Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.

Henry David Thoreau

Otters, Aggravation and FINALLY

Monday May 14 & Tuesday May 15, 2012
Lithia Springs Park Site 40, Lithia Florida

 

I am rewarded for getting out early on Monday.

I tip toe past David who is asleep on the floor.  I’m often awake before sunrise but seldom get out.  In our previous life, I was always the early riser, David not so much but now I am very concerned about waking him in case he is in the midst of a rare good sleep.   Today he is snoring so I take that for a good omen and slip out.  Boy am I glad I did. 

 

Otter day 007

I am sitting silently in my regular spot on the river bank when I notice a sound in the water and look up to see a river otter swimming by me.  Then I notice there are two.   They swim on up the river so I move up to a better vantage point as one brings a fish up on a small sandy spit just across from where I stand beside the cypress tree.  Then the other otter comes up and takes the fish or perhaps the fisherman give it up.  There isn’t really a scuffle.  As if that isn’t enough, a third smaller otter comes up but the current fish owner isn’t feeling generous.  There is no sharing.  The fisherman goes back in the water and in a flash comes back with another fish which the youngster carries up the bank and disappears.  The Otter with the fish is ripping it apart and eating while the fisherman goes back into the water.  I’m thinking he’s off to get his own breakfast.  But I never see him again.  The remaining adult sits across from me eating the fish.  I’m afraid to move so I can’t use my binoculars or camera.  And then the breakfaster slips into the water leaving half the fish on the small sandy spit which was the breakfast table.   You can see the small spit across the river from me in the picture above.  It’s the sandy looking spot on the left just above half way up the picture.

 

Otter day 006C

I go back to my chair and sit watching for a long time thinking one of them will return to finish eating the fish.  But they do not and soon it is time for my own breakfast.   So the only picture is this one of the fish abandoned on the sand. 

 

But what a great experience.  Just me, watching Otters on the banks of the Alafia River on an early May morning.  Those of you who know my feelings about River Otters know just how spectacular this was for me.

 

Nokomis Beach & Otter 031

Actually there is one otter picture.  I love otters as I said and have my own otter who travels with me and my big buddy Winnie the Pooh, a veritable sage.  They have consented to be on this post.  Yes it is a well educated reasonably articulate adult in the second half of her life traveling with stuffed animals.  Is this more than you want to know about me???

 

Less than 24 hours ahead you want to reschedule?

It was a good thing something so great happens in the morning since I spend the afternoon arguing with Moffitt about changing David’s Steroid shot for tomorrow.  They call the day before the appointment and say it would be more convenient for them if he could come at 7AM which would mean he’d have to get up at 5AM.  David of course feels he has no choice since he has to have this shot.  He’s about to agree when I interfere.  I’m not so sure this is really “necessary”.  So I begin my questions and around and around I go with them about their need for efficiency and my need for this man to have as much sleep as he can get and not to be rushed.  No, we don’t want to reschedule.  He’s the patient.  He’s the person who is sick.  He’s waited 3 weeks to get this as it is.  In the end, after having discussions with 3 levels of appointment administration, I reach the supervisor.  Result: there is no change but it took WAY too much time and irritation on my part. 

 

Tuesday is the day FINALLY.

We are up and on the road to fight the Tampa going to work traffic.  We arrive at Moffitt at 9am.  We are sent to the 2nd floor.  Yesterday the head of scheduling distinctly told me 5th floor.  So while David waits in the Radiation waiting room, I go up to the 5th floor Neurosurgery Pre Op area to see if this is really correct.   It’s not.  We get him up to the right place, checked in with girl A, moved down to Guy B, where he has to sign papers saying he has a living will and someone with power of attorney.  I’m getting worried.  I thought this was just a shot.

 

They take him off to the surgery pre-op room right away.  After the signing, I’m thinking this is going swimmingly. 

The purple sox 005

They get him in a cute little purple gown with bear paws on it, opening in the back of course.  He puts knee length support hose on both legs and over that purple sox which match his gown.  I had no idea they had a fashion consultant at Moffitt.  I hadn’t taken my camera since this didn’t seem like a photo op type event but I’m sorry now I don’t have him in the purple gown, the matching purple sox and what the nurse referred to as his “party hat”.  A mesh shower cap looking sort of thing.  He described it as one of those snood type things cafeteria workers wear.  I really liked the sox and hinted that they should give me a pair but no one took the hint.  Later David agreed to model the Bair Paws for the above shot.

 

Now we wait and the stream of people begins.

They all step into his cubicle and ask the same questions about allergies and metal things in your body.  They all sign the chart.  Some introduce themselves, some don’t.   Are we paying all these people for asking the same questions and signing their names???

 

Those who come in include the anesthesiologist and the anesthesiologist fellow and the anesthesiologist medical student, two neurosurgery fellows, one of whom drew a bulls eye on David’s lower back and a big X below that.  The other came to draw the pictures and was surprised someone else had done it.  Add to those 5, 3 surgical nurses, all asking questions and signing the chart.  Both a neurosurgery fellow and a surgical nurse, in answer to a question from David about when he can expect relief,  deliver the not so welcome news that sometimes it takes more than one of these shots to eliminate or mitigate the pain.  This is the first we have heard this.  SIGH…..

 

We have now been here waiting for 2 hours when they pull up the bed’s bars and whisk him off to the operating room for the shot.   I go back to the waiting room and wait some more.

 

About 90 minutes later he is in recovery and has awakened from the “twilight anesthetic” he was given.  He says they had him turn over on his stomach and that’s the last thing he remembers until he woke in post op.   We hang around for another hour to make sure he can stand and walk.  Since he hasn’t had anything to eat since 10PM Monday night and it is now 2PM Tuesday, he asks for some food and they bring him chicken soup and crackers.

 

He goes down to the parking area in a wheel chair.  I drive him directly over to the Florida Cancer Specialists in Brandon.  He is able to walk into the clinic where they take blood and give him both a velcade shot and a 30 minute drip of zometa for bone maintenance therapy.  Multiple Myeloma often causes lesions and weakening of the skeleton.  Luckily, so far, he has not had any of that.  So this is preventative.   I slip out and go down the block to Campbell’s Dairyland for a shot of coconut almond fudge.  I return to the waiting room and wait.

 

While in the infusion room he finds that the revlimid pharmacy has not delivered his medication to the clinic as they agreed to do.  He has to have it by tomorrow.  Another argument.  This has happened before.  Their fault then, their fault now.  They will overnight it to be delivered tomorrow morning.   SIGH………..

 

Finally a Full 9 hours after we had left in the morning, he is home with all the multiple doctorings over for at least today.   Now we cross our fingers that this one shot will take care of the back pain.

58 comments:

  1. I agree. It's a good thing you had that early morning glimpse into the life of the otter family. It gives you something pleasant to look back on.

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    1. You are so right Judy and I all those pictures I couldn't take are in my memory.

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  2. Very cool on the otters! I also like to watch them. What a day you and David had. Good thing you are such a strong patient advocate.

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    1. Thanks for the support Tricia. It was some day that's for sure.

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  3. Otters = good. ;->
    Aggravation = bad. :-(

    Sorry to hear that so many aggravating things are in your path.

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    1. Welcome Judilyn. I'm so glad to hear from you. Thanks so much for your comment and sympathy. Both are always much appreciated.

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  4. Why oh why do they always forget that the patient is sick and does not need all this aggravation? What happened to compassion and going above duty to help the patient? Sure glad David has you to run interference ! Hope and pray only one shot is needed! Here's to no more problems with the doctors! (wishful thinking )

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    1. I think Karen that it becomes "a job" like any other and over time the most important parts get lost. People get tired. The system pushes them to be more like machines. That and medical centers are now so big and we know that big organizations are much less compassionate and caring.

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  5. Glad you were treated to a special morning with the otters. Also very glad that you make sure David gets the care he needs and that it is in his best interest. It is true the medical world is so big and has lost sight of the patients needs. Glad you stood up for what was best for David. Really hoping this is the fix the first time!!

    I think you deserve to have your fluffy creatures at this stage in your life;o))

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    1. Thanks Julie, we hope it's the fix one time around too. I brought the critters with me long before this happened but I rely on the Tao of Pooh. :-)

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    2. Julie, I just realized you are Nancy & Bill's daughter. How wonderful of you to post here. I am SO thrilled with Daniel's news. You must all be walking on air!

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  6. Cross my fingers & praying too for pain free... what a run around, makes a person wonder, huh?

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    1. Loree, I worked in a medical center for years so I stopped wondering long ago and am never surprised at what happens. Perhaps that's why I'm not willing to take their stories as fact.

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  7. What an aggravating day; hope the single shot has given David the relief he needs. Hopefully the otter sighting burned into your brain cells allowed you to have moments of relief as well.

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    1. Those Otters do make me smile when I think of them. What I life they have. I think I'd like to join their clan. :-)

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  8. Love the experience with the otters. I sure wouldn't have tried to get my camera either. Medical treatment days are long anyway but that one was a bit of a marathon.
    Syl

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    1. Yes that was too many appointments on one day. But David made them thinking it would "save time". LOL

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  9. It's bad enough you guys are going through this illness but the added incompetence and apathy of some medical staff is maddening. You should not have to fight every step of the way to get proper and timely treatment.

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    1. Thanks Annie for your wise words. So true that no patient should have to fight for medical staff to do their jobs properly. But so far it's all turned out OK thankfully.

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  10. I'm glad you had that special morning of peace, it gave you much needed strength to do battle with the uncaring or incompetant medical people. You are as much of a fighter as David is. Don't take no for an answer, keep pushing and questioning until you get the answers you need.

    You will get through this and we'll be with you the whole way.

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    1. You are so right that one just has to refuse to take no for an answer and make sure you understand what it is they are telling you. I feel really sorry for folks with less medical background than we have. We can't thank you enough for being here for us.

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  11. David is indeed lucky that he has a patient advocate in you. I've seen far too many people get lost in the shuffle when they didn't know they could speak up! It used to be that the doctor was "God" and you didn't dare question him/her. Thankfully that has changed. Good for you for not taking it!
    As a side note, I think I would have required something much stronger than a coconut almond fudge :)

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    1. What a truth that is Gail that folks don't question the "doctor God" nearly enough even now. When people are really sick, they just want someone to make it go away and often they aren't in any condition to make good decisions.

      As for the coconut almond fudge, it gives me a sugar high so that I can laugh at what wasn't funny. But today Gin told me she was at Crown Club Happy Hour having a Dr. Pepper with cherry syrup and a hefty shot of coconut rum. I was thinking maybe that's what I really needed. :-))

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  12. Gotta love the purple fashion statement. You gotta score a pair of those socks :) I'm sorry that the nurses, etc. are not more compassionate. It can't be easy for them either, but it doesn't make it right. Hugs to both of you.

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  13. That's just what I thought Laurie - what a fashion statement. I know you are right that they are over worked and have to see so many patients that they often may not know who they are talking to. The bottom line business men in hospitals have made it so that patients are often just a number and the caring medical personnel doesn't like it any better than we do. We just actually thought it was funny how many people had to stop by and sign their names.

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  14. Love your Lettuce Lake pictures -- lovely -- and your otter story. I think that I would probably take a stuffed animal or two on a trip like yours. Why not? A certain blonde, closely-related-to-me, young woman still sleeps with "Shaggy" the 20-year-old bear. She has a very understanding husband!!! Sorry that we missed seeing the entire purple outfit and hoping that the shot helped. Take care!

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    1. Hi Pam, Glad you liked the pictures and the pictureless story. Guess based on my age Shaggy has a long life ahead of him. :-))

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  15. glad you enjoyed the otters...we took our g/daughter to the zoo last Saturday and I stayed watching the otters forever..they are amazing !! So sorry to see you are running into incompetence...but am glad to see David has you to advocate for him...I'm sure its frustrating to say the least...I know everyone who works in the medical industry are busy, overloaded with patients etc..but that doesn't make it any easier on you or David..praying the shot works like magic...and that sure was alot of signatures for a shot...

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    1. What fun for you and your grandaughter to watch the otters together. They are so much fun to watch. How busy the medical folks are is another concern about our country's health care that no one seems to be talking about. Thanks for your kind words.

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  16. Sherry, hoping that one shot will do it for David. Was it an epidural steroid shot or a nerve block? I'm sure everything will seem better if he can get some sleep, and you will, too.

    You are so lucky to have seen the otters. I have a friend who regularly watches a couple where she camps. They do return to the same place. Glad, as everyone else has said, that you have some bright spots in your day. You and David are always in my thoughts.

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    1. It was an epidural. We really appreciate your hoping along with us. Your support means a lot. I'll be checking to see if the otters return.

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  17. Been reading your blog for awhile now. Sorry to hear about all that you are going through. I hope and pray that health and carefree travel return soon. Enjoy reading your take on Florida. Steve and I were born and lived our entire lives there. That is until we started full timing. Decided not to wait any longer. We may have to work a little along the way but that still gives us plenty of time for new adventures. Right now we are in Oregon and loving it. Hope the treatments kick in and do their thing!

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    1. Good to hear from you Steve and Joan. You were very wise to get your travels started early. Sure wish we had. Oregon is a place I was really hoping to spend a season. Good for you!! Keep in touch.

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  18. Good grief! What an extremely frustrating day. I agree with Gail -- I would've needed something stronger than ice cream after that! Good for you for standing up for David. We sincerely hope that it only takes one shot to do the trick.

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    1. Hey Terri - how is the shoulder?? Hope your medical woes are soon over. At least we never. had our insurance telling us where we had to go for care.

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  19. Doctors...arrrgh. I hope the shot has helped and that David's back is feeling better.
    My 51 year-old Raggedy Ann can hardly wait to hit the road. She's been to Europe, went to college, etc. I can't leave her behind when we go full-time, I just can't.

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    1. Oh Page I love this. Raggedy on the Road. My great Aunt Carrie for whom I named my daughter made me a fabulous Raggedy Ann and Andy and gave me the books when I was about 4 years old. I still have them both. Thanks for sharing that. My Raggedy will be very jealous over yours being a world traveler.

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  20. Your's and David's day would even wear out a healthy person... as it did you! The last thing a sick person wants to do... or needs to do... is wait. Hospitals are supposed to provide much needed relief! Sounds like the otter siting provided some early morning joy, for you, Sherry. So hoping the epidural will give David a little respite from his back pain. I did love the photo of David in his purple socks... I think I recognize those legs. Maryland has been soggy now for 4-5 days... strange for us up here. Simon is working for a landscaping company this summer .... the weather isn't helping him get his hours in. You both are in our thoughts and prayers daily... just wishing we could wave that majic wand and make it all better. hugs....

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    1. Hospitals are indeed very frustrating in terms of wait for this, wait for that. They are just too busy with too few personnel. So glad to hear from Carol. thanks so much for your comments....if you can find that wand, please let me know.

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  21. David is lucky to have you as the fighter. That makes me so angry when I hear how doctors don't realize what the PATIENT is going through...You'd be a great patient advocate if you ever wanted a job and were settled in one place!

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    1. Whew Jeannie I can't imagine being a patient advocate as a job full time or part time or any time. But thanks for the compliment.

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  22. David is a lucky man to have a strong advocate. Can you imagine trying to go through all this stuff alone? Glad you saw the Otters. We saw them only rarely but it always made our day. Hang in there and keep getting ice cream :)

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    1. Not sure I'm quite the hero everyone is congratulating me for. But I do get irritated. David however has never been an advocate type. He's the nice, kind, understanding guy who really avoids conflict at all costs even when he's not sick. Don't know what would happen if our positions were reversed. I do know he thinks he is lucky but he would be a lot luckier if he didn't have this mess in his life at all. You can bet ice cream consumption has gone up quite a bit in the past few months at least for me. :-))

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  23. Arg. Thanks for the reminder that the patient is supposed to be the boss.

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    1. U R welcome Roxanne. Hasn't Annie reminded you? Or are you the patient and want to remind her? I was shocked you had nothing to say about the stuffed ones, especially the guru.

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  24. Answering the same questions and telling the same story to each physician, resident, fellow etc.that comes in is / was so frustrating! Later I found that each needed "their" info for their records. Why no info sharing, I do not know. It is tiring and frustrating to say the least. One thing that surprised me was that often times the nurses had the best, up-to-date info. (they were there for their entire shift and the dr. is there for rounds).

    My daughter who is a physician told me that the later in the day the dr. gets to your room, the less critical he is! I began to pray that the doctors rounds would reach John was late in the day.

    You are strong and that is great. You are the best advocate he has! Keep up the good work.

    Take heart, we are all here for you two. hugs.

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  25. You've got it right on all counts Nan. You've obviously be there, done that. My condolences.
    Thanks for being here and the hugs are much appreciated.

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    1. You are so right....been there, done that....John is still a
      "mess"..... I look at him and think he is so much better, but weakness, tremors etc, quickly remind me that we have a very long way to go. I did not realize that fact until this week. This is going to be a long, long, time for him to regain his health. The same goes for you. We have got to be strong! Not only for our men, but for ourselves in order to support our men.

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    2. You're an inspiration Nan. Lucky John! But we both know it's hard to be strong all the time. Our very best to John and to you!!

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  26. Hi, Sherry. I am a new reader who has been moved by your courage and grace in supporting David during this challenging time. I want to share with you the symbolism of otters from a book called The Cycle of Power: Animal Totems by Sayahda. Here is what it says: "When Otter appears in your life, it is asking you to let go of worry and pain, lighten up and enjoy what life has to offer. Otters glide through the emotional ups and downs of life with ease and can teach us to do the same. Trust your inner knowing. The otter shows us how to create a joyful future. All we need to do is follow its lead." I think you might also appreciate looking up the Pink Tutu Project. It will put a smile on your face. Blessings to you and David. --Pam

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    1. Thanks so much for your kind words Pam. I'm so very glad to have you here. I am a great believer in intuition and that thoughts are things so we need to make them good ones. Thus imagine my complete suprise when this nightmare dropped in on us out of nowhere. I have always loved otters for their playful and joyful nature. And have always thought that's what life should be like rather than full of such serious work. It's hard to maintain such a spirit in the midst of this completely unexpected tragedy. Your words mean a great deal. I really appreciate your comment.

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  27. It is true, I couldn't ask for a better advocate. Sherry doesn't take any crap from anyone including me and most especially doctors. It is my responsibility, but I really was not up to a fight that day - but she was. Thank you dear.

    Lucky Me

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  28. Too many years of working with too many doctors and staff adds up to lots of experience in recognizing when someone is being jerked around. Always makes me up for a fight! Although I do think I've taken quite a bit of crap off of you over the years dear...all depends on how you define crap. :-)

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  29. Dropping by to say hello for the first time here. My friend sent me to your blog, knowing we had many things in common. I look forward to walking with you for a while. Turtlelady.

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    1. Hope you'll stay around a long while Turtlelady. I'm going to enjoy finding all the things we have in commong.

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  30. Sigh. It's such a "system," isn't it? And you two end up paying the price for disorder and confusion and broken promises. I'm so very sorry. But you still introduce your humor: "Yes it is a well educated reasonably articulate adult in the second half of her life traveling with stuffed animals. Is this more than you want to know about me???"
    Diane

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    1. Such a system is exactly it Diane. But we aren't the only ones getting the "treatment" so to speak. Thank you so much for your support. It is my friends and commenters who give the humor an outlet.

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  31. Great blog! Loved the picture of you with otter and pooh. And, have to say those paw socks are quite amusing :) However, repeating information over and over seems like such a waste and very inefficient. Dad is lucky to have you as an advocate - you are one of the best I know! :) xoxo

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