It is a Happy Mother's Day

I am the mother, it is a Happy Mother's Day for me.  Both of my children were born a blessing to me, and they were probably two of the most joyful days of my life.  My daughter born on October 13, 1972 and my son on August 8, 1975.  Growing up they were both a joy and tiring, as well as happy and sad, perfect and not so perfect.  They were typical children with good days as well as bad, and I wouldn't wish that they were any other way.  Never a burden or regret, and always pleased they grew from infants into responsible adults.    When I think of Mother's Day, being a proud mom comes to mind.

Doctor visit, Thurs 05/05/11

The drive to Tri Cities (Kennewick) was nice!  Except for the blossoms of fruit trees, floral, etc.  Allergies don't just stay allergies with me, rather they prompt my asthma to kick in.  The sunny day is worth it, as well as the beauty of new growth and colors to view. 

During my Oncologist visit it was decided to do another MRI contrast scan two weeks after this coming chemo, May 23/24.  If this new Treanda cocktail has not helped the kidney, as the last (Fludarabine cocktail) did not, then the chemo treatment will be stopped.  Both the doctor and I discussed that the side effects have been burdensome so a break is in order, but Medicare/Insurance will not pay for non-progress either.  He has to justify every three months to be able to continue the chemo therapy, and what it has and has not accomplished.  So... the doctor and my decision will be moote, if the remaining chemo is denied due to lack of improvement.  Some good news... the kidney function numbers are up this month.  Not normal, but up!

Remember the Chia seed?  It is working to keep my blood sugar down.  I have still not begun the extra three shots of insulin a day.  My numbers show I don't need it, but I do have to advise the doctor.  My 14 day glucose average is 132 now.  And... that was while I was learning to use the Chia.  (One teaspoon dry down before each meal or snack, with a cup of water.) The next 14 day average should be less. I am kind of afraid of the doctor reaction.  Anyway, I am going to print off educational information on Chia for the doctor.  Also, I am still not taking Prevacid!  Less money out during the month... with not taking three shots of insulin, using needles, and Prevacid.  What a better time to save than when in the pharmacy donut hole.  Another help for my glucose will be not taking the steroids during chemo. 

Okay, my hair is still thinning.  I am so glad that I inherited very thick hair.  It still looks like I have a full head of hair, just limp and thinner.  That is okay... not going to have it cut at a shop for a while.  The last lady was really uncomfortable with her hands full of hair she had not cut.  So, I will have Gloria trim me... not using the Flowbee.  I am afraid the vacuum device will suck the rest out at this time.  Ha ha.  Also, not coloring it and letting it grow out because of the chemicals.  The color is not that much difference, except for the gray hair.  There is a lot more gray hair since chemo started.  Oh well, rather gray than none. 

When she saw her first strands of gray hair, she thought she'd "dye".

Hi... I am back, again... 05/01/11

Hi everyone!  It seems I have been longer and longer between posts.  The last months of chemo have not been pleasant.  It seems that my focus, concentration, comprehention, etc. is off kilter.  I think I am going to be up more than down today, so I am going to try and get a hello and update posted.

First off, I want to give credit to what is keeping me pushing along.  It is my faith in God.  Not everyone has that in their life. For me, I don't know what I would do without it.  Faith gives me the ability to look for positive when negative is closing in, it is a 24/7 pipeline to prayer (discussion with God, questioning why, giving thanks, asking for help, guidance, etc.).  There is so much more, but you get the message.  Right now, faith is my lifeline.

Well, I am losing more hair.  It isn't coming out in clumps, just thinning rapidly.  This week when I go into the doctor, think my sister and I will get some of the temporary henna tattoo.  When I am bald, we will play.  Probably have to cover up my head more from the henna tattoo than the bald head.  Oh well, we will have some fun.

My diabetes is worse.  It is the steroids with chemo, asthma medication, and body change.  The doctor recently put me on additional insulin shots.  When I left the doctor office, the thought of five shots a day, plus six-plus tests a day was not something I was looking forward to.  Gloria (sister) had been reading on Chia seeds.  We went to the health food store and bought a package to experiment with.  I am going to do some research on it and post it, but in the mean time suffice it to say the seeds help with glucose levels!  Also, I have been on Prevacid for a long time due to stomach issues.  Since beginning Chia seed I haven't had to use Prevacid!  Normally, two days max and I am hurting.  It has been since 04/18, no Prevacid, no pain.  I have not yet begun the extra three insulin shots prescribed on 04/18.  The R (regular) insulin was to be taken before each meal to deter the spikes and valleys.  Blood pressure doing well... Chia is supposed to enhance blood pressure medication.  Keeping a close eye on all conditions, in case too much of a good thing isn't really that good. Taking one teaspoon of "dry" Chia seed before each meal, with a glass of water has done wonders with my glucose and stomach.  I still take 50 units of N (longer acting) insulin in the a.m. and p.m.  There is a lot of helpful information on the internet about Chia seeds.  Another thing I am researching is Ionized (alkaline) water.  I have recently read that it is important to keep your body more alkaline than acid.  I think everybody knew this but me.  Anyway, I am reading on this too.  There are so many health issues that can be traced to acidosis.  Alkalizing my body with the correct water, and taking Chia seeds is not costly, nor radical actions, compared to the outcome.  I will let you know how it goes.

This is going to be a week to push myself.  After the trip out of town to the doctor later this week, we are going to have a yard sale.   The economy being down, so are yard sale prices.  Hope that I make enough to make it worth the time.  It will help me scale down my "stuff" and that is good too. 

Have a great Mother's Day!