Thursday, October 15, 2020

Friday Mailbox and Other Random Stuff

Disclaimers: I received a Relief Box from Chil Wellness in exchange for my honest opinion. I received Feetures socks in exchange for my honest opinion. 

Good morning! I'm home today, chipping away at the 80 hours continuing education activities required for my APRN license. Because the learning never stops, right? No worries, I also squeezed in a run before the seminar started. I mean, what's really important here?

Before I settle in to my Zoom classroom for the day, I've got some fun stuff to share with you. There's just  been too much goodness to share in my Weekly Rundown posts, so I bring you the Friday Mailbox!


I got some fun mail this week! A few weeks ago, I shared some CBD products I received from Chil Wellness, a company started by the father of a child with Juvenile RA. This week I received their relief box, which is packed with CBD containing products! Chil Wellness is a sponsor of the Arthritis Foundation, so I'm really excited to trial and share their products. Chil Wellness has asked me to be an ambassador for the brand and I'm proud to represent. 

My knees are especially loving the Aspen's Maximum relief salve.

Oh and I got some socks... I've made no secret of my sock obsession and when Feetures offered to send me some pairs from their new fall line, you know I said yes! I've been running and lifting in them and they do not disappoint. The cushioning is perfect and the socks don't slide down into the shoes. I've got happy feet!


Speaking of mail, this week I received and completed my mail in ballot. A few weeks ago on my coffee talk post, I implored all of you to vote! Even if we don't share the same viewpoints, it's more important than ever to exercise your constitutional right to vote in this election. Ok, I didn't mail in mail-in ballot. I took my ballot to the local drop box to make sure my vote is counted. I'm not leaving anything to chance this year.


Not mail related, but oh so important, I got my flu shot last week. The flu shot may not help you fight COVID, but you sure don't want to get the flu this year! The healthcare system is already stretched with COVID patients. There's also a chance of contracting both at the same time. Last year was a bad year for the flu. I saw patients who had the flu twice, contracting different strains. While the flu shot isn't 100% effective and some years isn't very effective, it can still lessen the severity of the flu if you contract it. 


A few weeks ago, I shared a post about Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This week, my sister gave me the go-ahead to share her diagnosis of breast cancer here on the blog. Her diagnosis was such a shock. Me, I feel completely helpless. It just feels so surreal. And so unfair. She received her first chemo treatment yesterday and we are all hopeful that the treatment will be effective. She's so positive! Since I can't make her better, I'm doing a few things to support my sister and promote breast cancer awareness:
  • donating $1 for every mile I run this month to the Lynn Sage Cancer Research Foundation
  • wearing pink on every run and workout as a reminder that we're all fighting breast cancer
  • running the Pink Pumpkin virtual 10k (there's also a 5k and a half marathon). The race benefits the Susan G Komen Foundation which supports the fight against breast cancer. Use my code ambassador2020 to save 10%.
  • wearing my pink roadID on all my runs, who donates $10 for each one purchased to the American Cancer Society. Use my code WENDY_2020 to save 20%.
I have this one, but the bands come in 2 different sizes and also in black and white.
  • scheduling my annual screening mammogram for November
  • hashtagging all my IG posts with #pinktober, #inoctoberwewearpink, and #breastcancerawareness
  • I had my colorist put a pink streak in my hair. I've never done anything like this before...am I too old to do this? I think it's kind of fun!

I hated to end on such a heavy note, but this is what's happening. Has anyone else been through a devastating diagnosis with someone you are close to? Let's lighten up the connversation. Did you vote? Did you get a flu shot? Any fun mail?




28 comments :

  1. Sending your sister an internet hug as she goes through her treatment. The pink streak is awesome. Flu shot - check! Mail in ballot - sitting on my desk, on my to do list today.

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  2. Oh my, I'm so sorry about your sister, Wendy. I hope the treatment will do its magic for her!
    I thought of you today because I got mail from my gynecologist reminding everyone to get a breast cancer check. She included a step-by-step instruction on how to do the monthly breast check at home.

    Love your pink streak! It's also a good shot of you. You're never too old for this!

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  3. Yes got my flu shot last month always important. Kids got their this week.I fortunately did my mammogram in February and have my yearly check up in a few week w my OBGYN. Thinking of you and your family and sending best wishes to your sister as she starts her treatment. Sounds like she has a great support system in you which makes all the difference.

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    1. All the stuff I'm doing is really filling a void of helplessness in me! I sure wish I had a magic wand.

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  4. Attitude is very important. That is why, I am hopeful for your sister.

    I am shocked that many people do not get their flu shots...even runners?!

    I have had two friends die from cancer - lung and cervical but both were re-occurences. Very sad about this.

    I can't wait to vote and have this election over!!

    I wish someone would send me socks...love them!!

    As always, virtual support for you and your family!! HUGS.

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    1. I'm always shocked at people who don't get flu shots. My favorite comment? "I don't believe in the flu shot". To which I say, it's not a religion, lol....

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  5. Best wishes on successful treatment for your sister.
    Yes, got my flu shot, and shingles shot and pneumococcal vaccination.
    Just got confirmation that mail-in ballot has been received.
    Can't have too many socks, ever!
    Love the pink streak.

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    1. I got the shingles vaccine and both pneumonia vaccines last year. Had a terrible reaction to the shingles vaccine. Won't be getting the second dose, lol. I think I'm good...

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    2. what was your reaction to shingles? I had to take a sick day - fever and wiped out all-over body aches. But I'm still thinking of getting dose #2

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    3. I had an over reaction--remember my immune system is all hopped up--and I had prolonged fatigue for about 4-6 months. I couldn't run much at all and it took me pretty much all year to build back up.

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  6. You know I'm rooting for your sister. I mean in a way, she and I are now sisters!

    Honestly though the more devastating diagnoses for me were the melanoma (caught quite early, get your skin checks) and the osteoporosis. After all the strength work I've done, the running, the eating right, to have two bones break while running and then get the diagnosis gutted me.

    And yes, I definitely got my flu shot. I didn't start doing this until 3 years ago b/c I've never ever had the flu. But I know I can be a carrier and my mother has leukemia and my MIL is in a nursing home. I will not be the cause of their deaths.

    Glad your sis has you <3

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    1. Interesting you had melanoma too. There is a connection, but I don't know much more than that. In spite of all your health issues, you sure are doing great! You sure are a sister to my sister now! <3

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  7. So sorry to hear about your sister! My sister was also diagnosed with cancer (colon) this year. Such a scary time to be sick and going through chemo! I can't even go visit my sister because she's basically been quarantined since March (other than necessary trips for chemo treatments, etc.) Hard times... but my sister and your sister will both get through this. Sending hugs to both of you.
    You are the perfect age for the pink streak!!! Love it.

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    1. Sending love and support to your sister and you as well. What a time to get a devastating diagnosis! I hope you get to see her sometime soon.

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  8. Wendy,
    I'm so sorry about your sister's diagnosis. It's been 30 years since my mom's breast cancer. Shock and helpless are exactly how I felt. But I'm hopeful that advances in the past 30 years will make a difference for your sister.

    On a lighter note - Les and I both ordered new shoes (boots for me, mountain biking shoes for him.) A package came yesterday that Les was sure was his. When he opened it, he said, "cool a new backpack." (the shoes were in their own lightweight backpack.) That's when I realized the package was mine! I offered him the backpack trying to ease his disappointment ;)

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    1. LOL! The packages that come to our house are 95% of the time for me, so my hubs doesn't even open the few things he orders.

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  9. Glad to hear your sister has a positive attitude, that is so crucial! Fun mail recently for me as well, as my Pink with a Purpose RoadID came a week ago. Got our ballots done. And I'm wearing pink on the daily ;-)

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  10. Actually a few years ago a loved one did get a shocking dx, but not as bad as your sister, but still disturbing. It's still not something I've been cleared to share, but it's part of the driving part behind why I'm sure cautious with who I interact with.

    We didn't want to go out of our way downtown to drop off our ballorts, so we're waiting til early voting starts next week & then we'll be able to drop them off somewhere closer to home.

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    1. Early voting has been very robust here in Illinois! I dropped my ballot off at the courthouse near me and the line of voters was quite long. Illinois is a 'blue' state, so I'm not as worried about our outcome as I am about the swing states.

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  11. I think my voting plan is going to be the same as yours. I don't trust the mail to get it there in time and I live in a swing state. I want my vote to COUNT!

    Love that pink streak in your hair. It looks so good - very subtle.

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    1. That's what I was going for! I really like it. Geez, I need to live a little, lol. Maybe I should get a tattoo?:p

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  12. So sorry to hear about your sister. Will be sending prayers. I have heard great things about CBD products but have never tried any. I love feetures socks as well.

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  13. I love the pink streak and think it's very appropriate. There are such great treatments for breast cancer now and I know so many survivors. Strength to your sister and to you xxx

    Lovely post, too, those socks look super. The ones I bought a few months ago that were a bit warm are coming into their own now!

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    1. Even though having cancer is horrible, my sister is fortunate that treatments have evolved to be so much more effective and humane. Fingers crossed it all goes well.

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