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How are you all doing, considering...?

Barbara Diane

Veteran

Our religious services are going to be on Facebook Live instead of in person. I am so sad about this. It is per the request of our local public health department.
Our grandnephew’s performance is cancelled-he has the male lead. I was expecting it, but.....
I am finding myself feeling penned in, although I am not.
Restaurants are 3/4 empty. Although it’s probably the perfect time to go somewhere hard to get into.
So much uncertainty, not wanting to stop doing everything but not wanting to take foolish risks.
How are you all doing?

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59 replies

Latest reply was from Barbara Diane

Anonymous

Truthfully - I'm not good at all today. And this coming from someone who NEVER panics, worries, or is pessmistic about anything. It's officially hit here in Wpg, and the economic fall-out is scaring me. I am not worried about getting sick myself, or that my husband or daughter will get sick - that's not even the issue. I think I am having a full-on panic attack about what this will to do the retail economy, which I how I make my living. The news here in Canada went from relatively calm to outright nuts this morning - our PM and his wife are in isolation now. I have a shift at the medical fitness facility tonight - and expect lots of "demands" to cancel or postpone memberships. There is a heavy senior's population at this place, and no one in their right mind should be working out and touching equipment these days. UGH. Someone please talk me off the edge?

Sal

Veteran

I am sad too about the disruption s as of the impact on the vulnerable and elderly and on the economy. I had panics three weeks ago but I feel more prepared now. Although what to prepare for is hard.

Barbara - could you get together With friends or family at home to join in the worship?

It is all about slowing the impact down so health care can cope- and the outcomes are better. Which I understand but a lot may be lost whilst that happens.

Definitely uncharted territory.

Glory

Veteran

This is my first time sharing this but I am in a terrible state and so stressed.
I was diagnosed with cancer in November and it has been world shattering for me.
7 weeks ago I underwent a full abdominal hysterectomy and am still recovering from that.
On Tuesday the treatment plan was changed and I was told that I will need both chemotherapy and radiation.
Chemo starts Wednesday. I am terrified to have treatments and to have to spend all that time in the hospital. And then, I will be immuno suppressed and at risk.
It is very difficult to process.

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

It is depressing but not much we can do about that. It will pass. People are resilient and it might be tough for a few months but things will eventually turn around. The financial impact is worrisome for everyone so at least everyone
is kind of in that part together. We made it past the H1N1 epidemic
back in 2009, so there's that fact.

I'm seeing the seniors in our area still going out to group meetings, music events, restaurants and such. No confirmed cases near here but then again, not sure many would be getting tested.

Spring has sprung and the start of wildflower season - we're seeing Spring Break traffic in town as many go to the lake (maybe more this year since they might not want to fly to other destinations?)

I think just feeling a bit isolated is the thing right now. I'm trying not to focus on the impact to the retirement fund - but that will require some thought at some point I guess.

Not being alone is something to be thankful for.

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

Oh Glory, I didn't catch your post while I was writing mine - I am really feeling for you. Timing on some things just sucks. I imagine the medical staff will be taking extra precautions for the cancer treatment wing in the hospital. If it's urgent to begin treatments right away then I suppose there is little else to do except to really focus on things you *can* control. If you can order online and get your kitchen stocked up for example (if that's an option for you) that might help. Do they have a support person at the hospital to offer suggestions on how to prepare for what you should eat or other things to have on hand?

Sending good thoughts your way.

Bennett

Veteran

I am not afraid about getting sick myself, but it breaks me to see the devastation on the elderly and mostly the nursing home residents. To be separated from your family members by quarantines, how much more frightening can it become for them? Our "greatest generation"....

Anonymous

We were mildly inconvenienced by having to cancel a trip to Europe in May, but otherwise we are keeping calm and carrying on (while hand-sanitizing every 10 minutes!). What can you do but keep living your life? I hate crowds anyway, so staying away from big events is no sacrifice for me. Just trying to take it all in stride, I guess!

rachylou

Veteran

Glory, girl, you’re in my prayers. You’re obviously a tough cookie, which will help. Trust me on that, ‘cuz I’m a professional patient. I’d definitely be cautious though. Maintain personal space and use tissues to open door handles. My doctor isn’t afraid to wear a face mask with an eye shield... I wouldn’t be either.

rachylou

Veteran

Btw, that handle-tissue thing is a real thing. I do food safety at the bakery: we’ve got signs above every hand washing station that says that’s protocol.

Glory

Veteran

Thanks Rachylou! I just spoke to the oncologist nurse about this when she called. She said they are taking precautions at the cancer centre but they must continue to provide treatment to urgent cases. I am going to be extra vigilant when out. At home, I am looking for ways to reduce the risk as I have 3 university kids. Maybe I sequester in the master bedroom, eat bon bons and watch netflix.

Runcarla

Veteran

I’m deriving some comfort from the numbers. Though Ontario (Canada) has 59 confirmed cases (with most recovering at home) 4100 people have been tested with the majority negative. Across Canada cases are still being reported, 149 cases have been confirmed across the country with 1 death - an elderly man in a nursing home in British Columbia.

My Dad is in his mid 80’s has been dealing with multiple myeloma for 6 years and lives in Seattle. He is calm. My brother and SIL are there as well, working from home, and ‘bored’ - but staying out of trouble.

Regarding the markets - Bear markets have a way of rebounding, sometimes in dramatic ways. We are in historical times, but if Black Monday, Swine Flu, SARS, and other events when the markets cratered are any indication, there were recoveries afterwards. If I was still working and investing in my pension savings, I would use this opportunity to (within comfortable means) buy low. As a retired person, I’ve diversified and have money in places that are unaffected by the market, so able to take from those sources while riding out the market craziness.

If you look at past pandemics, most were considered ‘over’ approximately 1 year from onset.

I did go to the gym today for my normal workout and it was quieter than usual. I also had an aesthetics appointment, and they reported ‘business as usual’ so far. They are a little worried about the return of the senior ‘snowbirds’ from Florida, Texas, and Arizona, though. I will continue walks in the community with DH.

I’m waiting out my plans for the UK trip in May. Air fare and some accommodations paid. Tickets for RHS Chelsea Flower Show paid. We will make our decisions last minute.

Doing okay, here.

taylor

Veteran

Glory, my thoughts are with you, and I am wishing you the very best outcome, and full recovery!
I had a complete hysterectomy in August with a pretty significant complication and set back. I did fully recover. I will keep you in my thoughts daily..
Did they do the Di Vincci Robotic ?
Things where I live are humming along fairly normal. Malls are busy as are restaurants. Some things are in short supply, but no one seems to be in panic mode. I figure, I’m 62 and have lived through some pretty scary stuff going way back to the polio outbreaks. I’ll make it through this too. I’m not going to panic. I also had influenza -A- many years ago and survived that ...it was pretty awful, From what I’ve heard and read chances of recovery from this Corona are much higher.

Glory

Veteran

Thanks Taylor! So much support here - it means a great deal. I should have reached out sooner but am a shy person.
I did not have the robotic but rather a full abdominal vertical cut of 10 inches. My surgery was Jan 20 and I can say the recovery has been difficult and long. I am so sorry to read that you had a serious complication and setback. It is such a huge surgery. I hope you are on the road to recovery now.

taylor

Veteran

Glory, yes it is a huge surgery...gosh, the 10 inch incision must be incredibly painful. I’m so sorry. I had robotic, but they had to go in through a (much smaller) incision anyway because of the complication.

Again I will keep you in my thought/prayers daily for a full , quick and complete recovery ❤️

When my dad took chemo , they gave him some sort of immune booster . I’m not even sure if that’s what they called it, but it was to actually help prevent him from catching flues and such. Ask your docs about this . The less you have to worry about the better for you !

Gigi

Veteran

I'm a little nervous but doing OK. I am concerned about the portion of my income that comes from teaching piano to kids, especially young kids. The music school I work for is working on a way for us to give online lessons, but I'm not sure how well that will work with those kids who have a really hard time. And I'm not sure what kind of setup the kids would need at home. It's clearly not as simple as using the computer for academic online classes! We are on spring break next week, so that is giving the heads of the school time to think about what to do and to plan.

I am also concerned about a lot of the residents in my apartment building, who are quite elderly and in poor health. If we should have an outbreak here, I am sure some of the residents will not survive.

I am still trying to go about life as usual, just with a lot more handwashing and care about touching door handles and the like. I don't want to start curtailing too many social activities at this point, because that will have a big emotional effect.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Barbara Diane, thanks for starting this thread. Stay safe and calm.

Glory, my heart goes out to you. I am so sorry you have to deal with this on top of everything. Very stressful and hard, and a lot to get through and process. Please know that we are here to support in any way. Feel free to start a separate thread so that we can fully support YOU and only you. Sometimes it can help to have a cheerleading group in the background. Even if it's just a distraction to get through the day. I get that you want your privacy though. Whatever feels right and at any time. YLF is here for you. Great that Rachy and Taylor can be of extra support. I hope you are surrounded by family and friends who are nurturing, therapeutic, and loving. Much love to you, and sending healing thoughts.

We are calm, prepared, and organized at the Cox Castle. Doing what has to be done. Organizing old parents from afar as best as we can. They are a big worry - but it is what it is. I had my last shopping day with a client today until further notice. We cancelled two upcoming trips. I cannot see my Papa. Too risky. Taking things one day at a time.

Seattle - although the epicenter of the virus in the US and in a state of emergency - is calm. VERY quiet most places, but super busy at grocery stores, pharmacies, petrol stations, and essential services. No traffic. Store hours have changed. Restaurants and bar closures are imminent.

I feel VERY sad for those less fortunate than us, and what this will do to the economy. My heart goes out to all those in healthcare, and who have compromised health. All those who need to work and can't stay home. I have a large and full sunken heart thinking about that.

Anonymous

Glory , I am terribly sorry to hear about your health issues . I can only imagine and sympathize with the sadness and worry , and just hope you have lots of close family and friends to support you as you need it . Fingers crossed for uneventful chemo treatments . I came home from job #2 today with the news that the provincial govt might order a closure of the facility . Gov’t employee insurance only goes so far . We are tightening up out wallets here now and only buying absolute essentials until we know how this will effect our bank accounts and employment contracts . Husband works for Air Canada and is secretly hoping for a buy-out so he can retire .

Anonymous

Angie : I’m so sorry you won’t be able to visit your dad . I know how much this means to you both . Hopefully you can get there later this summer .

Echo

Veteran

Glory, you will be in my thoughts going forward. I am so sorry you are going through this covid-19 scare on top of everything else.

And while I realize my troubles are small in the big scheme of things, I am still so upset today about the cancellations. Professional basketball and College ball is cancelled, but our state basketball tournaments? Still on, but each side "only" gets 88 spectators. That's 176 people, plus each team can have 22 team members/coaches/supervisors. Oh, and it will be televised for those who cannot attend.

But for kids not into sports? They have CANCELLED forensics for the rest of the year, and my DD was on her way to a gold at state. Solo and ensemble? CANCELLED, and my son was ready to take a first in his class-A solo on tenor sax. It is his senior year, so there are no do-overs on this. The school is evaluating whether they will cancel the upcoming band concert, too. Given the cancellations of everything else in the arts, I don't doubt they will.

Again, I understand the cancellations. I do not want people exposed. I have an elderly mum and I desperately do not want her to get sick. But why is it so necessary for high school ball to be played while everyone else has their events cancelled? Ugh. Our district is always all sports, all the time.

However, my oldest son's spring break has been extended a week, so he will be home during my spring break, too, so I am grateful for that. I think all colleges here have extended their breaks and are non-committal about when classes will resume. As it stands, there are 6 cases in my state so far, with none in the counties we live in/near. So things haven't really taken off here, and I hope they won't.

All of you are in my thoughts. Angie, I am sorry you cannot visit your papa. I very much hope the world is able to flatten this curve soon and get a handle on this. It really is crazy the way things just exploded, literally overnight.

Style Fan

Veteran

Glory, I am so sorry to hear about your health issues. The surgery sounds like it would be very painful. I hope the chemo and radiation go well. We are here for you to give support.

Style Fan

Veteran

We are in Montreal until mid-April. There is suppose to be a family get together at the end of March. People are coming from Calgary, New York, Virginia and Toronto. Some people have cancelled because of the situation. We are concerned about the event and the travelling but it is not our decision.
We have considered leaving Montreal early and going home. It would be a difficult decision but being at home is better if there is a quarantine in Montreal. But then there is more healthcare in Montreal than at home.
I could get worried about the stock market but I have been through this a few times before. Either it goes back up or it doesn't. I will manage just differently.
I do worry about the people who are homeless. I always worry about them but now more than ever.

rachylou

Veteran

... I was walking the dog this afternoon and all over the neighborhood, moms were out on the sidewalk talking about school closures. When I came home, I got an email saying our SF store is cutting hours. It’s in the Ferry Building which is all tourist traffic...

Anne

Echo - Based on the things you said, I think we live in the same state!!! *waving*

Joyce B

Veteran

Glory, I am praying for you. Please take it one day at the time, eventually things will get better. Many blessings to you.

nemosmom

Veteran

Glory - my heart and thoughts are with you, and I hope your treatments go well.

Angie - huge thanks to you, Greg, and Inge for hosting and maintaining this tranquil, supportive, corner of the internet. I am so very grateful to have access to this beautiful space. I hope you will be able to see your papa soon!

I worry about our older family members who live out of state. I feel mostly prepared at home and we have postponed travel plans until June. Our schools, library, community centers, and day care decided yesterday to close until mid-April, but told us to plan for indefinite closures. We are fortunate enough that I can work from home (as long as I still have a job) to be with the kids, but I worry for our community service workers like nurses, police, trash collectors who simply can't work at home and now have to be home to care for their kids. Even those without kids who can't work from home will be hard hit. They are in my thoughts now, too.

RobinF

Veteran

Glory, so sorry about your health situation! That must be really scary and then this virus on top of it!

Here in Michigan there are only 12 cases so far and they just announced state wide school closures for the next three weeks. Seems like an over-reaction but if it prevents it from getting worse I am all for it. Hopefully there will be help for families who need daycare and food that they get through schools.

I worry about my sons who work in service industries and can't afford to not get paid if their work places close.My mom is 79 and in Florida now for a few months, so I hope she is taking proper precautions. Hubby and I also have a planned trip to visit my daughter in Salt Lake City at the end of April that I hope we don't have to cancel. Crazy times right now.

Anonymous

Oh no Glory, stay safe! Hugs! My MIL is going through chemo again, the cancer is gone but they're still doing it, so worried about her. Worried about our other parents too of course. Was supposed to fly down to visit my dad, but looks like I should cancel that.

They've closed down schools, and heard today even Walmarts in DE are closed. Worried if I do have to stay home that I won't be able to get food, pet supplies. I have leave time if needed, but hope my company will just pay us if we aren't allowed to work. I feel so bad for people that do not have paid leave time, and lose a paycheck (or more) or work and risk illness

Irina

Veteran

Glory, my best wishes to you, hope your treatments will go well! Stay strong!

I'm in Toronto, working from home for the second day. On Wednesday we were informed that the infected person worked a few floors above our office and used the same elevators. The buildings has been cleaned but we decided to stay out of it for the rest of the week. Very little direction from our company. I guess we will be back in the office on Monday. I consider myself lucky - I can walk to work and avoid taking transit. My son's PhD defense suppose to be at the end of March in Ottawa but no one knows if universities be stay open. Uncertain times.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Glory, sending hugs and wishes for continued healing. Stay safe!

My mental health has started to suffer in the past couple of days. Two exhibitions I was preparing for are now postponed indefinitely. Any pending client projects are now so far on people’s back burners that they are in effect canceled. Husband’s business is taking a huge hit. We will be ok financially — we are really lucky that way, and thankful we got out of the stock market last year — but I’m so sad and worried for people who do not have the health and resources we do.

One of my stepsons is a sound tech for events in DC. He worked all day at CPAC putting microphones on people (you may have heard that cases have been diagnosed from exposure at that event). And he doesn’t have health insurance, and now his work has dried up because events are all canceled.

Social media is a blessing and a curse. It’s a way to stay connected to people during social distancing, but I am dismayed by how many people are STILL saying that this is all just panic, or worse, some sort of global hoax.

I’m spending more time with my camera and making an effort to be out walking in the woods more. Stepping up meditation too. Grateful for my husband, my friends, and our pets.

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