Tuesday, January 19, 2021

Much interesting discussion about vaccinations yesterday. I obviously plan on getting one. I remember the days of polio somewhat but definitely knew several people who got polio before the vaccine and saw how their lives were affected long-term. So both I and my children were fully vaccinated. And I think it is true that essentially any medication or vaccine has some people who are sensitive to something in it. Part of the reason for trials is to ascertain if that percentage is small enough and/or can be traced to a component so that it is considered worth that small percentage. Though these trials were fast tracked by the time most of us get it we should have a better idea of that risk other than if there are longer term implications. As BB pointed out each of us has to personally weigh the benefits vs. potential risks. In my case, there is no question that I will get it and hope all my children do. But I so wish Shel were here to help us understand all this.

I am going to Naples today to visit a friend I haven't seen since her DH also died from Alzheimer's this fall. He had exactly the same slightly variant diagnosis and went essentially in the same manner. A relief that they are gone after the struggles of the last few years, but so sad to have to miss who they were before. But I am sure we will have a good day - she is funny and full of life. I have faith that she will have a good future though I remember the days when we were all so frightened of what it would be.

And tomorrow I will drive to Mike's for what is supposed to finally be a warm weekend.

Have a safe and healthy day!

On the vaccine front: Our school district just released vaccine update: from the current supply, they were allocated, wait for it....20 doses. They will go to the staff who are 60+ and work with medically fragile students. Not their fault, as we got ramped up to do vaccines when it was announced last week that more vaccine was coming, and then retracted because their was no federal stockpile. But good grief. Elementary students are returning next week, full classes. (Except for the students whose parents are continuing to do distance learning).

I think I might finally be burning some of my fat. Less hungry yesterday, and I didn't wake up hungry. I'm waiting until I'm hungry to eat today. So far, just tea with fair life milk.

I decided to switch up my WW a bit. Less fruit. I'm using my points to add fat to free foods like eggs and vegetables. So, a bit more keto. Everyone is a case study of one. In my case study I need protein and fat apparently, to get into fat burning mode. I can probably add back more fruit in a few weeks.

I'm getting nervous about this new more contagious varient of Covid. If numbers jump again, it's probably not wise to travel the end of February. I guess my only option is to just wait and see.

Today I saw a coyote run along our back fence. Sent the squirrels scurrying for higher ground. Squirrels, birds, bunnies, wild turkey, deer, Sunday a great horned owl!, and now a coyote. It's a suburban animal refuge.

Tomorrow I have a check up with my oncologist. We will be discussing tamoxifen. Not looking forward to starting it, but maybe I will be one of the fortunate who have minimal side effects.

Weight up 0.2, 194.4

Yesterday's excitement was getting a new vacuum. Ha.

Today's excitement is the eye doctor.

I walked yesterday. I think that's all I've got!

Hope you all have good days...

I am feeling just off. Physically I'm fine, but just sort of feeling like anxiety is kicking in on a very mild level. I wonder if it has anything to do with politics.... Not sure....

This weekend was a bust as far as food went. It's not that I over ate by any means. But what I ate was kind of low on the nutritional totem pole! LOL! Yesterday's breakfast was fine (Yogurt, berries, a little granola and some whipped topping), but lunch was very late (after 3:30) and consisted of a single serving bag of Dorito type Guacamole flavored chips and a Coke Zero. When I got home around 5:30 I had a cheese stick and some peanuts. Dinner was 2 filets of Fish and Chips and a few chips. The take out place didn't put my salad in the bag....

I also had a Yuck moment in the mirror. I suppose I should be okay with those moments because they do happen, but with the mounting bit of what feels like anxiety, it didn't help to have a Yuck moment about my physical appearance.

I think I must be having a little step backwards after a few really big steps forward, so I'm deciding not let it get me down. LOL! 'Tis what it 'tis!

Vaccine... I want mine, but my county is not quite there. I'm in the next group. My HMO is behind on which group they are serving. I am afraid I will have to go through the county to get my vaccine when the time comes. Ron is eligible now, but won't make the appointment. He says the county wants us to use our HMOs. I say if our HMO isn't offering it to eligible candidates, we go to the county. I can see I will have to make the appointment for him, IF I want him vaccinated.

I agree with risk assessment concerning the vaccine. I understand my thinking might be a little skewed. I had a very strong reaction to a flu vaccine once. However, I have gone back year after year to get another and have never had another reaction. I guess I look at a reaction to a vaccine as the potential price for protection in over the long haul. Reactions to medications are a completely different category in my book, though. Medicines have different and much more profound long term consequence potentials. Whole different ball of wax to me.

Truly holding fast to good thoughts and wishes for a peaceful inauguration and transfer of power tomorrow.

weight 156.4

Peps interesting point about side effects from medication versus reaction to a vaccine. I want to make clear to all that I'm very pro vaccine. My only concern surrounding this one is A) efficacy (which seems to be quite high; I didn't realize the seasonal flu vaccine is so low.) and B)how well the risks have been studied given the short timeframe, which DD made good points concerning. I will probably get it although covid poses a low risk to me, if the vaccine seems safe and effective it's worthwhile to be a stop from transmitting a virus that may be deadly to someone else. I always question. It's my nature. It's my job. And probably a character flaw

My bad feeling anxiety was correct. MIL is in the hospital with covid. I'm very worried for her health. She's having great difficulty breathing. The odd thing is this has been going on for the better part of a month; she was in just last Tuesday and tested negative for covid. So either that test was wrong or she's dealing with something else and now covid on top of that. Which is a bad mix. DH is normally very optimistic but he feels this is pretty grave. We all feel so helpless.

Food wasn't so good yesterday. Not great today but at least not nonsense. Yesterday I felt like I was eating just to eat. Kind of to quell the anxiety. Today I haven't made great choices but at least they've pretty much been confined to mealtimes. Some days you cannot fight the battle. today is that day.

Hard to "like" this post, so I want to acknowledge it this way instead. I'm sorry your MIL is having a tough go. I understand the gravity of DH's feelings. Stay well. Best thoughts and prayers for MIL.

I am also pro-vaccine, but I must admit to being glad I'm far enough down the list that more will be known by then. I'm grateful to those who are getting it before me.

Our mega vaccine site (in the Disneyland parking lot) was shut today because of high winds. I guess they didn't want the tents to blow away? So a day lost here.

I'm sorry to hear about your MIL. Sending up a prayer for her.

Ha, I wish I could get my vaccine at Disneyland. It would add extra meaning to the happiest place on earth.

Oh, I am so sorry. Your family has been through so much this year. Prayers for your MIL.

Has anyone heard from Shirl?