I had my first experience with a kidney stone when I was 16 years old. It was one that I prayed I would never have to go through again. My mom took me to the ER where they put dye in my kidneys and immediately diagnosed the problem. I passed the stone and life went on as normal.
Fast forward a few years to my freshman year in college. In the middle of a math class, I started having severe pain and cold, clammy sweats. I left class and ran to throw up. Turns out I had another kidney stone.
13 years later...and here we are again. I woke up about 2 a.m. with some cramping and back pain. I took an Ibuprofen and went back to sleep. This morning, I still wasn't feeling quite "right" but I headed off to work as usual. After being at work for a bit, the pain came back and I kept getting the cold sweats. A few times I felt like I was going to pass out, and then I ended up vomiting twice. My Mom came and got me and we went to the Urgent Care facility. My urine culture showed blood, so they sent me to the hospital for a CT of my kidneys. Sure enough, there is a 3mm stone stuck in my left ureter! Some urine is backing up into the kidney. They assured me that it would pass on its own, but in the meantime, I am on an antibiotic to prevent any infection, and I have some Percocet if I have another "attack". I am supposed to follow up with a urologist when I come back from Massachusetts.
Having Ethan was easier than having a kidney stone!
______________________
Mom had her consultation with the breast surgeon yesterday. He did a VERY thorough breast exam and he could not feel anything. However, since the mammogram and ultrasound both showed something was indeed there, she is scheduled for a biopsy next Wednesday. He did say though that in "his opinion", he did not think they were looking at a malignancy. We are all holding onto that hope, and we hope the biopsy is negative. Please continue to keep her in your prayers.
_____________________
I think I have lost 1/2 pound since weigh-in on Monday, but I'm not totally sure. I hope that I don't slip up too much while I'm away this weekend. To answer Sabrina's question, Jenny Craig costs me about $100 per week, but that is all my meals and snacks. We have cut back on how much we order takeout or eat out, so I think we'll break even. Right now, I have to do what I have to do in order to lose this weight!
______________________
Have a great Labor Day weekend everyone!
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
A Step in the Right Direction
I had my first Jenny Craig weigh-in, and I am down 3.6 pounds! I am finding it fairly easy to stick to the plan, and the food is actually really good! We are going away this weekend for my nephew's birthday party, so I am nervous about how I am going to handle the diet while on "vacation". I just need to keep a positive outlook and remember WHY I am spending all this money and working so hard!
My Mom had to reschedule her consult with the breast surgeon to today at 2 p.m. My Dad took the day off to go with her. After today, she'll probably have a date for the biopsy. She is still hanging in there and keeping a positive attitude.
I think Ethan has entered the terrible two's early!!! I was reading in "The Happiest Toddler on the Block" that 18-24 months is actually a very rough time. Ethan is constantly testing J and I and doing things he knows he shouldn't. We're firm and consistent, which seems to be working (for now!).
Had another counseling session yesterday. We have a long way to go, but the sessions are so eye-opening and helpful in seeing each other's point-of-view. I know only good things can come out of the counseling.
Back to work....
My Mom had to reschedule her consult with the breast surgeon to today at 2 p.m. My Dad took the day off to go with her. After today, she'll probably have a date for the biopsy. She is still hanging in there and keeping a positive attitude.
I think Ethan has entered the terrible two's early!!! I was reading in "The Happiest Toddler on the Block" that 18-24 months is actually a very rough time. Ethan is constantly testing J and I and doing things he knows he shouldn't. We're firm and consistent, which seems to be working (for now!).
Had another counseling session yesterday. We have a long way to go, but the sessions are so eye-opening and helpful in seeing each other's point-of-view. I know only good things can come out of the counseling.
Back to work....
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
Life
No news to report on my Mom as her consultation is this Thursday. I want to thank all of you for your prayers and for your encouraging comments left here. It helps to know that there are others out there who know breast cancer survivors and success stories.
_______________
I joined Jenny Craig yesterday, so I had to laugh when I saw Sheri's blog entry about her "before Jenny" photo! I had mine taken yesterday and it was NOT a pretty sight. I need to have some structure in order to lose this weight, and I have little to no time to prepare meals, so Jenny Craig seemed like a good, albeit expensive, option. I am going to try it for 6 weeks and see how the plan fits with my schedule and my budget. I hope to be down about 12 pounds at the end of those 6 weeks. My goal is to lose 30 pounds. Not only am I unhappy with my appearance and the effect it is having on my self-confidence, I need to lose this weight before TTC Baby #2. I had GD with Ethan, and I was told that I will most likely have GD with any subsequent pregnancies. If I am at a healthy weight and eating a healthy diet when I get pregnant, I am hoping that I can avoid the GD and the 55+ pounds I gained with Ethan.
I am excited about this, but also scared of failure. I have lost and regained so much weight over the years that starting something new and putting your faith in the plan and yourself is tougher and tougher each time. Each time you fail, you fall a little farther and feel even more like a loser. I am trying to take one meal at a time.
______________________
J and I have had our 4th counseling session. We have lots of work ahead of us, but we are both discovering things about ourselves that we didn't necessarily acknowledge before. As long as we can afford it, we will continue to work on our relationship with the counselor and hopefully put some of our issues to rest for good.
________________
I started taking the Zoloft again as of last Friday. It's too soon to see a difference, but I am hoping it can help me gain control of my worry and horrible anxiety. I go back in a few weeks for a follow-up appointment...will keep you posted.
_______________________
Ethan is fabulous! He is my shining star! He just turned 18 months and his personality is emerging more and more every day. I think J and I have a comedian on our hands and a real "ham"! Every day, I discover more joys of motherhood.
That's it in a nutshell!
_______________
I joined Jenny Craig yesterday, so I had to laugh when I saw Sheri's blog entry about her "before Jenny" photo! I had mine taken yesterday and it was NOT a pretty sight. I need to have some structure in order to lose this weight, and I have little to no time to prepare meals, so Jenny Craig seemed like a good, albeit expensive, option. I am going to try it for 6 weeks and see how the plan fits with my schedule and my budget. I hope to be down about 12 pounds at the end of those 6 weeks. My goal is to lose 30 pounds. Not only am I unhappy with my appearance and the effect it is having on my self-confidence, I need to lose this weight before TTC Baby #2. I had GD with Ethan, and I was told that I will most likely have GD with any subsequent pregnancies. If I am at a healthy weight and eating a healthy diet when I get pregnant, I am hoping that I can avoid the GD and the 55+ pounds I gained with Ethan.
I am excited about this, but also scared of failure. I have lost and regained so much weight over the years that starting something new and putting your faith in the plan and yourself is tougher and tougher each time. Each time you fail, you fall a little farther and feel even more like a loser. I am trying to take one meal at a time.
______________________
J and I have had our 4th counseling session. We have lots of work ahead of us, but we are both discovering things about ourselves that we didn't necessarily acknowledge before. As long as we can afford it, we will continue to work on our relationship with the counselor and hopefully put some of our issues to rest for good.
________________
I started taking the Zoloft again as of last Friday. It's too soon to see a difference, but I am hoping it can help me gain control of my worry and horrible anxiety. I go back in a few weeks for a follow-up appointment...will keep you posted.
_______________________
Ethan is fabulous! He is my shining star! He just turned 18 months and his personality is emerging more and more every day. I think J and I have a comedian on our hands and a real "ham"! Every day, I discover more joys of motherhood.
That's it in a nutshell!
Friday, August 18, 2006
Small Update
My Mom has an appointment next Thursday with a breast surgeon to discuss how the breast will be biopsied. According to the copy of the ultrasound report she received, there are 2 areas of concern, both in the left breast. She has lots of questions for the breast surgeon based on what the report says. She is handling all of this remarkably well, and she is determined to absorb one step at a time before moving on to the next. She refuses to look ahead or to think long-term because it is just too scary and overwhelming. My aunt told her that the only way she got through two bouts with breast cancer was to take one step at a time, so that's what she is doing.
It will probably be a few weeks before we know the results of her biopsy and what treatment is next. In the meantime, we are all trying to stay positive and focus on the here and now. Please continue to keep her in your prayers.
It will probably be a few weeks before we know the results of her biopsy and what treatment is next. In the meantime, we are all trying to stay positive and focus on the here and now. Please continue to keep her in your prayers.
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
Worry of a Different Kind
Mom just e-mailed me and told me that her mammogram yesterday was abnormal in the left breast. The film picked up something behind the nipple, and they sent her for an ultrasound. The ultrasound does show something there that needs further testing.
Her primary care physician should receive the ultrasound report no later than this Thursday morning. Then she will know what additional testing she will need to undergo. She will most likely have a biopsy to find out if it is breast cancer.
*Deep Breath*
My aunt (my mom's sister) has had breast cancer twice: first diagnosis was at the age of 44. At that time, she had a lumpectomy and radiation. The cancer reoccurred in the other breast when she was 52. This time, she opted for a double masectomy with breast reconstruction surgery. She has been cancer free for 3 years now.
I know that breast cancer is not a death sentence. My Mom has been very vigilant about having her yearly mammograms, especially because of her sister's diagnosis. She has always been terrified that she will be next. I am so scared for her, and for me too. If she has breast cancer, then my chances of eventually getting breast cancer are increased.
Please pray that my Mom's tests show that whatever is behind the nipple is harmless. If it isn't, please pray that she will have the strength and support she needs to endure whatever treatment is deemed necessary.
Her primary care physician should receive the ultrasound report no later than this Thursday morning. Then she will know what additional testing she will need to undergo. She will most likely have a biopsy to find out if it is breast cancer.
*Deep Breath*
My aunt (my mom's sister) has had breast cancer twice: first diagnosis was at the age of 44. At that time, she had a lumpectomy and radiation. The cancer reoccurred in the other breast when she was 52. This time, she opted for a double masectomy with breast reconstruction surgery. She has been cancer free for 3 years now.
I know that breast cancer is not a death sentence. My Mom has been very vigilant about having her yearly mammograms, especially because of her sister's diagnosis. She has always been terrified that she will be next. I am so scared for her, and for me too. If she has breast cancer, then my chances of eventually getting breast cancer are increased.
Please pray that my Mom's tests show that whatever is behind the nipple is harmless. If it isn't, please pray that she will have the strength and support she needs to endure whatever treatment is deemed necessary.
Thursday, August 03, 2006
An Angel
Dylan James Manning received his wings yesterday, August 2. He is finally at peace and doing all the things he was unable to do here on Earth. Please pray for his family during this difficult time, that they may receive strength and healing from the Lord.
I've never met you in person, Dylan, but I feel like I know you, from everything I've heard about you from Lisa, Lacie's Mom. You fought an incredible fight, but now it's your time to run and play with all of the Tay-Sachs angels who have been called home before you.
JUST BELIEVE
http://www.djsfoundation.org/intro.htm
I've never met you in person, Dylan, but I feel like I know you, from everything I've heard about you from Lisa, Lacie's Mom. You fought an incredible fight, but now it's your time to run and play with all of the Tay-Sachs angels who have been called home before you.
JUST BELIEVE
http://www.djsfoundation.org/intro.htm
Tuesday, August 01, 2006
Sick Again
Yup, my little boy is sick again. Last week, he came down with a cold. After a few days, he seemed to be having a bit of trouble breathing, so I took him to the pediatrician. He was diagnosed with an ear infection, sinusitis, and croup and put on an antibiotic as well as a steroid to help open up his airways. Today marks a week on the medications, and he really isn't much better. To top it off, Sunday night and last night, he threw up in his crib sometime during the night. Boy does that make for a nice surprise for Mommy in the morning! I think that he probably has so much post-nasal drip and congestion that it's making him feel sick.
I called the pediatrician back today and told him that Ethan really wasn't much better after a week on the antibiotic. He still has very thick, yellow snot and a terrible cough. The doctor is calling in a different antibiotic that he is to take for 2 more weeks. So 3 weeks on medicines...poor kid. Everyone (family, co-workers, friends) keeps reassuring me that the first 2 years in daycare are horrible and that once Ethan starts school, he will be sick much less often because he'll be immune to so much. I HOPE so! I feel like my little guy is always sick!
***************************************************************
I am on Day 2 of eating healthier and exercising. I spend yesterday's and today's 30-minute lunch break walking on the treadmill and reading a book. I have kept my calories low and my meals and snacks healthy. When I think about long-term, I get discouraged, so I am trying to think "one day at a time, one meal at a time".
***************************************************************
Joe and I had our second counseling session yesterday. It went well, but we have a lot of work to do to truly get back the closeness that we both want. I am confident that we can do it though.
***************************************************************
Money is still tight and my skin is still bad. Hey, you can't win 'em all, right?
I called the pediatrician back today and told him that Ethan really wasn't much better after a week on the antibiotic. He still has very thick, yellow snot and a terrible cough. The doctor is calling in a different antibiotic that he is to take for 2 more weeks. So 3 weeks on medicines...poor kid. Everyone (family, co-workers, friends) keeps reassuring me that the first 2 years in daycare are horrible and that once Ethan starts school, he will be sick much less often because he'll be immune to so much. I HOPE so! I feel like my little guy is always sick!
***************************************************************
I am on Day 2 of eating healthier and exercising. I spend yesterday's and today's 30-minute lunch break walking on the treadmill and reading a book. I have kept my calories low and my meals and snacks healthy. When I think about long-term, I get discouraged, so I am trying to think "one day at a time, one meal at a time".
***************************************************************
Joe and I had our second counseling session yesterday. It went well, but we have a lot of work to do to truly get back the closeness that we both want. I am confident that we can do it though.
***************************************************************
Money is still tight and my skin is still bad. Hey, you can't win 'em all, right?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)