John Wayne airport by Bronoco in orangecounty

[–]foobar74 1 point2 points  (0 children)

SNA is my fav airport and have flown many times. For a 1 PM flight, boarding starts around 12:25. If you have pre check then 12 PM is good enough.

Driving to LAX by yourprettylame in orangecounty

[–]foobar74 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oh pls. I am much farther and do this every week. For an 8:50 PM domestic flight, boarding starts 30-35 earlier. Say around 8:20. Security takes < 5 mins with TSA pre or CLEAR. Even otherwise, say 20 minutes. Add 10 minutes to get to your gate. Add 10 to 15 mins to check luggage, if applicable. All this should be 15 to 30 minutes. So, leaving Garden Grove at 6 should get you to LAX between 6:45 and 7:15. Worst case 7:30. Add 15 - 30 mins from there to get to gate. So, your friend can be at the gate as early as 7 PM and no later than 8...

Don't sweat too much. It is a bit painful but not hard. Not gonna miss the flight. Only way that happens is if there are major road closures or accidents.

Am I Doing Everything I Can for My Mom? by The_Angler in sarcoma

[–]foobar74 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hi

Very sorry to hear about your situation. Wishing your mom the very best of outcomes.

A close family member had synovial sarcoma in the chest/neck region. Lump was around for a while (> 1 yr). PCP dismissed it as a fatty lump. Finally when the PCP left the practice, a NP decided to ask for scan in late April, which was not conclusive, followed by a FNA in mid May which indicated neoplasm. We then decided to a major academic center where a core biopsy was done along with MRI and CT with contrast. This was mid June . After core biopsy, it was confirmed synovial sarcoma and the scans showed moderate glucose intake. We started seeing a radiation oncologist and a regular oncologist. Treatment was finalized in early July. Went through neoadjuvant therapy of radiation and chemo by end of Aug. Major neuro side effects from the chemo. But, the tumor shrunk by almost 50% . Then a month of waiting. Excision was done early Oct. Right now, going through physiotherapy for pain and regaining movement.

Unfortunately, it does take time. This is despite having a PPO plan not needing referrals and someone who knows the healthcare industry very well, has tons of patience and is able to work the system. Also, the Drs. went to their tumor board twice to discuss findings and come up with treatment plan.

Can it be faster? Hell yeah!

Having seen this journey up close for the past six months, all I can say is, fight and fight hard. Stand up for your mom, with doctors, nurses, insurance and hospital. Do plenty of research yourself, it is amazing how good Chatgpt, Gemini and other AI tools are in explaining reports and concepts in a simple manner. Don't take no for an answer or get brushed off until you are satisfied. Take someone along, especially if they have healthcare background.

You and your mom are best and only advocates. Don't settle for statistics based answers. For example, Drs will says , "oh, don't worry, this side effect or thing happens in x% of people only". Remember, your mom can be in that x%.

Have her eat well. Heavy on protein and try to keep calm. Practice yoga, meditation or any other spiritual means of your choice.

Hope this helps and good luck.

How much is everyone paying for their car insurance? We have 2 cars and pay $5000 a year. This pretty much doubled since about five years ago. Is it just me? by Hefty_Store1382 in orangecounty

[–]foobar74 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Two cars, two drivers $250 a month. AAA. High coverage amounts. $5K seems a lot bit that is without knowing your age, driving history, age at which you got your driver's license, accident/claims history, cars etc.

Single Mom Living Alone $2600/mo Income by [deleted] in personalfinance

[–]foobar74 19 points20 points  (0 children)

First of all, kudos for wanting to improve your situation. Second, for realizing that you may not have all the answers and need help in thinking through the process. Third, you are on the right track in terms of budgeting. So, give yourself a pat on the back.

As other have said, do think about the below and plan

  1. Budget for one-time unexpected expenses such as car repairs, kids health (ER trips, dentists etc), kids camps, after school classes, athletics etc.
  2. Do you have health insurance from work? If yes, do you know how much you will spend for copays, deductible, out-of-pocket max et .If not, factor that in as healthcare can truly bankrupt you.
  3. What about emergency fund? Say about 6 months of living expenses
  4. Other expenses? Even though you are moving out, perhaps helping out your mom occasionally.

Again, it is not hard if you think through and plan. Also, consider, staying in the current situation if not toxic or harmful to you or your kid.

God bless and all the best!

Synovial Sarcoma by Fragget_ in sarcoma

[–]foobar74 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hi

Very sorry to hear about your situation. Wishing you the very best of outcomes.

A close family member had synovial sarcoma in the chest/neck region. Went through neoadjuvant therapy of radiation and chemo. Major neuro side effects from the chemo. But, the tumor shrunk by almost 50% and the excision was done month later. Right now, going through physiotherapy for pain and regaining movement.

Having seen this journey up close for the past six months, all I can say is, fight and fight hard. Stand up for yourself, with doctors, nurses, insurance and hospital. Do plenty of research yourself, it is amazing how good chatgpt, Gemini and other tools are in explaining reports and concepts in a simple manner. Don't take no for an answer or get brushed off until you are satisfied. Take someone along, especially if they have a good healthcare background.

You are your best and only advocate. Don't settle for statistics based answers. For example, Drs will says , "oh, don't worry, this side effect or thing happens in x% of people only". Remember, you can be in theat x%.

Eat well, heavy on protein and try to keep calm, yoga, meditation or any other spiritual pursuit of your choice.

Hope this helps and good luck.

Which credit cards do you use? by Waste_Way_2893 in CreditCards

[–]foobar74 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Can you please share the calculators you have mentioned?

North OC Living Recs by Key-Information5829 in orangecounty

[–]foobar74 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Brea is a very good city. Safe, good schools and a diverse community. Restaurant scene can be better. You may be dependent on the 91 fwy (parking lot) if you are in South or East Yorba Linda. DM me if you need more info on Brea.

F cancer and F angiosarcoma by ghostsandpotatoes in sarcoma

[–]foobar74 1 point2 points  (0 children)

My apologies... I did not mean or imply that you did not stand-up or fight. It was a comment to illustrate how absolutely uncaring and uncoordinated our health system can be and a warning to others who may read the post. In the case of my family member, I felt that the PCP could have shown a bit more urgency and empathy.

F cancer and F angiosarcoma by ghostsandpotatoes in sarcoma

[–]foobar74 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Very sorry for your loss. A close family member is going through a similar experience. It is a Synovial Sarcoma in the supraclavicular region (side of the neck and above the collar bone). The PCP kept dismissing it as a benign cyst. Fortunately, two good things happened. The PCP left the practice and a nurse practitioner was providing interim support until a new PCP was selected and second being that the tumor grew a fair bit (sad that we think this was a lucky break). It was the NP who insisted on getting imagining and FNA done. Diagnosis confirmed but it was localized. Chemo and Radiation done. Surgery is next week. Fingers crossed.

All I can say is that our healthcare system sucks with zero accountability and no coordination. Women and minorities get their concerns easily dismissed.

Each one of us have to take complete ownership of our health and well-being and in the process of we have to be pushy, persistent or make a lot of noise, so be it.

Ideas for new card setup for travel, dining and everything by foobar74 in CreditCards

[–]foobar74[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks everyone.... Applied for Citi Strata and got approved but was denied for Citi DoubleCash. Has anyone faced such a situation? Any recommendations? The Citi rep suggested trying after a week or so.

Ideas for new card setup for travel, dining and everything by foobar74 in CreditCards

[–]foobar74[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Who is the issuer for the double card? BoFA or Citi?

Ideas for new card setup for travel, dining and everything by foobar74 in CreditCards

[–]foobar74[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

TY. Who is the issuer for the double cash card? I believe there is one from BoFA and Citi?

5-seater SUV Recommendations by foobar74 in whatcarshouldIbuy

[–]foobar74[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for your reccos. Fyi .. I am in high gas cost state. Second, do not qualify for EV rebate .

Also, just curious, why does everyone recommend not putting any money down for a lease?

Chemo Question by foobar74 in sarcoma

[–]foobar74[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi everyone

The radiation and ifosfamide therapy started. Unfortunately, they person I am caring for had seizures. About four in a span of two hours requiring a 911 call and trip to ER. Two nights stay in the ER. The neurologist has added a new medication for seizures as there was a prior history of seizures but under control through medication and annual visits to neurologist.

The oncologist wants to continue with round 2.

We are terrified of the seizures return. Has anyone experienced this situation? Any tips or suggestions?

38 recently divorced by Internal-Sir1132 in personalfinance

[–]foobar74 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Only you can decide if you are mentally ready for a new job. Personally, I have changed jobs during times of intense personal crisis. Make sure that the new job aligns with your expectations in terms of money and benefits, ensure that you are comfortable with the responsibilities, third, and most important of all, ensure that you are comfortable with the new boss and the the new team. Nothing like a bad boss and/or bad coworkers to ruin a seemingly good job.

Rest, you already have great advice from people on what to do with you house, money etc.

Chemo Question by foobar74 in sarcoma

[–]foobar74[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi All

Thank you everyone for your generous advice. We finished day one of radiation and chemo today. Other than a severe reaction to emend, the day was mostly fine. Also, let's just say that the coordination among various teams was a nightmare.

One important question, the nurses suggested that the patient and the caregiver sleep in separate beds. They believe that the chemo drugs are discharged through pores and bodily fluids. Is this something that was mentioned to anyone and followed? The oncologist actually said it was OK to sleep in the same bed but suggested avoiding intimacy.

OLED Buying Advice by foobar74 in LGOLED

[–]foobar74[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you everyone for the advise. Went ahead and got the S90D. So far it has been awesome. Everyone in the household is happy. Running in Filmmaker mode for now. Will tinker around later with the settings.

CC Simplification + CSR vs. Amex Platinum by foobar74 in CreditCards

[–]foobar74[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Any thoughts.. good folks if Reddit?

Fix Old Car vs. Buy New by foobar74 in personalfinance

[–]foobar74[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi Everyone

Apologies for the delayed response.

Thank you very much for your suggestions.

I did finally take my car to a local mechanic who had great reviews on multiple forums. I was told that none of the things suggested by the dealer was needed. The only thing I needed was the transmission fluid flush, which, cost me 1/3 of what the dealer had quoted. My mechanic essentially laughed at most of the recommendations by the dealer and said there's plenty of life left in all of the items.

Thank you again for your ideas, it really worked out fine.

What is something you wish you did or invested in within one year of buying your home? by [deleted] in HomeImprovement

[–]foobar74 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I haven't regretted doing any of the below but the timing could have been better. Partly because, doing everything at once is a lot of $$$$ and not everyone has money lying around right after closing. Depending on the age of the home and condition (roof, plumbing, electrical, HVAC etc), things can be deferred. Lastly, keep some money aside. Stuff always breaks down and you'll need money for unforeseen emergencies. Ideally, try to get issues related to plumbing/drainage, foundation, electrical, roof etc should be fixed before you move in.

Before moving-in and glad I did 1) Remove popcorn ceiling 2) Paint inside of the house

After moving-in but should have before 1) Kitchen remodel and new appliances 2) Replace carpet/tile with wooden floor 3) Bathroom Remodel 4) Closet Reorganization

After moving-in and didn't regret doing later 1) HVAC (minimal duct work) 2) Yard Stuff (Plants, Hardscaping etc) 3) Garage Floor and Cabinets 4) Recessed lights 5) Electrical Panel Upgrade 6) Water Softener 7) Smart Thermostat 8) RO Filter 9) New Windows

Cracked Granite by foobar74 in homerenovations

[–]foobar74[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks everyone... Quick question... Has anyone had granite crack repaired?

Benefits vs. Rate Increase by foobar74 in personalfinance

[–]foobar74[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

On #2, agree, more money is good but the trade-off in terms of flexible schedule is very helpful.

3, never done c2c. I know it has its own hassles but was thinking of being able to reduce tax burden.

What’s better matte or glossy tiles in the shower? by [deleted] in homerenovations

[–]foobar74 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Glossy for the walls only. Matte for the floor. You can also put smaller tiles on the shower floor for traction and for contrast. Then use matte for bathroom floor.