The Full Background of My Cancer Trip
Hello all… from Stacey and Justin’s suggestion, I decided to put to paper some of the things going on with my health since I was diagnosed with breast cancer in June 2012 and everyone is asking. Most of you reading this may already know the story; some may not. So I’ll bring you up to date here. If you know the story, just skip the rest of this and wait for the next exciting post. (Gotta keep up the spirits; and it dam well better be exciting cause no one would want to go through this and be sick, bored, scared, and bald otherwise.)
It began on a dark and stormy night. Well, not exactly; it was dark and it was hot. But not stormy. I’d lost about 35 pounds from changing my eating habits. Not dieting. Eating right. Happened over a 6-month period. With the weight drop, I found a lump in my right breast in June 2012. There was a lot of hullabaloo around the weeks that followed (no sense going through that with you—water under bridges and such. By August 30, the following diagnose and treatment came to me. I’ve cut and paste the email I sent out to some people on Thursday and Friday of this week. (Again, if you got the email, skip this! I can never remember who I’ve told what.)
I have to now have the regular blood tests of course, have a port put in (because for chemo with breast cancer, it has to be intravenous), a heart test to see if I'm healthy enough for the treatments, a liver Pet scan (because my levels are high), a class on chemo, possibly one on nutrition (but I'm doing good on that and I'm still losing weight by just eating right — he said he wanted to keep my weight up throughout this — NOT — I worked too hard to lose this last 35 pounds, lost 2 more since the last surgery and all just because I'm eating right). I digress. More doctor visits (surgeon, oncologist, radiologist) — it's just a calendar full of terrible things. I get to heal from this past surgery before the actual treatment begins probably at the end of September. I will see the doctor on 9/23 a Monday, and that Friday, I'll start chemo first. On each following Saturday following the Friday chemo I have to go back in for some treatment to protect my white blood count. They are doing it on a Friday for the least impact on my job. Chemo is every two weeks for, I think, 6 weeks (that's what Carroll thought he heard, I thought I heard 4 weeks) — will lose my hair, be really tired, maybe sick (but they will give me nausea meds), and tingling or numbness in parts of my body (they said if it began to affect my fingers that they would readjust the meds since I make my living in front of a computer). Then there will be 6 weeks of radiation — everyday Monday to Friday. None of this is close to my home, but I asked for Jennersville Hospital for the radiation because it is a nicer, more calming, drive than to Westchester from work— and definitely than from Lancaster where all the other tests and procedures have to be done. Then the estrogen drug — will put me back into menopause. Yay.
I'll get through it, but hell. I'm ready to write 2012 off. I'll get well just in time for when the world ends on 12/21. (Sarcasm is alive and well — maybe; if the world doesn't indeed end.)
Thus the beginning of a terrible trip, I’m sure.
A Hat a Day Keeps Nothing Away
It's a beautiful hot Saturday and I've been off and on the radio today working wih a paranormal event on Uber Radio Network to raise money for a haunted location in New York (The Shanley Hotel) — they need a new roof. My author partner, Mary, bought a few of my Pet Psychic books, I signed them, and then they went up on Facebook auction for this event. Last night one went for $75! This took my mind off my problems. Someone paid $75—can you believe it? I'm a star now, ya know. Ah well. Fantasies. A few of our other authors were on as well (like Marla Brooks!).
Okay, this is supposed to be a heath journey. One of the things that bothered me the most about the whole “cancer treatment plan” was when my nurse coordinator gave me a catalog that offered wigs and scarves and hats…. I started to cry then. I realized that losing my hair was going to be a bad stressor, so as soon as I got home, I went online and bought a hat that allows you to thread a scarf through loops so you have a different look everyday. I’m going to make this whole thing about fashion. And I'm going to be ready in advance.
I went to Walmart today and bought a $7 hat to start getting the feel and look – to get used how I will look before my hair actually starts to fall out. People at work will see it right away and will note how much like a conductor I look. Train rides in Strasburg on me if I kick this thing. (I was tempted to buy a clown wig on eBay…but thought that a bit much at present. Still, I saved it to my “keep an eye on this item” file.)
Chemo Class
Well, I took my class in chemo today. At first it felt like school (though I was the only student). I had to watch a 20-minute film about what chemotherapy was and what could and usually happens to people who take it. If you didn't know that everyone reacts differently and that you usually don't get ALL the reactions, you would freak the hell out. I'm counting on not getting all of them. Fingers crossed, etc. Maybe one of Marla's spells. More hypnosis. Rituals...anything else I can think of.
After the film, my nurse, who will be monitoring me through this part of the process, spent a lengthy time (nearly 2 more hours) discussing the specific drugs I'll be taking and what could happen, and if something did happen, what they were going to do. Basically, I take the drug, get the reaction ,and then take other drugs to lessen the side effects. But they don't give you the prescription for the lessening until you actually have the side effect. So you can't really be prepared for the worst until it happens. They do tell you about a bunch of over-the-counter drugs that also help, so I'll be stocking up on those.
The only thing I know that will absolutely happen is the hair thing. They do also suspect the nausea and do a lot of talking about it — that can't be a good sign. I was going to take the chemo on Fridays, the white blood count shot (to protect those cells) the following day, then was hoping to be bright and cheery, ready to go on Monday mornings back to work. She suggested a change to that based on what has happens to most people. (Keep the MBS healing coming so I don't have to deal with this PLEASE!). It was suggested that I take the chemo on Thursday afternoon. I will feel fine that night and the next morning. Then go back on Friday afternoon for the shot. After the shot, I may be attacked my muscle neuro-something — and that means generalized pain throughout the body. I'll also be super super super tired and might be sick. She said that then, I'd have Saturday and Sunday to take the worst of it, though she suggested working at home or taking off on Monday because I will be in a poor state. Great. She says that this way, by Tues or Wed, I'll be feeling much better and more myself. The other way, I could be sick into Thurs or Friday.
After that spell, I should be okay up until it happens again two weeks later. It will be every two weeks for 4 cycles. However, she mentioned that there might be another 6 weeks of another drug — she wasn't sure. That was news to me and did not make me happy. I do not remember hearing about it. She's checking on it. After that comes the radiation.
She wants me to consider a wig in addition to the hats and scarves because when people see the hats and scarves, they see you as sick. With a wig (if it's a decent one), it keeps you looking more normal. (I told her that people at work already know I'm not normal and won't care; and that I never go anywhere else! Still, I'm thinking...)
There's more I've forgotten, I'm sure. But that's it for now! Thanks for being interested!
The Port
I had my medi-port put in yesterday. It went well — if major snafus are the norm. They had my time changed and didn't let me know. Getting the call asking where I was (being an hour away) started the stress of it. But it worked out okay. EXCEPT for waking up with a cluster headache. I was in the recovery room twice as long because they had to treat that. And I have to say that they didn't really know how to do that. I had to tell them what I needed. Whenever I have a cluster, it takes me down. So I came home exhausted and remained that way through today. I'd also had a bout of terrible grouchiness, too — must have been drug induced but I was not myself at all. Even now I feel uncomfortable emotionally and it's from an outside source.
I'm hoping to feel better tomorrow and get back to work before the next thing: Petscan for my liver on Friday along with all the blood work before meeting with the oncologist again on Monday. Then chemo is supposed to begin later next week.
Onward.
From Bad to Worse
09/30/2012
I went to the oncologist on Monday the 24th to talk about all the tests that I've taken over the last couple weeks -- most specifically the liver scan that he ordered because my numbers were a bit elevated. It’s taken me this long to write about the results. I did that PET scan on that prior Friday. Well the good news is that my liver is perfectly fine (despite the elevated levels), but because they scan was from about forehead to thighs they saw lighted areas on my spine. The doctor thinks it's more cancer but can't be absolutely sure until he has an MRI and a biopsy of the bone there. That takes me from a stage 2 to a stage 4 incurable. The only other thing that lights up a scan like that is arthritis. Now my mother has severe rheumatoid arthritis. The doctor says: Let's hope it's that. But he didn't look hopeful. Further he is now worried about the headaches that I've been having and whether there is worry there as well. He's ordered a brain scan MRI for that too. He's put me back on the cluster headache preventive meds (that I was off of because they affect the liver adversely). I now know that the MRIs are scheduled for October 9 and the consultation for those results for October 15 barring any changes.
For now, no chemo and no radiation. And I may have had this port in for no reason and that would have to come out -- another operation. If it's cancer on my spine, then I will take a drug only. I have no clue what happens and I don't think at present I will scare myself with internet research. I don't want to have dates in my head. That's got to hurt self healing. If it's arthritis, well then we go back to the original plan of chemo, radiation, estrogen blocking drug.
So all in all: well shit.
Adavan
10/06/2012
Spoke to the MRI place yesterday – they had questions for me regarding various preparations for my scans on this coming Tuesday. Even though I’m claustrophobic, I was feeling good about this because I’d done well with the PET scan. Two Adavan did the trick. I was mellow. A full half hour – no problem. I could’ve gone an hour. But then I just had to ask the question. Just had to let that little cat out of the bag. “How long will the tests take?” Why hadn’t I just not asked? “Oh,” she says without pause, “about 2 hours.” Silence on my end. This was due to the heart attack. I wouldn’t need to worry about cancer after all because I’d was having a heart attack. Two hours in an MRI machine? Oh no, I don’t think so! I began running a mental check. Just how much Adavan did I have and how much could I safely take before overdosing and dying that way? And why couldn’t they make the machine just take all the images at one time? Why did they have to isolate each area? They assured me that this was a big machine and that people with my “fears” did well. Oh yeah, I bet you tell that to all the girls. Well doncha know after that phone call, one of my headaches hit. (Stress is a trigger.) Two Tylenol, cuppa coffee. Then a call to the nurse at the oncology office: How much Adavan can I take? “Well, I’ll ask the doctor, but as far as I know, you shouldn’t be taking more than 1 mg every 4 hours.” Hmmm. That’s only 2 pills and that’s all I took for the PET scan. I don’t think that’s going to be enough…. She’s calling me back on Monday… This all just keeps getting better and better…
When is an MRI not an MRI?
10/09/2012
My MRI visit was just more of the same. I swear, there must be a black cloud hovering over me these days and I’m saying right here and now that it should take a hike! It’s not bad enough that it’s taken me two weeks to gather the courage to even get this test, but finding out that I’d be in that machine for 2 hours was not a welcome piece of news. Still, I was ready today. I was in the right frame of mind. I’d written the day off. I’d gotten the permission from my doctor to take 3 mg of adavan. I was in the zone. We got there at the prescribed time. Waited for the prescribed time. Filled out the prescribed papers. I was a cool customer. (Well sorta kinda.) Then I was told that the machine had broken down! They asked me to wait for about and hour and a half because they felt sure it would be ready and since I was already there… Well my husband was furious. And he threw a tantrum (not there but in the car). I needed that. Anyway, I’d already missed the hours from work, the long drive to get there, etc., I felt I might as well stay, and get it over with since I was ready for it! Eventually, though, they could not fix it and I had to reschedule. And soon? Of course not. I now have to wait until the 19th. Almost another 2 weeks. This because, my scans were triple and it was a big block of time that they needed. That of course allows me to worry about what’s going on with my body even longer. I’m not a happy camper, especially with having had 3 headaches today.
November 10th, 2012
11/10/2012
Had the final diagnosis from all this nonsense, but it's been a while before I've felt like updating everyone. The spot in the bone in my middle back is breast cancer. So it has spread. My treatment has changed entirely because of this. They are now going to do radiation on my back to rid or shrink it there for 2-3 weeks everyday. An unexpected good side effect comes, though from an estrogen suppresser pill that was supposed to give me menopausal side effects. I've been on them 4 days now and I've not felt this good in ten years. I've had no negative side effects yet! Because the estrogen pill hurts the bones, though, and my cancer is in the bone, I will have a shot once a month to protect the bones. The next step is that I have to meet the radiologist and set up the radiation times. They are leaving my port in in case I need it down the road. Good news might be that the doctor thinks that it's possible that the estrogen suppressor might help with the headaches! (I already know that it doesn't help the ones I get due to barametric pressure, but if the pill gets rid of the other bad ones, that would be wonderful!That would make everything a bit easier to take.) Oh, and I won't lose my hair because I'm not doing chemo. Since the cancer could only be seen in that one place....maybe the radiation will take care of it and that will be that.... who knows.
In the meantime, I'm doing great!
I have been just a regular peson in good health -- except for the headaches that (as those who know me can testify to) are mostly terrorizing. Before cancer came to visit. There's no breast cancer in my family and I've not had an inkling of a risk factor. Still...here I am. Since I'm in the public eye in some ways and many people ask, and because it's not a dark secret, I thought I'd keep a blog so people could keep track of what's going on with me -- if they chose to. I want to assure those who worry, that I practice what I preach in the mind, body, spirit world and that I will be fine. I also will maintain all of my responsibilities, so don't worry about your books, projects, or your relationships with me. All will muddle through one way or another. I'm accepting greatfully all prayers, energies, spells, light, and love from any who care to send! And I return the same! Thank you all for being in my life! Dinah
12/02/2012
Radiation
I started radiation treatment on my back last week. People have been asking me why only two weeks when with breast cancer it’s usually 6-7 weeks. I am no longer curable with breast cancer. I'm at stage 4 incurable breast cancer now that it has spread to the T7 bone in my back. They are trying to "control" the cancer in my back by hopefully shrinking it or even better eradicating it, but can't do more than 2 weeks in that location. As it is, it may burn my esophagus. They can only hope that the estrogen suppressor pill will work on cancer that is anyplace else in my body. They can't see it anyplace else at this time, but suspect that there is more at the cellular level.
The treatment itself is under a minute at one time and I don't feel it at all, but I do have anxious feelings with it. The worse part is that it exhausts me in a way I've never felt before. By Friday this past week, I had to take off work and I slept all day. I could barely stand without being wobbly. I'd had the exhaustion and my good old headaches every night. Then I'd worked half a day. It was killing me and I went into depression. The girls at work got together and they made dinner for us one night every night during the week and will every night this coming week too so I don't have to come home from the treatment and cook or so Carroll doesn't have to worry about it. That was so so nice. I can’t tell you how much that kindness has helped me.
I just want it to be over and I have a feeling it just isn't going to be any time soon. Also, when I get the headaches I'm less able to deal with things and that's what I'm facing. I see the oncologist once a month when I get the shot that helps the bones that I must have, since the cancer is in my bones and the estrogen suppressor hurts the bones.
I did have one interesting thing happen on Thursday that was in tune with the mind/body/spirit things I do at work and the books I write – one of which was on animal communications. During my morning meditation, I talked to Mary’s cat Gracie, who had passed on a year or more ago. I don't usually talk to the animals anymore—since I’d begun channeling light beings. I just go to the water's edge in my meditation to the chair and sit to talk with the light beings or guides or whoever shows up. Today, my animal guides showed up and ushered me down the animal path I used to take when I was routinely practicing animal communications for my first animal book Psychic Pets. I asked if I needed to stop at the roll top desk to know who I would be seeing and they said no. Then as I neared the tree line, Gracie was there. She began to talk to me and tell me that I was now in a cocoon and proceeded to tell me all about this cocoon and transformation and such. Odd thing was that I was "under" about a half hour with her and I don't remember any more than that. I could've been asleep, not sure, but it was all about this cocoon. Now, as I’ve mentioned, I've not been doing very well this week. Emotionally and physically. Super super tired like I've never felt. I fall asleep sitting up and in weird places... It's awful. Cluster headaches like in the beginning some years ago. Emotionally upset... depressed, etc. At my treatments, though, the actual treatment is only under a minute, I'm having trouble breathing during that time -- anxiety -- and the buzzing the machine makes has me feeling like each second is minutes long. Even though I've felt the room full of light beings, angels, guides and every kind of being to support, I can't get that buzz to recede or my breathing under control. It’s difficult to remain completely still – and I must. Today, on the table, Gracie came. She pulled me to her attention saying: Look at me and listen to me. Then she started talking about the cocoon again. And then...I don't remember any more. Don't remember what she said. Don't remember the buzz of the machine. Didn't feel my breathing... Next thing I knew the nurse was there and was saying we were all done.
Of course, didn't help the ball buster headache when I got home, but she got me through the treatment today. I never even asked for her and she was there clear as a bell. I mean super clear, yet I don't remember anything she said except that it was about being in a cocoon.
That said, I was hoping that she would be there Friday but she wasn’t and I had to go through it all again. But I do think it wasn’t quite as bad. Of course, I’d slept all of Thursday night and Friday day, so I was somewhat rested. Suffice it to say, I’m not looking forward to the upcoming week
Radiation Done!
12/09/2012
December 9, 2012
Well, I’m finally done my two weeks radiation!! Friday being my last session, I got to "ring the bell," which is a cow bell that I swear can be heard around the world! The therapists were all around and gave me a certificate for my determination. It was cool. A great group of ladies – dedication to what they do and the people they take care of. The nurse told me that the radiation would continue to work on me for another 4-6 weeks even though the actual treatments were completed. I now go to the oncologist this coming Wednesday for my monthly shot (to help the bones from taking the estrogen suppressor pill) and blood work. I guess I will find out then what happens next.
The interesting part to last week was that my headaches were so bad and nonresponsive to my prior meds that I had to go to my family doctor. Turns out I had (and have) a nasty sinus infection along with everything else, which is one reason I was so sick. So I’m on antibiotics now. The doctor says the infection is so bad that 10 days of antibiotics may not even do the trick. At least the headaches have subsided back into the normal variety I'm used to.
I can’t tell you how much wonderful support I’ve had up to this moment. I had no idea that there were so many wonderful people out there. Some don’t even personally know me. Here are some of the wonderful things people are doing or have done for me since June 2012 when I was diagnosed:
Prayer groups around the world
Personal prayers
Shaman rituals
Reiki treatments
Healing energies
Therapeutic oils
Cards, emails, phone calls, visits, and letters
Flowers
My dinner cooked for me for two weeks during radiation!
Help at work as I’ve become behind
Leave from work for treatments and doctor appointments
Allowances for working at home
Wigs, scarves, and a Dammit Doll!
Research and education
Support references
A painting
Donations to the Cancer Society
Walking in an event for me
Gifts from the heart
Polarity work
Readings (psychic and card)
And I know I’ve forgotten things at this moment, but the outpour of support and love is beyond anything I could ever have hoped for. Here’s a big thank you to all!
Near Christmas 2012
12/23/2012
Hello all! It's right before Christmas and because I didn't have to do chemo, I had a couple vacation days I could take. Very nice because it's been hard working and going through everything these last 6 months. I tell ya though, the headaches have not subsided and that has been a nightmare. The sinus infection has eased -- I'm on my second bout of antibiotics, but I'm still fighting the headaches. Oddly, they are worse than the cancer. (I don't get it.) It's pretty bad when you take a vacation day (on Friday past) and have to be miserable all day with headache after headache. Weather related? Maybe. But whatever they are related to (whatever trigger), for those of you who are not aware, cluster headaches are said in the medical community to be 100 times worse than migraines. They are often called suicide headaches (for very good reason). So that's what I'm dealing with alongside the cancer.
Anyway, I saw the oncologist after the final radiation sessions to get the monthly shot and blood work and was told that they would rescan me in about 4 months to see what the radiation and the estrogen suppressor pills have accomplished. So, fingers crossed. I still feel fine cancer wise. There's no pain in my back or breast. No symptoms there. I'm still a bit tired from the radiation treatments, but that will be for a while. Right now I'm just looking forward to spending some time with family and lazing around the house!
I hope that everyone reading this has a happy holiday and a wonderful new year! Again, thanks for all the support you have given me this past year; I love you all!
Knock on Wood—Okay for now!
02/02/2013
Hello all and thanks for writing me at work and home to find out how I'm doing, since I have not followed through on this site since the holidays. (Sorry!)
For a while there I was pretty bad off. Not with the cancer issues, but with the cluster headaches. Without boring you to death, I was spending about 6 hours every 24-hour period with them. Then, something led me to an Internet site for the Institute of Headaches in NY. (I'm always researhing in case anyone comes up with some new remedy or better still a cure.) Long story short, through this research, I thought it possible that I was deficient in magnesium. Now, stepping back in time, I'd asked a few years ago for a dream message from my guides about what I should be taking for these clusters. When I woke that morning, there was a shout in my head--loud! It said fish oil and magnesium. It couldn't be that simple and no doctor ever mentioned it (fancy that). So then I started taking 1 fish oil and 1 magnesium (pretty sporatically, but I tried). Finally, when I saw no results, I kinda took it willy-nilly. Then I find this NY site and it says LARGE dose of magnesium. Hmmmm. So I took 4 spread out over the day. That was was two weeks ago and I haven't had a headache since! I then bought a book about magnesium and it said that not only can such a deficiency cause migraines and cluster headaches, but it can cause diabetes issues, colesteral problems....on and on. It seems I've wasted several years now, in pain, only to find that I'm lacking a mineral. (For anyone intersted, eons ago and before I was diagnosed with cancer, I was found to be low in Vitamin D. Researching more about that, I found that low or no Vitamin D is a possible trigger for....wait for it...cancer. Now why the hell didn't some of these doctors tell me that?)
Anyway, for now, I'm doing well. I take my shot, get my port flushed, give my blood, and see the oncologist once a month (probably for forever). No pain in the breasts or in my back where it matastisized to. I get tired in the afternoons, but that is a small price to pay. It's nice to feel well enough to enjoy my life.
Again, couldn't have done it without all of you! Hugs!
Too Good to be True
02/10/2013
Well, I knew it was too good to be true. Actually, I didn't. I've had 10 headache-free days, but when the Noreaster came to us, the headaches returned in full force. I can't tell you how that brought me down. Had one Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night was the worst in a very long time. As I sit here now on Sunday, I'm in pain, but typing through it.
I looked in the mirror earlier and I just look ill. My eyes are the worst. They appear sunken somehow. Everyone tells me how wonderful I'm doing, but I don't have the vibrance that I once had. That is very disturbing.
My mood eased a bit today as I helped a friend, Doug Boren, read over his next book. I worked 12 hours on it over the weekend and couldn't put it down. It took me away from my illness for a while. Patriot's Point is the name of this book and it's part of a historic series. This one centers around the Carolinas during the American Revolution. A wonderful book. Keep an eye on the News page on this website for more about the release date for it.
Well, since my pain keeps taking my focus, I'll cut this short. I've been to bed twice now and have had to get up to deal with it. The hardest part is getting no sleep and knowing that I still have to work the next day.
Wish me luck.
Finally, Some Great News!
03/31/2013
Apologies for not posting for so long. As much as I've been staying on top of issues regarding doctor appointments, work, running a home....you know...I have been horrible about anything that's dealt with email, facebook, my website, even the telephone -- I've just not wanted to see any of it.
But things took a change (in one aspect of my life) this past Thursday when I had 3 scans to find out if the meds and the radiation did anything to curb the cancer in any way. I was actually sick on Friday and didn't go to work, and at about 10 am or so, I got a call from my doctor's office, the nurse telling me that I was -- are you ready? -- CANCER FREE!!!
The surprise was immence because people don't routinely come back from Stage 4 Breast Cancer that's gone into the bone that quickly! I know it was all the help I've received from all of you. And I thank you from the bottom of my heart and hope you will continue to keep me in your thoughts so that it doesn't come back.
I'd like to ask for another favor from all who can...my father was taken seriously ill and may be permanently hospitalized or in a nursing home from Parkiinson's Disease unless I can muster enough healing to take him back to the person he was a year ago. I'm working my hardest with energy healing balls, clearings, and all the things I do, but I fear it's not enough.
Anyway, please keep me in your prayers, rituals, thoughts, etc. and if you would add my father, Lawrence, I'd be most thankful.
Love and Light to all of you,
Dinah
As if there hasn't been enough trauma this last year, my dear sister-in-law, Karen, died on Easter overnight. Unexpected and horrible news. The world is a bit dimmer without her here, but I know that the stars are brighter for having her.
All That and Sugar Too
05/27/2013
Hello all,
Thanks for all of you who read my horrendous story about my father and his passing -- and the wonderful medical community. (I'm hoping my sarcasm is evident.) If you haven't read it, the story is immediately below this post and I ask you as a favor to me to read it. The word must be passed so that this kind of thing can be averted by others.
I'd like to say that things are smooth now, but I'm finding out that this is not to be. I'm still in remission though, so I'm happy (and appreciative to all of you) for that. My body has just been putting up the biggest stink over this last year. At my most recent chemo shot (the one I take every month to counter the effects of the estrogen suppressor and along with the regular blood tests), my oncologist found that the sugar in my blood was 500! It's supposed to be 100. He said that I should have been (or nearly ready to go) in the hospital. "We're keeping you," he said, and rushed me to the infusion center to give me an insulin injection, a bag of fluids and a pill of Metformin (I was already on that for Pre-diabetes). They got the number down to 307 before I went home, but I was told (sternly) to get to my family doctor right away.
So, now, on top of everything else, full-blown diabetes. I'm now testing my blood every morning for a month before the doctor decides what needs to be done. Well, hell, my numbers for the last week are all over the place, but not down in the area of 126-150, where I'm told it should be. I'm being serious about it too: eating right (and less), exercising, keeping my stress as low as I can... I'm reading a book I'd gotten about a year ago, The Sugar Solution, and doing all the right things, but still woke up this morning with a number of 262.
Well, at least I lost 12 pounds. (The doctor says it was because of my sugar diabetes.) I can now fit into pants that my husband had been urging me (along with other lower-size wardrobe items) to give to Good Will. The silver lining...
Hope your holiday weekend (those of you in the US) was great! Despite all, it was good to have a couple days off work. It's been a tough couple months!
Dinah
It began on a dark and stormy night. Well, not exactly; it was dark and it was hot. But not stormy. I’d lost about 35 pounds from changing my eating habits. Not dieting. Eating right. Happened over a 6-month period. With the weight drop, I found a lump in my right breast in June 2012. There was a lot of hullabaloo around the weeks that followed (no sense going through that with you—water under bridges and such. By August 30, the following diagnose and treatment came to me. I’ve cut and paste the email I sent out to some people on Thursday and Friday of this week. (Again, if you got the email, skip this! I can never remember who I’ve told what.)
I have to now have the regular blood tests of course, have a port put in (because for chemo with breast cancer, it has to be intravenous), a heart test to see if I'm healthy enough for the treatments, a liver Pet scan (because my levels are high), a class on chemo, possibly one on nutrition (but I'm doing good on that and I'm still losing weight by just eating right — he said he wanted to keep my weight up throughout this — NOT — I worked too hard to lose this last 35 pounds, lost 2 more since the last surgery and all just because I'm eating right). I digress. More doctor visits (surgeon, oncologist, radiologist) — it's just a calendar full of terrible things. I get to heal from this past surgery before the actual treatment begins probably at the end of September. I will see the doctor on 9/23 a Monday, and that Friday, I'll start chemo first. On each following Saturday following the Friday chemo I have to go back in for some treatment to protect my white blood count. They are doing it on a Friday for the least impact on my job. Chemo is every two weeks for, I think, 6 weeks (that's what Carroll thought he heard, I thought I heard 4 weeks) — will lose my hair, be really tired, maybe sick (but they will give me nausea meds), and tingling or numbness in parts of my body (they said if it began to affect my fingers that they would readjust the meds since I make my living in front of a computer). Then there will be 6 weeks of radiation — everyday Monday to Friday. None of this is close to my home, but I asked for Jennersville Hospital for the radiation because it is a nicer, more calming, drive than to Westchester from work— and definitely than from Lancaster where all the other tests and procedures have to be done. Then the estrogen drug — will put me back into menopause. Yay.
I'll get through it, but hell. I'm ready to write 2012 off. I'll get well just in time for when the world ends on 12/21. (Sarcasm is alive and well — maybe; if the world doesn't indeed end.)
Thus the beginning of a terrible trip, I’m sure.
A Hat a Day Keeps Nothing Away
It's a beautiful hot Saturday and I've been off and on the radio today working wih a paranormal event on Uber Radio Network to raise money for a haunted location in New York (The Shanley Hotel) — they need a new roof. My author partner, Mary, bought a few of my Pet Psychic books, I signed them, and then they went up on Facebook auction for this event. Last night one went for $75! This took my mind off my problems. Someone paid $75—can you believe it? I'm a star now, ya know. Ah well. Fantasies. A few of our other authors were on as well (like Marla Brooks!).
Okay, this is supposed to be a heath journey. One of the things that bothered me the most about the whole “cancer treatment plan” was when my nurse coordinator gave me a catalog that offered wigs and scarves and hats…. I started to cry then. I realized that losing my hair was going to be a bad stressor, so as soon as I got home, I went online and bought a hat that allows you to thread a scarf through loops so you have a different look everyday. I’m going to make this whole thing about fashion. And I'm going to be ready in advance.
I went to Walmart today and bought a $7 hat to start getting the feel and look – to get used how I will look before my hair actually starts to fall out. People at work will see it right away and will note how much like a conductor I look. Train rides in Strasburg on me if I kick this thing. (I was tempted to buy a clown wig on eBay…but thought that a bit much at present. Still, I saved it to my “keep an eye on this item” file.)
Chemo Class
Well, I took my class in chemo today. At first it felt like school (though I was the only student). I had to watch a 20-minute film about what chemotherapy was and what could and usually happens to people who take it. If you didn't know that everyone reacts differently and that you usually don't get ALL the reactions, you would freak the hell out. I'm counting on not getting all of them. Fingers crossed, etc. Maybe one of Marla's spells. More hypnosis. Rituals...anything else I can think of.
After the film, my nurse, who will be monitoring me through this part of the process, spent a lengthy time (nearly 2 more hours) discussing the specific drugs I'll be taking and what could happen, and if something did happen, what they were going to do. Basically, I take the drug, get the reaction ,and then take other drugs to lessen the side effects. But they don't give you the prescription for the lessening until you actually have the side effect. So you can't really be prepared for the worst until it happens. They do tell you about a bunch of over-the-counter drugs that also help, so I'll be stocking up on those.
The only thing I know that will absolutely happen is the hair thing. They do also suspect the nausea and do a lot of talking about it — that can't be a good sign. I was going to take the chemo on Fridays, the white blood count shot (to protect those cells) the following day, then was hoping to be bright and cheery, ready to go on Monday mornings back to work. She suggested a change to that based on what has happens to most people. (Keep the MBS healing coming so I don't have to deal with this PLEASE!). It was suggested that I take the chemo on Thursday afternoon. I will feel fine that night and the next morning. Then go back on Friday afternoon for the shot. After the shot, I may be attacked my muscle neuro-something — and that means generalized pain throughout the body. I'll also be super super super tired and might be sick. She said that then, I'd have Saturday and Sunday to take the worst of it, though she suggested working at home or taking off on Monday because I will be in a poor state. Great. She says that this way, by Tues or Wed, I'll be feeling much better and more myself. The other way, I could be sick into Thurs or Friday.
After that spell, I should be okay up until it happens again two weeks later. It will be every two weeks for 4 cycles. However, she mentioned that there might be another 6 weeks of another drug — she wasn't sure. That was news to me and did not make me happy. I do not remember hearing about it. She's checking on it. After that comes the radiation.
She wants me to consider a wig in addition to the hats and scarves because when people see the hats and scarves, they see you as sick. With a wig (if it's a decent one), it keeps you looking more normal. (I told her that people at work already know I'm not normal and won't care; and that I never go anywhere else! Still, I'm thinking...)
There's more I've forgotten, I'm sure. But that's it for now! Thanks for being interested!
The Port
I had my medi-port put in yesterday. It went well — if major snafus are the norm. They had my time changed and didn't let me know. Getting the call asking where I was (being an hour away) started the stress of it. But it worked out okay. EXCEPT for waking up with a cluster headache. I was in the recovery room twice as long because they had to treat that. And I have to say that they didn't really know how to do that. I had to tell them what I needed. Whenever I have a cluster, it takes me down. So I came home exhausted and remained that way through today. I'd also had a bout of terrible grouchiness, too — must have been drug induced but I was not myself at all. Even now I feel uncomfortable emotionally and it's from an outside source.
I'm hoping to feel better tomorrow and get back to work before the next thing: Petscan for my liver on Friday along with all the blood work before meeting with the oncologist again on Monday. Then chemo is supposed to begin later next week.
Onward.
From Bad to Worse
09/30/2012
I went to the oncologist on Monday the 24th to talk about all the tests that I've taken over the last couple weeks -- most specifically the liver scan that he ordered because my numbers were a bit elevated. It’s taken me this long to write about the results. I did that PET scan on that prior Friday. Well the good news is that my liver is perfectly fine (despite the elevated levels), but because they scan was from about forehead to thighs they saw lighted areas on my spine. The doctor thinks it's more cancer but can't be absolutely sure until he has an MRI and a biopsy of the bone there. That takes me from a stage 2 to a stage 4 incurable. The only other thing that lights up a scan like that is arthritis. Now my mother has severe rheumatoid arthritis. The doctor says: Let's hope it's that. But he didn't look hopeful. Further he is now worried about the headaches that I've been having and whether there is worry there as well. He's ordered a brain scan MRI for that too. He's put me back on the cluster headache preventive meds (that I was off of because they affect the liver adversely). I now know that the MRIs are scheduled for October 9 and the consultation for those results for October 15 barring any changes.
For now, no chemo and no radiation. And I may have had this port in for no reason and that would have to come out -- another operation. If it's cancer on my spine, then I will take a drug only. I have no clue what happens and I don't think at present I will scare myself with internet research. I don't want to have dates in my head. That's got to hurt self healing. If it's arthritis, well then we go back to the original plan of chemo, radiation, estrogen blocking drug.
So all in all: well shit.
Adavan
10/06/2012
Spoke to the MRI place yesterday – they had questions for me regarding various preparations for my scans on this coming Tuesday. Even though I’m claustrophobic, I was feeling good about this because I’d done well with the PET scan. Two Adavan did the trick. I was mellow. A full half hour – no problem. I could’ve gone an hour. But then I just had to ask the question. Just had to let that little cat out of the bag. “How long will the tests take?” Why hadn’t I just not asked? “Oh,” she says without pause, “about 2 hours.” Silence on my end. This was due to the heart attack. I wouldn’t need to worry about cancer after all because I’d was having a heart attack. Two hours in an MRI machine? Oh no, I don’t think so! I began running a mental check. Just how much Adavan did I have and how much could I safely take before overdosing and dying that way? And why couldn’t they make the machine just take all the images at one time? Why did they have to isolate each area? They assured me that this was a big machine and that people with my “fears” did well. Oh yeah, I bet you tell that to all the girls. Well doncha know after that phone call, one of my headaches hit. (Stress is a trigger.) Two Tylenol, cuppa coffee. Then a call to the nurse at the oncology office: How much Adavan can I take? “Well, I’ll ask the doctor, but as far as I know, you shouldn’t be taking more than 1 mg every 4 hours.” Hmmm. That’s only 2 pills and that’s all I took for the PET scan. I don’t think that’s going to be enough…. She’s calling me back on Monday… This all just keeps getting better and better…
When is an MRI not an MRI?
10/09/2012
My MRI visit was just more of the same. I swear, there must be a black cloud hovering over me these days and I’m saying right here and now that it should take a hike! It’s not bad enough that it’s taken me two weeks to gather the courage to even get this test, but finding out that I’d be in that machine for 2 hours was not a welcome piece of news. Still, I was ready today. I was in the right frame of mind. I’d written the day off. I’d gotten the permission from my doctor to take 3 mg of adavan. I was in the zone. We got there at the prescribed time. Waited for the prescribed time. Filled out the prescribed papers. I was a cool customer. (Well sorta kinda.) Then I was told that the machine had broken down! They asked me to wait for about and hour and a half because they felt sure it would be ready and since I was already there… Well my husband was furious. And he threw a tantrum (not there but in the car). I needed that. Anyway, I’d already missed the hours from work, the long drive to get there, etc., I felt I might as well stay, and get it over with since I was ready for it! Eventually, though, they could not fix it and I had to reschedule. And soon? Of course not. I now have to wait until the 19th. Almost another 2 weeks. This because, my scans were triple and it was a big block of time that they needed. That of course allows me to worry about what’s going on with my body even longer. I’m not a happy camper, especially with having had 3 headaches today.
November 10th, 2012
11/10/2012
Had the final diagnosis from all this nonsense, but it's been a while before I've felt like updating everyone. The spot in the bone in my middle back is breast cancer. So it has spread. My treatment has changed entirely because of this. They are now going to do radiation on my back to rid or shrink it there for 2-3 weeks everyday. An unexpected good side effect comes, though from an estrogen suppresser pill that was supposed to give me menopausal side effects. I've been on them 4 days now and I've not felt this good in ten years. I've had no negative side effects yet! Because the estrogen pill hurts the bones, though, and my cancer is in the bone, I will have a shot once a month to protect the bones. The next step is that I have to meet the radiologist and set up the radiation times. They are leaving my port in in case I need it down the road. Good news might be that the doctor thinks that it's possible that the estrogen suppressor might help with the headaches! (I already know that it doesn't help the ones I get due to barametric pressure, but if the pill gets rid of the other bad ones, that would be wonderful!That would make everything a bit easier to take.) Oh, and I won't lose my hair because I'm not doing chemo. Since the cancer could only be seen in that one place....maybe the radiation will take care of it and that will be that.... who knows.
In the meantime, I'm doing great!
I have been just a regular peson in good health -- except for the headaches that (as those who know me can testify to) are mostly terrorizing. Before cancer came to visit. There's no breast cancer in my family and I've not had an inkling of a risk factor. Still...here I am. Since I'm in the public eye in some ways and many people ask, and because it's not a dark secret, I thought I'd keep a blog so people could keep track of what's going on with me -- if they chose to. I want to assure those who worry, that I practice what I preach in the mind, body, spirit world and that I will be fine. I also will maintain all of my responsibilities, so don't worry about your books, projects, or your relationships with me. All will muddle through one way or another. I'm accepting greatfully all prayers, energies, spells, light, and love from any who care to send! And I return the same! Thank you all for being in my life! Dinah
12/02/2012
Radiation
I started radiation treatment on my back last week. People have been asking me why only two weeks when with breast cancer it’s usually 6-7 weeks. I am no longer curable with breast cancer. I'm at stage 4 incurable breast cancer now that it has spread to the T7 bone in my back. They are trying to "control" the cancer in my back by hopefully shrinking it or even better eradicating it, but can't do more than 2 weeks in that location. As it is, it may burn my esophagus. They can only hope that the estrogen suppressor pill will work on cancer that is anyplace else in my body. They can't see it anyplace else at this time, but suspect that there is more at the cellular level.
The treatment itself is under a minute at one time and I don't feel it at all, but I do have anxious feelings with it. The worse part is that it exhausts me in a way I've never felt before. By Friday this past week, I had to take off work and I slept all day. I could barely stand without being wobbly. I'd had the exhaustion and my good old headaches every night. Then I'd worked half a day. It was killing me and I went into depression. The girls at work got together and they made dinner for us one night every night during the week and will every night this coming week too so I don't have to come home from the treatment and cook or so Carroll doesn't have to worry about it. That was so so nice. I can’t tell you how much that kindness has helped me.
I just want it to be over and I have a feeling it just isn't going to be any time soon. Also, when I get the headaches I'm less able to deal with things and that's what I'm facing. I see the oncologist once a month when I get the shot that helps the bones that I must have, since the cancer is in my bones and the estrogen suppressor hurts the bones.
I did have one interesting thing happen on Thursday that was in tune with the mind/body/spirit things I do at work and the books I write – one of which was on animal communications. During my morning meditation, I talked to Mary’s cat Gracie, who had passed on a year or more ago. I don't usually talk to the animals anymore—since I’d begun channeling light beings. I just go to the water's edge in my meditation to the chair and sit to talk with the light beings or guides or whoever shows up. Today, my animal guides showed up and ushered me down the animal path I used to take when I was routinely practicing animal communications for my first animal book Psychic Pets. I asked if I needed to stop at the roll top desk to know who I would be seeing and they said no. Then as I neared the tree line, Gracie was there. She began to talk to me and tell me that I was now in a cocoon and proceeded to tell me all about this cocoon and transformation and such. Odd thing was that I was "under" about a half hour with her and I don't remember any more than that. I could've been asleep, not sure, but it was all about this cocoon. Now, as I’ve mentioned, I've not been doing very well this week. Emotionally and physically. Super super tired like I've never felt. I fall asleep sitting up and in weird places... It's awful. Cluster headaches like in the beginning some years ago. Emotionally upset... depressed, etc. At my treatments, though, the actual treatment is only under a minute, I'm having trouble breathing during that time -- anxiety -- and the buzzing the machine makes has me feeling like each second is minutes long. Even though I've felt the room full of light beings, angels, guides and every kind of being to support, I can't get that buzz to recede or my breathing under control. It’s difficult to remain completely still – and I must. Today, on the table, Gracie came. She pulled me to her attention saying: Look at me and listen to me. Then she started talking about the cocoon again. And then...I don't remember any more. Don't remember what she said. Don't remember the buzz of the machine. Didn't feel my breathing... Next thing I knew the nurse was there and was saying we were all done.
Of course, didn't help the ball buster headache when I got home, but she got me through the treatment today. I never even asked for her and she was there clear as a bell. I mean super clear, yet I don't remember anything she said except that it was about being in a cocoon.
That said, I was hoping that she would be there Friday but she wasn’t and I had to go through it all again. But I do think it wasn’t quite as bad. Of course, I’d slept all of Thursday night and Friday day, so I was somewhat rested. Suffice it to say, I’m not looking forward to the upcoming week
Radiation Done!
12/09/2012
December 9, 2012
Well, I’m finally done my two weeks radiation!! Friday being my last session, I got to "ring the bell," which is a cow bell that I swear can be heard around the world! The therapists were all around and gave me a certificate for my determination. It was cool. A great group of ladies – dedication to what they do and the people they take care of. The nurse told me that the radiation would continue to work on me for another 4-6 weeks even though the actual treatments were completed. I now go to the oncologist this coming Wednesday for my monthly shot (to help the bones from taking the estrogen suppressor pill) and blood work. I guess I will find out then what happens next.
The interesting part to last week was that my headaches were so bad and nonresponsive to my prior meds that I had to go to my family doctor. Turns out I had (and have) a nasty sinus infection along with everything else, which is one reason I was so sick. So I’m on antibiotics now. The doctor says the infection is so bad that 10 days of antibiotics may not even do the trick. At least the headaches have subsided back into the normal variety I'm used to.
I can’t tell you how much wonderful support I’ve had up to this moment. I had no idea that there were so many wonderful people out there. Some don’t even personally know me. Here are some of the wonderful things people are doing or have done for me since June 2012 when I was diagnosed:
Prayer groups around the world
Personal prayers
Shaman rituals
Reiki treatments
Healing energies
Therapeutic oils
Cards, emails, phone calls, visits, and letters
Flowers
My dinner cooked for me for two weeks during radiation!
Help at work as I’ve become behind
Leave from work for treatments and doctor appointments
Allowances for working at home
Wigs, scarves, and a Dammit Doll!
Research and education
Support references
A painting
Donations to the Cancer Society
Walking in an event for me
Gifts from the heart
Polarity work
Readings (psychic and card)
And I know I’ve forgotten things at this moment, but the outpour of support and love is beyond anything I could ever have hoped for. Here’s a big thank you to all!
Near Christmas 2012
12/23/2012
Hello all! It's right before Christmas and because I didn't have to do chemo, I had a couple vacation days I could take. Very nice because it's been hard working and going through everything these last 6 months. I tell ya though, the headaches have not subsided and that has been a nightmare. The sinus infection has eased -- I'm on my second bout of antibiotics, but I'm still fighting the headaches. Oddly, they are worse than the cancer. (I don't get it.) It's pretty bad when you take a vacation day (on Friday past) and have to be miserable all day with headache after headache. Weather related? Maybe. But whatever they are related to (whatever trigger), for those of you who are not aware, cluster headaches are said in the medical community to be 100 times worse than migraines. They are often called suicide headaches (for very good reason). So that's what I'm dealing with alongside the cancer.
Anyway, I saw the oncologist after the final radiation sessions to get the monthly shot and blood work and was told that they would rescan me in about 4 months to see what the radiation and the estrogen suppressor pills have accomplished. So, fingers crossed. I still feel fine cancer wise. There's no pain in my back or breast. No symptoms there. I'm still a bit tired from the radiation treatments, but that will be for a while. Right now I'm just looking forward to spending some time with family and lazing around the house!
I hope that everyone reading this has a happy holiday and a wonderful new year! Again, thanks for all the support you have given me this past year; I love you all!
Knock on Wood—Okay for now!
02/02/2013
Hello all and thanks for writing me at work and home to find out how I'm doing, since I have not followed through on this site since the holidays. (Sorry!)
For a while there I was pretty bad off. Not with the cancer issues, but with the cluster headaches. Without boring you to death, I was spending about 6 hours every 24-hour period with them. Then, something led me to an Internet site for the Institute of Headaches in NY. (I'm always researhing in case anyone comes up with some new remedy or better still a cure.) Long story short, through this research, I thought it possible that I was deficient in magnesium. Now, stepping back in time, I'd asked a few years ago for a dream message from my guides about what I should be taking for these clusters. When I woke that morning, there was a shout in my head--loud! It said fish oil and magnesium. It couldn't be that simple and no doctor ever mentioned it (fancy that). So then I started taking 1 fish oil and 1 magnesium (pretty sporatically, but I tried). Finally, when I saw no results, I kinda took it willy-nilly. Then I find this NY site and it says LARGE dose of magnesium. Hmmmm. So I took 4 spread out over the day. That was was two weeks ago and I haven't had a headache since! I then bought a book about magnesium and it said that not only can such a deficiency cause migraines and cluster headaches, but it can cause diabetes issues, colesteral problems....on and on. It seems I've wasted several years now, in pain, only to find that I'm lacking a mineral. (For anyone intersted, eons ago and before I was diagnosed with cancer, I was found to be low in Vitamin D. Researching more about that, I found that low or no Vitamin D is a possible trigger for....wait for it...cancer. Now why the hell didn't some of these doctors tell me that?)
Anyway, for now, I'm doing well. I take my shot, get my port flushed, give my blood, and see the oncologist once a month (probably for forever). No pain in the breasts or in my back where it matastisized to. I get tired in the afternoons, but that is a small price to pay. It's nice to feel well enough to enjoy my life.
Again, couldn't have done it without all of you! Hugs!
Too Good to be True
02/10/2013
Well, I knew it was too good to be true. Actually, I didn't. I've had 10 headache-free days, but when the Noreaster came to us, the headaches returned in full force. I can't tell you how that brought me down. Had one Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night was the worst in a very long time. As I sit here now on Sunday, I'm in pain, but typing through it.
I looked in the mirror earlier and I just look ill. My eyes are the worst. They appear sunken somehow. Everyone tells me how wonderful I'm doing, but I don't have the vibrance that I once had. That is very disturbing.
My mood eased a bit today as I helped a friend, Doug Boren, read over his next book. I worked 12 hours on it over the weekend and couldn't put it down. It took me away from my illness for a while. Patriot's Point is the name of this book and it's part of a historic series. This one centers around the Carolinas during the American Revolution. A wonderful book. Keep an eye on the News page on this website for more about the release date for it.
Well, since my pain keeps taking my focus, I'll cut this short. I've been to bed twice now and have had to get up to deal with it. The hardest part is getting no sleep and knowing that I still have to work the next day.
Wish me luck.
Finally, Some Great News!
03/31/2013
Apologies for not posting for so long. As much as I've been staying on top of issues regarding doctor appointments, work, running a home....you know...I have been horrible about anything that's dealt with email, facebook, my website, even the telephone -- I've just not wanted to see any of it.
But things took a change (in one aspect of my life) this past Thursday when I had 3 scans to find out if the meds and the radiation did anything to curb the cancer in any way. I was actually sick on Friday and didn't go to work, and at about 10 am or so, I got a call from my doctor's office, the nurse telling me that I was -- are you ready? -- CANCER FREE!!!
The surprise was immence because people don't routinely come back from Stage 4 Breast Cancer that's gone into the bone that quickly! I know it was all the help I've received from all of you. And I thank you from the bottom of my heart and hope you will continue to keep me in your thoughts so that it doesn't come back.
I'd like to ask for another favor from all who can...my father was taken seriously ill and may be permanently hospitalized or in a nursing home from Parkiinson's Disease unless I can muster enough healing to take him back to the person he was a year ago. I'm working my hardest with energy healing balls, clearings, and all the things I do, but I fear it's not enough.
Anyway, please keep me in your prayers, rituals, thoughts, etc. and if you would add my father, Lawrence, I'd be most thankful.
Love and Light to all of you,
Dinah
As if there hasn't been enough trauma this last year, my dear sister-in-law, Karen, died on Easter overnight. Unexpected and horrible news. The world is a bit dimmer without her here, but I know that the stars are brighter for having her.
All That and Sugar Too
05/27/2013
Hello all,
Thanks for all of you who read my horrendous story about my father and his passing -- and the wonderful medical community. (I'm hoping my sarcasm is evident.) If you haven't read it, the story is immediately below this post and I ask you as a favor to me to read it. The word must be passed so that this kind of thing can be averted by others.
I'd like to say that things are smooth now, but I'm finding out that this is not to be. I'm still in remission though, so I'm happy (and appreciative to all of you) for that. My body has just been putting up the biggest stink over this last year. At my most recent chemo shot (the one I take every month to counter the effects of the estrogen suppressor and along with the regular blood tests), my oncologist found that the sugar in my blood was 500! It's supposed to be 100. He said that I should have been (or nearly ready to go) in the hospital. "We're keeping you," he said, and rushed me to the infusion center to give me an insulin injection, a bag of fluids and a pill of Metformin (I was already on that for Pre-diabetes). They got the number down to 307 before I went home, but I was told (sternly) to get to my family doctor right away.
So, now, on top of everything else, full-blown diabetes. I'm now testing my blood every morning for a month before the doctor decides what needs to be done. Well, hell, my numbers for the last week are all over the place, but not down in the area of 126-150, where I'm told it should be. I'm being serious about it too: eating right (and less), exercising, keeping my stress as low as I can... I'm reading a book I'd gotten about a year ago, The Sugar Solution, and doing all the right things, but still woke up this morning with a number of 262.
Well, at least I lost 12 pounds. (The doctor says it was because of my sugar diabetes.) I can now fit into pants that my husband had been urging me (along with other lower-size wardrobe items) to give to Good Will. The silver lining...
Hope your holiday weekend (those of you in the US) was great! Despite all, it was good to have a couple days off work. It's been a tough couple months!
Dinah