE them and please when you have a moment post shots for us. We are all anxiously awaiting their arrival and hope they are just as beautiful as you hope they will be. They are gorgeous and I know they will look beautiful on your ears!

I cannot believe the crazy Wyoming weather and I hope it isn't icy this morning. Drive safely and here's hoping the roads are clear and easy to drive today and no more snow, ice or rain today.

Greg met with 2 different structural engineers yesterday and a contractor and we are waiting for estimates. It seems like it *is* possible to dig out the basement (Kristie as you told me before though of course they are going to say they can do it lol) but it will take a lot of work and a whole new drainage system and this is going to cost big bucks. I see retirement money going down the drain (French drain at that haha) so we will see how much it will cost and if it is possible. We still need permits etc but supposedly it will be easier to get these permits. Greg says if he gets the basement he wants and rebuilds the shed we have (the woman at the zoning board said he can "rebuild" the existing shed as long as we don't change its footprint) he will be happy. I want him to be happy and I am just hoping very hard that it won't cost a big fortune.

Have a good day everyone and hugs to you all and your sweet furbabies.

 

[MarionC]

Missy, I'm glad you're able to build Greg's workshop on the old footprint and he'll be satisfied with it. I'm assuming from what you wrote this morning that the planning board did not approve a larger structure. [and I missed the post].

I understand why you want me to talk to my friend about the ring, but it's wrong in so many ways quality-wise that it would have to be rebuilt.
She does beautiful work, usually. The way it was done is sort of crazy, so at this point I just don't know. She really agonized over the ring [3 meetings, prototypes] perhaps she is not good at custom, esp. fitting rings to another setting and making new designs. She is now away for a month. I'm trying to figure out how to make lemonade out of this particular lemon. I might have Tony repair it at some point.

Good idea to have room for purchases in France. Maybe I'll check a small empty suitcase or UPS a box of goodies to myself. I'm planning to buy clothes [hardly taking any], chocolate and some bling. In reality it might turn out to be way more -the way you guys are talking.
BTW, When my Dad went in the 50's he brought me a gold charm of a Chartres window that I have always loved : ) It's less than an inch high with cut outs filled with resin.



Junebug, at caring.com they have several pages with lists of activities in all catagories for people with dementia. I wonder if you could experiment to see if anything engages her??? This is such a tough time for all of you. It's good to hear that you are at least getting a little break. Long days indeed!

 

[missy]

Jimmianne, I understand better now and see why it is not the best idea to speak to her. You're right and hopefully Tony can fix it somehow.

As for the workshop it won't be sufficient to rebuild the old shed that is there now unfortunately as it is way too small but rather it will be good for extra space and such but the basement dig out (if it happens) will give Greg the space he needs. It is a major undertaking and when we bought the house we thought getting a workshop/garage approved would not be so difficult but the rules were quite different at that time and we had no idea they would be changed so dramatically and without any warning.

That is a beautiful charm from your dad Jimmianne.

 

[azstonie]

Hi Missy and my NIRIDs!

Missy, Cologuard detects tumors, not polyps.

If someone has familial polyposis, FP, they are having colonoscopies at the interval selected by risk management decisions made by that patient and their GI specialist.

Polyps in the colon are not cancer in the colon. Almost all polyps are not cancer in the early stages, they are just polyps. A very small percentage are cancerous and those take a very long time to become full blown cancer (that is why those who suffer from polyposis have a window of time btw colonoscpies of several years).

Back when I mentioned that if possible or not contraindicated, we should be taking half of a 325-mg aspirin every day to cut our colon cancer risks in half. It takes 3 years of this practice to reap the benefit, so its not something to wait to do in the misty future.

In my case, when weighing risk versus benefit, I decided that I would go with Cologuard rather than colonoscopy and one of the reasons I did this was to get a more accurate test than a colonoscopy. Colonoscopies are only as good as your prep, as your endoscopist. If the endoscopist missing something, you won't know that until it develops into cancer. DNA markers from tumor shed cells is more accurate than an endoscopist.

If your Cologuard comes back positive for tumor markers, then you have colonoscopy for diagnostic and curative purposes.

Here in Arizona, any doc can prescribe Cologuard.

 

[junebug17]

Missy, yes, we're going to the beach house for a quick trip…but you know, I really enjoy these short trips, it's enough time to get a break and it always feels longer than just a few days. Our kids are going too, so it should be nice. Yeah, years ago when I agreed to help with my mother, I didn't really think of the long-term implications. Of course I would still have agreed to do it, but I would have ironed out the details and made plans to have a break occasionally right at the beginning. And my brother could have relief on days I'm not here by having someone come in but he's refusing to do so right now, so I'm trying really hard not to feel guilty.

As to occupying my mother, the only thing that seems to entertain her is visitors. A few people would stop by after she had the stroke, but it's been over 4 years now and the visitors have dropped off. Her acquaintances are elderly too, and have their own health issues. And she doesn't have any family close by that can just pop in once in a while.

I'm gathering that the town didn't approve the plans for a workshop (stinks), so you're exploring the idea of a basement - I hope it all works out, it's sounding promising, I know from your posts that a workshop is so important to Greg.

How about you? Are you going to the beach this weekend?

Ovi, it's really nice that your friend might be visiting you, it helps to have something to look forward to, doesn't it? I hope you have a nice time at the real estate conference, it should be fun.

Ugh, I hate that we have problem feet lol! I'm the opposite of you, I can only wear flats, which is so boring. I'd love to wear heels once in a while but I literally can't walk after a few hours.

I hope you get your perfume soon Ovi! It's a shame it's taking this long to arrive.

Yes, I can see where breeding could be very rewarding but also difficult and complicated - I can understand why it became really stressful for you.

Calliecake, thanks for the nice words about the box I made! It was fun but also frustrating, but now that I've done it once I'll have an easier time with the next ones. I'm going to take you advice and order the band from Zales, I think it will work well.

Marcy, thanks for understanding about my mother- she used to read after the stroke, but now she doesn't seem to have any interest. I think it's a combination of poor memory, poor eyesight, and short attention span. All those things together make finding something to entertain her a little tricky. She's also kind of stubborn and doesn't want to try anything new. She says she's happy just sitting.

Sorry about the bad weather! You have had a rough winter and spring, it's got to warm up soon for you!

I'm so excited about your new earrings! It's so much fun getting new bling. Between the earrings and Marty coming home, it will be a great day for sure…we all need a great day once in a while.

Jimmianne, thanks so much for the suggestion, that's a great website. I will definitely check it out and see if I can find something that will work with my mother. I love the pendant you father gave to you! So pretty, and a very special heirloom.

Have a good Wednesday everyone! will check in soon!

 

[missy]

Hi NIRDIs! I feel bad because I just logged on and I am at work. I am a bad girl.

Kristie, thank you for the further info. Got it and that makes sense. I am excited about this non invasive possibility and hoping my doctors agree with me about letting me do this first at least and then taking it from there.

Junie, I am glad you are getting away and I agree a few days can be rejuvenating. It's great that your kids are joining you.
I am sorry your mom doesn't have more visitors but I can understand why that is difficult because all her friends are getting older themselves. Not an easy thing.

We are going to the beach this weekend. We have a party Saturday and we are having friends over Sunday. Hoping to get some cycling in on Friday and Saturday AM.

OK I am very excited about something. This AM Greg and I were talking and now considering the possibility of moving altogether if all the stars align and we find what we need and can retire. How does South Carolina sound? We know nothing about SC so we have a lot of research to do but thoughts are appreciated. I think there was a thread on PS somewhere about the Carolinas but now I cannot locate it. if anybody knows where it is and can link me there I would appreciate it.

We are looking for a diverse population i.e. non homogenous with great health care and lots to do and a good cycling landscape. I prefer to be on some body of water even if that is just a lake though I would prefer water with movement like the bay but I am not going to be uber picky on that. And an affordable cost of living is important. So just having fun we googled some amazing homes from a bit over 1M and under. But we have no clue about what towns would be best.

Greg found this awesome home just a little over 1M with an indoor pool. Swoon. But he called his friend who lives in Clemson I think and he said forget that neighborhood so that home is out. Oh it was a gorgeous home and gorgeous pool though.

Marcy, speaking of gorgeous, I LOVE your new earrings!

Callie, have you heard from that young woman yet? I am keeping my fingers crossed for you.

 

[azstonie]

Missy, Bob and I have NC and SC on our list of possibilities in retirement.

Here's what I think one would want:
1. Good weather. No hurricane season/tropical storm season. No tornadoes.
2. For me, I like university or college towns. They offer so much including adding quality people to the population.
3. Housing costs should be moderate or ideally, affordable. Taxes low-ish INCLUDING states tgat don't tax retirement income and pensions.
4. Low crime rates.
5. For me, I also have to have a water view. Ocean, lake, etc.
6. Shoppjng amenities that matter to you. I love Whole Foods, Costco and Trader Joes.
7. Medical. You will need/want a good internist or geriatrician. You should be within ambulance distance of a nationally certified stroke center. (and for God's sake, get a home defibrillator, there is only 7% survival for heart attacks that occur outside a hospital. Buy the Phillips defibrillator at Costco.com).
8. Transition. Eventually, if you live long enough, you're most likely going to need/ want a CCRC or similar. You want a nonprofit one if possible.
9. Transportation options for when you stop driving locally and for getting into the city when you want a large metro area.
10. Services---Senior center, respite care, meals on wheels, library with also audio books, large print books, etc.
11. You don't want to live in proximity to oil and coal trains or fracking areas.

 

[azstonie]

And let's get adjoining units at our CCRC! Friends, super important(cue the Bette Midler song, haha).

There could also be NIRDIville, we buy next door to each other or, dare I say, a NIRDI compound/commune??????

 

[missy]

Check on all your points especially Costco, Whole Foods and Trader Joes.

I really like the idea of NIRDIville because one of the drawbacks is moving to an area where we have no close friends so if the NIRDIs were all there it would be a no brainer to move to SC.

Greg keeps sending me links to these awesome homes in SC having no clue as to if the area is good lol. His friend told him near Clemson is good so he's just having fun. Some of these homes are amazing Kristie. Built in indoor pool. Gorgeous lake views. Fantastic high end state of the art kitchens, huge walk in closets, etc. All very affordable. I hate the idea of having to find all new doctors especially. But it's worth it if we find the right area, right house for the right price and quality of life.

OK so when are we going to start the NIRDI home search for our compound?

And I am getting a home defibrillator. You have convinced me.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j8Iwmcs1hps

 

[MarionC]

NIRDIville - you crack me up. Wonderful NIRDIville! Bling Capital of the World!

I'm in NC not SC, although my favorite beach is Pawley's Island, SC.

While the NIRDIs are looking at SC, just gaze a little further North!
I'm just outside Chapel Hill - it's a great area and beautiful. We looked all up and down the East coast, fell in love with the charm of the UNC campus and moved here. We have: UNC, Duke, acclaimed hospitals. A couple of hours to the mountains, about 3 to the nearest beach. Culturally excellent.
Hm-m-m I'll think more about my sales pitch and present it in full later : )

 

[marcy]

I Love my earrings. They are perfect size and very icy and shiny. Here is Arrows with Fluffy in the background holding my earrings. I am working on more pictures.

 

[azstonie]

NIRDIville - you crack me up. Wonderful NIRDIville! Bling Capital of the World!

I'm in NC not SC, although my favorite beach is Pawley's Island, SC.

While the NIRDIs are looking at SC, just gaze a little further North!
I'm just outside Chapel Hill - it's a great area and beautiful. We looked all up and down the East coast, fell in love with the charm of the UNC campus and moved here. We have: UNC, Duke, acclaimed hospitals. A couple of hours to the mountains, about 3 to the nearest beach. Culturally excellent.
Hm-m-m I'll think more about my sales pitch and present it in full later : )

Jimmianne, that is the area Bob and I have on our list, prepare for a lunch GTG some time in the next 24 months!!!

I love the keepsake from your dad, beautiful.

 

[marcy]

Hi NIRDIs!

Sharon, I am pretty pleased with the EC diamonds. I am glad to hear you are scheming on getting some other loot. Good plan.

Ovi, you make me want to go to France because it sounds really fun. I hope you sleep better tonight. I hate those nights when you watch the clock. The rain and chilly weather has curbed my allergies and I am pretty thankful for that. I think the real estate conference is a great idea. It should draw a lot of people.

Missy, I have a top load Maytag that is energy efficient and it takes forever to do a load. I always worry about getting too much soap in it too. It sounds like your patient load is filling up; that is awesome. I always say though I’d like to find a job that pays me for working 40 hours and I only have to work 20 hours for the week. Why are those jobs so hard to find? The roads were dry this morning so I didn’t have any trouble getting to work. Thanks though! I am glad to hear Greg is getting some suggestions and ideas for his shop. Party at Missy and Greg’s beach house. SWEET! Have fun! Ooh to a new location to explore to retire.

Jimmianne, the charm your dad bought you is very pretty. I like the vibrant colors. Your location sounds perfect. We are going to Garden City, SC next summer for the 2 week family GTG on the beach.

Kristie, if I ever have to get a colonoscopy I’m going for the cologuard. It sounds more “user friendly” to me. Of course you’d have to get me to a doctor first. I totally agree with your list for what you want where you retire. You’ve put a lot of thought in to that. NIRDIville. I love it. We’d have to bedazzle our gates or something.

Junebug, it is so hard not to feel guilty about how much time you spend with your mom, but for your own sake you find a balance between what you can do while still taking care of yourself and your family. That is too bad your mom only seems to enjoy visiting with people. I know as people age it is difficult to keep in touch with your friends. My mom got to the place where she barely said more than a word or two so it was a one sided conversation. She read till about the last 6 weeks though.

You guys will have a wonderful time at the beach this weekend. I checked out your ring box; you did a beautiful job on it. What a fun project too. I think the band from Zales will look great with your ring.

So my day can be wrapped up by saying Marty came home and I got my earrings. I am happy about both of those things.

Here are a few pictures.
Marcy

 

[marcy]

A few more close up shots.

 

[Calliecake]

Marcy, I love your new earrings. They are beautiful and look so pretty on you!!!

Missy, I'm going to really start pushing South Carolina to my husband! It would be so wonderful if Greg could retire in the next few years. Think of all the biking you could do if you lived in a climate without winter weather. Although you would probably have sometime in the summer that was too hot for biking.

Junebug, I'm so glad you are getting away for the weekend. I couldn't agree with Missy more about taking time for youself. It would be easy to get burned out if you don't. I know how difficult this all must be for you. It kind of defeats the purpose if you feel guilty when you take time for yourself. I hope you are able to talk your brother into having additional help. I Would be so nice if you could get away more.

Kristie, I also have a question. How are you sure you don't have polyps if you don't have the colonoscopy? The polyps can turn into cancer if not removed right? The way it was explained to me is one of the purposes of the colonoscopy was to remove polyps before they became a problem. I am all for a test to avoid having another colonoscopy.

Sharon, Now you are just teasing us. Can you answer one question? Is this a big project or a small project?

Jimmianne, The charm from your dad is very pretty. I love hearing stories of dads buying jewelry for their daughters.

 

[azstonie]

1. Polyps are benign. There are several different types of polyps---tubulovillous adenomas, sessile/serrated, etc. The type of polyp is determined by the Pathology Lab. Some specific polyps may be a type that could become cancerous over time. Sometimes the endoscopist tattoos the spot where a polyp is removed so that spot can be easily found at the next colonoscopy.
2. Colonoscopies SCREEN for presenting colon cancer, not for polyps.
3. Polyps are an incidental finding on colonoscopy UNLESS you have FP, familial polyposis. This is rare.

Colonoscopies are DIAGNOSTIC when there is Crohn's disease or colitis or signs of cancer.

Polyps can also be found on imaging.

Colon cancer is a cancer that is treatable, the sooner the better.

"Cancer" comes in many forms or guises. Some cancers are indolent, won't kill you. Some are inflammatory (quick moving) and incurable. Its a mistake to treat an indolent cancer the same way you would approach a moderate or inflammatory cancer. Many cancer treatments themselves will shorten life by severely damaging the health of the person (or is so awful patients stop 'treatment'). There a couple of cancers that if I had them, I would only treat for palliation, cosmetics, or pain control. Others I might be watchful with (imaging, blood work, exams, etc).

 

[missy]

Good morning NIRDIs!

Jimmianne, I knew that LOL. I don't know what is wrong with me sometimes. I *know* you live in NC yet somehow yesterday when Greg brought up SC you popped into my head. I apologize.

We are also looking at NC. It was just a spontaneous discussion we started having yesterday and for some reason it started about SC but NC is also on the list and Chapel Hill is something we are going to look into there plus other cities. I am also interested in finding more about Charleston SC. There are so many places I want to research before we make our minds up one way or another. I would love hearing your thoughts good and bad about where you live in NC.

Callie, I am very interested in the name of that retirement magazine you told me about. It would be amazing if the NIRDIs could all be in the same area. Ooh the shopping expeditions we could enjoy and our men could golf together.

I cannot believe the homes you can get in other towns. Beautiful with reasonable prices and RE taxes. OMG. And the warmer weather would be nice as long as we have some cooler weather and seasons. That is a major reason we don't want to go as far south as Florida for example because in Fla we could get something affordable on the ocean I think but it is not worth giving up so much else including cool weather. Of course if money wasn't an issue (and it is the single most important reason we are thinking about relocating) and the water shortage didn't exist there we would go to California but not a major city where there are too many people and just too much traffic. However the weather cannot be beat there. Outdoor activities all year long. That would be a dream for me. And sun. I want more sunny days than cloudy or rainy ones.

Marcy, First of all WOOHOO I am so happy for you that Marty is home safe and sound. And I love your emerald earrings. They look HUGE on your ears. What presence. I have said it before and I will say it again emerald cut diamonds are elegant, classic and so lovely. They look beautiful on and I love your artistic collage. Thank you for sharing the pics with us.

I wish all you girls and dhs could come to our beach house for our "party" this Sunday. OMG That would be so wonderful. I wish we were rich because I would get our private plane to pick each of you up and bring you here!

Kristie, I read your list to Greg and he also agrees with everything on the list. So far do you have a top 5 places to retire list or are you still up in the air as to the top choices? I definitely want water view and at least some seasonal weather though snow is not something I would miss haha. Greg would but he's OK with it if we find a place without snow.

I checked out the costco.com Philips defibrillator you recommended. It is pricier than I thought. Is this it?
http://www.costco.com/Philips-HeartStart-Home-Defibrillator.product.11323972.html?catalogId=10701&keyword=philips+defibrillator&langId=-1&storeId=10301

 

[missy]

Just got an email from our dermatologist...Greg's biopsy is benign!!! Woohoo!!!

 

[MarionC]

Yay, Missy!!! That's GOOD.

I just lost my nice long post. Unbelieveable. So here is the nutshell version.
Here is the town I live in... http://chathampark.com/pittsboro/
The website is for a new development in progress.

Here are two of the neighborhoods in the area:

http://www.governorsclub.cc/Club/Scripts/Home/home.asp
http://www.fearrington.com/

Of course I live "out", so a 20 minute drive to Chapel Hill gets me to Whole Foods and Trader Joe's.
Costco is 30 minutes for me and the lovely Southpointe Mall is a 30 minute drive through the countryside and over beautiful Jordan Lake.

Marcy, I love your "marcys", beautiful bright and shiny and just the right size! Wear in good health, and more photos, please.

 

[junebug17]

Hiya all! Just popping in real quick for now, will be back later!

Missy, I'm SO happy about the results of Greg's biopsy, what a relief! To say something like this is scary is an understatement, so very glad you got good news.

And how exciting you're considering moving! Yeah, the NE is a pretty expensive place to live and there are places with better weather, it's good to look into other options, but there's nothing wrong with staying put if you decide that's best for you too. It's exciting to look into it though. You can get more house for your money in other states, that's for sure. I've already mentioned our place is in Kiawah Island SC, about a half hour from Charleston. It's a little off the beaten path, in fact I'm embarrassed to admit I don't know the answers with regard to Kristie's list We purchased our home there almost 10 years ago and weren't thinking about being old then lol. We just really love it there.

My husband was reading an article the other day that said, ironically, Wyoming and Arizona are among the top best places to retire!

Marcy, I LOVE your new earrings!!! They look perfect on you! I'm so glad you're happy with them, I would be too, that's for sure, they're gorgeous - it's so much fun getting new bling! I'm glad Marty is home too, you're having a good week. Would love to see more pics.

Jimmianne, NC is a beautiful state! My sister lives in NC and has been very happy there.

Calliecake, yes, feeling guilty kind of defeats the purpose of getting a break, doesn't it? I'm working on it lol.

Hope everyone is doing well, I'll check in for a longer "chat" later!

 

[LLJsmom]

Hi Missy, so glad Greg's biopsy came back negative. Huge PHEW!!! exciting that you're thinking about a move. don't know anything about NC or SC just that it's cheaper than CA!

Marcy, love the earrings!! So yummy! Looks like little chicklets. I wanna pop one in my mouth!

Jimmianne, you'll have to let me know what you buy in France. I have no idea what I'm going to do.

Kristie, good to know about colonoscopy. My dad had colon cancer so I have to keep tabs on this issue for myself.

Callie, saying hi and miss you.

Junebug, hope you're hanging in there with your mom. I'm worried about dementia with my parents. My dad left the house with the stove on and he thought that was ok. In what planet is leaving the stove on in an empty house ok??!?!!

And I have been playing around with the idea of a 3 stone.... I am craving some finger coverage and side to side bling girls. I love this piece and would love a center diamond with side emeralds...

This is chrono's.


And I love this as well, but in reverse.


Lord help me!!

 

[azstonie]

For Greg's biopsy results!

Have you read the new study on vitamin B3 (nicotinamide) for reducing recurrence of skin cancers? It was a quality study. It studied BCCs and SCCs and AKs, not melanomas BUT we've all had too much sun, so adding a capsule of vitamin B3 is a good idea. The Huffington Post has the article on it with the dosage (500 mg).

Okay, Arizona as a retirement location. Arizona KILLS IT when it comes to services and all things/products for retirees and oldsters. My parents have done amazingly well here. They started out in a retirement community outside of Tucson and loved it. Tucson has the best weather in Arizona, much more temperate than in Phoenix/Scottsdale. Tucson is, however, a little short when it comes to medical. You have to drive up to the Phoenix area (90 minutes) for quality shopping like Nordie's, etc. Tucson's "rush hour" would make you roll around on the floor laffing.

Extreme summer heat in the Phoenix/Scottsdale areas. "Summer" can last from March until mid-November. It does NOT cool off at night. Smart people here buy a place over in San Diego and head over on weekends/vacations. This kind of heat for this long takes a toll on a person.

Flagstaff/Prescott/Sedona attracts retirees BUT you have no quality medical there. Sure, you can drive in to Phoenix metro area for Mayo Clinic or Scottsdale Healthcare for planned appointments but if you have the big banger heart attack or stroke, you're screwed.

http://www.costco.com/Philips-HeartStart-Home-Defibrillator.product.11323972.html?catalogId=10701&keyword=defibrillator&langId=-1&storeId=10301&refine=

here is the Costco.com Philips automatic defibrillator. It costs $1,199. Less than most stacker rings. These things are fool proof, they will NOT charge if the person is not having a heart attack. Practice on each other a couple of times, putting the sensors on.

The stats on heart attack survival OUTSIDE a hospital is 7%. The worst scenario is you have serious anoxic brain injury while you wait for the paramedics/you ride the ambulance/and the hospital gets their act together to care for you. Your heart may be entirely repairable but your brain is not. We are all at the ages where sudden cardiac death starts taking place, as well as the full range of heart attack severity. You can have an A1 exam by a cardiologist and still have sudden cardiac death or a lesser heart attack.

Having the defibrillator should be part of your retirement planning. Taking half a 325-mg aspirin daily if you don't have a GI contraindication is a must to cut your colon cancer risk in half and to cut your heart attack and stroke risk.

Okay, off the soapbox! I just don't want any of us or our spouses/loved ones to suffer needless death or brain damage for want of a defibrillator or an aspirin.

 

[azstonie]

Hey, LLJs, lovely rings and outstanding side-to-side coverage!

In your case, a combo of Cologuard and actual colonoscopy would be a good way to go, and not because you;'re dodging the prep but because DNA scanning for tumor markers is a more accurate method than a human being with a scope. So a combo of both would be the gold standard for you.

Example: If you GI doc (and you should have one with a first-degree relative with colon cancer) says get a colonoscopy every 5 years, you could have Cologuard at year 2.5 and then colonoscopy at year 5, Cologuard at year 7.5, colonoscopy at year 10, etc etc; adjust for the timing interval advised by GI doc.

LOL to your dad being offhand about the stove. I found this nonchalance in both my grandparents and my parents when I would call them out for an unsafe activity or behavior. They never want to admit they are losing their edge and they sure don't want to admit to someone whose diapers they changed.

 

[MarionC]

LLJsmom - when are you going?
Love that ring with the red sides...

 

[marcy]

Hi NIRDIs! How are things going in NIRDIville?

Callie, thank you! I am anxious for the sun to come out so I can get lots of pictures of my earrings. I’ll scope out SC for all of us next summer. I will enjoy living on the beach for 2 weeks.

Kristie, I think my mom had leukemia for years but she went to so many specialists nobody saw it. She frequently had high white blood count, low platelets and got unexplained infections. Doctors started thinking that was normal for her. I can’t believe the hematologist didn’t find it. What a nasty disease. Woo hoo! I take aspirin.

Missy, I would imagine beachfront property comes at a premium almost anywhere but what a cool place to live. Thank you for your comments about my earrings. They do look large on my ears. Woo hoo for Greg’s biopsy coming out benign.

Jimmianne, your place sounds perfect. Being out in the country with some land yet close enough to great places to shop and pretty scenery nearby. LOL the Marcys.

Junebug, too funny Wyoming is listed as a good place to retire. We don’t have state taxes. Not a lot of people here so it’s not crowded. Thank you for the kind words about my earrings. I hope to get lots of pictures taken of them this weekend

LLJsmom, thank you for the compliments about my earrings. The 3 stone ring you like is amazing, it would be fabulous with the emeralds on the side. 3 stone rings really give you ring coverage.

One more day of work then a long weekend. Woo hoo!

I met a friend for lunch and made some stir-fry noodle dish for supper.

Have a great evening and a wonderful day tomorrow.

Marcy New Earrings

 

[missy]

Good morning NIRDIs and Happy Memorial Day weekend!

Jimmianne, thank you for those links. Chapel Hill looks beautiful and I also like the name. I envision a peaceful happy place just from the name so that's a good start. Plus you love it there so another plus. I am getting a bit overwhelmed thinking we might be starting all over after all our thoughtful and well laid out plans. You know what they say about well laid out plans lol. It is so good to have the valuable input of the NIRDIs.

How did your morning and rest of day go? Anything good/happy to share?

Kristie, thanks for the info on that B3 study. I will pick some up for Greg today at Costco if they have it and if not I will order it online. And I am going to get the defribillator too. I cannot take aspirin anymore due to my hx of esophagitis but Greg can but our doctor never recommended it though we have asked him in the past. I am going to ask him again thanks for the reminder.

I loved Arizona when I visited and we went South to North so we saw a lot of the state. I agree I could not stand the heat in Phoenix and Tuscon was beautiful but still too warm for me. Loved Sedona and Flagstaff but don't see us retiring there and the fact that it is not close to quality medical care is a real concern. It's a shame because if it wasn't for the weather (and also not being near an ocean) it would be a great place to retire.

I know you told us before but what are the top cities on your potential places to retire list. If we move I want an indoor pool. Now that I saw a house in SC with a gorgeous huge indoor pool that is on my must have list. LOL. That and enough bedrooms for all the NIRDIs to stay whenever they visit. So it won't be a problem having overnight guests whenever we want to.

Greg and I had more conversations and right now it is very uncertain as to what we want to do. Greg got one of the estimates back for digging out the basement and it is reasonable (45K or so and we also have to have the 4 lolly columns removed to dig out the basement) but still a lot of money and I hope he isn't lowballing us so we use him but whomever we go with we will have it written into the contract that there will be a cap.I am trying hard not to think what beautiful bling I could get with that money.

Junie, any updates re the purchase of your new beach house? Have you put your other beach house on the market yet? Kiawah island looks beautiful and being so close to Charleston is a huge bonus.
Thinking of you and hoping everything goes smoothly re the purchase and sale. Have a great holiday weekend!

Callie, how did your sweet furbaby's veterinarian appointment go yesterday? I hope she is feeling well after the vaccinations and that you are feeling better about it. One more day till Jeff returns home right? Woohoo! Almost there. Remind me of your plans this weekend. I know you are missing the wedding because of Jeff's London trip but what do you have planned for the weekend and holiday now that you are home?

LLJsmom, I love those 3 stone rings you posted and I cannot wait to see what you decide. How is your marathon training going? What summer plans do you and the family have. Do your kids go to sleep away camp?

Marcy, I am so sorry about your mom and how she didn't get the proper diagnosis for years. I don't know how they kept missing it when all the signs were there. It is a nasty disease.

I am looking forward to seeing more pics of those beautiful emerald diamonds on your ears. They do look huge and I am glad you are pleased with them. Great purchase! What are your holiday weekend plans? Yay for Friday!

Sharon, Ovi, hi there. I hope you are having a lovely week and are looking forward to the weekend.

Have a good day girls and hope to see you later.

 

[MarionC]

Missy, Pinehurst and Southern Pines are also excellent places. I found a great house with an indoor pool for you! http://www.zillow.com/homedetails/120-Inverrary-Rd-Pinehurst-NC-28374/74966419_zpid/

See-I keep trying to get you near my house : )
Perhaps you and Greg should take a road trip and visit some of the places for fun [hint hint].

A very uneventful day yesterday. At least going out on Thursday mornings gets me dressed up & out the door to a great breakfast. I'm sometimes tired of being alone, but most of the time very busy & happy. Taking care of the farm is huge - I never once in 14 years have gotten caught up. I have a "shabby chic" yard... kind of blowsy and overgrown, but with enough landscaping to make it look as though I meant it to be that way LOL The magnolias are in bloom and I have a rule that if I see a new bloom while driving past a tree I have to get out the car to smell the wonderful lemony fragrance : ) I am always looking for that scent in perfume.

Today is new AC day, so workmen in & around & under the house. I'm sure Puff will have a fit since he will be caged while they are here.

Happy Friday everyone.