Day 745 - The keys on the stop sign, in my neighborhood haven't moved from the post. My theory is that Kermit and friends dropped off their car and didn't know to leave the keys at the house they borrowed it from. It is soo like Miss Piggy to get the rest of the group confused.
On Tuesday this week I went in for my first 4 month, follow-up MRI scan. Yes, indeedy! I got to wait 4 months before going in. My results were good. Before hand I wasn't worried about what I would find. The oncology visit repeated all of the same tests. My favorite is saying the months of the year backwards starting with December, with eyes closed. I keep forgetting to ask why my eyes have to be closed. I'm curious.
I continue to count my blessings every day, and grudgingly take naps when I need them. So you know, I don't like taking them. I thought I would, but I don't. They get the awake hours I need to do other things. The positive is that I get to snuggle our dog who will take a nap anytime.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Friday, August 6, 2010
8.6.10
The first Wednesday of every month from 5 - 7 is when I join other brain tumor survivors and caregivers. My first meeting wasn't great, for me. But then again I was scared and had a lot of questions. Each meeting starts with introductions. Each person shares as much or as little about themselves as they would like.
This months meeting was so much better. I met Fred. Not my "Fred", but a Fred who happens to be a 13 years survivor. And thank god he had a sense of humor because me announcing that I named my tumor could have been really awkward. My feel good moments were:
1. When I found out that a couple of my suggestions were being put to good use.
a. name your tumor
b. start a blog
2. When I made a couple positive comments
a. find your purpose
b. give yourself permission to feel depressed, then pick yourself up and get back into life.
Right? Crazy huh. I only said what any of my friends would say. Well actually naming your tumor may only be a Jen Stanley thing.
My health over the last month..... Gosh I have no clue what the heck is up. Some days I'm wiped out so badly that all I want to do is nap all day and other days I have the energy to clean the house, do the laundry and go for a long walk. I still get headaches. I've been through worse and I'm not going to complain. Unless I'm tired and then you don't want to be around.
This months meeting was so much better. I met Fred. Not my "Fred", but a Fred who happens to be a 13 years survivor. And thank god he had a sense of humor because me announcing that I named my tumor could have been really awkward. My feel good moments were:
1. When I found out that a couple of my suggestions were being put to good use.
a. name your tumor
b. start a blog
2. When I made a couple positive comments
a. find your purpose
b. give yourself permission to feel depressed, then pick yourself up and get back into life.
Right? Crazy huh. I only said what any of my friends would say. Well actually naming your tumor may only be a Jen Stanley thing.
My health over the last month..... Gosh I have no clue what the heck is up. Some days I'm wiped out so badly that all I want to do is nap all day and other days I have the energy to clean the house, do the laundry and go for a long walk. I still get headaches. I've been through worse and I'm not going to complain. Unless I'm tired and then you don't want to be around.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
5/13/10
I am seriously considering calling my doctor just to provide her with an update on how I've been feeling lately. I used to feel great and there were even a few days that I felt like my old self. Recently I've been feeling more and more tired. Naps after volunteering are now feeling normal. Headaches after being in a room with flouresent lights for an hour are also becoming normal. I don't like it, it cuts into my day, and there are so many things I want to accomplish. There is nothing less frusterating than watching my lists grow day after day. I've always felt that I am a "get it done" girl. I can't wait to get back my energy and endurance back.
I'm going to take a nap now. Cheers.
I'm going to take a nap now. Cheers.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
4/29/10
EEG Results
I realized I didn't share my EEG results. The results showed that if I were to stop taking anti-seizure medications I would likely experience another seizure. This wasn't news that I wanted to hear since I was convinced that I would NEVER have another. And I believe this is also why I didn't share my news sooner. It wasn't what I wanted to hear. The positive here is that I know and knowledge is power. Right?
I realized I didn't share my EEG results. The results showed that if I were to stop taking anti-seizure medications I would likely experience another seizure. This wasn't news that I wanted to hear since I was convinced that I would NEVER have another. And I believe this is also why I didn't share my news sooner. It wasn't what I wanted to hear. The positive here is that I know and knowledge is power. Right?
4/29/10
Results from 4/27/10 MRI
On Tuesday this week I went back to University Hospital for another routine check-up. The results from my MRI were the same as my last visit which equals no “Fred”. My going in for MRI’s and then a doctors visit has become the normal. I bring along an extra pair of warm socks, comfy pants, and a sweatshirt. A technician calls my name gives me two gowns and a pair of pants and asks me to change. I don’t change and wait to receive my iv for the scan. Due to the positive results I have had I get to move into a 4 month MRI cycle. (I had thought I would move into a 6 month cycle but I have been wrong about these things before. It is best to not get disappointed). This is a big deal because I was going in every 3 months.
Tuesday I must have looked a little worried when the technician, who has had her job for 18 years, started looking for a good vein and sent me to the nurse. The nurse, who has helped before, is the “One Poke Wonder”, and deserves an award. She took one look at my arm and got the iv in, and in a matter of seconds I was off for my scan. This is a pretty big deal when you run into a lot of medically trained individuals who have poor technique.
The MRI machine is exceptionally loud and the shape effectively funnels the noise to the patient’s ears and spine. However, when an individual is just tired enough and has ear plugs in, it is actually possible to fall asleep during the MRI. I did drift in and out of sleep during my 28 minutes and when not asleep I thought about the thump of the magnets and what kind of dance our Native Americans would do around the campfire. Weird? Yes. Do I do this often? Yes, I have done this during most of my scans.
To date I have been feeling good. I still get pooped out when I try to do to many things in a day, or if I stay longer at a volunteer job than regularly scheduled. I will be ecstatic to get past this energy plateau. Someday soon I hope.
On Tuesday this week I went back to University Hospital for another routine check-up. The results from my MRI were the same as my last visit which equals no “Fred”. My going in for MRI’s and then a doctors visit has become the normal. I bring along an extra pair of warm socks, comfy pants, and a sweatshirt. A technician calls my name gives me two gowns and a pair of pants and asks me to change. I don’t change and wait to receive my iv for the scan. Due to the positive results I have had I get to move into a 4 month MRI cycle. (I had thought I would move into a 6 month cycle but I have been wrong about these things before. It is best to not get disappointed). This is a big deal because I was going in every 3 months.
Tuesday I must have looked a little worried when the technician, who has had her job for 18 years, started looking for a good vein and sent me to the nurse. The nurse, who has helped before, is the “One Poke Wonder”, and deserves an award. She took one look at my arm and got the iv in, and in a matter of seconds I was off for my scan. This is a pretty big deal when you run into a lot of medically trained individuals who have poor technique.
The MRI machine is exceptionally loud and the shape effectively funnels the noise to the patient’s ears and spine. However, when an individual is just tired enough and has ear plugs in, it is actually possible to fall asleep during the MRI. I did drift in and out of sleep during my 28 minutes and when not asleep I thought about the thump of the magnets and what kind of dance our Native Americans would do around the campfire. Weird? Yes. Do I do this often? Yes, I have done this during most of my scans.
To date I have been feeling good. I still get pooped out when I try to do to many things in a day, or if I stay longer at a volunteer job than regularly scheduled. I will be ecstatic to get past this energy plateau. Someday soon I hope.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
3/10/10
EEG's measure a persons brain waves and I took an EEG test on Monday this week. It was not an enjoyable experience for me. I was told to stay up as late as possible the night before so that I would fall asleep during the test. The longest part of the test was the set-up phase. My head was measured and marked and the wires were attached with tape. Before the wires can be taped to my head a citrus smelling cream (with something scratchy in it) was smeared on my face and scalp. The cream provided a slight burning sensation and left a sah-weet red mark behind. And the tests began. Phase 1. A bright light is positioned in front of my face and for about 3-4 mins, while my eyes were closed, it flashes. Each flash felt like I was looking at the sun. Phase 2. The hyperventilation test. Pretty much what it sounds like. I hyperventilated for 3 mins. The room was VERY cold and my nose felt frozen and would break off. Phase 3. This was the portion of the test I had been looking forward to. 30. mins of sleep. It didn't happen, mostly due to the very cold nature of the room. I did have 2 blankets on. I would call them sheets because the blankets were very thin. I'm waiting to hear back on the final results. Hopefully sometime this week.
Below is something a friend e-mailed to me. I hope you laugh as much as I did.
Q: Doctor, I've heard that cardiovascular exercise can prolong life. Is this true?
A: Your heart only good for so many beats, and that it...don't waste on exercise. Everything wear out eventually. Speeding up heart not make you live longer; it like saying you extend life of car by driving faster. Want to live longer? Take nap.
Q: Should I cut down on meat and eat more fruits and vegetables?
A: You must grasp logistical efficiency. What does cow eat? Hay and corn. And what are these? Vegetables. So steak is nothing more than efficient mechanism of delivering vegetables to your system. Need grain? Eat chicken. Beef also good source of field grass (green leafy vegetable). And pork chop can give you 100% of recommended daily allowance of vegetable product.
Q: Should I reduce my alcohol intake?
A: No, not at all. Wine made from fruit. Brandy is distilled wine, that mean they take water out of fruity bit so you get even more of goodness that way. Beer also made of grain. Bottom up!
Q: How can I calculate my body/fat ratio?
A: Well, if you have body and you have fat, your ratio one to one. If you have two bodies, your ratio two to one, etc.
Q: What are some of the advantages of participating in a regular exercise program?
A: Can't think of single one, sorry. My philosophy is: No pain...good!
Q: Aren't fried foods bad for you?
A: YOU NOT LISTENING! Food are fried these day in vegetable oil. In fact, they permeated by it. How could getting more vegetable be bad for you?!?
Q: Will sit-ups help prevent me from getting a little soft around the middle?
A: Definitely not! When you exercise muscle, it get bigger. You should only be doing sit-up if you want bigger stomach.
Q: Is chocolate bad for me?
A: Are you crazy?!? HEL-LO-O!! Cocoa bean! Another vegetable! It best feel-good food around!
Q: Is swimming good for your figure?
A: If swimming good for your figure, explain whale to me..
Q: Is getting in shape important for my lifestyle?
A: Hey! 'Round' is a shape!
Well, I hope this has cleared up any misconceptions you may have had about food and diets. And remember: Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways with a Chardonnay in one hand - chocolate in the other - body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming "WOO-HOO, what a ride!!"
ALSO
For those of you who watch what you eat, here's the final word on nutrition and health. It's a relief to know the truth after all those conflicting nutritional studies.
1. The Japanese eat very little fat and suffer fewer heart attacks than us.
2. The Mexicans eat a lot of fat and suffer fewer heart attacks than us.
3. The Chinese drink very little red wine and suffer fewer heart attacks than us.
4. The Italians drink a lot of red wine and suffer fewer heart attacks than us.
5. The Germans drink a lot of beer and eat lots of sausages and fats and suffer fewer heart attacks than us.
CONCLUSION:
Eat and drink what you like.
Speaking English is apparently what kills you!!!
Below is something a friend e-mailed to me. I hope you laugh as much as I did.
Q: Doctor, I've heard that cardiovascular exercise can prolong life. Is this true?
A: Your heart only good for so many beats, and that it...don't waste on exercise. Everything wear out eventually. Speeding up heart not make you live longer; it like saying you extend life of car by driving faster. Want to live longer? Take nap.
Q: Should I cut down on meat and eat more fruits and vegetables?
A: You must grasp logistical efficiency. What does cow eat? Hay and corn. And what are these? Vegetables. So steak is nothing more than efficient mechanism of delivering vegetables to your system. Need grain? Eat chicken. Beef also good source of field grass (green leafy vegetable). And pork chop can give you 100% of recommended daily allowance of vegetable product.
Q: Should I reduce my alcohol intake?
A: No, not at all. Wine made from fruit. Brandy is distilled wine, that mean they take water out of fruity bit so you get even more of goodness that way. Beer also made of grain. Bottom up!
Q: How can I calculate my body/fat ratio?
A: Well, if you have body and you have fat, your ratio one to one. If you have two bodies, your ratio two to one, etc.
Q: What are some of the advantages of participating in a regular exercise program?
A: Can't think of single one, sorry. My philosophy is: No pain...good!
Q: Aren't fried foods bad for you?
A: YOU NOT LISTENING! Food are fried these day in vegetable oil. In fact, they permeated by it. How could getting more vegetable be bad for you?!?
Q: Will sit-ups help prevent me from getting a little soft around the middle?
A: Definitely not! When you exercise muscle, it get bigger. You should only be doing sit-up if you want bigger stomach.
Q: Is chocolate bad for me?
A: Are you crazy?!? HEL-LO-O!! Cocoa bean! Another vegetable! It best feel-good food around!
Q: Is swimming good for your figure?
A: If swimming good for your figure, explain whale to me..
Q: Is getting in shape important for my lifestyle?
A: Hey! 'Round' is a shape!
Well, I hope this has cleared up any misconceptions you may have had about food and diets. And remember: Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways with a Chardonnay in one hand - chocolate in the other - body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming "WOO-HOO, what a ride!!"
ALSO
For those of you who watch what you eat, here's the final word on nutrition and health. It's a relief to know the truth after all those conflicting nutritional studies.
1. The Japanese eat very little fat and suffer fewer heart attacks than us.
2. The Mexicans eat a lot of fat and suffer fewer heart attacks than us.
3. The Chinese drink very little red wine and suffer fewer heart attacks than us.
4. The Italians drink a lot of red wine and suffer fewer heart attacks than us.
5. The Germans drink a lot of beer and eat lots of sausages and fats and suffer fewer heart attacks than us.
CONCLUSION:
Eat and drink what you like.
Speaking English is apparently what kills you!!!
Thursday, March 4, 2010
3/4/10
Last week I found out someone I know was diagnosed with cancer. It seems unfair. I took one for the team and no one else should have to go through the fear, anger, denial, and painfully annoying treatments. No one else should have to join the "C" club. I'm still not sure what it is that makes our bodies attack itself. I wish I had the power to stop it from happening to anyone else.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
3/2/10
I had the day off from volunteering today and spent some time reflecting. In 2008 and 2009 I lost a bit of weight via the radiation diet. Although I liked the weight changes, I'd been told that I didn't look great. Examples: I looked gaunt, I lacked color, I looked tired. To combat this rapid loss of weight a dietitian at University Hospital told me I could EAT anything and everything I wanted. Nothing was off limits. I ate fried cheese, cookies, re fried beans, you name it if it was bad for me I ate it. As a result I put all of the weight plus some extra pounds on FAST.
In Jan. this year my neighbor invited me to join a competition to lose the most weight. The winner collects $20 bucks from all the other competitors. The tally is calculated at the end of this month. My goal is to get healthy and break my bad eating habits. Up until last week I was doing a decent job. And then it happened. We received a magazine from someone listing 5 delicious recipes. I made chocolate chocolate-chip pancakes for breakfast and banana chocolate strudel. Can I say calories never tasted so good. And tomorrow we'll enjoy some sort of flank steak Tex-Mex concoction. I'm happy to share these delightful sensations with anyone wanting to experiment in their kitchen. I do believe I will lose this competition. And I would like to say "Losing never tasted so good."
In Jan. this year my neighbor invited me to join a competition to lose the most weight. The winner collects $20 bucks from all the other competitors. The tally is calculated at the end of this month. My goal is to get healthy and break my bad eating habits. Up until last week I was doing a decent job. And then it happened. We received a magazine from someone listing 5 delicious recipes. I made chocolate chocolate-chip pancakes for breakfast and banana chocolate strudel. Can I say calories never tasted so good. And tomorrow we'll enjoy some sort of flank steak Tex-Mex concoction. I'm happy to share these delightful sensations with anyone wanting to experiment in their kitchen. I do believe I will lose this competition. And I would like to say "Losing never tasted so good."
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
2/23/10
I have a couple thoughts to share with everyone tonight. 1st thought is about me. I've had a cold for the last few days. Nothing big, but it was enough that I had to call in sick to my volunteer job on Monday. For those of you who used to work with me you know that a cold would never have stopped me from showing up. It'll be over by Friday. I am volunteering 4 days a week for a couple hours each day. New news is that I have stopped looking for a job. This decision came after realizing that even if I were offered a part-time job I would not be able to accept. It was a blow to my rosy, Pollyanna outlook. I'm still not happy about it and will continue to fight my way back to full recovery.
2nd thought. I just heard about a shooting at a middle-school in Denver. I continue to wonder how we have failed ourselves, our neighbors, and our children so completely that shootings at schools continue to happen. I keep asking myself if there is anything that can be done to prevent this from happening again.
2nd thought. I just heard about a shooting at a middle-school in Denver. I continue to wonder how we have failed ourselves, our neighbors, and our children so completely that shootings at schools continue to happen. I keep asking myself if there is anything that can be done to prevent this from happening again.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
2/2/10
Boulder. Is there really another small city in the U.S.A like it? Where else would there city council issues like public nudity and ticketing the homeless all on the same night. If I had to choose on nudity I'd have to vote to let it continue to let it happen without any legal ramifications. And the homeless topic, gosh... is there an answer that would work for everyone?
I'm about 11 pages in to the book Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert. It turns out that 11 pages is enough. I think I'm hooked.
And if you are not connected to me via facebook and you haven't talked to me on the phone I have good news (it was expected) to report. Last week I had my latest MRI and the results were positive. I admit it is becoming more and more difficult to believe that "Fred" will ever come back.
I'm about 11 pages in to the book Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert. It turns out that 11 pages is enough. I think I'm hooked.
And if you are not connected to me via facebook and you haven't talked to me on the phone I have good news (it was expected) to report. Last week I had my latest MRI and the results were positive. I admit it is becoming more and more difficult to believe that "Fred" will ever come back.
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