140 posts tagged “health”

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10th Day of Christmas...January 4th....I should have counted the first day AFTER Christmas

After the usual morning routine...breakfast, make bed, empty CPAP and BiPap reservoirs, I know I did something else, but what???  Oh, I took apart my CPAP mask and washed it, plus I changed out the filters on my machine and Rich's.  Then I changed the dressing on Rich's finger (seems to be healing OK) and put his compression stockings on his legs.  Our new method of applying them has made it so much easier for me to do. Oh, and I swiffered mopped the kitchen floor.  Rich then made some delicious 15 bean soup which we'll have for supper.


We headed to our primary to get the H1N1 vaccine which was painless and then stopped at Schlotzsky's for a sandwich.  Next we went to Dr Q (pulmonologist) to meet with Heather to discuss some questions pertinent to Rich's using his latest apnea mask.  According to the instructions this mask may be contraindicated for people with Glaucoma which Rich has.  Rich will call his ophthalmologist to tell him what pressures the new mask will exert on his eyeballs, and ask if this will be a problem. The new mask covers his entire face; mine just covers my nose.  He couldn't tolerate one like that. Nothing is simple, is it?

I've been rinsing my mouth several times a day with warm saline.  My gum is so sore from being probed last week as part of the exam for determining my need for a bone graft.

I've been a bit anxious about tomorrow's graft because I forgot to ask if there are any problems with rejection.  I doubt this, because I believe my graft comes from a cadaver.  My anxiety really increased when Cathy mentioned 'Mad Cow' and 'HIV' precluding people with bone grafts donating blood.  The Dentist never made mention of the possibility of my getting 'Mad Cow' or 'HIV' from a bone graft.  Cathy (who worked in a blood donation facility) says it occurred mostly in bone from Africa and China.  I will ask the Dentist about this tomorrow before he makes an incision into my gum....he'll probably think I'm nuts, but you can't take any chances.

I have done the Realage.com CLICK HERE test to determine....my real age.  I updated it today from when I took it a few years ago.  These are my results today.   I would like it to be even lower, but I have to increase my exercise to get there.  I don't think it measured my dietary intake correctly...I get more vitamins than they registered.  I clicked the choice which matched me, but it resulted in me needing more vitamins...I think that was in error.  I also have had gum disease, but I do floss everyday and Real age acts like I don't.  So I'll take this info for what it might be worth because I know my ReAL Age is 35..so there.
Calendar Age
70.9
Difference
-3.3
RealAge
67.6
What's your Real Age?

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Pat’s humors

If  I don't write on this blog everyday, I am forced to live 'in the moment' ...hey, that's what you're supposed to do Patricia.  I know, but I like to look back and recall what was going on last week etc.  I guess I just like to reminisce.  Now you know. 


The title up at the top was added by Vox.  If I don't put one there, they do. I guess their robot gets the gist of what I'm saying from one paragraph....schmart robot.  Anyhow, I have no idea what that means...'Pat's humors'....will go to dictionary and check it out...BRB*. 

OK, back again.  I guess from reading the dictionary definition, the Vox robot thinks I'm funny.  All the definitions relate to being funny except for the one on body humors as opposed to body odors.  In case you've forgotten The humors are blood and phlegm and yellow and black bile"). I copied that right from the dictionary and that's why it's such a small font size.

So what did I do yesterday....well, I've started making another movie/DVD...this time it's all about Trevor.  It's a lot of work, but I enjoy the process.  I also cleaned our bedroom which was so dusty even I couldn't stand it.  I washed some clothes and oh, I remember ...neighbor Jean came over and brought us a fruit cake which she had made.  I'd told her last year I hated fruit cake.  Nevertheless she brought some for Rich and when I ate a piece I was surprised to find I liked it very much.  So the other night when she called and asked "Do you want ..."  I answered "yes" before she even finished her sentence.  I think we'll freeze it and when we want it, we can simply slice off a piece.  It slices easily when frozen.

Today I had my follow up visit with my primary.  I was hoping to get the dosage of my B/P med reduced, but unfortunately I seem to have what is called 'white coat syndrome'.  At home my B/P is now in the 120s and 130 (systolic/top number)...but today in the office it was 170.  I said "I can't be one of those people", but I'm afraid I am.  In the past 'white coat syndrome' was not given much, if any attention by the medical community, but Dr KF says today it is not ignored.  B/P medicine should be able to keep the lid on the pressure, but if stress is causing it to go up then it's not a good idea to decrease the medicine based on the times when you are stress free.  She may reduce my statin if my cholesterol continues to go down.  I bet it will.  

I told her my hair was still thinning and I'd read Dr Gott in the local paper comment that B12 levels, zinc and biotin may be low and may be the culprit.  It's costly to test for a level, but she said I could simply get these supplements OTC.  Apparently B12 is poorly absorbed from the intestines of older people and perhaps mine is low even tho' I am very young.  She advised taking the B12 that you put under your tongue...thereby bypassing the intestine where it would be poorly absorbed.  So, I'll give these a try and see if the hair stops coming out ....I realize some will come out with aging tho'.  

Used the slow cooker today for a chicken breast which was delicious.  I should have gotten acquainted with the slow cooker years ago.  I'm a believer now. 

Called my SiL Pat tonight and things are stable at their house.  Brother Frank never wants to get on the phone except on rare occasions and we're all used to that.   

Well, my humor is deteriorating so I'll sign off. 

Tomorrow I must clean the rest of the house.  Gotta clean before I decorate next week.  I'm thinking now I'll give in around the 15th, but my presents have been wrapped for over a month.  

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Rainy day in VB

Spent most of the day finalizing my 2nd movie 'Brooke's Movie'.  I learned how to add sound effects and use the Ken Burns effect to show off still shots. Loved adding script.  It's too big to put here on Vox so I'll add it to You Tube tomorrow.  Takes too long to add it right now.  The whole movie is less than 5 minutes long, and I think Lissa will be quite pleased with it.  She wanted something to house the many photos of Brooke to give Brooke when she gets older, and I think Apple has made this a fairly easy thing to accomplish.


Because of a recent update from Apple I wasn't able to use the scanner function of my All-in-One HP scanner, printer, copier.  I called HP, but I'm out of warranty and he told me I could pay to renew the warranty or go to HP.com and look for support and drivers; I would then be able to download a new driver for free.  

None of the above meant very much to me, but heck, I played with it and after some time I now have a functioning scanner.  I'm not really a techie...most of these things just take patience, and I can easily see why some folks would say "let someone else fix it".  On a rainy day I was happy to be 'too busy' to clean the house, I chose to work on my movie, and it was a good feeling to finalize it.

Tomorrow I go to pottery and Rich sr. will meet Rich jr. for their weekly lunch date.  Rich sr. also met an old Navy JAG Corps friend for lunch yesterday.  They'd served in Japan together, and Don D. is now retired and also living in VB.

Got a letter from the endocrinologist who said my timed cortisol test (24 hour urine test) was normal and he is considering this tumor on my adrenal to be benign requiring no further follow up.  Yes. I like that.  No one seems to know why my hair is thinning so I guess I'll just live with it and adapt as needed.  The endocrinologist thought perhaps my thyroid was the culprit, but that test came back normal too....so, all the more reason to simply adapt.

What's my take on Tiger Woods and the WH intruders...I couldn't care less.  I'm just not interested.

Post a comment Tags: health, imac, lissa

Videolog....health issues primarily

Movie on 2009-11-17 at 20.21

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Wednesday

Got my seasonal flu shot today and then headed to the Navy Exchange.   Picked up two well rounded pumpkins to put on our brick columns at the end of our walkway.  Also found a beautiful mum.  I'm going to go outside now and take a picture.  Be right back.

Looking toward our front entrance
Looking across the street
Mum not yet in full bloom
The top shot is looking up toward our front door and the bottom is looking from our porch toward the street.  Pretty good lookin pumpkins don't ya think?  They were about $4.50 a piece....not bad compared to other places.  The bottom shot is the mum....which still has not fully opened, but I think it'll be pretty.  

Also bought an attachment for the Wii...called 'Motion'.  It's supposed to be very sensitive to all movements.  Only works with certain games which I'm sure was done deliberately so you'd have to buy those games.  I bought the new 'Resort'; it has the 'Motion' included.  I don't  think the kids have this yet, so it'll be something new when they come over.

When I got home there was a phone message from niece Terry in Austin, TX regarding her consult with a Radiologist in her department about my PET/CT and MRI scans.   
  "He said they were excellent studies.  He said he saw the lymph node activity and thought it should be biopsied, but he wanted to check first with the Oncologic Surgeon (cancer surgeon).  Oncologic surgeon said it was too small and best course is to wait, monitor again in 3 months....it may even go away"...Yes, I liked hearing that.  "If there are changes....we've gotten it early enough" (hope so).  So, I guess I am in the 'watchful waiting' mode.  I thought that term  was used only with prostate ca, but I guess it could apply to any condition.

This report from Austin sounds just like my local oncologist's recommendation.  I'll see the endocrinologist in late November to get his take on the 'benign' (assumed benign) tumor on my adrenal.  Only symptom I can come up with would be my hair thinning over the last two years...and not just the thinning that accompanies aging.  It's so thick that it's not all that noticeable....but it's shedding all the time.  Also I've had a fine rash on my upper arms, upper legs and chest for 2 yrs...no one knows what that is either.  Maybe it's endocrine related.....I doubt it.  

I am so grateful to my niece for getting this second opinion...just like dear friend Pippa got me in '03 in Pensacola when I sent my films to her.  It's always good to have connections.

Rich and I decided not to cook the chicken I'd thawed and go to 'Croakers' instead.  I had scallops and he had shrimp and pasta.  We'll have the chicken tomorrow night when I get home from pottery.

6 comments Tags: games, health, niece

Monday

Screen shot 2009-09-28 at 8.19.17 PM
Screen shot 2009-09-28 at 8.19.17 PM
A very dear friend from my grade school days sent me an email today with this picture and the following words.  
Screen shot 2009-09-28 at 8.01.16 PM
Screen shot 2009-09-28 at 8.01.16 PM
It was a forwarded email that I was supposed to send to people in my life.  I don't like these things and I don't like forwarded emails, but the sentiment in this touched me so I decided to grab it and post it here.  

I won't be forwarding it. Consider yourself someone near and dear to me.  There may be others who don't read this blog, and they'll never know will they?   Perhaps they are covered in the 'who won't anymore'. I don't know what these flowers are, but I think they are gorgeous.

Today I did some vacuuming and washed my hair.  I didn't get up til after 11AM.  Now, don't be judgmental about that.  I was up til 3:30AM. I could not sleep.  I think the fact that I still have unanswered questions about the benign tumor on my adrenal gland and a suspicious lymph node in my neck...possibly a cancer spread from somewhere.....stays in my subconscious and keeps me awake.  During the day I'm busy, but trying to go to sleep isn't easy.  I think I'll take Ativan nightly for a while .....I need to sleep.   So, I'll see if taking it nightly for a while helps.  I won't get answers to these anxiety producing concerns til mid November.  

I joined a group today 'Network of Spiritual Progressives'.  It's NOT a religious group....it's a spiritual group.  Open to any one.  Their mission is right in line with my world view.  You can check them out here and see what you think.  CLICK HERE



Post a comment Tags: health, beliefs, spiritual

Progressive entry....updated at 8:00PM

It's  10:21 AM as I type here.  I want to document (for my own edification) how I'm feeling before today's visit to the Oncologist.  How I'm feeling is somewhat (not altogether) related to a recent set of concepts I've heard about over the past year or two.


I've begun to think differently about heretofore strongly held beliefs of mine.  Many of my beliefs have been challenged by my participation in several discussion groups.  I'm just not certain of anything anymore.  I stay open to other viewpoints, and I read and discuss them as the opportunity presents itself.  I won't go into what I do believe, because it evolves over time, and without the opportunity to dialogue with you I am not able to express myself as clearly as I would like.

More and more I hear about quantum physics.  At first I was totally turned off to exploring the whole concept.  As if I could understand it....LOL.  Little by little I hear more about it.  Last night as I was going to sleep....I listen to the radio for a bit before dozing off...I heard a Bruce Lipton, Ph.D on 'Coast to Coast' AM talking about 'Spontaneous Evolution' and apparently this is a concept within quantum physics.   He then mentioned 'fractals'....a mathematical concept.  My interest was raised.  I won't elaborate anymore on this except to say....I want to learn more.  When I got up this morning I googled 'fractals' to learn a little more.

So how does all this relate to how I feel at 10:35AM on September 16, 2009.  Well, I am about to learn today where I am in this universe of fractals.....doesn't that sound erudite?   Has my cancer spread to a distant organ e.g. my adrenal gland and/or a lymph node in my neck?  Were the reported findings on my PET/CT scan determined to be artifacts when contrasted with the MRI of the adrenal gland done this past Friday?  Or more likely will the Oncologist say something like 'I just don't have enough information here, and rather than put you through invasive testing, I recommend we monitor you every few months via CT scans to look for changes.'   

Two weeks have passed since I've seen the oncologist and 'time' and 'space' have helped me calm down from my initial reaction to the findings of the PET/CT scan.  In addition to time and space I am beginning to believe in 'energy fields' (shades of quantum physics here) surrounding all of us.  You may call it prayer or whatever, but I am feeling positive.  Some positivity is coming from within and some from  you....endogenous and exogenous, if you will.  I like to show off my big vocabulary....LOL.

I know I could get 'bad news' again.  I remember feeling 'positive' when I went for my breast biopsy results in '03 only to hear the word 'cancer' applied to me.  I remember feeling positive when my primary called me two weeks ago to tell me the PET/CT had 'bad news'.  I know this can be what I hear today, BUT I will hold onto my positive feelings; I believe they will sustain me no matter the verdict.  So, how do I feel....I feel OK.  I'm not scared.  I will be fine and you know what ...so will you.  
I'm leaving here at 12:45PM to stop at my primary MD to get my seasonal flu shot and then I'll head over to see the Oncologist.
I'll post here later today. It is now 11:00AM

8:00PM Yes!  Not perfect news, but good news. 
Re: the Adrenal gland....yes, there is a tumor there, but it was there in '03 as identified on a CT during my radiation therapy planning in '03.  I never knew about it.  No one mentioned it to me.  Why, I don't know, but it is helpful information in evaluating the findings on tests done in the last two weeks. The MRI Radiologist found the '03 report and added an addendum to his first paragraph in the report saying...since this is unchanged from '03...he rules out metastases.  Oncologist confirmed this.  Both Radiologist and Oncologist recommend referral to an Endocrinologist for further evaluation of what they believe is a benign tumor on the adrenal.  I have no symptoms, but possibly this might be causing my hair to keep coming out.  Will make appt with endocrinologist.  Great relief here.

Re: the very small suspicious lymph node above my right clavicle....Oncologist wants to see me in 6 weeks for a thorough eval of my lymph nodes and then order a plain CT to compare with the PET/CT done 8/31.  He wants a 3 month interval to compare and identify changes, if any.   We don't know what this is...so it will continue to be monitored.

SKC called me as soon as I got home and we were both relieved to hear about today's findings.  She commented "wonder how they documented the tumor in '03"....I said "We won't even go there".  

I called brother Jim and he was relieved to hear the results as was cousin Marn.  I also called Pat and Frank to update them. Hopefully I've explained it adequately here for those of you reading this blog.  Again, I am grateful for all of your prayers and concern.  It really helped.    And now the following will let you know how I feel tonight.  Turn up your volume and sing along. 
I'm gonna live forever.


  
  

10 comments Tags: health, beliefs, spiritual

Labor day weekend....Saturday and Sunday

I'm beginning to think the grim reaper is determined to get me before I'm ready to go.  Earlier today I was in the living room talking to Rich and I started to back up rather quickly.  I was wearing flip flops and I either bumped the chair behind me or caught my flip flop on something....anyhow I went flying backwards and in the instant that I was falling....I thought...I won't have to worry about metastatic ca....I'm going to break my neck here..right now.  Amazing how these thoughts so quickly go thru your head.  Dee, I'm sure you know what I mean here.  The wall broke my fall and I was unharmed, but it coulda been mighty different.  So, Mr Reaper....leave me alone.


I want to explain something about this medical thing.  If the PET/CT simply said "suspicious for neoplasm"....I'd not be happy, but when it said "very suspicious for metastatic neoplasm".....that's a whole different story.  The scary words there are very and metastatic. 

As I said to Janice earlier today I am using denial.....a healthy denial by telling myself there is no metastasis.  There's something there, I can't deny it....but I will not let it enter my consicousness til it is proven to be metastatic.  I only had this scan done for peace of mind...I was totally shocked to learn there might be cancer let alone one that has spread from somewhere else.  Same thing when I had my breast biopsy in '03.....I only flew down to Pensacola to have the biopsy to put my mind at ease that there was no cancer.....I was flabbergasted when the pathology report from the biopsy revealed cancer....early and small, nevertheless cancer and invasive at that. 

I told Rich yesterday I was not going to 'waste today' worrying about tomorrow.  Even the bible says worrying doesn't extend one minute to your life.  That kind of thinking works for a while until my emotional self kicks in.  But I'm trying.

Yesterday for diversion we finally went to see 'Julie and Julia' with Meryl Streep.  We both thoroughly enjoyed it.  It's not easy to be on WW and look at all that delicious food tho'.  Streep is fantastic and the story is well done....two separate stories intertwined.  One time we're in Paris and the next Queens.  I felt I was in both places.  We stopped at the No Frill Grill for a salad....a far cry from Julia's boeuf bourguignon,

but more in line with WW.

Today I called brother JIm......he's hanging in there, but now has absolutely no taste.  He makes himself eat and can distinguish hot from cold, but no taste.  I wondered with him why he can't get some taste on the opposite side of his tongue from the side being radiated.  Also he can't sleep more than an hour and a half at a time because of the extremely dry mouth.  He has to spray inside his mouth every time he awakens.  He's anxious to get the next two week behind him when radiation is complete, but we have no idea how long it'll take for him to once again taste food.

I went over to WRHO and read for the visually impaired from 3PM to 5PM.  Rich met me at the Azalea Inn and we had pizza which wasn't worth the calories plus we spit a greek salad.  Usually their pizza is good, but not tonight.

I'm waiting to hear from LIndsay to find out when I can have another pottery class.  Brooke's all girl birthday party is Saturday and we'll go over on Sunday to celebrate with her.  I can't wait to see how she reacts to the pottery wheel we're giving her.  

Today (Sunday) was a gorgeous day....A/C off...windows open...temp in the 70s. Great beach weather and I noticed Chick's Beach was very crowded as I passed it. 

ODU (Old Dominion University) at one time known as William and Mary --Norfolk Division re-instituted their football program last night.  First game in 69 years.  It was a huge event and even I was excited for them.  Tickets were sold out.  They won too.  I saw clips of it on the 11PM news.

Lissa was planning to run/walk the Rock 'n Roll half marathon at the oceanfront this morning.  I'm wondering how she did.  




2 comments Tags: health, lissa

Friday...HAPPY BIRTHDAY TERRY!

Another quiet day.  Seems like I was on the phone for a loooong time trying to straighten out a mistake on an Apple bill.  I had inadvertently ordered 2 of the new Snow Leopard discs for my Mac.  I truly think the form for ordering was not set up correctly.  Anyhow, I got 2 and of course one must go back. 


Rich tried to return it via Fed Ex and they said the address was a PO and they don't accept PO addresses.  The Apple rep today insisted it is not a PO and I'm thinking the person at the Fed Ex entered the wrong address.  Anyhow, I'd decided to take it back to the Apple Store at MacArthur Mall on Sunday when I go over to read at WHRO. 

Glad I called because Apple products ordered online must be returned to the online store.  Glad I didn't just show up at the Apple store.  

While I was talking to the rep I decided to check my One Click ordering form which I'd added to my bookmarks...I did a double take.  Every time I clicked the saved item it automatically added to my order.  As I was speaking to the rep it went from one disc for $29 to 11 discs for $333.  After we figured out what was happening I was able to disable the One Click feature and check that my account was where it should be.  Because of all the confusion the nice rep sent me a label so I will not have to pay to have the extra disc sent back.   It'll be interesting if the Fed Ex people again say it's a PO.  I think I'll ask the guy if I can see what he is entering.

I waited til noon to put a call into the Oncologist office to find out when my MRI is scheduled.  Finally at 4:55PM the med assistant called.  It's next thursday.  Being a bit claustrophobic, I called the MRI center to find out about their MRI.  The last one I had done at Sentara Leigh Hospital had a fan blowing inside of the scanner and music playing.  I was fine. 
I was very happy to hear the MRI tech say all scanners have fans now and music is available....so I know if I keep my eyes closed as I'm being pushed into the scanner, I'll feel the air and hear the music and I'll think I'm somewhere else.  Yes!  

I'm still a bit antsy about what's going to be done about the findings on the PET/CT scan.  I sure hope I don't have metastatic ca or even a new cancer, but we won't know til more tests are done.  This is the worst part....the unknown.  Once you know, you have to adjust because you don't have any other option, if you want to live.  So, I'm still scared.  Not as bad as Tuesday, but still....

2 comments Tags: health, imac

What a difference a day makes

Add a little dash of healthy denial and the world looks not all that bad.

Nothing has changed as far as what my PET/CT scan means, but I've done all I can to get answers and now, I'll just luxuriate in denial.  All will be OK.  And maybe it will.  At least the oncologist didn't confirm the findings.  MRI still not scheduled, but that's OK, I'm in no hurry to learn any bad news.....good news always welcome.  Any news from here on will be good.  Tuesday was the worst so it can only be better.

Last night I crashed and when I got up today I was very relaxed.  Rich left to do some shopping and meet Rich jr for lunch.  I thoroughly enjoyed the time alone.  No music, tv or radio.  I had the door and windows open.  It was only in the mid 70s...a bit humid, but not bad.  All around me was calm.  I looked out back at what looks like a jungle to me ...so much greenery beyond our fence and I love it.  So I just chilled. 

I emailed my primary to tell her about yesterday's visit with the Oncologist and she emailed me back saying "I, too, am hopeful that all of this is benign. Glad he could see you so quickly. He will follow you appropriately and conscientiously."

Most of the hospitals in this area are owned by Sentara. They have been putting Electronic Medical Records (EMR) into all their hospitals and medical owned practices. Patients can sign up and access their own medical record....viewing recent test results, emailing their doctor with a question/concern and even make appointments. It's not perfect, but so far I like it. You can never (or rarely) get to talk directly on the phone with your doctor, but this way you can email and get a quick response.

Brother Jim called...he's in the middle of week 4 of his 6 weeks of radiation. Taste is totally gone. I hope when the therapy is complete he'll get a quick return of this...how awful not to taste anything. Keep him in your prayers also.

Cousin Helen called...she's doing well and looking forward to two of her sons and their families visiting over the weekend.

Trevor called tonight and was so animated to tell us all about his activities at school. I'd been emailing him and asking about his duties as a member of the safety patrol. He emailed back and said it would be easier to tell me on the phone. Well talk he did. This child usually gives one word answers. But get him talking about something he likes...ask pertinent questions and he is something else. I learned tonight he plans to run for President or Treasurer of the school...that's the lower school...he's in the top grade there...which is 5th grade. He's scoping out his chances of winning each office and he'll run for the one where he thinks he can get the most votes. We talked about soliciting votes and he's on top of it. He's First Trumpet in the school band this year and he's going to continue with piano and soccer.

When his mom (Lissa) got on the phone she said she didn't even know all this about him. Usually if you ask him how is school he'll say "good". Well tonight she got an earful overhearing him telling us. He loves to 'chat' on the computer with his friends...boys and girls. Lissa said she walks by every now and then to catch what they 'chat' about...just to be aware...good idea, me thinks. 5th grade is still pretty innocent.

Lissa plans to run/walk in the big Rock and Roll half marathon at the oceanfront this weekend. She's participated for the last few years and will go again. Good for you girl.

Rich and I plan to take in 'Julia and Julie' tomorrow. Everyone I've talked to has given it a good rating. Then we'll stop at Azalea Gardens for a bite to eat.

I called WHRO and told the coordinator I'd read this Sunday from 3-5PM. I took a break, but I'm ready to give it another go.

5 comments Tags: health, trevor