tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5432928390932631922024-03-19T04:26:05.369-04:00The World According to Lady Bren<center>This blog originated in 2011 after I survived a stroke. Then in 2019 I focused on our fight against The Brain's Tumor. Now I'm simply trying to survive </center>Lady Brenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14288789884463390331noreply@blogger.comBlogger332125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-543292839093263192.post-78761849415022245792020-02-11T07:30:00.001-05:002020-02-11T07:32:29.575-05:00It's February 12 not April 8<center>
This year of firsts is absolutely overwhelming. </center>
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Yet it is tomorrow, February 12th, that I've been dreading the most.</center>
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<a name='more'></a>I'm guessing it is quite bewildering as to why tomorrow, not "<i>The Day"</i> holds such weight. But it is tomorrow, that has been looming on my mental calendar. Even my body has betrayed me these last two days allowing me to do very little beyond sleep. Maybe my brain knew what was coming and the energy I'd be needing. Or maybe unconsciously I was hoping to initiate my own "Ground Hog" day and February 11, (<u>February 11, 2019</u> that is) would forever repeat itself.</center>
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I've been truly struggling a bit these last weeks. Martin Luther King weekend was an especially rough time. That time last year was the final time we enjoyed Disney. Thanks to TimeHop I know that January 27th was the last day we went to the movies. I wish I could say we saw something dynamic or Oscar nominated but actually is was a remake of the Arthur story <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6811018/" target="_blank">The Kid Who Would Be King</a>; thankfully I remember Michael really enjoying it. Even my good days have been filled with moments thinking this time last year "Our Lives Were Still OK", "We Still Didn't Know" or my favorite guilt ridden thought:"How Didn't You Know".</center>
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You see, the thing about tomorrow is that it really should not have come as a surprise if I'm honest with myself. That "Hindsight is 20/20" thing can really mess with your well being . We had to know what was going to be said. The girls and I saw it, hell we were living it. And that's all I'm going to say about that.</center>
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But here's the thing No One had said<b> IT.</b></center>
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No One had even hinted that we had lost this battle</center>
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No One had suggested that our lives, the lives we had planned were being cut short</center>
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Because you see until Some One says <b>IT</b> ~<b> </b>IT isn't real</center>
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Until Some One says there's nothing else we can do ~ You Still Have Hope</center>
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Until Some One says we're calling Palliative care ~ Your Future Plans Exist</center>
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Until Some One says the days are numbered ~ You Can Still Breathe</center>
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So I need February 12th to not exist. </center>
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I need to not relive the day that I was told OUR life was over. </center>
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Lady Brenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14288789884463390331noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-543292839093263192.post-82913168170691706302019-06-20T01:59:00.000-04:002019-06-20T01:59:29.254-04:00Trash Goes Out On Wednesday<center>
Recycling goes out Tuesday</center>
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Trash goes out Wednesday</center>
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Life goes on.</center>
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As I begin to live in this new world it is overwhelming some days just to survive, never mind being able to process life as a responsible adult; which I've dubbed <i>Adulting</i>. I am in awe of the other GBM Widows I have recently met who returned to work a week after their husband's funeral considering I barely got out of bed, never mind left the house for nearly a month. There were days when simply breathing seemed the goal. Thankfully basic financial adulting was covered as I've always used my credit union's bill pay so I didn't have to worry about anything being shut off. But it wasn't the adulting tasks that were weighing on me at first but the things you do without thinking about that were bringing me to tears.</center>
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In the first weeks following our loss, the only thing that I could actually be certain to accomplish was taking out the recycling and trash bins. It seems a minor chore considering that taking out the trash is one of the first jobs as parents we are very happy to bestow onto our kids. Yet for me, that became a major accomplishment. The recycling ~ well it absolutely crushed me the first time. </center>
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How?? How could empty bottles, cans, and boxes bring me to sobs? Our garage door opener is broken. It was just that simple. The stupid garage door opener is broken so I can't push a button to open the door to drag the recycling bins out. The garage door broke earlier this year and <b>WE </b>were planning on having a new opener installed with our tax refund. So here's how this rabbit hole went:</center>
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There never was a tax refund because we never filed taxes.<br />We never filed taxes because Michael forgot to download his W2 at work<br />Michael, couldn't remember the password to access it at home.</center>
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The email he used to reset the password was only accessible at work<br />He never returned to work.</center>
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He left me.<br />He left me without a W2.</center>
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He left me without filing taxes.</center>
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He left me without a tax refund.<br />He left me without a garage door opener.</center>
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That whole process took less than 5 seconds before I was on the floor sobbing.</center>
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You see that's grief in its raw form. It just hits, and usually with little to no warning.</center>
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What it really came down to at its core ~ Michael took out the bins. But now, every week, every Tuesday and Wednesday night when I drag those bins out I'll be reminded that he's not here to do that. <b>BUT. </b>But it's in the little things that <strike>we can find</strike> that I am finding reminders of love. He knew how much I hated dragging the stale beer smelling recycling bins to the curb so he did it and that was love. Grief isn't about being strong nor is it something to get through. Grief is, after all, an extension of love. Right now for me, Grief is holding onto those continually present reminders of love. </center>
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I am quite confident that the day is not very far down the road that I'll just drag the bins to the curb and not feel an emotional pull. I also know that for no reason whatsoever one day in the future dragging those bins will trigger a memory and I'll return to the house crying. </center>
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Regardless the trash is still picked up on Thursday.</center>
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Lady Brenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14288789884463390331noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-543292839093263192.post-16380710268669514142019-03-28T11:00:00.000-04:002019-03-28T14:50:25.092-04:00Catch-Up Part I<center>
Cancer Sucks. I know I've said it before and guess what I'll keep saying it </center>
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My last post on <a href="http://ladybrensworld.blogspot.com/2019/03/lady-and-brain-this-tumor-has-gotten.html" target="_blank">March 7th</a> brought you up to February 12th when we learned of The Brain's latest diagnosis of Grade 4 GBM. Life has been an ugly downward spiral since. </center>
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I started writing this March 20th, today's the 28th so~there will be a Part II.</center>
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February 15th we started the first of two Avastin treatments. The infusion facility at MD Anderson is amazing. Every module has its own view of the St. John's River. The entire process takes about 4 hours while the actual infusion lasts only 30 minutes. Improvement is usually seen after just two treatments and sadly The Brain continued to decline. </center>
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On March 1st The Brain was dependent on a walker. As a GBM may spread into the spinal column he had a 3 hour full spinal MRI. By March 8th, the final Brain MRI, he was completely reliant on a wheelchair for all mobility. I really didn't need any tests to tell me the tumor was spreading. The scans did reveal the tumor was not yet into his spine. We ended treatment with Dr. Cavaliere and registered for Hospice care the next day.</center>
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In-home Hospice/Palliative care is about the quality of life. Having the proper equipment to safely keep The Brain at home, Home health aides to help with his care, and support for the family through social workers and other therapies. </center>
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Due to half rather than misinformation on a social worker's behalf, I was informed there was only one company that provided Hospice care in our county. Actually, there is only one Hospice in-patient care here in Clay but there are other options. The reality is when you're <strike>confronted</strike> blindsided with the idea of hospice care most people are unprepared and overwhelmed. I feel guilty about not having done more research. The reality is that having one less decision to make because there were no other options was a relief when making so many others at the time. The two nurses who handled our in-take were wonderful (I've now likened this position to the front end sales person or drug reps). We signed intake papers Saturday and the equipment was there Sunday. The issues I had seemed petty at first, but when you stand back they do pile up. (Hospice replies are in <span style="color: purple;">Purple</span>)</center>
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The hospital bed made horrible noises when raised or lowered ~ <span style="color: purple;">some of our beds are older but they're just fine</span>. Intake said you cover all meds related to his hospice care ~ <span style="color: purple;">no the drugs our Dr prescribed aren't directly related to the tumor so we don't cover them and in your spare time please go to your pharmacy and pick them up</span>. <span style="color: purple;">We're short staffed this week you'll be assigned a full team by Monday 3/18.</span> There's more like this but I brushed them away thankful for any help we were receiving. </center>
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<b><span style="color: #134f5c;">THEN SUNDAY.</span> </b></center>
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March 17th: I knew something was off when he woke up; his speech was a bit slurred and his vision seemed unfocused. The girls agreed so I call the emergency number. The nurse checked his diagnosis and said: "Oh with a Brain Cancer this is to be expected". UM no actually it's not, I'm pretty sure he's had a TIA. "I don't think so but if you're concerned I can send a nurse out" Yes, please! <i>ARE YOU READY:</i> "<span style="color: purple;">WE only have <b>one</b> nurse for home visits on the weekend I'm not sure when she'll be out to you.</span>" </center>
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I'm gonna let that sink in...... One nurse for 3 counties of patients. </center>
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Nurse Pat was wonderful. She spent almost an hour here. She sweetly said that she was glad she decided to come here instead of heading to another town first. My diagnosis of a TIA was spot on. She suggested we could take him for a CAT scan but we all agreed against it. We felt that the transport and the chances of them being able to do anything outside of confirming a TIA was all that would happen just wasn't worth the stress he'd endure. The Brain was actually feeling better as the day went on even though he wanted Chinese instead of the traditional St Patrick's Day meal he always looks forward to.</center>
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Monday morning I call into Hospice needing supplies and wanting to get a lift as I can no longer get him in and out of bed. Also, I was actually surprised no one had called to check on him after Sunday. The first line isn't working. neither is the alternate line. The EMERGENCY LINE is down. I called every number on the back of their folder. they were all out of service. I call my social worker, her number worked but her mailbox was still full (I had tried calling Friday). Thankfully my CNA left us her personal cell. She was able to have the nurse call. I appreciate that she was with another patient at the time but her dismissal that it's no big deal you couldn't get through if there's no emergency wasn't comforting. I told her I needed a different catheter and well it all fell apart from there. I had one size in my hand and I needed the next size 23cm. She argued with me that they only come in 14, 16 or 18. After going back and forth I said I'm done and hung up. She called back and I said I can't do this right now. Her next step reassured my decision to leave this company. ALL of my kids received a voice mail from her. She was concerned about their Dad, I hung up on her and she'd like to come by but was worried about the safety of the situation.</center>
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There is no one else I can to talk to as THE PHONES ARE STILL DOWN</center>
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The phones were out of service until Midnight Wednesday night.</center>
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Thankfully there <b>is</b> another Hospice that services our area. Tuesday they came to the house and Wednesday they moved in their new equipment.</center>
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So that's Part I</center>
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Feel caught up?</center>
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When you're done reading let us know by sharing our motto:</center>
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CANCER Sucks</center>
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Beautiful view of St John's from Infusion Floor at MD Anderson</div>
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Lady Brenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14288789884463390331noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-543292839093263192.post-44606508788829048662019-03-07T08:00:00.000-05:002019-03-07T08:48:29.267-05:00This Tumor Has Gotten Mean and Nasty<center>
Life changed quite quickly after January. </center>
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Our new family slogan is:</center>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-size: 30px;"><b> Cancer Sucks</b></span></center>
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<a name='more'></a> It is quite hard to comprehend the rate of decline in The Brain's health after mid-January. We were at Disney. He was at work most days. Movies, Bingo and eating out ~ we were enjoying all of our regular activities. We finished the chemo and had MRI scheduled for February 15th. Then he started falling.</center>
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Actually, it wasn't "falls" at first rather simple stumbles. He "misstepped" at work. He had trouble getting around equipment at work. He had difficulty getting over the threshold into the house. Then things started progressing. He "Tucked and Rolled" at work after tripping over something. He lost his balance then fell getting out of his recliner. The doctor increased The Brain's steroids hoping to strengthen his legs.</center>
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Late one night he fell in the bathroom and couldn't get himself up. It took the girls and me over an hour to get him off the ground and back into bed. His left side was horribly bruised. He was insistent on returning to work ~ I vetoed that. A couple days later he returned to work where he once again fell. February 12th at 2:30am he fell in the bathroom again. This time it took us even longer to get him up. I called Dr. Cavaliere and he had us take him to the Emergency Room.</center>
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The main idea behind going to the ER wasn't that he had seriously hurt himself it was simply the quickest way get an MRI instead of waiting until the 15th. Dr. Cavaliere came in early that morning to be there as soon as the results were available. This post's title is the very first thing he said to me that morning:</center>
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<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">This Tumor Has Gotten Mean and Nasty</span></b></center>
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The tumor is now a <b><span style="color: #444444; font-size: 30px;">Grade 4 Multifocal Glioblastoma (GBM)</span></b></center>
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Broken down this is what that Diagnosis means: </center>
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<li style="text-align: justify;"><u>Grade 4:</u> The malignant tissue has cells that look most abnormal and tend to grow quickly.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><u>Multifocal:</u> These are not multiple tumors; they originate from a unique cellular clone and grow in more than one location within a single organ. </li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><u>Glioblastoma:</u> Aggressive form of cancer that can occur in the brain or spinal column formed of astrocytomas</li>
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While at the hospital Dr. Cavaliere arranged for us to meet with Physical and Occupational Therapists, Social Workers and a <a href="http://beyourhaven.org/services/palliative-care/" target="_blank">Palliative Care Specialist.</a></div>
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Friday, February 15, we met with Dr. Cavliere to start a new treatment. At Grade 4 chemotherapy is no longer an option for us so we are going to start an Infusion Therapy of Avastin. Avastin is an anti-cancer drug that aims to kill a tumor by starving it of the energy source (blood) it needs to grow. Avastin is referred to as an anti-angiogenic drug. Angiogenesis is the process by which tumors are able to create their own blood vessels to feed themselves. The first treatment is scheduled for Friday and lasts 30 minutes. Thankfully, Patients typically feel no side-effects from this treatment. </div>
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Say it with me: </div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 75px;">CANCER SUCKS</span><br />
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Lady Brenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14288789884463390331noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-543292839093263192.post-45041038924318602962019-02-28T08:00:00.000-05:002019-02-28T08:00:04.254-05:00Lady and The Brain: New Year, New Chemo, Now What?<center>
The Holiday Season at our house wasn't the brightest. Sharing the updated news on The Brain's Tumor and waiting for information on his new Chemo definitely brought down the merry factor. We entered the New Year with high hopes and just as high-stress levels. <a name='more'></a></center>
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Whether you are a patient or caregiver it is incredibly frustrating to watch the medical/insurance industries wind down during the holiday season. You feel incredibly hypocritical; you've taken off 10+ days for the Christmas/New Year span but are frustrated that others are doing the same when you need them. This was especially true while we waited and waited for BCBS and the Specialty Pharmacy to coordinate over The Brain's new Chemo. We were hoping to start January 2nd (You know when all the partying was officially over) of course that didn't happen. A Big Thank you to our dear friends, Robyn and Robert, who visited from Virginia for New Year's ~ we had a blast; it was so nice being distracted (aka partying) for a few days. </center>
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The new Chemo arrives and we start the new 6-week treatment. A quick reminder from my last post: </center>
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This chemo is made up of 2 drugs. Lomustine (100mg) is taken only on Day 1 followed by Procarbazine (150mg) on Days 8-21. This is followed by 3 weeks of blood work and ends with an MRI at the end of week 6. The Brain was not happy about the food restrictions on certain meats, cheeses, and ALCOHOL. </center>
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The Brain does not like this new Chemo at all. The first dose was simple enough but when phase 2 started he was miserable. Because I am the ever-devoted wife I thought that a quick trip down to Epcot and Magic Kingdom would be just the thing. Knowing he wasn't as strong as he has been and Disney requires A LOT of walking the plan was to rent an electric scooter. That was the plan until we saw the price was raised from $42 to $70 so we got the old-fashioned push wheel-chair. We had a blast and I got quite the work-out. The only "problem" we had was The Brain's alcohol restriction. We had not attended Epcot's Festival of the Arts before and didn't realize there were food/beer kiosks similar to those at The Food and Wine Festival. Each time he moaned about wanting to enjoy a beer I reminded him of the months I endured watching him consumer alcohol while I abstained during our pregnancies and nursing which totaled nearly 5 years (to be read with extreme dramatic flair please). The next day we took a (very) slow stroll through the Magic Kingdom. Due to the cold temperatures (for Orlando) we were able to hit 5 attractions including his favorite The Pirates of The Caribbean in under 3 hours. While this is impressive we were limited due to his decreasing energy.</center>
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I'm telling you about this trip to give you a sense of perspective as to how quickly things change. We visited Disney on January 19 & 20. The Brain was at work the week before and after. During this time he was getting more tired each day and his left leg was dragging a bit more. The only upside is that his headaches were minimal.</center>
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Once he finishes the 3 weeks of Chemo doses there are 3 weeks of blood-work ending with an MRI. February 15th was now our target date</center>
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Having fun at Epcot's Festival of the Arts</center>
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Lady Brenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14288789884463390331noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-543292839093263192.post-42862390023916331382019-02-21T08:00:00.000-05:002019-02-21T08:00:12.201-05:00Lady and The Brain: All's Good Until..Merry Christmas<center>
We were settling into a new routine: 5 days of Oral Chemo every month with an MRI every three.</center>
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We planned dinner, weekly outings and even our annual trip to Epcot's Food and Wine Festival around this schedule. It was working ~ until the headaches. <a name='more'></a></center>
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Headaches you would think are a common side effect of a Brain Tumor, you'd think. The Brain's headaches were very similar to the migraines he experienced back in 2016. The last MRI in September showed no change in the Tumor so the doctors were confident it wasn't causing this pain. The approach was to monitor the headaches and increase the original meds used to treat them. The Brain had good and bad days. </center>
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By early November we knew something new had to be tried as his headaches were so severe he was missing work and he couldn't enjoy many basic activities. Our doctor agreed and we decided to not wait for December and scheduled the next MRI for November 12th. If you recall last time I wrote about battling the stress associated with MRIs (Scanxiety) and I'm glad to say that I've been able to reduce that a bit by having the Scan and consult within hours of each other. </center>
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From the beginning, we were told that this tumor didn't behave like other Grade 2 Astrocytomas, which was why they labeled it a Grade 3. The new MRI supported this. While the tumor had not grown at all there was a "spot" in the middle of the tumor that isn't normally seen. Our new plan is to repeat the MRI in 4 weeks and add meds and steroids for pain. </center>
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We're so very fortunate to have the headquarters for <a href="http://www.braintumornetwork.org/" target="_blank">The Brain Tumor Network</a> in our backyard. With their guidance, we agreed that it might be time for a <strike>second</strike> third opinion. Thanks to their connections, we had an appointment with the Neuro-Oncology group at Mayo Clinic within 2 weeks. One thing I've learned from attending their support group meetings and reading the blogs of others fighting this battle is that at some point you're going to eventually see every major medical oncology group out there. MD Anderson, The Mayo and Duke University are the most common ones that people reach out to and we're very lucky that they all are in our area. </center>
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I have to say we weren't very impressed by the Mayo team. The surgeon actually thought that attempting to remove the tumor might be a challenge he'd like to address while doing nothing but bashing MD Anderson. Their Oncologists completely agreed with the approach our team was currently taking and didn't offer any new insight. We had high hopes with the headache specialist but that proved to be a frustrating waste of time. We did walk away knowing that the treatment decisions that we made with MD Anderson were reaffirmed. So in actuality, not a complete waste of time. </center>
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Finally, December 21 arrives which means another MRI. To say we were surprised to learn that the tumor changed would be a lie. What the MRI showed was however not what we expected. The original tumor actually had not changed in size. It did, however, grow what we're calling roots. Again this tumor isn't behaving as expected. Usually, you'd see swelling around the tumor and a change of blood flow ~ this tumor doesn't have either. Dr. Cavaliere explains things in such a way that not only do we understand but we can share it as well:</center>
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Imagine your brain as a well-established garden. These roots are like weeds in a garden. The plants are still growing but now there are these weeds moving in sharing the space. The Timador (chemo) wasn't as effective in killing these weeds so it's time to try something new. </center>
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The new chemo treatment comes with a new 6-week regime as well. It is made up of 2 drugs. Lomustine (100mg) is taken only on Day 1 followed by Procarbazine (150mg) on Days 8-21. This is followed by 3 weeks of Bloodwork and ends with an MRI at the end of week 6. (I've included information on chemo drugs below my signature should you be interested) The Brain was not happy about the food restrictions on certain meats. cheeses and ALCOHOL. </center>
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The plan is to get this approved by insurance and started as soon as possible. As we weren't sure when this new treatment would start and knew it probably wouldn't be until 2019 we decided there was no reason for anyone to know until after Boxing Day.</center>
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Merry Christmas to us. </center>
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How Chemo Drugs Work<br />
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Cancerous tumors are characterized by cell division, which is no longer controlled as it is in normal tissue. "Normal" cells stop dividing when they come into contact with like cells, a mechanism known as contact inhibition. Cancerous cells lose this ability. Cancer cells no longer have the normal checks and balances in place that control the limit of cell division. The process of cell division, whether normal or cancerous cells, is through the cell cycle. The cell cycle goes from the resting phase, through active growing phases, and then to mitosis (division).<br />
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The ability of chemotherapy to kill cancer cells depends on its ability to halt cell division. Usually, the drugs work by damaging the RNA or DNA that tells the cell how to copy itself in division. If the cells are unable to divide, they die. The faster the cells are dividing, the more likely it is that chemotherapy will kill the cells, causing the tumor to shrink. They also induce cell suicide (self-death or apoptosis).<br />
Chemotherapy drugs that affect cells only when they are dividing are called cell-cycle specific. Chemotherapy drugs that affect cells when they are at rest are called cell-cycle non-specific.<br />
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Lomustine and Procarbazine are classified as an alkylating agent. Alkylating agents are most active in the resting phase of the cell. These drugs are cell cycle non-specific. Chemotherapy is most effective at killing cells that are rapidly dividing. Unfortunately, chemotherapy does not know the difference between the cancerous cells and the normal cells. The "normal" cells will grow back and be healthy. <br />
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~ Taken from <a href="http://chemocare.com/">Chemocare.com</a><br />
<br />Lady Brenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14288789884463390331noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-543292839093263192.post-31815162191470518412019-02-07T09:00:00.000-05:002019-02-07T09:00:08.692-05:00Lady and The Brain: 6 Weeks of Radiation ~ Now What?<center>
May 11th ~ the final day of Radiation. Okay great, now what?</center>
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I think we were more anxious at this point than when we started.</center>
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Quick housekeeping info: </center>
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I've recently learned about</center>
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<b>#BrainTumorThursday </b></center>
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So, all future Lady and The Brain posts will be published on Thursdays.</center>
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<a name='more'></a> Let me start by saying how happy we were all that we were no longer driving back and forth to the hospital every day. Just to give you an idea of the amount of driving we did:</center>
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Round Trip: 48 miles</div>
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<u> # Days Radiation: 30</u> </center>
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1440 Total Miles</center>
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I realize there are many people who drive much farther every day for work. Remember that this was for approximately a 5-minute appointment. </center>
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Now that he was done with Radiation Therapy The Brain got to bring home his mask ~ we still haven't figured out what we're going to do with it. While Radiation Therapy is as precise as possible there is some injury to the surrounding healthy brain cells which is why Brain Tumors are only treated with one round and we got to bring the mask home. I've seen some people decorate their mask or use it as a Halloween decoration. Jenn Cook is a radiation therapist who has been painting the masks for children with their favorite superheroes, sports teams even Mickey Mouse to help reduce their stress, <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/humankind/2016/06/23/special-masks-help-kids-brave-tough-times/86252892/" target="_blank">check out her work</a>. What an incredible way to share a talent.</center>
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Originally we scheduled 2 weeks of recovery after treatment ended but The Brain was ready to go back after one. The week he returned was short due to Memorial Day so that really helped. It was very strange to go back to our normal routine, but that's what we did. Then on Friday, June 8th we had our first follow-up MRI, unfortunately, we weren't seeing the doctor until Monday morning. Have you ever heard of Scanxiety? If not then chances are you are fortunate enough to not have anyone in your immediate life battling cancer. The waiting period between scans (MRIs) and the follow-up appointment can be overwhelming and filled with anxiety; thus scanxiety. While this isn't an officially recognized condition search the Internet and you will find many, many articles and posts on the subject. We were very very pleased to learn:</center>
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<span style="font-size: 40px;"> the tumor had shrunk from its original size back in January!!</span> </center>
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Less than 20% of tumors react like this. </center>
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Moving forward the plan will be 3 months of Oral Chemo followed by an MRI.</center>
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We did Celebrate with a wonderful lunch on the Beach with a dear friend. </center>
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Lady Brenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14288789884463390331noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-543292839093263192.post-29091539952418105632019-02-04T16:18:00.000-05:002019-02-27T15:42:53.652-05:00January Movies Part 2<center>
I've seen 2 more movies since my last January post. I actually thought I'd see more .</center>
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BumbleBee, The Boy Who Would Be King </center>
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<b><u><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4701182/videoplayer/vi1473100313?ref_=tt_pv_vi_aiv_1" target="_blank">Bumblebee</a></u></b> 3.5/5</center>
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I'll admit to not being a huge fan of the Transformers series. I did enjoy the first back in 2007 (yes some 12 years ago). I have no recollection of seeing any of the others so either I missed them or they were that forgettable. Bumblebee is the 6th in the series and is a prequel. I was surprised with all the positive feedback it was getting and knowing that The Brain does enjoy these types of movies I graciously agreed to see it 😏. I am a fan of <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2794962/?ref_=tt_cl_t1" target="_blank">Hailee Steinfeld </a>and I thought she brought the freshness that was definitely needed. I thought the origination story was well rounded and while it may have tied into some story lines for the previous 5 movies I have no clue. The supporting cast included <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1078479/?ref_=tt_cl_t3" target="_blank">John Cena</a> and<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7449863/?ref_=tt_cl_t2" target="_blank"> Jorge Lendeborg Jr</a> (who I think we'll be seeing more of). The mother character drove me a bit nuts but in these types of movies that's not really the focus is it. If you enjoy the big battle scenes then yes see it on a big screen but I don't think you'll miss much enjoying it from home.</center>
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<b><u><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6811018/videoplayer/vi2788866585?ref_=tt_pv_vi_aiv_1" target="_blank">The Kid Who Would Be King </a></u></b>4/5 </center>
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This is a great Family Film. The Brain truly enjoys anything that has to do with the Legend of King Arthur, Merlin or Excalibur so this modern day remake was on our viewing list. I wanted to see Serenity but the times didn't work out. In this modern day twist the hero is Alexander not Arthur and he's about 12. The movie is about hope despite the world around you. Arthur is played by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm6162831/?ref_=tt_cl_t1" target="_blank">Louis Ashbourne Serkis</a> (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0785227/?ref_=nmbio_trv_1" target="_blank">Andy Serkis</a>' son) and it looks like his career will be as incredible as his dad's. Merlin is played by both <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2653929/?ref_=tt_cl_t10" target="_blank">Angus Imrie</a> and <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001772/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t16" target="_blank">Patrick Stewart</a>. In an <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FPey9jrbB-0">interview with Coming Soon</a> Patrick, who has quite a history with Arthurian works, hinted that this particular Arthur story may not be done. </center>
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<b><u>Trailers </u></b></center>
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<a href="https://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi2318973465?playlistId=tt6513120&ref_=tt_ov_vi" target="_blank">Fighting With My Family </a>2/14/2019</center>
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<a href="https://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi1341241881?playlistId=tt6472976&ref_=tt_ov_vi" target="_blank">5 Feet Apart</a> 3/15/2019</center>
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<a href="https://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi1899608601?playlistId=tt6857112&ref_=tt_ov_vi" target="_blank">Us</a> 3/22/2109</center>
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<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8385474/?ref_=filmo_li_tt" target="_blank">A Dog's Journey (Dog's Purpose 2)</a> 5/17/2019</center>
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<a href="https://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi3518609945?playlistId=tt6565702&ref_=tt_ov_vi" target="_blank">X-Men Dark Phoenix</a> 6/7/2019</center>
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<a href="https://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi3860314649?playlistId=tt6320628&ref_=tt_ov_vi" target="_blank">Spider Man: Far From Home</a> 7/5/2019</center>
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<a href="https://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi3073620505?playlistId=tt2365580&ref_=tt_ov_vi" target="_blank">Where'd You Go Bernadette</a> 8/9/2019</div>
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Lady Brenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14288789884463390331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-543292839093263192.post-52361516243203396212019-01-26T09:00:00.000-05:002019-01-28T00:15:54.427-05:00Oscars 2019 I think I did a pretty good job of getting to see most of this year's nominated films. I only missed 6 of the nominated films. I have tickets for Beale Street this Thursday; thankfully Roma and Ballad of Buster Scruggs are on Netflix; I never heard of Cold War, At Eternity's Gate or the animated movie Marai until awards season so I'm hoping AMC will show them. I've marked my Predictions ⭐ my favorites 👑 My strongest vote is for Glenn Close in The Wife, I know all the Lady Gaga fans will boo however Glenn's performance was incredible.<br />
Strange side note: I copied the layout I used for the 2017 Oscars and Mahershala Ali was in the exact same place. I really don't understand how he's the supporting actor but that's why I'm not in Hollywood.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The Favourite</span>👑<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Green Book</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">⭐Roma</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">A Star is Born</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Vice</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">BEST ACTOR</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">⭐Christian Bale (Vice)</span>👑<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Bradley Cooper (ASB)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">William Dafoe (At Eternity's Gate) </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Rami Malek (BR)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Viggo Mortensen(GB)</span><br />
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<b style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">⭐Mahershala Ali (GB)</span>👑<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Adam Driver</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> (BK)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Sam Elliott (ASB)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Richard E Grant (CYEFM)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Sam Rockwell (Vice)</span><br />
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</span></b> <b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">ANIMATED FEATURE</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Incredibles 2</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Isle of Dogs</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Mirai </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Ralph Breaks The Internet</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">⭐Spiderman: Into the Spiderverse</span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">👑</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ORIGINAL SONG</span></b></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">All the Stars (BP)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">⭐I'll Fight (RBG)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The Place Where Lost Things Go (MPR)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Shallow (ASB)</span>👑<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">When A Cowboy Trades</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">(Ballad of Buster)</span><br />
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</span> <b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY</span></b></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">⭐The Favourite</span>👑<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">First Reformed</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Green Book</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Roma</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Vice</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The Favourite</span>👑<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Never Look Away</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Roma</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">⭐A Star Is Born</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Cold War</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">COSTUME DESIGN</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Ballad of B. S. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">⭐Black Panther</span>👑<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The Favourite</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Mary Poppins Returns</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Mary Queen of Scots</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">BEST DIRECTOR </span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">⭐Alfonso Cuaron (Roma)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Yorgos Lanthimos (TF)</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">👑</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Spike Lee (BK)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Adam McKay (Vice)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Pawel Pawlikowski(Cold War)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Yalita Aparicio (Roma)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">⭐Glenn Close(Wife)👑</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Olivia Coleman (TF)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Lady Gage (ASB)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Melissa McCarthy (CYEFM)</span><br />
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</span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Amy Adams (Vice)</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">👑</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Marina de Tavira (R)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">⭐Regina King (IBSCT) </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Emma Stone (TF)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Rachel Weisz (TF)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">BEST ANIMATED SHORT</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , sans-serif;">Animal Behavior</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">⭐</span>Bao</span></span>👑<br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial quot" , sans-serif;">Late Afternoons</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , sans-serif;">One Small Step</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , sans-serif;">Weekends</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ORIGINAL SCORE </span></b></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">⭐Black Panther</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">BlacKkKlansman</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">If Beale Street Could Talk</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Isle of Dogs</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Mary Poppins Returns</span>👑<br />
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<b style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ADAPTED SCREENPLAY</span></b></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">⭐A Star is Born</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The Ballad of Buster Scruggs</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">BlacKkKlansman</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Can You Ever Forgive Me</span>👑<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">If Beale Street Could Talk</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>FILM EDITING</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">BlacKkKlansman</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">⭐Bohemian Rhapsody</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The Favourite</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Green Book</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Vice</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">👑</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">MAKEUP & HAIRSTYLING</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Border</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Mary Queen of Scots</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">⭐Vice</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">👑</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">VISUAL EFFECTS</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">⭐Avengers: Infinity War</span>👑<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Christopher Robin</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">First Man</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Ready Player One</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Solo: Star Wars</span></span></span></div>
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Lady Brenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14288789884463390331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-543292839093263192.post-80370129936232914802019-01-23T09:00:00.001-05:002019-01-23T09:00:08.898-05:00Lady and The Brain ~ Treatment Begins<center>
April 2, The Brain's first Radiation Treatment was circled on all of our calendars. </center>
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I really had no idea how to approach the day</center>
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The weekend before Radiation we tried to keep things as normal as possible. Saturday, as usual, we went to the movies. Sunday was Easter and so we enjoyed a nice brunch. The tension was palpable but sadly there was little we could do to lighten it no matter what we tried. </center>
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The plan for Monday was to enjoy a nice lunch at one of The Brain's favorite restaurant's Joe's Crab Shack, which is located right on the ocean. We surprised the brain by wearing specials T-Shirts of support. Feeling left out we wound up buying him a grey Joe's Shirt. (If you haven't noticed Grey is the color of Brain Tumor Support Ribbons). We truly stalled as long as possible then finally had to head over for treatment.</center>
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There are two centers near us that MD Anderson uses so instead of heading downtown every day we chose one a bit closer. The team at the facility couldn't have been nicer. They also let me in the back so I could view his first session. While the first session is a bit longer as they have to get all the settings into the system it only took 10 minutes. During his treatments The Brain gets to choose whatever music he wants to play throughout. Piano Classics wound up being his go to for all 6 weeks. The only discomfort he has was due to the mask and was immediately addressed.</center>
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The daily treatments last less than 3 minutes. (In case you missed it <a href="http://ladybrensworld.blogspot.com/2019/01/lady-and-brain-inbetween.html" target="_blank">here is the post on radiation</a>) Within a week we can park the car, register, have The Brain's radiation and be back in the car in under 15 minutes. If only the facility wasn't over 30 minutes away this would have been a piece of cake. </center>
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In addition to starting Radiation The Brain also started chemo-therapy. He was on Temador a pill form of chemo that was delivered to our home. He took 2 pills every night with a dose of Zofran to minimize vomiting.</center>
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The first week of treatment went fairly easy, but then it started to catch up with him which is how Radiation works. By the end of week two The Brain was starting to show signs of fatigue. Naps after treatment were needed. His appetite was decreasing so anything that interested him was considered good. We wound up frequenting BWW quite a bit during this time playing Texas Hold 'Em and Trivia where of course I was Lady Bren and he was Brain. We were fortunate that he never had trouble with the chemo. Another side effect we started to see was him losing hair at the site of Radiation treatment. Despite all his worries he'd have weird hair holes forever it did all grow back -per my promise there is no photographic evidence of the hair loss. </center>
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This I think is a good analogy: Think of radiation like weed killer for your grass: when you apply it you don't see the results right away. You just have to trust that it's there doing what it is supposed to do. </center>
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Lady Brenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14288789884463390331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-543292839093263192.post-6684199671975371312019-01-20T15:57:00.000-05:002019-01-23T00:30:05.036-05:00January Movies <center>
We usually try to see at least two movies a week thanks to our AMC A-List passes. </center>
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I plan to update weekly on what we've seen starting in February.<a name='more'></a></center>
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<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/208432288990291308/" target="_blank">Mortal Engines</a> 3.5 I really like dystopian stories. We first saw a trailer for this movie in 2017 so I've been waiting. It did fall a bit short story-wise. I'm giving it a bit higher score than I normally would have due to the incredible scenery/special effects. </li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/208432288990291315/" target="_blank">The Favourite</a> 5/5 Absolutely loved this movie; after all I am a British History Buff. Can you teach a history class from it~ NO. However that is the director's style. To see the women with little make-up and the men all done up was quite entertaining. If I wasn't pulling for Glenn Close to win the Oscar for best leading female I'd be voting for Olivia Coleman</li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/208432288990291324/" target="_blank">Vice 5/5</a> This was a movie I wasn't excited to go see but was interested in. I've never been a fan of Dick Cheney and I think this movie enforces whatever opinion you had of him before viewing. The acting was phenomenal. I think there should be an awards category for "reality" make-up. Of course the actor's portrayals were amazing but I challenge anyone to say they SAW Christian Bale or Sam Rockwell when watching them. </li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/208432288990291327/" target="_blank">On the Basis of Sex</a> 4/5 I'd put this movie in the same category as The Big Short and Spotlight ~ a story that everyone needs to know (and I'm not referring to the the career of RBG). This is a movie that doesn't need to be seen on the big screen but should if for no other reason that more like it are made</li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/208432288990291331/" target="_blank">The Upside</a> 3.5/5 Sometimes you need to go to the movies to be entertained with no great message and Upside is just that. It is not a straight comedy which I think is why it works so well with the general public. </li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/208432288990325974/" target="_blank">Glass</a> 3.5/5 If you didn't see and can remember well Unbreakable and Split then do not see this until you do. The best scenes all include Samuel L Jackson; Bruce Willis and James McAvoy struggled compare to him. I wanted more from Bruce's David Dunn and while I so enjoyed McAvoy's transformations in Split I wanted less here. I thought the ending was perfect.</li>
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My Favourite (see what I did there) movie so far this month:</div>
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So those were the first movies we saw this year. I'm looking forward to the Oscar Nominations on Tuesday. I'll have a post up with my predictions within the week.</div>
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Lady Brenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14288789884463390331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-543292839093263192.post-13759963722304009702019-01-15T08:00:00.000-05:002019-01-23T00:33:53.955-05:00Lady and The Brain ~ The Inbetween<center>
Before I jump into this post I wanted to point out that The Brain was not experiencing any symptoms whatsoever from the Tumor. It was considered an incidental finding ~ incidental isn't that funny.</center>
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So what happens between a cancer diagnosis and treatment? </center>
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Much more than you probably think<a name='more'></a></center>
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After the initial shock wears off and you begin to process everything, you realize there are many, many decisions that have to be made before Day 1 of treatment.<br />
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<u>#1 Time Off</u></div>
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There aren't many people that have 8 weeks (320 hours) of paid leave available to them at a moment's notice. We were definitely one of those people especially since we've already used almost 80 hours this year already. What about FMLA (Family Medical Leave Act), was something many suggested. Yes that program guarantees you the needed time off for medical situations BUT it is UNPAID Leave. In addition to not receiving pay during that period if you are the subscriber of any benefit programs (like health insurance) they are repaid in full out of your first check once you've returned to work. Thankfully our medical team handled the necessary paperwork with no charge ~ yes there are some who charge you for filling out the mountains of paperwork required. Many employers offer leave donation programs; unfortunately while our employer does you can only receive leave if you have ZERO hours left on the books; something we didn't want to do, not knowing what the future would bring.</div>
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<u>#2 Who Do You Tell</u></div>
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We have never been a family that posts their lives on Face Book or other social media. While this is obviously affecting all of our lives ultimately this is The Brain's story and he decided to keep it very quiet. There were those at his job who weren't aware of the situation until the week before he was set to start Treatment. One of our main goals in this time frame was to keep his (and our) stress to a minimum so that meant excluding many. It amazes me how people think they have the right to share information even when you have specifically asked them not to. This is not YOUR STORY~ you don't control the narrative. Do you know how freaky it is to receive a card from a stranger???? Let's face it you can basically find any one's address with minimal work on the Internet but to know a family member openly shared your address is something different. I had an argument with a cousin who said Auntie has a right to know. Really, a right? If they aren't an active part of our lives what is the right? </div>
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Lesson learned: No matter how hard you try there will always be Drama.<br />
Deep Breath.</div>
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<u>#3 Scheduling</u></div>
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This was strangely hard. I understood how hard it was to set a date as it confirms there is this cancer you have to fight and once you pick a date there's no going back; it's very scary. Is there ever a right time for this? You start thinking of everything? Nice weather to sit outside or maybe walk the beach. Are there holidays we can combine to shorten time off? This all sounds so ridiculous looking back but seriously all these different things were discussed. The Brain wanted to take a short breather and with the doctors' approval he decided on April 2 for his start day. </div>
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<u>#4 Support</u></div>
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I cannot stress enough how important it is to reach out to those who have gone through this before and can help you navigate all that is ahead. Most hospitals and care centers have social workers and the like at hand for you. It is incredibly important for the caretakers to also create a support system. While all the attention, as it should be, is on supporting the patient, if their caretakers fall apart then how helpful can they be. There are many resources out there and in an upcoming post I'm going to share more on the incredible support <a href="https://braintumornetwork.org/" target="_blank">The Brain Tumor Network</a> has been for us</div>
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<u>#5 The Mask& Radiation</u></div>
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"Radiation Therapy uses high-energy rays to treat cancer. It works by damaging the cancer cells and making it hard for them to reproduce. Your body then is naturally able to get rid of these damaged cancer cells. Radiation therapy also affects normal cells. However, your normal cells are able to repair themselves in a way that cancer cells cannot" from <a href="https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/patient-education/radiation-therapy-brain"> Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center</a> The ray is targeted so precisely to the tumor that even the slightest shift can be dangerous therefore the patient wears a mask that restricts movement. I'm not sure how anyone who suffers with claustrophobia could handle the making of the mask. I'll be honest I was quite intrigued by this process. They take a flat form that reminded me C3PO immerse it in warm water then stretch it over the patient and lock it onto the MRI table. It takes 15 minutes to cure. I was given permission to stay with The Brain and decided to entertain him. Now he can't move so I decide to play the only music on my phone, the soundtrack from Guardians of The Galaxy, and dance like a fool over his head and nearby making him laugh. I thought we were alone, key words in that sentence: I thought. Dr. Olson, the Radiation Oncologist and his assistant were on the other side of the one way glass the entire time. Oh Well this is us. The Brain did great and his mask was marked and ready for April 2.</div>
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Didn't he smile nice</div>
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Up Next:<br />
Treatment Begins</div>
<dl style="font-size: 24px; margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><dd style="border: 0px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 1px 24px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><b><span style="color: #662222;">Lady:</span></b></dd><dd style="border: 0px; color: #662222; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 1px 48px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><i style="border: 0px; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> Brain, what do ya wanna do tonight?</i></dd></dl>
<dl style="color: #662222; font-size: 24px; margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline;"><dd style="border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 1px 24px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><b style="border: 0px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a class="mw-redirect" href="https://animaniacs.fandom.com/wiki/The_Brain" style="border: 0px; color: #662222; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" title="The Brain">The Brain</a></b>:</dd><dd style="border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 1px 24px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><i style="border: 0px; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Same thing we do </i>every<i style="border: 0px; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> night, Lady, Kick Cancer's Butt</i></dd></dl>
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Lady Brenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14288789884463390331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-543292839093263192.post-82387234322157259672019-01-09T17:06:00.000-05:002019-01-10T00:47:15.347-05:00Lady and The Brain ~ The Beginning Part II<center>
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Wait 6 months! As if we would actually take this piece of medical advice.</center>
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Not sure what I'm talking about then hop over here and read Part I<a name='more'></a></center>
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Picking up where I left off ~ We went from expecting The Brain to have surgery in the next 48 hours to driving home exhausted, completely over-whelmed and unsure what to do. </center>
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Following discharge protocol we made an appointment for our primary care and neurologist. Both recommended getting a second opinion with The Leyerle Group. They're at Downtown Baptist (R<i>emember my Rant from Part I~ this is the hospital we should have originally transferred to. Can you imagine the frustration!!!)</i> Usually there's a 4-6 week wait for appointments but thanks to a cancellation they were able to see us the the following Tuesday, January 16th. </center>
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Dr Hanel is the polar opposite of the previous Neurosurgeon. The first thing he does is show us side by side the MRIs from 2016 and the new one. There is a growth in the thalamus. He completely disagrees with the advice of waiting six months. He recommends a biopsy BUT cautions that due to the location this is a high risk surgery. The procedure is officially called a Brain Lab guided Needle Biopsy. One of the things we liked most about Dr Hanel was his approach to complete patient care. He made sure that we understood his role as the team's quarterback and our's as the coaches making the decision. (Reminder: at the time all of Jacksonville was in a football frenzy as our Jaguars had just won the Wild Card game) We decide to schedule the surgery for Friday January 26th, thinking The Brain can return to work on Monday~ WRONG. Somehow we completely missed that there's a week recovery. Again had we gone to Downtown Baptist we would have had this all done within days! ugghh</center>
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Thankfully the surgery went well and The Brain only had to stay overnight. Now the waiting for the results begins. We have an appointment scheduled to meet with a Neuro-oncology Team but this gets postponed as the biopsy has been sent to MD Anderson in Houston for further review. Finally on February 16th we meet Dr. Cavalieri and his partner Dr Olson, a Radiation Oncologist. In the office is a NY Yankees cap so we know we're in good hands. The Brain has a Grade 2 Astrocytoma that is behaving as a Grade 3 in the Thalamus. This specific type of tumor is least common (<5%) and is usually found in children or young adults. The recommended treatment is 6 weeks of radiation and chemo-therapy followed by monthly chemo-therapy. The team took over an hour with us making sure we understood the diagnosis, treatment and process. They explained that the biopsy was sent to Houston for further protein markers which would enable them to more precisely write the radiation therapy. While the size is a Grade 2 there a few protein markers that presenting as a Grade 3 so they are taking a more aggressive approach. We left with a notebook of resources and our minds racing.</center>
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I'm going to stop here and explain a few things.</center>
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<b>Why is it referred to as a Brain Tumor and not Brain Cancer</b></center>
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Brain tumors that begin in the brain may spread to other parts of the central nervous system, but they rarely spread to distant organs or lymph nodes unlike Cancers started elsewhere in the body often spread to distant organs, lymph nodes or the brain. </center>
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<b>Tumor Stages Vs Tumor Grades</b></center>
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Staging refers to the extent or spread of cancer and as Brain tumors don't spread a Grading Scale of 1- 4 is used. <span style="font-size: 16px;"> </span>Brain tumors are graded by how the tumor cells look under a microscope and how they grow:</center>
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<li style="box-sizing: border-box; text-align: left;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">Grade 1:</strong> The tissue is benign. The cells look nearly like normal brain cells, and they grow slowly.</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; text-align: left;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">Grade 2:</strong> The tissue is malignant. The cells look less like normal cells than do the cells in a Grade I tumor and also tend to grow slowly.</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; text-align: left;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">Grade 3:</strong> The malignant tissue has cells that look very different from normal cells. The abnormal cells are actively growing (anaplastic).</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; text-align: left;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">Grade 4:</strong> The malignant tissue has cells that look most abnormal and tend to grow quickly.</li>
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Slow growing tumors (Grade 1&2) can over time become a higher grade tumor.<br />
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<b>Where and What is the Thalamus?</b></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgYa0rhmw73s8iTYIF2AhVGeXUsilwJWpE9_Eq0xG9tmlwu5FGzIQzmISKLbbSh5XUCIxCQ4elcV1yKfBlFYGwk-8rPbqRgUP1jVD6ZactNGZsS44tOaeAAUEW0FexJbhAOMLqq6Uzfbs/s1600/H31mmrXtbrIQcvCwa1stqg_Thalamus_01.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgYa0rhmw73s8iTYIF2AhVGeXUsilwJWpE9_Eq0xG9tmlwu5FGzIQzmISKLbbSh5XUCIxCQ4elcV1yKfBlFYGwk-8rPbqRgUP1jVD6ZactNGZsS44tOaeAAUEW0FexJbhAOMLqq6Uzfbs/s200/H31mmrXtbrIQcvCwa1stqg_Thalamus_01.jpeg" width="200" /></a>From <a href="https://www.news-medical.net/health/What-is-the-Thalamus.aspx">News-Medical.Net</a>: The thalamus is a small structure(highlighted green) within the brain located just above the brain stem between the cerebral cortex and the midbrain and has extensive nerve connections to both. The main function of the thalamus is to relay motor and sensory signals to the cerebral cortex. It also regulates sleep, alertness and wakefulness.<br />
Because of the tumor's location removal is not an option.<br />
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<b>What is an Astrocytoma?</b></div>
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Astrocytomas are tumors that grow from a type of cell in the brain called an astrocyte. Throughout the brain and spinal cord we all have nerve cells called ‘neurons’, which transmit messages (electrical and chemical signals) to, from and within the brain. Surrounding the neurons are cells called ‘glial cells’, that support and protect the neurons by providing them with oxygen and nutrients and removing dead cells. An astrocyte is a type of glial cell. Astrocytes are the most abundant cells in the brain, and as well as supporting and protecting neurons, they also help to pass messages between the neurons and, therefore, are vital in processing information in the brain. (From <a href="https://www.thebraintumourcharity.org/understanding-brain-tumours/types-of-brain-tumour-adult/astrocytoma/" target="_blank">The Brain Tumour Charity UK</a>)</div>
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Still here? Kudos to you for reading all this info.</div>
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Next post: The InBetween (sounds like an episode from Stranger Things)</div>
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<dl style="color: #662222; font-size: 24px; margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><dd style="border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 1px 24px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><b style="border: 0px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Brain</b>:</dd><dd style="border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 1px 24px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><i style="border: 0px; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Same thing we do </i>every<i style="border: 0px; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> night, Lady, Kick Cancer's Butt</i></dd></dl>
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Lady Brenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14288789884463390331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-543292839093263192.post-22245819727718562442019-01-06T08:00:00.000-05:002019-01-06T17:24:31.271-05:00Lady and The Brain ~ The Begining Part I<center>
One year ago today our world was turned upside down. </center>
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This is the story, as condensed as possible, of our beginnings. </center>
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By The Way ~ remember Pinky and The Brain from The Animanics? </center>
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That's where our name comes from.<br />
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Quick History; Migraines have been a part of The Brain's life since late 2016. His headaches were due to a chemical imbalance and the prescription Topiramate proved to be able to keep them at bay.</center>
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January 6, 2018 while at the movies (<a href="http://focusfeatures.com/darkesthour" target="_blank">The Darkest Hour</a> ~ I highly suggest it) The Brain experienced what we would later learn was an <a href="https://headaches.org/2007/10/25/aura/" target="_blank">Aura Migraine</a>. This was the second time he had this strange headache and after much arguing he agreed to go the ER. </center>
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Understandably the doctors at the ER followed Stroke protocol however it seems that at this Baptist hospital their MRI isn't available on the weekend and despite having a CAT Scan a MRI is recommended. The Brain needs to be transferred to another facility. There is a St Vincent's Hospital near our home and The Brain chooses to transfer there. At the new hospital our admitting doctor informs us that their MRI machine also isn't used on the weekends. Additionally we learn that The Brain needs a MRI because the ER doctors discovered a spot on his brain that was concerning.</center>
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RANT: Had the ER doctors shared that information we would have transferred to Baptist Downtown and not wasted our time at a second neighborhood hospital. UGGGHHHH </center>
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I provide the admitting doctor with a MRI from 14 months ago for comparison. That night a trauma is brought in and The Brain has his MRI. </center>
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Our life was will never be the same ever again</center>
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The Brain has a tumor the doctor informs us. There are no Neurologists at this facility SO we are being transferred again. (Yes 3 hospitals in less than 24 hours) Every doctor we meet on Sunday tells us to plan for surgery in the next 2 days. Once settled at St Vincent's Riverside we learn that we won't meet the Neurosurgeon until Monday morning. Even the Jaguars beating the Buffalo Bills 10-3 to win the AFC Wild Card didn't help ease the tension of waiting for morning. </center>
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Neurosurgeons round fairly early; thank heavens as we didn't really sleep much so we're up anxious and ready. The neurosurgeon, Dr. Gabriel, very casually says that there isn't anything to worry about as this growth has probably been there for a while. He advises us to wait, repeat the MRI in 6 months and see what happens. I point out that we've provided a clean MRI from 14 months ago, did you get a chance to compare? His response: "They missed it back then. The growth is deep in his brain and probably inoperable anyway. Let's just wait and see in 6 months."</center>
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Now I wish I was rewriting this with the intention of making this doctor sound like an arrogant jerk BUT sadly no, that was exactly how he talked with us. Amazingly just 5 minutes later The Brain is being discharged. </center>
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Would you wait 6 months?</center>
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<b><span style="color: #662222;">Lady:</span></b></dd><dd style="border: 0px; color: #662222; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 1px 48 px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><i style="border: 0px; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> Brain, what do ya wanna do tonight?</i></dd></dl>
<dl style="color: #662222; font-size: 24px; margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><dd style="border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 1px 24px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><b style="border: 0px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a class="mw-redirect" href="https://animaniacs.fandom.com/wiki/The_Brain" style="border: 0px; color: #662222; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;" title="The Brain">The Brain</a></b>:</dd><dd style="border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 1px 24px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><i style="border: 0px; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Same thing we do </i>every<i style="border: 0px; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> night, Lady, Kick Cancer's Butt</i></dd></dl>
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Lady Brenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14288789884463390331noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-543292839093263192.post-71124744755262993372018-11-30T14:33:00.001-05:002018-11-30T15:55:59.434-05:00***WATCH*** HERE*** FOR*** CHANGES<center>
2018 brought some serious changes to our world. </center>
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We've decided to start sharing our journey in hopes of encouraging AND connecting with those going through similar circumstances</center>
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Lady Brenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14288789884463390331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-543292839093263192.post-91179776599766057402017-09-01T18:55:00.002-04:002017-09-05T11:25:24.739-04:00Introducing...... Cannon<center>
We have a new addition to our family. He's 4 legged and a complete puppy mess.</center>
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Here's Cannon</center>
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<a name='more'></a>Back in February I shared that we were searching for a puppy to join our family. At that time the search was proving more frustrating than encouraging ~ <a href="http://ladybrensworld.blogspot.com/2017/02/were-adopting-puppy-no-i-dont-have.html" target="_blank">here's the post on that </a>. In March while driving past our local Shelter I thought I'd take a peek at what they had. We follow all of the local shelters on social media but that just doesn't seem to be enough. On February 1st a stray gave birth to a litter of 13, 10 survived. Though they were too young to be officially adopted all but 2 were already claimed, one male one female. The mother was a beautiful bloodhound mix. She stood just about as tall as Treasure so the size was good. (Silly me)</center>
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By the time I got the family to check out the pups only the male was left ~ uggh we wanted the female. However 2 of the 3 kids had already met "Salad" ~ yes that is the ridiculous name they shelter gave the male puppy, and were set on getting a brother for Treasure. We finally convinced Hubby (didn't hurt that he got to name him) he'd be a good fit so we brought Treasure up to meet him. She was NOT a happy camper though I believe that had more to do with the surroundings than the puppy. We had no clue that adopting a puppy at a shelter is not cheap but the $175 covered first shots, neutering and tagging.</center>
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We brought Cannon home on April 3rd. To be honest with you we weren't sure it was going to work. Treasure was completely stressed out for a couple of weeks and I'll be honest as much as we were falling in love with Cannon she was our first priority. It wasn't until Cannon came home after being neutered that she started like him. Considering Treasure has always been sympathetic when we're not well it didn't surprise me she did the same for him. Now they're like any two siblings.</center>
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When we brought Cannon home in April he weighed 9 pounds. At 4 1/2 months he weighed 27 pounds! Today is his 7 month birthday and he's just a tad taller than Treasure. While she definitely outweighs him he's going to be bigger!</center>
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Cannon is much more active and needy than our other dogs. I think most of his personality is due to having lived his first weeks in a shelter. I know the shelter staff loves on their residents but sadly they're incapable of matching the attention and training puppies born at home receive. Treasure is helping to slowly training him out of many of those habits, though his food issues are not coming around as quick, Out of all the dogs we've had he's the first to truly be interested in toys Cannon has 3 Stuffies (though only 1 still has stuffing left) tug of warm fetch/chew toys but just like a toddler at Christmas he's more interested in cardboard boxes. He's also incredibly curious about so many things that our other dogs couldn't have cared about. He's not great with the Chickens and seeing as how they're getting older we leave them in their coop (12x12 don't worry they're not cooped up LOL)</center>
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Hubby named him, and of course Cannon falls right in line with our previous puppies:</center>
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<b>Pirate</b></center>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiSvSi-j3OiPD6HRwUXoG01jwreROfVyfLE6SIhFjo72g0gxBz3nacCbb8Q1k_tK9-BolWfzGdQxx7RQYHsVAgdxWcVCH5ZQl1sR3TkK4MuxBRu8ONA-QUTwtbaC3UwIB1PNZLE6-HNtw/s1600/21032812_10212542893381279_5222919416014153779_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="846" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiSvSi-j3OiPD6HRwUXoG01jwreROfVyfLE6SIhFjo72g0gxBz3nacCbb8Q1k_tK9-BolWfzGdQxx7RQYHsVAgdxWcVCH5ZQl1sR3TkK4MuxBRu8ONA-QUTwtbaC3UwIB1PNZLE6-HNtw/s320/21032812_10212542893381279_5222919416014153779_n.jpg" width="282" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1998-2010</td></tr>
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<b>Mutiny</b></center>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTg1AzGWCYt37QUlraUB4Vlv3rTZDhyphenhyphenWluN-jfnHjA5ZzgsPGmEm61w5mjQwhqMS-iZkVkOOlLaIYx6bLyXiubicv2syyB1hUJYrROR2DrcXwLFjJ4xDPDmsMf8hTz3cYYNoDKR0__KX8/s1600/21078274_10212542893301277_5298587276052846425_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTg1AzGWCYt37QUlraUB4Vlv3rTZDhyphenhyphenWluN-jfnHjA5ZzgsPGmEm61w5mjQwhqMS-iZkVkOOlLaIYx6bLyXiubicv2syyB1hUJYrROR2DrcXwLFjJ4xDPDmsMf8hTz3cYYNoDKR0__KX8/s320/21078274_10212542893301277_5298587276052846425_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2003-2016</td></tr>
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Treasure</center>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2010 ~ </td></tr>
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Cannon</center>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZkaiPVWHV-VbWPZ3_QnYQGnlqoSUpC1RwpsWWfWGSj3rwXDLJOF2IG2CPl2iIs3ZpiFgR7RTALw1W1AsdKp72mRsKMIji6nPoSXQpn_UnQvGzVDQnRlkvNueqhE_Y9yCw3_NbswgxpBs/s1600/Cannon+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1002" data-original-width="1600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZkaiPVWHV-VbWPZ3_QnYQGnlqoSUpC1RwpsWWfWGSj3rwXDLJOF2IG2CPl2iIs3ZpiFgR7RTALw1W1AsdKp72mRsKMIji6nPoSXQpn_UnQvGzVDQnRlkvNueqhE_Y9yCw3_NbswgxpBs/s320/Cannon+collage.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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And we can't forget our very first puppy..... Hobbes</div>
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For now our family is complete.</div>
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Lady Brenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14288789884463390331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-543292839093263192.post-47912340348998894012017-08-30T16:33:00.000-04:002017-08-30T16:33:53.358-04:00Apologize for returning with a rant<center>
Lots to catch up on but have a rant that's truly driving me a bit nuts and isn't that the point of having a blog but to share my opinions. With everything going on in Texas why am I so amazed that there are people looking to use this to promote hate!?! And before you argue it isn't hate here's a simple guide rule: is it helpful or hurtful!</center>
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<a name='more'></a>A while back I posted how disillusioned I've become with FaceBook. In all honesty I usually only post when we're at the movies, and I'm really bad at missing people's birthdays. The last few days I've been on FB to check on those I know in the Houston area ~ thank heavens all are safe. (I did post about international dog's day I'll update you on that later this week). Earlier today when checking on my crew in Houston a friend's post caught my eye. She shared it from the Cajun Navy. Now if you're like me the first time you ever heard of the Cajun Navy, their complete name is actually Louisiana Cajun Navy, was when videos of caravans of these incredible volunteers driving with their boats in tow towards Texas was on social media or the news. I was quite taken aback by the post/meme that the Cajun Navy shared basically shaming the churches of Houston for not serving its citizens. There are no sources attributed to their claim that only 4% of the 1566 churches in Houston have opened their doors as shelters. The meme also post also claims that these churches are tax-exempt so that they can help the needy. There have been those who have commented on that post requesting sources/proof which have not been answered. In the hours they made this incorrect, unverifiable and inflammatory post it has been shared over 60,000 times.</center>
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Now here's reality~ did you notice the name of the page responsible for the post/meme? It's not Louisiana Cajun Navy but rather simply Cajun Navy. If you follow the post back to the page and scroll a bit you'll discover that they are a parody page. Clicking on their about button they list themselves as satirical. The page originated in August 2016 and before Hurricane Harvey they had only posted 4 times. Sadly they're also not correcting people who are thanking them for their volunteer's efforts. OK so I'll admit to a bit of FB trolling and have replied to many that have thanked them with this:</center>
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<span style="background-color: #f6f7f9; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: start;">This is a parody page the people you want to thank are </span><a class="" dir="ltr" href="https://www.facebook.com/LaCajunNavy/?hc_location=ufi" style="background-color: #f6f7f9; color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; opacity: 0.5; text-align: start; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/LaCajunNavy/</a></center>
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Half of those replies have been deleted, others were marked as SPAM :( </center>
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I'll admit it feels to good to shout into the wind sometimes.</div>
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I'm guessing that the post was created after the out-cry surrounding Joel Osteen's church. It was reported that his Lakewood Church didn't immediately open its doors as a shelter though he disputes that narrative (here's the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lc03jwEvLxw" target="_blank">Fox News interview</a>). What I heard him say in the interview was once the shelter 4 miles down the road was full he opened his doors. Unfortunately when there is a perception that <strike>large</strike> mega churches like this are not responding immediately there can be frustration from those outside the situation. </center>
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I am so frustrated for a number of reasons. After pointing out the page is a parody and the post has no facts to support it my friend has yet to take down her sharing of the post. I understand and respect her anti-church opinion and understand why she'd share it in the first place. Some of the comments on her post are disappointing, someone is actually defending them pointing out that not everything they post is untrue. It amazes me people would rather debate the idea of free speech then rather the point that you're spreading false information. To be honest I enjoyed the debate, I don't agree with their points but appreciate the engagement. Wow, I'm experiencing a FAKE NEWS spin. My debate with them actually has helped me realized my goal of this entire episode is "To Not Perpetuate Misinformation". </center>
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What I'm also frustrated with and would love to have an open discussion on is this:</center>
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When you want nothing to do with organized religions/churches and you question their values why is it that you believe yourself (or others) should be a recipient of their outreach? It's that "I don't want to live by the laws until those laws protect me" attitude. Let's point out all they're not doing and don't forget they're tax exempt. Which brings me to another erroneous comment made the meme/post: Churches receive tax breaks so they can help the needy. FALSE: Churches are tax not exempt to help the needy but rather to provide a separation of church and state or so says our <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walz_v._Tax_Commission_of_the_City_of_New_York" target="_blank">Supreme Court in 1970</a>. (Not the place here for debate on that just pointing out the error in the FB post/meme)</center>
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Once again I'm frustrated with how clueless people are. When are we going to stop the dumbing down of our society? If it is on FB/Twitter/Google or any other non-news based source it must be true (Again here is not the time for MSM vs Fake News debate ~ just be sure to get your news from multiple competing sources please). There's another post on the pardody page about helping everyone and the first line states that they're a satirical page yet there's still people thanking them for all they're doing ~ really sometimes it is so just embarrassing. There's another post of their's stating every Mosque is open for shelter ~ again no proof; though statistically wouldn't some of those be flooded? Since I started writing/researching this I've had to update the number of times that this post has been shared by 15,000; I've been writing for about 90 minutes. People see the hate and boy they're quick to share ~ so sad. </center>
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The real Cajun Navy can be found on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/LaCajunNavy/" target="_blank">Facebook</a><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFkSzWah3mIN2y6V_L7grLngF5QEy2jkpKcqlzaw69dNXu7nhJK4EMgZmBzxNVl8FKsiKadOIzCqL3eBfiAwwKpPgtIv7t5VdnQsmxBRvFemydwlQEFKYi-FdRhlOnSB-vdQak46XwH88/s1600/Louisiana+cajun+navy.jpg" /></div>
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For those of you who don't know me:</center>
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Yes ~ I'm a Christian </center>
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No ~ Currently not a member of any church</center>
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Yes ~ these are my OPINIONS (with facts provided throughout) </center>
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Lady Brenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14288789884463390331noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-543292839093263192.post-29156993669037006172017-04-08T15:24:00.000-04:002017-04-08T15:24:38.415-04:00904 Life: Publix New Ready to Cook Dinners<center>
While at Publix the butcher asked me "What's for dinner tonight?" Thinking he was making small talk I showed him my basket of Pulled Pork (which was BOGO). He then asked if I'd like dinner for free on Publix? As if I'd say no!<a name='more'></a></center>
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Pubix has a new line of Ready to Cook dinners and we were fortunate to be offered one to try out that night. Our dinner was Pork Tenderloin with Marsala Mushroom Sauce and Penne. As you can see the meal typically costs $14.99 ~ but nothing beats FREE!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The cooking directions are included on the back. The butcher recommended slicing the pork and cooking it in the sauce instead of baking it in the oven, so that's what I did. The entire meal probably took just under 20 minutes (you never want to rush pork). The penne is already cooked so all it needs is warming up in the sauce.</center>
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The meal was very nice, I rounded ours out with a Salad, I was a bit disappointed that there wasn't a larger portion of noodles, I measured the cooked bag at 3/4 cup which wasn't a tiny amount for two but then again we do like pasta. The Mushroom Marsla sauce was good but the mushrooms were small chopped up bits, not large pieces. Overall I'd say the taste was very nice for a prepared meal.<br />
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While I doubt that I'd buy it again I can definitely see this working for other families. As someone who enjoys cooking and can make Marsala sauce the price point is a bit high. I think this would be great for a couple with minimum cooking skills looking for something different to throw together quickly. When you compare it price-wise to the Home Delivery Meal services (Blue Apron et al) there is definitely more value for your money at Publix.</div>
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Thank you again Publix</div>
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Here's the nutrition info</div>
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Always wear your invisible crown</center>
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Lady Brenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14288789884463390331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-543292839093263192.post-87795139023268322772017-03-31T23:07:00.000-04:002017-03-31T23:07:39.401-04:00Movie Review: Gifted<center>
Oh how I have missed screening movies! I've been out of the loop these last 4 weeks but now I'm back.</center>
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I screened the new Chris Evans' movie Gifted. First impression from trailers was that it looks nice but I won't spend the money to see it. So what did I think after screening it?</center>
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<a name='more'></a>Gifted opens April 7th and is a sweet movie. The story very easily would have translated onto the small <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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screen as a Hallmark Hall of Fame Movie, though we would not have seen <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0262635/?ref_=tt_ov_st_sm" target="_blank">Chris Evans</a>, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2809577/?ref_=tt_cl_t1" target="_blank">Jenny Slate</a> and <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0818055/?ref_=tt_cl_t3" target="_blank">Octavia Spencer</a> in that rendition. The performances were stellar, especially young <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm5085683/?ref_=tt_cl_t4" target="_blank">McKenna Grace</a> as Mary Adler. In fact her portrayal had me thinking we were looking at this generation's Drew Barrymore. </center>
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Chris Evans plays Frank, Mary's uncle. Frank is raising Mary after the death of her mother, his sister, in Florida. Unconventional is his approach to parenting which has worked as Mary isn't your conventional 6 year old, she's a Math prodigy. He believes his sister wanted a normal childhood for Mary rather than being raised like she was in think tanks and classrooms. Grandma, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0242026/?ref_=tt_cl_t6" target="_blank">Lindsay Duncan</a>, wants a different life for Mary. She wants Mary to be able to reach her full potential and believes that can only happen under her care. A dragged out custody battle resolves with Mary in foster care. Slate, as Bonnie Mary's teacher, and Spencer, as Roberta Frank's landlord and Mary's best-friend, are the strong women that support Frank in his desire to raise Mary in a world outside of classrooms. </center>
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The film is fairly predictable and easy flowing until the last third. There were two scenes that felt a bit over the top. One was the visit to a hospital's maternity ward. The other was the entire foster family sequence. Though (without giving away spoilers) I wasn't surprised at the result it was a "only in Hollywood" moment. </center>
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My original impression was correct ~ wait to see it at Home.</center>
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Grade 3/5 Crowns</center>
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No Trailers as this was a Screening.</center>
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Next up: Boss Baby, Zookeeper's Wife and Ghost in a Shell <img alt="post signature" class="left" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1jeRmqS-VsCZsUyrNfhczUhIl6Y7CE5JmwMG8cziPBgo17R1loFdJORzBJbqAX_o3xRRkZ2zuMC7zlSy0vQmYozu0QnTm5lMJ5pdgi1Z4c8G9ym2vmnEh3RxYnzZLJOn400yHWrzM1Js/s320/Lady+Bren.png" /></center>
Lady Brenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14288789884463390331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-543292839093263192.post-12958358802575451192017-02-24T15:43:00.001-05:002017-02-27T00:13:28.303-05:00My Oscar 2017 Predictions I think I did a pretty good job of getting to see most of this year's nominated films. In the main categories I missed Moonlight, Elle didn't play here and 20th Century Women just didn't interest me. Surprisingly I haven't seen two of the Animated Features. The one I'm most disappointed about missing was Moonlight :( I've marked my Predictions with ⭐ and my favorites with 👑<br />
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OSCAR NOMINATIONS 2017 </h1>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">BEST PICTURE</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Arrival</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Fences</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Hacksaw Ridge</span>👑<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Hell or High Water</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Hidden Figures</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">La La Land</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Lion</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">⭐Moonlight</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Manchester by the Sea</span><br />
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</span><b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">BEST DIRECTOR </span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Denis Villeneuve ARRIVAL</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Mel Gibson HACKSAW RIDGE</span>👑<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">⭐Damien Chazelle LA LA LAND</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Kenneth Lonergan MANCHESTER...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Barry Jenkins MOONLIGHT</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span><b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">BEST ACTOR</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">⭐Casey Affleck MANCHESTER</span>👑<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Andrew Garfield HACKSAW RIDGE</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Ryan Gosling LA LA LAND</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Viggo Mortensen CAPTAIN FANTASTIC</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Denzel Washington FENCES</span>👑<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span><b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">BEST ACTRESS</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">⭐Isabelle Huppert ELLE</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Ruth Negga LOVING</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Emma Stone LA LA LAND</span>👑<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Natalie Portman JACKIE</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Meryl Streep FLORENCE...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span><b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">⭐Viola Davis FENCES👑</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Naomie Harris MOONLIGHT</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Nicole Kidman LION</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Octavia Spencer HIDDEN FIGURES</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Michelle Williams MANCHESTER...</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">⭐Mahershala Ali MOONLIGHT</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Jeff Bridges HELL OR HIGH WATER</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Lucas Hedges MANCHESTER...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Dev Patel LION</span>👑<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Michael Shannon NOCTURNAL ANIMALS</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span> <b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">ANIMATED FEATURE</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Kubo and the Two Strings</span>👑<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Moana</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">My Life as a Zucchini</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The Red Turtle</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> </span>⭐<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Zootopia</span><br />
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</span><b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">COSTUME DESIGN</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Allied</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them</span>👑<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Florence Foster Jenkins</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">⭐Jackie</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> La La Land<b> </b></span><br />
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</b><b>FILM EDITING</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">⭐Arrival</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Hacksaw Ridge</span>👑<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Hell or High Water</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">La La Land</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Moonlight</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span><b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">VISUAL EFFECTS</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Deepwater Horizon</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Doctor Strange</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The Jungle Book</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Kubo and the Two Strings</span>👑<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">⭐Rogue One: A Star Wars Story</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span><b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">MAKEUP AND HAIRSTYLING</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">A Man Called Ove</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">⭐Star Trek Beyond</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Suicide Squad</span>👑<br />
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<b><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">ORIGINAL SCORE </span></b></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Jackie, Micachu</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">⭐La La Land, Justin Hurwitz</span>👑<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Lion, Dustin O’Halloran, Hauschka</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Moonlight, Nicholas Britell</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Passengers, Thomas Newman</span><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span><b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ORIGINAL SONG</span></b></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">“Audition” LA LA LAND</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">“Can’t Stop the Feeling!” TROLLS</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">⭐“City of Stars” LA LA LAND</span>👑<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">“The Empty Chair” JIM: JAMES FOLEY </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">“How Far I’ll Go” MOANA</span>👑<br />
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</span><b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY</span></b></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Hell or High Water</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">La La Land</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The Lobster</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">⭐Manchester by the Sea</span>👑<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">20th Century Women</span><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span><b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ADAPTED SCREENPLAY</span></b></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Arrival</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Fences</span>👑<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">⭐Hidden Figures</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Lion</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Moonlight</span><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span><b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">CINEMATOGRAPHY</span></b></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Arrival</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">⭐La La Land</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Lion</span>👑<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Moonlight</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Silence</span><br />
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What are your predictions?</div>
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Lady Brenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14288789884463390331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-543292839093263192.post-52813081393536556232017-02-18T23:08:00.002-05:002017-02-19T14:20:25.184-05:00Movie Review: A Cure For Wellness<center>
My original plan for the weekend was to see United Kingdom, but it's not playing by me yet. When we first saw the preview for <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt4731136/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">A Cure For Wellness</a> I was not impressed. Then I saw another one and thought okay, maybe if nothing else is out that weekend. SirP called today and saw the movie last night and said he really enjoyed the thriller/suspense. My first instincts were right.</center>
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The premise behind A Cure For Wellness is many people are burnt out achieving their <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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success and a Wellness Center in the Swiss Alps has The Cure they're looking for. When a CEO doesn't return after his 2 week vacation the Board sends a young executive to bring him back. Upon his arrival we learn a bit of the back story of the sanatorium and how 200 years ago the surrounding village burnt the castle to the ground; they aren't much fonder of the rebuilt castle either. Lockhart (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2851530/?ref_=tt_cl_t1" target="_blank">Dane DeHaan</a>) arrives, demanding to see his boss Pembrooke (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0342881/?ref_=tt_cl_t7" target="_blank">Harry Groener</a>). Visiting hours are over but they'll allow him to he can return at 7pm. While on his way back to town he's involved in a serious car accident and wakes up 3 days later as a patient with a broken leg. The most important thing to his recovery is to drink plenty of water....</center>
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The movie was 2 1/2 hours long, 45 minutes way too long, that's my first complaint. Secondly there was no point in which you felt engaged with any of the characters. The only character that uses a first name was the strange youngish female Hannah, even Lockhart and Pembroke aren't called by their given names. That choice to not humanize Pembroke made it easy to not connect with him. Even at the roughest scenes, and there were some weird ones, while they weren't easy to watch they didn't evoke a sense of empathy. If you don't care if a character dies that's not a good sign, especially if it is the lead. I could go on but really there's no need. The setting was the only positive aspect of the whole movie, how could the Swiss Alps not be beautiful?</center>
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There are too many other movies out there to spend your money on especially if you need to finish watching all that were nominated for Oscars </center>
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My score 1/5 Crowns</center>
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Today's Trailers:</center>
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<b><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1082807/videoplayer/vi1762702873?ref_=vi_nxt_ap" target="_blank">The Belko Experiment</a> (New</b>) This Purge meets Office Space ~Not for me</center>
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<a href="http://www.imdb.com/videoplayer/vi1619179033?ref_=tt_pv_vi_aiv_2" target="_blank">Pirates: Dead Men Tell No Tales</a> (#5) Action/Comedy ~ probably we've enjoyed the others </center>
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<a href="http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi1030927897?ref_=ttvi_vi_imdb_1" target="_blank">Ghost in the Shell</a> Sci-Fi ~hoping for screening tickets, don't want to pay to see this </center>
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<b><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2763304/videoplayer/vi84194841?ref_=tt_ov_vi" target="_blank">T2 Train Spotting </a>(New)</b> Drama/Comedy Didn't see the first, but I'm to go as this looks interesting </center>
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<b><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2334871/videoplayer/vi2265626137?ref_=tt_ov_vi" target="_blank">Snatched </a> (New)</b> Comedy version of Taken with Goldie Hawn and Amy Schumer</center>
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<a href="http://www.imdb.com/videoplayer/vi2005186073?ref_=tt_pv_vi_aiv_1" target="_blank">Get Out</a> Modern twist on Stepford Wives? ~ looks so creepy Screening this February 20</center>
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<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2568862/videoplayer/vi1590670873?ref_=tt_ov_vi" target="_blank">Going in Style</a> Comedy Morgan Freeman, Michael Caine & Alan Arkin rob a bank</center>
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<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3315342/videoplayer/vi1946727961?ref_=tt_ov_vi" target="_blank">Logan</a> Superhero ~ Not a big Wolverine fan</center>
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Lady Brenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14288789884463390331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-543292839093263192.post-7340497225675746312017-02-17T00:16:00.003-05:002017-02-17T00:16:56.041-05:00Movie Reviews: Fist Fight and The Wall<center>
I got to attend two screenings this week. They weren't horrible but they weren't incredible. They're both out in theaters this weekend and here's what I think.<a name='more'></a></center>
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<a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwiayN2ZrZbSAhVLxoMKHSUtAp0QFggaMAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffistfightmovie.com%2F&usg=AFQjCNFdkZPOBpIkaD8UjCE9usN-Vvd3Tw&sig2=bH1bIPWfvHd3UNdyALI5_w&bvm=bv.147448319,d.amc" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTOXjuNFcIKHiAPJbZZmq70rQy8ddeGkT9gxaFMry8eUg4X9wTwQnRtr4wj5CkTZecJMwXQMAOy892Cbqecl7vk7uyrg4tq6GKz0DwyxhQT0CPocd7sNjCoQ31ZbpWJVIvMCbIBPARMLY/s320/fistfightposter_0.jpg" width="215" /></a>First up is <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3401882/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">Fist Fight</a>. Starring <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001084/?ref_=tt_cl_t2" target="_blank">Ice Cube</a> and <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0206359/?ref_=tt_cl_t1" target="_blank">Charlie Day</a> this movie will do well with those who love raunchy, repetitive, sophomoric humor. I am definitely not the target audience for this movie. </center>
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Two high school teachers on the last day of school through impossible circumstances find themselves meeting in the parking lot for a fight. Strickland (Ice Cube) is a teacher who is tired of the budget cuts and sub-standard environment that his students have to learn in has been pushed beyond his breaking point. Campbell (Day) is stressed out over a possible layoff and the impending delivery of an already late new baby. I'll just stop there with the story as even though this is "fiction" in no stretch of the imagination would an axe wielding teacher be allowed to stay on campus BUT hey is just a movie. There's porn, public masturbation, penis jokes, as well as too many obscene words to count, AND that's just in the first 5-10 minutes of the movie. Again I'm not the target audience but I know I there is one that will completely enjoy all of that. The high school is run by the students, more like the inmates are running the asylum feel once you meet the rest of the faculty. Tracy Morgan plays the clueless Coach who is happy he hasn't impregnated any one's mom this year. Jillian Bell plays the school counselor who is in need of more interventions than one who works with children should be. Dean Norris plays the Principal who's main focus is keeping his job and the administration happy at any cost. This is not my movie but I can't deny laughing, especially when Campbell helps his daughter <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm6835961/?ref_=tt_cl_t10" target="_blank">Alexa Nisenson</a> at the year end Talent Contest. </center>
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While there is an audience for this let me say this: your preschool and kindergarten children are not it!! There were close to a dozen young children at this screening. The little girl in front of us was dancing to Big Sean's I Don't F*** With You ~ that was a proud parenting moment I'm sure. Remember the movie <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GkjhhNtW8JY" target="_blank">Little Miss Sunshine</a> and the beauty pageant dance ~ that's nothing compared to this. Get a babysitter!!</center>
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While it's not my movie those who enjoy this style of humor will not be disappointed.</center>
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My score : 1.5 Crowns</center>
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🎥🎥🎥🎥🎥🎥🎥🎥🎥🎥🎥🎥🎥🎥🎥🎥🎥🎥🎥🎥🎥🎥🎥🎥🎥🎥🎥🎥🎥🎥🎥</center>
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The Great Wall, stars <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000354/?ref_=tt_cl_t1" target="_blank">Matt Damon</a> and basically the Great Wall of China. Interesting tidbit this is the largest<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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movie ever shot completely in China. When trailers for this movie first appeared back in August, my first thought was YES Matt Damon, action, historical should be interesting. Strangely the more trailers that were released the more my interest waned. If I had to sum this movie up in one sentence I'd say: The Great Wall is a monster movie set in China (approx 1000 AD) that somehow needed a westerner to help save the day. </center>
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That being said let's talk a bit more. William (Damon) and his buddy Tovar <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0050959/?ref_=tt_cl_t5" target="_blank">(Pedro Pascal</a>) are among the last surviving mercenaries searching for the mysterious black power. Running from one group of dessert pirates to another they wind up as prisoners of the Nameless Order, whose mission it is to protect The Wall from attack by monster called Tao Tei which occurs every 60 years, and when they show up. </center>
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Damon and Pascal are a great match-up, they reminded me of Tulio and Miguel in <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0138749/" target="_blank">Dreamwork's The Road to El Dorado</a>. Perhaps not a true a comedic pairing but their scenes often had our audience laughing. The real stars of this movie are the colors, the visuals, the mechanisms, all things that director <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0138749/" target="_blank">Yimou Zhang </a> is known for. The Tao Tei are unique creatures, definitely going to be a hit in the video game world. If you're going to see The Great Wall I truly recommend 3D, just to appreciate the grandeur of this movie. </center>
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While the story isn't anything special it was entertaining and worth seeing on the big screen to appreciate the artistry of the pic.</center>
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My Score: 2.5 Crowns</center>
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Next up:</center>
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Hoping to see <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=9&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwj82Yntr5bSAhXI3YMKHQlPAzAQFghMMAg&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bbc.co.uk%2Fbbcfilms%2Ffilm%2Fa_united_kingdom&usg=AFQjCNFv7SOAhqhiPRGd4k5jftX8BW-4Ng&sig2=JZay4A5JNcdRikyPz3uBFA&bvm=bv.147448319,d.amc" target="_blank">United Kingdom</a>, though not sure it is in the 904 yet</center>
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Screening: <a href="http://www.getoutfilm.com/" target="_blank">Get Out </a> on Moday 2/20</center>
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Lady Brenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14288789884463390331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-543292839093263192.post-66168175151857890322017-02-11T13:00:00.000-05:002017-02-11T13:00:18.999-05:00We're adopting a Puppy ~ No, I Don't Have a Degree in Animal Science!<center>
We lost one of our dogs, Mutiny, back in October. She was 13 years old and passed away in our arms. We've decided it's time to welcome another 4 legged member into our family. Things have changed since we rescued Mutiny, it seems you need a BS in animal science to rescue a puppy today ~ seriously!!<a name='more'></a></center>
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We have never bought a dog. Our first dog, Hobbes was free to a good home, Pirate was a gift from a friend, Mutiny we rescued from the pound and Treasure, like Hobbes, we found on a "free puppy" advertisement. I support our local animal shelter, through can food donations and fund-raising events. I have friends who are foster parents. We all know there are plenty of dogs that need a new home; that in fact many shelters are having to turn dogs away.</center>
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So can you tell me why I'm spending over an hour filling out an application to be considered for adopting a puppy when I haven't even picked one out yet! At two different shelters (not my local one) you have to start the process at least 48 hours in advance <i>before</i> they'll allow you to visit their guests. I completely understand wanting to run criminal background checks on potential owners, we don't want animals going to the wrong person. But you want me to pay for you to run a credit check? I'm not buying a dog at the mall I'm rescuing one from you!!</center>
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If that wasn't enough the application is longer than some college applications. Here's a few of the questions that require an essay answer:</center>
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<li>What are your thoughts on obedience training?</li>
<li>Please describe how you plan to introduce your new dog to other pets in the household.</li>
<li>Are you familiar with crate training?</li>
<li>What are your feelings about crate training? (These were 2 separate questions)</li>
<li>How do you plan to house-train your new puppy/dog?</li>
<li>What would you do if your new dog chews on furniture or shows destructive behavior?</li>
<li>Please describe your knowledge of heartworm disease and prevention, including how OFTEN and how LONG your pet must be on prevention. </li>
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I understand that we want to make sure these animals go to a good home. But I'm going to be a bit snarky and suggest that just maybe your insane vetting process is the reason many of the dogs you're sheltering have been with you for over a year, and you received them as puppies!!</center>
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I think my "Are You Kidding Me" response to their questionnaire makes it quite clear that I'm not the family they're looking for. I haven't read the latest puppy parenting books. I've only had dogs most of my life. I can only offer a new puppy what we've given every other dog: A Safe and Warm Loving Home. I think my: these are loving members of our family but they are not my children mentality, isn't enough anymore. And that's sad. There's puppies that will spend way too much in these shelters because like me the average adopter l isn't up on current animal psychology.</center>
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And just in case you were curious, these are the answers I'd like to submit my application with<u>:</u></center>
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<li style="text-align: left;">Obedience Training: Ask my kids ~ they survived</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Introduce new pet: Treasure meet puppy, now play nice</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Crate Training: Heard of it, not happening</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">House-training: Yell: Not there! As I run the puppy outside</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Chews on Furniture: No! Bad puppy chew on this toy</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Heartworm: Whatever my Vet says to do</li>
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Sadly I'm confident my answers (No I didn't use the ones above) probably won't pass the grade on the puppies we found online currently at two shelters. We will continue to search for the right puppy. And when we find her you'll be the first (after a dozen or so others) to know. </div>
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I would like your help! Send me your name ideas. No actual names like Ruby or Pearl please. It would need to flow with the theme we've used:</div>
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Pirate</div>
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Mutiny</div>
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Treasure</div>
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Lady Brenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14288789884463390331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-543292839093263192.post-19943271118510032102017-02-10T19:00:00.000-05:002017-02-10T19:00:02.770-05:00Review: John Wick 2<center>
I never heard of John Wick prior to seeing a trailer for John Wick 2 back in October. When I received the screening tickets I wasn't even sure if I was going to use them until a friend was extremely excited to see the movie.</center>
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<a name='more'></a>While I absolutely love franchises I really believe each movie should stand on its own. The hosts asked the audience before the screening who had seen John Wick and I think I was one of maybe a dozen who didn't raise their hand. Whey then started talking about John's dog and car, I thought: Well crap I'm not going to have a clue. Attention Studios: If there are details absolutely necessary for the newbie to know then work them in somehow and do it quickly. John Wick 2 did that very well.</center>
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The first scene of the movie not only connects 2 to the original it does so in such a fashion that everyone can follow along. We learn of John Wick's (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000206/?ref_=tt_cl_t1" target="_blank">Keanu Reeves</a>) history as he lays waste to those responsible for ruining his life as he retrieves the aforementioned car. John's actions wind up nullifying his retirement, which has grave repercussions. There is a strict honor and code that rules the criminal enterprises of the world. His marker, void while in retirement, is now being called due. In fulfilling his obligation the tables are further turned when a seven million dollar bounty is put on his head.</center>
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This movie with all of its weapons and fight scenes does not take itself serious. The opening moments included images from a 1920s car chase being projected on buildings as John sped by. The hierarchy within this criminal world has such strong rules that John and Cassian (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0996669/?ref_=tt_cl_t5#actor" target="_blank">Common)</a>, stop while trying to kill each other and like guilty school children fighting on a play ground apologize for breaking through a window then head into the hotel's bar for a drink. The testosterone is definitely at high levels as heard with the verbal grunts John and Cassian exchange with every punch, hit or shot fired.</center>
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I'd like to point out that I caught a nod to their cinematic past between Reeves and <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000401/?ref_=tt_cl_t8" target="_blank">Laurence Fishburne</a> who plays the Bowery King when upon meeting John says "You have a choice"; great throwback to The Matrix franchise and the last time these two were in a movie together. </center>
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Did I enjoy the movie? Yes </center>
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Would I have paid to see it? No </center>
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Am I going to watch John Wick to see what I missed? No</center>
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Those who love action movies for the sake of action are going to enjoy this movie, I'm just not one of those people. There wasn't enough of a story line for me to be engaged. </center>
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Here's two bits of info fans may enjoy:</center>
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1. Director <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0821432/?ref_=tt_ov_dr" target="_blank">Chad Stahelski</a> had been tapped to direct DeadPool2<br />2. John Wick was conceived as a trilogy so there could be one more (nothing official yet)</center>
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My score:</center>
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3/5 Crowns</center>
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Up next:</center>
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Lion (want to see this before the Oscars)</center>
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Fist Fight Screening</center>
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The Wall Screening</center>
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Lady Brenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14288789884463390331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-543292839093263192.post-84084678956804710812017-02-09T21:27:00.000-05:002017-02-09T21:33:23.733-05:00Review: Lego Batman<center>
I love animated movies, but to be honest wasn't all that impressed with The Lego movie that came out a few years ago. My original plan was to wait and see Lego Batman on the small screen. Then I received Screening Passes, and I'm not about to pass that opportunity up.<a name='more'></a></center>
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I first saw a preview for this movie at the screening of Storks on November 24th. I loved the Lego short that appeared with it (The Master). But my first reaction to the movie was ~Small Screen. I'm glad I didn't wait.</center>
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To borrow the theme from The Lego movie: Everything is Awesome (pretty much). <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZIqCPX91CWXivJQJpQDxrHmythdMpzEeu5GKM9e6Yclp-sG_l_zFENX_3uqmqz4tzSsiSmNBk0Miiv7VCXepDs_KlfSs65fyN5auXpjbw5bZc0mpEJ8qGMeG5_u3goUVfnheF_9Dm2Zw/s1600/legobatman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZIqCPX91CWXivJQJpQDxrHmythdMpzEeu5GKM9e6Yclp-sG_l_zFENX_3uqmqz4tzSsiSmNBk0Miiv7VCXepDs_KlfSs65fyN5auXpjbw5bZc0mpEJ8qGMeG5_u3goUVfnheF_9Dm2Zw/s320/legobatman.jpg" width="215" /></a></div>
Lego Batman is a parody, nostalgic, take your kids and laugh movie. It starts the moment the production studio logos appears. Batman (gravely voiced by <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0004715/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">Will Arnett</a>) comments on the logos, and how important an opening black screen is to great movies. Batman and Joker are battling over Gotham City. Batman saves the day, the Joker escapes, Batman high-fives the city and its orphans then goes home to his empty mansion on an island. Well let's not forget Alfred, who it seems is getting a bit tired of Batman's self-indulgent behavior and is turning to pop-psychiatry parenting books for help. While he's alone The Joker is hanging with his peeps, including a cute Harley Quinn, wondering why Batman doesn't see their relationship for what it is ~ co-dependent. That all happens in just the first five minutes.</center>
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The biggest thing driving this movie is its pop-culture bonanza. For Batman fans there's tributes going back to the beginning. Don't fear, not being a Batman or even DC junkie is required to get most of the jewels being dropped. While there's many Batman references the writers did not stay within the DC world. One particularly great use of pop-culture was in choosing who Joker's new side-kicks would be. I don't want to give those away but think of the best villains (mostly-family friendly) from Hollywood and you'll probably guess them. I kept thinking this was a DeadPool for kids, including 4th wall breaks, with all the pop-culture.</center>
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The movie is quite funny, though not a non-stop laugh fest as the two college-aged kids behind me thought. The screening I attended was primarily families. I got a kick out of listening to double laugh waves at the adult intended humor ~ Dad just laughed guess I should too follow up laugh. The jokes are great and clean ~ no worries.</center>
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As far as animation goes it was good, just not Laika (Kubo and Box-Trolls) or Disney good. In all fairness this move wasn't trying to be "real" so there were no hair or water sequences to oh or ah over. (I love the Finding Dory story from Pixar on how animating the octopus Hank nearly broke their systems). The animation in the first Lego movie felt more authentic, as if it was a movie made of Lego (FYI Grammar Police: the plural of Lego is Lego). I'm not saying that this movie should have been made of Lego; could you imagine the time or amount of Lego needed-yikes!! I'm just saying that in comparison The Master Lego short feels as if it is made of Lego.</center>
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Here's my overall take: If you have kids and love to laugh ~ go see the movie!!</center>
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My score 4.5 Crowns</center>
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As usual with Screening there were no trailers :(</center>
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Next on the calendar ~ Screening John Wick 2</center>
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Lady Brenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14288789884463390331noreply@blogger.com0