Frump to Fab - A Whole New World.

thepurplepixie

Sorry you felt the same LL but it is nice to know it wasn't just me. It really felt like I was enveloped by the dark damp cloud, bit like a horror film  and yes the tannoy announcement just seemed to add to it.  I've been to my local Lidl and Co-op up to now and yes they are smaller and it didn't feel so odd.  I guess we are quite sheltered from it really. 

While I was out I stocked up the store cupboard a bit, nothing expensive just things like tinned tomatoes and kidney beans, some toilet roll, haven't bought any since February and I was amazed how long it lasted with no teenagers in and out of the house but I think they've started eating it again now they are visiting.  What do they do with it?  I also got some baking stuff and got a big box of tea bags, I can cope with most things but if there's no tea, well that is my limit.  Not quite ready for a new lockdown for 4 months but I reckon we'd be OK for a month other than fresh fruit and veg, I've got bread in the freezer and some alternatives like crackers.  

sheilavw

sorry you are both low PP and LL, hard times.  I know what you mean Wednesday. Me and my Husband were always happy with our own company, not ones for going out that much. I have a lot of acqaintances, but not a best friend, he was my best friend. off again to the gym after tea, god knows how long it will take me to try and do my usual 40 lengths after such a long break!

helensbiggestfan

Omg.  I have just had such a shock.   

And now I feel so guilty at feeling sorry for myself this last few weeks. Yes I'm a widow, yes I miss  my husband more than I can say, and yes the forthcoming anniversary of his death brings back all the pain and grief.  But really I am so blessed and fortunate, I have no right to give in to melancholy. My husband would never have done so, he was a fighter to the end.  

What brought this on.....

Well, I've just got off the phone with one of my friends. She recently had a couple of moles checked out. Apparently she was right to be suspicious, they are melanomas.  She has got to have extensive surgery, skin grafts the lot.  As well of course as further investigations to make sure the cancer hasn't spread.  I feel awful.  She is so brave.  She had a pacemaker fitted when she was 11 (she's now in her 70s) and she has always lived with such grace, humour and courage, always fighting to stay healthy and suffering repeated set backs, surgeries, infections but she never complains. 

Life can be so cruel at times. I am sobbing as I write this.......

thepurplepixie

That is scary, I had a skin cancer a few years back but it was a less serious one, as my doctor said to me, "If I were going to choose a cancer that's the one I'd choose."  Which was a bit of an odd thing to say but I do understand.  My GP had worked in Africa for some years so was very familiar with skin cancer and he got me a referral straightaway.
I've had two colleagues with melanomas, both fit and well years later so I hope your friend is as lucky as them, one of them was diagnosed over 30 years ago, she had surgery to remove the melanoma and then when they examined it they realised she needed more removed so she had to have more flesh removed and skin graft.  I hope your friend gets treated quickly, I know it can be hard with the NHS under such pressure.

helensbiggestfan

She is scheduled for surgery a week on Monday. 🤞

thepurplepixie

Good that she isn't having to wait, I hope it is good news.

sugarbaby125

LL, what shocking and devastating news your friend has received. The only light in this dark time for her is that the cancer has been confirmed quickly and her surgery has also been scheduled for the near future. 

I am sure she will be facing the surgery and any subsequent treatment or future surgery with resilience and fortitude. She obviously has an inner strength that has allowed her to live her life with grace, bravery and humour, so you can most probably expect her to do so when having to face up to the reality of her cancer. 

helensbiggestfan

Thanks sugarbaby.......

Yes I'm sure she will.  She's very strong and resilient.  I knew she was having her moles checked, I was just so shocked. She wasn't though, I think she knew. She's a medical professional herself so she's pretty clued up. She was swift to act.  Hopefully quick enough for a good prognosis.

Just goes to show .....best to keep an eye on those moles.  Any changes, get them checked.  

sheilavw

so sorry to hear about your friend LL, hope the op goes well

savingfortomorrow

LL -- I am sorry to hear about your friend. She is lucky to be aware of them, get them checked out and having a date for the operation soon. 

TPP - I think avoid the mega shopping supermarkets - the small ones like Lidl and Aldi are great as you can run in and out fast.

The new normal is very strange- but the laughter will come back, the characters will emerge and we are resilient.  Soon people will start having the banter and getting less scared of the new. Life id going to be strange for a while. 

Wednesday- I realized that I spent too long chasing the money and financial security. I didn't take time off to really build as many friendships. I have loads of people that I'm friendly with but a handful of amazing people. It is going to be harder to expand social networks in lockdown but we can. I am going forward realizing that financial security has given me another set of worries. I want to volunteer and take up more social hobbies.