I don't know where to begin.
Let's see the Candida... I decided to see a nutritionist. I made an appointment with our local People's Pharmacy who are reknown for helping people with this very thing... and all with stuff that does the body good. Well, before I had the appointment, a small miracle happened! Keith was talking with a friend from church and asked her how pharmacy school was going. She said it's not... I've become a nutritionist. WOW! And she added she was able to keep her dad off of dialysis for a year. Well you can figure it out... I cancelled my appointment and made one with sweet Nikki.
She did this test on me to see how well I absorb nutrients. It's called the biomarkers of health. She placed little metal plates on my hand and foot (kind of like when you get an EKG). It tested my Phase Angle... which reflects cell membane integrity and over-all cellular health and function. For my age my marker should have been >6.6 and mine was 5.7... Not bad, eh? And then it tested my Intracellular water... this increases cell health. For my age it should be >54.2 and mine was 51.7.
Also, she took me off all grains and sugar! Actually its not been that hard. I did, one day, decide to eat one of the Christmas goodies I got... a little peanut butter cake with a chocolate drop. Well, I got tell ya, I've not been that high since... oh well, let's not go there! I was dizzy, sick to my stomach, shaking. YUK! I have eaten very little pieces of candy (like my mom's wonderful Christmas fudge) with out effect. But I guess I have to lay off anything that's bigger than my thumbnail!
I'm taking Whey Powder, a probiotic that had 4 billion live enzymes (but now I'm down to only about 250 million because the 4 billion are too expensive), IgG2000DF, a hemoglobin... I make this into a shake with Almond milk every morning. It really is quite tasty. This is all to get my gut back into shape and eliminate the Candida.
I think I feel better... but right now I can't tell because I've got an awful cold. And of course, I had to take more antibiotics for it. I can't win! But at the end of the day, God is still good!
December 23, 2006
Applying for Disability
My father-in-law kept telling my husband that I could take early retirement from the State if I was disabled. What this would mean for me is that my health insurance will be paid for for the rest of my life! So we checked into it and it's true. So I'm applying for early retirement. Target retirement date is 2/28/07. And I'm also applying for Social Security Disability. The catch is I can't be making more than $900/month in order to be approved for SSD. So Keith and I are biting the bullet and as soon as I get approved for my state retirement, I'm quitting work.
Since after Thanksgiving, I've been trying to work 40 hours a week. And this is my 3rd infection since then. And this cold I have now is a doozy and here it is the night before Christmas eve and I feel pretty lousy.
When I went to see my dr. for this infection we were talking about me ... well I was talking about me working 30 hours a week and he said I should be working NO hours a week. He said he couldn't believe I had worked this long. But, with a bone marrow transplant being talked about and having to pay for all my cancer treatment, I had no idea I had any other choice. And frankly I'm just plain worn out. So pray that God will let me find favor with the state retirement and especially with SSD. We have an appointment on Dec. 29th.
Merry Christmas to you all. May the Lord bless all you put your hand to in 2007! I can't express enough the support you all have been to me!
Since after Thanksgiving, I've been trying to work 40 hours a week. And this is my 3rd infection since then. And this cold I have now is a doozy and here it is the night before Christmas eve and I feel pretty lousy.
When I went to see my dr. for this infection we were talking about me ... well I was talking about me working 30 hours a week and he said I should be working NO hours a week. He said he couldn't believe I had worked this long. But, with a bone marrow transplant being talked about and having to pay for all my cancer treatment, I had no idea I had any other choice. And frankly I'm just plain worn out. So pray that God will let me find favor with the state retirement and especially with SSD. We have an appointment on Dec. 29th.
Merry Christmas to you all. May the Lord bless all you put your hand to in 2007! I can't express enough the support you all have been to me!
December 02, 2006
Candida... My acupuncturist finally was right
I stopped the Amoxcillian yesterday and did not wake up last night in a frenzy of wild itching. However, when I called the good docs at MD Anderson, Dr. Vu told me I had Candida in my throat. And I bet I've got it all over my body. Here is some information about Candida.
Ok, let's skip to the chase... here is one guy's list:
The Third Stage of Candida Symptoms may involve MENTAL and BEHAVIORAL RESPONSES: Inability to concentrate, not being able to read or follow a television program or carry on a hobby, serious forgetfulness, memory loss, mental confusion, not being able to think of the words to say something, switching around of words and letters when trying to speak and/or write something,
Uh, I think that might apply to me.
Oh my read this... I've been on a sweet tooth rage now for weeks:
Yeast may overgrow when antibiotics, medications, drugs, birth control and hormone pills, and steroids (such as Prednisone and Cortisone) are taken. These medications tend to kill the good bacteria in addition to the bad bacteria that caused the present illness. This allows the yeast to reign freely until our Immune System beats it back once again. (note from me: What immune system?)
The typical modern diet facilitates the problem. Refined sugars and high starch/carbohydrate foods give the yeast exactly what it needs to flourish. (This is why we add sugar or honey to the yeast when we make bread! This is also why so many people CRAVE sweets and breads just as badly as an alcoholic craves alcohol--the yeast is screaming for fuel to keep ever growing!)
Another factor allowing yeast overgrowth is STRESS. Stress depresses or even shuts down the Immune System. It is noted that following a great stress (such as the loss of a mate) a person is more than likely to become seriously ill within the next year, as a result of that stress on the body.
I do believe I'm under a little stress. And since I've been on anti-biotics now for 18 months... well my body is probably a ripe ground for Candida.
To be continued...
Ok, let's skip to the chase... here is one guy's list:
The Third Stage of Candida Symptoms may involve MENTAL and BEHAVIORAL RESPONSES: Inability to concentrate, not being able to read or follow a television program or carry on a hobby, serious forgetfulness, memory loss, mental confusion, not being able to think of the words to say something, switching around of words and letters when trying to speak and/or write something,
Uh, I think that might apply to me.
Oh my read this... I've been on a sweet tooth rage now for weeks:
Yeast may overgrow when antibiotics, medications, drugs, birth control and hormone pills, and steroids (such as Prednisone and Cortisone) are taken. These medications tend to kill the good bacteria in addition to the bad bacteria that caused the present illness. This allows the yeast to reign freely until our Immune System beats it back once again. (note from me: What immune system?)
The typical modern diet facilitates the problem. Refined sugars and high starch/carbohydrate foods give the yeast exactly what it needs to flourish. (This is why we add sugar or honey to the yeast when we make bread! This is also why so many people CRAVE sweets and breads just as badly as an alcoholic craves alcohol--the yeast is screaming for fuel to keep ever growing!)
Another factor allowing yeast overgrowth is STRESS. Stress depresses or even shuts down the Immune System. It is noted that following a great stress (such as the loss of a mate) a person is more than likely to become seriously ill within the next year, as a result of that stress on the body.
I do believe I'm under a little stress. And since I've been on anti-biotics now for 18 months... well my body is probably a ripe ground for Candida.
To be continued...
December 01, 2006
Amoxicillian
I think I'm allergic to amoxicillian now. Since starting it on Monday for some odd infection, I've awaken at 3am, 4am and 5am each day this week (week of 11/27) itching horribly!
November 27, 2006
Date Log: 11/27/06: Good News & so-so News
Yea! Dr. Duvic was happy w/my obvious improvement of my skin. The bumps/pebbles/sugar pops are less. I'm whiter... and this white woman can dance!
However, I don't know what my numbers are... the numbers that really tell how the cancer is or isn't. I did a blood draw (well really about 8 vials) to see what my numbers will be... the cd4/cd8 & sezary cell count. When I go back on 12/11 I'll know if the BCX1777 is affecting the bad T-cells too. I had one small lymph node, the others are still insignificant. Which means this drug must be working.
These tests can really tell the story of where my cancer is, BECAUSE I can't. Why do I say this? Because I'm running a 100 degree fever, which is really high for me and my throat is spotted with puss and my b/p was 192/92. Now when I had my B/P taken at work the other day it was 120/78. White coat syndrome? Who knows.
But back to me being sick. This is not good because this is what will put you in the hospital. So even though my skin is looking better I'm still very auto immuned compromised. So I'm back on antibiotics which makes me more immune compromised which ... well you get the idea.
so good news and bad news. Pray that I will find a way to build up my immune system ... a way that won't cost me money having to go to a herbalist and spending lots of money on herbs. It always seems it costs money to be healthy naturally. Ok, I don't think I'm making much sense but thanks for listening to me.
However, I don't know what my numbers are... the numbers that really tell how the cancer is or isn't. I did a blood draw (well really about 8 vials) to see what my numbers will be... the cd4/cd8 & sezary cell count. When I go back on 12/11 I'll know if the BCX1777 is affecting the bad T-cells too. I had one small lymph node, the others are still insignificant. Which means this drug must be working.
These tests can really tell the story of where my cancer is, BECAUSE I can't. Why do I say this? Because I'm running a 100 degree fever, which is really high for me and my throat is spotted with puss and my b/p was 192/92. Now when I had my B/P taken at work the other day it was 120/78. White coat syndrome? Who knows.
But back to me being sick. This is not good because this is what will put you in the hospital. So even though my skin is looking better I'm still very auto immuned compromised. So I'm back on antibiotics which makes me more immune compromised which ... well you get the idea.
so good news and bad news. Pray that I will find a way to build up my immune system ... a way that won't cost me money having to go to a herbalist and spending lots of money on herbs. It always seems it costs money to be healthy naturally. Ok, I don't think I'm making much sense but thanks for listening to me.
November 23, 2006
Oh I forgot 2 things - A God Moment
See my note on Thrush. When I went to the drs. after the weekend when my thrush was healed...I stuck my tongue out at Dr. Vu and she said "Your thrush is gone. Wow that medicine works good." I told her I had used it ONE time. Funny thing is that Bill Johnson had a "word" about the "inside" of the mouth. My lips still have thrush! So I've been using the medicine!
On Saturday night when I went to the meeting, my neck was killing me from my accident (see on my way to Houston). It hadn't hurt like this at all. So I got prayed for. When I went to see my Chiropractor on Tuesday and he was adjusting me I asked, "So how does my neck and back feel?" He gave me thumbs up and I said, "So does my neck and back and feel like it did before my accident?" He said, "Yea, it does!" Another touched body. Wish this stupid old MF/Sezary cell would respond as quickly.
Ok, this Texas girl is off to make Northern turkey dressing that only she will eat. But the family (my in-laws) will say several times thru the meal, "Its good Renee, it's just like eating dessert though." I put raisins and pecans in my white bread dressing! What can I say? My mom grew up in Detroit and my dad, though born and raised in Texas, had good taste buds. I must say my mother-in-law does make the only and best cornbread dressing I've ever eaten. Not that I've eaten a lot, I try and avoid it... you know Luby's dressing with the yellow gravy with eggs in it? EWWWWWWW weeee, can't abide by that. Ok, now I'll ask forgiveness of all of you eat that stuff!
On Saturday night when I went to the meeting, my neck was killing me from my accident (see on my way to Houston). It hadn't hurt like this at all. So I got prayed for. When I went to see my Chiropractor on Tuesday and he was adjusting me I asked, "So how does my neck and back feel?" He gave me thumbs up and I said, "So does my neck and back and feel like it did before my accident?" He said, "Yea, it does!" Another touched body. Wish this stupid old MF/Sezary cell would respond as quickly.
Ok, this Texas girl is off to make Northern turkey dressing that only she will eat. But the family (my in-laws) will say several times thru the meal, "Its good Renee, it's just like eating dessert though." I put raisins and pecans in my white bread dressing! What can I say? My mom grew up in Detroit and my dad, though born and raised in Texas, had good taste buds. I must say my mother-in-law does make the only and best cornbread dressing I've ever eaten. Not that I've eaten a lot, I try and avoid it... you know Luby's dressing with the yellow gravy with eggs in it? EWWWWWWW weeee, can't abide by that. Ok, now I'll ask forgiveness of all of you eat that stuff!
Date Log: 11/23/06... Wow a month from my last update
Ok, what has happened this last month.
1. I was seeing some real clearing on my feet. But that has seem to gone away.
2. Good news: My lymph nodes have gone down or are gone completely.
3. Bad news? My blood work doesn't show much improvement. May know better this coming Monday (the 27th)
4. I've got pebbly skin. Yes, my thighs are thick and look like they have sugar pops, my rendition, or pebbles, Dr. D's rendition, stuck under my skin. This makes it difficult to sit and squat... which since I've moved my office this last week, I'll be squatting a lot to put all my books in place, etc. Dr. D suggested we wait 4 weeks to see how the "pebble" situation plays out. She thinks it's an reaction to being OFF the Targretin! Weird, huh?
5. I'm feeling a lot of stress. It's effecting my memory. Not sure if it's the meds, or just that there are circumstances that are playing into this affect. At least I don't feel depressed on this drug. Which is one reason why I will fight to stay on it,
6. I am seeing real skin, cleared skin on my arms.
7. My internal temperature seems to have gone whacko again. But then again it might be that it is the low 70's in Austin, cold for me, but not cold enough for "real" people to turn on the heat.
8. I do seem to be itching more, but then again it comes an goes. For instance today I woke up and my arms were itching very badly. I took my Gabapentin and Atarax and I'm beginning to calm down.
9. Because of the cold, no moisture in the air, I've been taking that combo. That may be adding to my spaciness.
10. I'm probably not putting lotion on enough times during the day. But it just feel awful. Cold, wet, and makes me itch until it dries.
11. My feet/ankles are very swollen this week, but I attribute that to the fact that I moved offices and was on my feet about 8 hours a day this week.
12. I still can not stand to be in clothes for more than 8 hours. 100% polyester (or silk when I can afford it) pjs are the only thing that feel comfortable.
13. I wore my nice pj bottoms to work on Monday and Tuesday (though Tuesday's pj weren't 100% polyester and I could tell at the end of the day.) That seemed to help a lot. I need to find other pjs that don't look so "pjish".
14. The cuts on my feet had almost cleared but today I have several cuts... wonder if its from being on my feet on all week with the moving? Makes sense.
15. The first week of November I slept HORRIBLY! Made my hours at work suffer. Or it might have been the 2nd week. But that has ended, thank you JESUS! Wonder if it might be related to menopause/period stuff? Need to keep an eye on that. And, sorry, I guess that is more information than you needed to know, right?
I'll let you all know what Dr. Duvic says on Monday.
1. I was seeing some real clearing on my feet. But that has seem to gone away.
2. Good news: My lymph nodes have gone down or are gone completely.
3. Bad news? My blood work doesn't show much improvement. May know better this coming Monday (the 27th)
4. I've got pebbly skin. Yes, my thighs are thick and look like they have sugar pops, my rendition, or pebbles, Dr. D's rendition, stuck under my skin. This makes it difficult to sit and squat... which since I've moved my office this last week, I'll be squatting a lot to put all my books in place, etc. Dr. D suggested we wait 4 weeks to see how the "pebble" situation plays out. She thinks it's an reaction to being OFF the Targretin! Weird, huh?
5. I'm feeling a lot of stress. It's effecting my memory. Not sure if it's the meds, or just that there are circumstances that are playing into this affect. At least I don't feel depressed on this drug. Which is one reason why I will fight to stay on it,
6. I am seeing real skin, cleared skin on my arms.
7. My internal temperature seems to have gone whacko again. But then again it might be that it is the low 70's in Austin, cold for me, but not cold enough for "real" people to turn on the heat.
8. I do seem to be itching more, but then again it comes an goes. For instance today I woke up and my arms were itching very badly. I took my Gabapentin and Atarax and I'm beginning to calm down.
9. Because of the cold, no moisture in the air, I've been taking that combo. That may be adding to my spaciness.
10. I'm probably not putting lotion on enough times during the day. But it just feel awful. Cold, wet, and makes me itch until it dries.
11. My feet/ankles are very swollen this week, but I attribute that to the fact that I moved offices and was on my feet about 8 hours a day this week.
12. I still can not stand to be in clothes for more than 8 hours. 100% polyester (or silk when I can afford it) pjs are the only thing that feel comfortable.
13. I wore my nice pj bottoms to work on Monday and Tuesday (though Tuesday's pj weren't 100% polyester and I could tell at the end of the day.) That seemed to help a lot. I need to find other pjs that don't look so "pjish".
14. The cuts on my feet had almost cleared but today I have several cuts... wonder if its from being on my feet on all week with the moving? Makes sense.
15. The first week of November I slept HORRIBLY! Made my hours at work suffer. Or it might have been the 2nd week. But that has ended, thank you JESUS! Wonder if it might be related to menopause/period stuff? Need to keep an eye on that. And, sorry, I guess that is more information than you needed to know, right?
I'll let you all know what Dr. Duvic says on Monday.
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