I remember a winter in the early 1960s that it was -30. The oil in my carwas so thick it was like paste. Had to put heat lights under the oil pan for a few hours to get the engine to turn over. Had to work that nite on the RR and had my face mask freeze from my breathing. That was while riding across the OHIO River on the 1st car to make sure no one was crossing the tracks in front of us going down hill in WVa. That was the coldest I have ever been. Just couldn't tell one of my brakeman to do it.

OK now it's our turn as a massive cold front is headed our way. By Monday am the temps are expected to be in the mid 40's and the high only creeping up to the mid 60's. Supposed to last until Tues am. Man this winter is cruel. I need to move south.

David, I guess your next move is some where in the keys? LOL

Stephanie, I know what that south weather is all about!! I have family living in Texas and Florida...I also know some people in Venezuela and Aruba...

I can always drink some rot gut to keep me warm! JK

We are NE from David and S from Stephanie. It was in the 60's in the early AM and is dropping to the 30's later this evening. It is 50 outside but not cold enough inside for the heat to go on. Now I feel chilly inside.
I have to go look for my earmuffins because we are going to the Menorah lighting later this afternoon. It will be on a plazza over looking a bend of the Mississippi River and the wind can be very strong there. This year the menorah will be lit by newcomers to New Orleans. We are still in recovery mode and appreciate all the goodness which has come our way from individuals up to foreign governments. Many people have helped in many ways. Those who have chosen to move here are a special class of people who have come in spite of the challenges of living here.
It is a powerful sight to see the huge Menorah burning as the ships pass on this great river which is still the backbone of America. Goods and materials from almost the whole Northern continent and all over the world pass through here via a network of ships, barges, railroad and trucks. Every year I am reminded that here in the USA all are free to believe in and openly practice their particular faith with neither limitation nor coercion from the government. No one has to be hide nor pretend to be what they aren't. May this soon be the norm everywhere.

WARM wishes to all,
Malka

Here in San Diego it is awfully wintery. Temp is 75F and the sun is shining on the pool deck.

But I sure would like to see more opinions on drinking after this ordeal.

I was raised with wine at dinner, Somehow a good steak without a glass of red wine sounds anathema.

Of course in my case, I first have to learn how to swallow again, as I can't even get yogurt down my throat.

But more opinions or experiences would be valuable.

From what I understand from listening to oral surgeons and ENTs, it's that alcohol is an irritant, so I suppose if one only irritates occasionally, it might be OK.

However, presuming my cancer came from tobacco or alcohol, I had abstained from them for 35 and 11 years respectively before the cancer came out, so it's apparently a delayed effect. If it was HPV, that was only a 10 year abstinence. Yet, there was only about 2.5 years between my irradiation and a second recurrence in the irradiated zone.

I know more than I understand about this disease.

OK another opinion...

I have a drink or two every now and then. Dr said as long as I wasn't excessive it should be cool. Fairly certain my cancer came from smoking 2 pks a day for a few years, unhealthy eating habits, and there is a significant history of cancer in my family.

I try to eat better and reduce the overall amount of toxins I expose myself too, but I think an adult beverage every now and then is OK.. Provided it doesn't irritate things in your mouth.

tim

Pete, For a second there, I thought I was reading a question from the SAT's.

As far as drinking goes...I would do what you personally feel comfortable doing. From what my doctors told me, I wouldn't feel comfortable having a drink 2 or 3 years post tx. This OC left a bad tast in my mouth....no pun intended.

Heck--I can't even handle black pepper..And I love spices.

Charlie, I also finished tx on November 4th...It's hard to eat but it's getting easier. Try to drink as much as possible to get those muscles working again...I was having trouble too and drank a lot of water. I think that's what helped me.

those of you with above freezing temps are Pikers. We had 5 degrees F all day with wind chills at -15. snow Friday and Sat. meant work all day today.

We think ourselves into warm.

There are statistics which suggest that alcohol is a potential causitive factor. If you look at numbers from countries that have a high per capita alcohol consumption rate, their OC rates do not always follow their consumption rates.

7 years ago the "studies" did not even recognize HPV. Do they really know what we should worry about? Personally, I believe that mental health is as important as anything. Alcohol in various forms and in social settings can be very theraputic. Is the therapy worth the risk? You have to make your own decision.

IMHO Alcohol has been overly picked on. There are many here that were not heavy consumers of alcohol.

Do what makes you feel healthy and in moderation.

Oh, by the way, I think tobacco is bad in all forms.

i have never been a drinker .. socially on some weekends for probably 2 yrs in my very young adult years but since that time frame i have my 1 bottle of baileys (with coffee) each holiday season and that is it for the year ...

they say drinking heavy and/or smoking heavy can be a cause - smoking and drinking combined greatly increases risk ... but will an occasional drink cause it? imho I highly doubt it ... and would worry more about an occasional cigarette over an occasional drink ...

BUT But but but but but ... once you have already fought the monster I would think you would be more prone to problems from known factors, so on that note, I did not buy my bottle of baileys this year ... and will not anymore. i will stick to an irish cream latte instead now, have them throw in some peppermint.

If I loved wine (which I do not) I would try to limit my consumption and greatly reduce it, if not eliminating it ... It is all mindset and you can adjust a lot quicker and easier if you remind yourself this is all part of your healing, treatment, etc. and that it is ongoing.

You and you alone have to decide what risks you are willing to take with your life. If it has even a tiny tiny tiny chance of causing problems - is it worth it when there is always a risk anyway? If I had a recurrence I would want the peace of mind that I did nothing to cause it.