Saturday, January 25, 2014
Withdrawal
Monday, (MLK Day) was day 90 for the steroids. That was the last day I took steroids. Since then, my body has been going through withdrawal. I've been having all day headaches, and my head hurts. The headache is really painful early in the morning. The early morning one has been like an Interferon headache. My neck has also been hurting as well. These headaches have not been fun.
Friday, January 17, 2014
Check up with Oncologist
I saw my oncologist this morning. My bp was good, and since December 26, I have gained 9 pounds. I have until February 24, to loose that weight. I was doing really good staying within a 4 pound range while on the steroids. I have had more energy the last three weeks, compared to how I was the previous 6 -7 weeks before then.
I will be done with the steroids on Monday! Yeah! I was originally scheduled to see my lung doctor on Monday, but that appointment has been cancelled and rescheduled twice. I am now scheduled to see him on Monday, February 24. Will see if that stays or gets rescheduled. My oncologist is allowing my lung doctor to schedule my next CT scan.
I am scheduled to see my oncologist 8 days before my birthday. So, if this scan comes back clean, then I will go a year after July's visit before I see my oncologist. After next month's port flush and blood work, I will start going about 6 weeks in between port flushes. I don't do that now, but will start doing that.
I will be done with the steroids on Monday! Yeah! I was originally scheduled to see my lung doctor on Monday, but that appointment has been cancelled and rescheduled twice. I am now scheduled to see him on Monday, February 24. Will see if that stays or gets rescheduled. My oncologist is allowing my lung doctor to schedule my next CT scan.
I am scheduled to see my oncologist 8 days before my birthday. So, if this scan comes back clean, then I will go a year after July's visit before I see my oncologist. After next month's port flush and blood work, I will start going about 6 weeks in between port flushes. I don't do that now, but will start doing that.
Wednesday, January 01, 2014
Happy 2014
New Year's Day, 2014. I spent last night with my single's group from church. We rented the same place as we did last year. A certain restaurant catered the meal, had dancing, devotional, and a lot of fun. Here are some pics from our New Year's Eve party.
Greta and myself
My table having fun taking pictures.
Five of the seven ladies from my table.
The whole gang
Brett and myself
Sunday, December 29, 2013
New Breathing Mask
I found out a couple of weeks ago, that with my insurance, I can get a new mask for my breathing machine (for sleep apnea) every three months. In the past month, I started having problems with my mask, because of the swelling of my face. I last got a new mask, back in February. I like the mask, but it wasn't staying on properly, and the straps kept moving up towards my ears. The week before Christmas, I stopped using the mask. Last Monday, the 23rd, I had an appointment over at Cornerstone to get a new mask. I needed a bigger mask. My new mask is similar to my old mask, but still different.
I slept pretty good this past week. The first three nights, I was feeling good in the morning, with a good amount of energy. I still took naps (on vacation). But by Thursday/Friday, I started noticing that my energy level wasn't up as high as it had been. Dad made a comment Thursday or Friday night, about how the swelling was getting worse in my face. I noticed Friday (I think) night, where the straps on the side was moving up towards my ears, having to readjust the mask when I woke up at night.
Between my slightly high blood sugar levels, and not getting enough air due to the mask not fitting properly at night, my energy level hasn't been very good. It is better than it was before Christmas vacation, but slightly lower than the beginning of last week.
It is going to be interesting on New Year's Eve, since I get really tired in the evenings and become half asleep. I am hanging out with my friends. I am planning on taking my own pop, since last year they only served Coke products, and I am a Pepsi person. Pepsi does help, but I hope I can last til midnight.
I slept pretty good this past week. The first three nights, I was feeling good in the morning, with a good amount of energy. I still took naps (on vacation). But by Thursday/Friday, I started noticing that my energy level wasn't up as high as it had been. Dad made a comment Thursday or Friday night, about how the swelling was getting worse in my face. I noticed Friday (I think) night, where the straps on the side was moving up towards my ears, having to readjust the mask when I woke up at night.
Between my slightly high blood sugar levels, and not getting enough air due to the mask not fitting properly at night, my energy level hasn't been very good. It is better than it was before Christmas vacation, but slightly lower than the beginning of last week.
It is going to be interesting on New Year's Eve, since I get really tired in the evenings and become half asleep. I am hanging out with my friends. I am planning on taking my own pop, since last year they only served Coke products, and I am a Pepsi person. Pepsi does help, but I hope I can last til midnight.
Thursday, December 26, 2013
At the Doctor's Office Again
I said that I had blood drawn on the 10th of this month. Doctor's office called on Tuesday, to say they got the results and that the doctor wanted to see me. So I scheduled the appointment for 10:50 this morning. I waited about 50 minutes in the waiting room before being called back. I gained about 2.5 pounds since the 2nd of this month. I have been watching my portion sizes for when I eat. I wanted to prove to my lung doctor that I wouldn't gain a lot of weight while on steroids. My face is very puffy!
Back on the 10th, blood was drawn to check my blood sugar and insulin levels. I was told that steroids can mess up your sugar levels. Mine is a little high. 6.3 is diabetic, mine is 6.5. My doctor is not saying that I am diabetic. On the 10th, I was taking 2 steroids a day, I am now down to 1 1/2 steroids a day. Each pill is 20 mg. The first month was 60 mg a day, the second month was 40 mg a day, and now I am down to 30 mg,
This is what we are going to do: I was going to have my physical fasting blood work done on January 17, but it is being moved back to February 14. I am already scheduled for blood work on that day for the kidney doctor. Plus, my blood sugar will be tested on February 14 also. According to my calculations, my last day to take steroids is January 20. That will put me at 3 weeks without being on steroids, so hopefully, things will have settled down by then.
While I was at the doctor's office, I told her that my right leg was hurting. I somehow did bruise an area on the front, but it hurt on the side for the past couple of days. Since it felt warm to the touch to her, she wanted to get an ultrasound done on my leg. That is the third one this year since July. I had to head down to Green for a 3:30 appointment, since the places around where I live couldn't get me in for a stat ultrasound. I do not have a blood clot in my right leg. The area hurts and is kinda hard. I will put the heating pad on it, and since I see the chiropractor on Saturday, I will ask him to do heat therapy on that area. He is good at letting me have the heat therapy when I ask for it.
Back on the 10th, blood was drawn to check my blood sugar and insulin levels. I was told that steroids can mess up your sugar levels. Mine is a little high. 6.3 is diabetic, mine is 6.5. My doctor is not saying that I am diabetic. On the 10th, I was taking 2 steroids a day, I am now down to 1 1/2 steroids a day. Each pill is 20 mg. The first month was 60 mg a day, the second month was 40 mg a day, and now I am down to 30 mg,
This is what we are going to do: I was going to have my physical fasting blood work done on January 17, but it is being moved back to February 14. I am already scheduled for blood work on that day for the kidney doctor. Plus, my blood sugar will be tested on February 14 also. According to my calculations, my last day to take steroids is January 20. That will put me at 3 weeks without being on steroids, so hopefully, things will have settled down by then.
While I was at the doctor's office, I told her that my right leg was hurting. I somehow did bruise an area on the front, but it hurt on the side for the past couple of days. Since it felt warm to the touch to her, she wanted to get an ultrasound done on my leg. That is the third one this year since July. I had to head down to Green for a 3:30 appointment, since the places around where I live couldn't get me in for a stat ultrasound. I do not have a blood clot in my right leg. The area hurts and is kinda hard. I will put the heating pad on it, and since I see the chiropractor on Saturday, I will ask him to do heat therapy on that area. He is good at letting me have the heat therapy when I ask for it.
Thursday, December 12, 2013
Christmas Questionnaire
I linked up with another blog to answer these Christmas questions.
1. Hot Chocolate or Eggnog?
Actually neither, but will drink hot chocolate.
2. Does Santa wrap your presents, or do they just sit underneath the tree?
My parents wrap the presents for us kids. I wrap the ones I give out.
3. Colored lights or white?
Definitely colored? I like the blinking lights the best, but we do not have those up this year.
4. When do you decorate?
Usually, the tree comes up stairs from the basement on Thanksgiving, but the tree goes up that weekend. My mom puts up the tree, and I help decorate the tree. On a nice day sometime in November, she will go out and put the lights up on the lamp posts along the driveway. The stockings go up, and lights and garland go up the stairs and along the banister. This year this did not happen. Mom has been sick, and I haven't been well most of the fall either.
5. Real or Fake tree?
We have a fake tree. This year, my sister brought over hers and put it up. Mom wasn't up to bringing up or 9 foot tree. My sister's is much small, besides she had been thinking of buying a new tree this year.
6. What tops your tree?
We have an angel on the top of our tree.
7. Favorite Christmas Memories or Traditions?
We get a brand new ornament every year. My mom started this when we three were kids. All three were in the same theme, but as we got older and became involved in things, our ornament might have something to do with what we were involved in. I have quite a few teacher ornaments, because I am a teacher. I have some different Pittsburgh Steeler ornaments. When we go on vacation, we might try to find a Christmas ornament from that place, but not always. This year, I bought the ornaments, and forgot to buy a new one for myself. My niece is part of the tradition. The last few years, we have been buying our ornaments from the same person. We like her stuff.
8. Do you remember your favorite gift as a child?
When I was in the second grade, I got a watch for Christmas. I think like every five minutes, I would go around telling people the time.
9. Do you prefer giving or receiving?
I think all like receiving, but I do love giving gifts to others. I enjoy looking for something different for my family and friends. I am bad, at buying, and then telling my friends, that I have their gift, but I do not tell them and make them wait, until they get it.
10. What is your favorite Christmas song?
It is actually a hymn, "Angels We Have Heard on High" That is because I love the chorus.
11. Candy Canes, Yuck or Yum?
Yum. I buy them for my students, and try to get the different flavors for them. I do like the peppermint ones, the best.
12. Favorite Christmas Movie?
I do not have one.
13. Do you shop online or in stores?
Both, but mostly in the stores or at craft shows.
14. Photo cards, letters, or store bought cards?
My family did a photo card, two years ago, when we had our family pic taken for the last time ever. I do like getting a photo card from my friends. I usually send out store bought cards, and for a few people will add a letter to it. I do like getting the letter.
1. Hot Chocolate or Eggnog?
Actually neither, but will drink hot chocolate.
2. Does Santa wrap your presents, or do they just sit underneath the tree?
My parents wrap the presents for us kids. I wrap the ones I give out.
3. Colored lights or white?
Definitely colored? I like the blinking lights the best, but we do not have those up this year.
4. When do you decorate?
Usually, the tree comes up stairs from the basement on Thanksgiving, but the tree goes up that weekend. My mom puts up the tree, and I help decorate the tree. On a nice day sometime in November, she will go out and put the lights up on the lamp posts along the driveway. The stockings go up, and lights and garland go up the stairs and along the banister. This year this did not happen. Mom has been sick, and I haven't been well most of the fall either.
5. Real or Fake tree?
We have a fake tree. This year, my sister brought over hers and put it up. Mom wasn't up to bringing up or 9 foot tree. My sister's is much small, besides she had been thinking of buying a new tree this year.
6. What tops your tree?
We have an angel on the top of our tree.
7. Favorite Christmas Memories or Traditions?
We get a brand new ornament every year. My mom started this when we three were kids. All three were in the same theme, but as we got older and became involved in things, our ornament might have something to do with what we were involved in. I have quite a few teacher ornaments, because I am a teacher. I have some different Pittsburgh Steeler ornaments. When we go on vacation, we might try to find a Christmas ornament from that place, but not always. This year, I bought the ornaments, and forgot to buy a new one for myself. My niece is part of the tradition. The last few years, we have been buying our ornaments from the same person. We like her stuff.
8. Do you remember your favorite gift as a child?
When I was in the second grade, I got a watch for Christmas. I think like every five minutes, I would go around telling people the time.
9. Do you prefer giving or receiving?
I think all like receiving, but I do love giving gifts to others. I enjoy looking for something different for my family and friends. I am bad, at buying, and then telling my friends, that I have their gift, but I do not tell them and make them wait, until they get it.
10. What is your favorite Christmas song?
It is actually a hymn, "Angels We Have Heard on High" That is because I love the chorus.
11. Candy Canes, Yuck or Yum?
Yum. I buy them for my students, and try to get the different flavors for them. I do like the peppermint ones, the best.
12. Favorite Christmas Movie?
I do not have one.
13. Do you shop online or in stores?
Both, but mostly in the stores or at craft shows.
14. Photo cards, letters, or store bought cards?
My family did a photo card, two years ago, when we had our family pic taken for the last time ever. I do like getting a photo card from my friends. I usually send out store bought cards, and for a few people will add a letter to it. I do like getting the letter.
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
My Morning
Early Sunday morning, God gave me a thought to call my doctor to see about having my insulin and blood sugar levels checked. Yesterday morning, I called my doctor and left her a message to see if this could be done. She agreed. I spent some time yesterday on the phone between my doctor's office, and calling to see about making an appointment someplace to get blood drawn to have these two checked. This was 12 hour fasting blood work. Where I normally go, couldn't get me in until 2 pm, and I did not want to go all day without eating. They told me that private outpatient at the hospital could do. I called and had an appointment made for 7 am this morning. I got hold of my doctor's office and they faxed over the order.
I had to be at the hospital before 7 am to register. I get there, registration did not have the order, private outpatient did. The lady at registration called over them like 5 time, trying to get the order, or at least the diagnosis codes from the order, so she could in put those codes into the computer. Someone finally came over with the order, for her to input the codes. I walked over to private outpatient, and found out that the order from the doctor was written wrong. But as a favor to me they went ahead and drew my blood. I finally received some ice, to ice my port around 7:30 am. I finally left the hospital about 7:45 am, and still needed to get some breakfast, so I went across the street to McDonald's and went inside to get something to eat in the car. Their OJ machine wasn't working, so I got a Dr. Pepper to drink. I finally got to school and signed in at 8:20 am. My homeroom was already in the room, but I had called ahead, so they knew I was on my way to school.
So today was a type of day where I was making mistakes and laughing at myself.
I had to be at the hospital before 7 am to register. I get there, registration did not have the order, private outpatient did. The lady at registration called over them like 5 time, trying to get the order, or at least the diagnosis codes from the order, so she could in put those codes into the computer. Someone finally came over with the order, for her to input the codes. I walked over to private outpatient, and found out that the order from the doctor was written wrong. But as a favor to me they went ahead and drew my blood. I finally received some ice, to ice my port around 7:30 am. I finally left the hospital about 7:45 am, and still needed to get some breakfast, so I went across the street to McDonald's and went inside to get something to eat in the car. Their OJ machine wasn't working, so I got a Dr. Pepper to drink. I finally got to school and signed in at 8:20 am. My homeroom was already in the room, but I had called ahead, so they knew I was on my way to school.
So today was a type of day where I was making mistakes and laughing at myself.
Monday, December 02, 2013
I Saw my PCP Today
I saw my personal doctor first this morning at 8:40 am. I was there over an hour. I went in to see her because of having no energy and no energy in my leg muscles. As I have posted before, I started steroids on Wednesday, October 23, with three a day. By that Friday, I noticed how much energy I had. That energy lasted about two weeks.
The week of November 4, I started to notice how difficult it was to go up the two short flight of stairs at school, and the stairs at home at night to go to bed. That Thursday night, is when I first noticed the rash on my legs, and had thought that I was having an allergic reaction. Of which I wasn't.
The next week, it wasn't too bad. The week of the 18th, rash was bad, the energy was horrible, half a sleep when I wen to school, polar pop every day, half a sleep, when I left school. That Thursday, my right leg was hurting by the top part of my hole, and it was hard. I went to the ER Friday night, and left with a prescription for pain pills. That was 22nd, and we found out that mom had mono.
By Thanksgiving, I was wondering if I had caught mono from mom. So I called on Wednesday or Tuesday to see my doctor today. My face is already very swollen from the steroids (I now take only two a day). Areas around my neck are swollen, either due to the steroids or my lymph nodes are swollen. I asked to be tested for mono.
The nurse was able to get blood from my left hand, it flowed slowly, but she was able to get enough for the different tests they wanted to run. The did the quick mono blood test, which came back negative for mono. But the rest was sent out to the lab and will be tested for mono.
Having sarcoid, and being on steroids, makes it difficult to know what is going on with my body. I am still dehydrated, and do not drink enough water. I drink pop for the caffeine kick I need to have energy to do things.
Between Thanksgiving through yesterday, I took naps on three of the four days. Friday's nap was 2 1/2 hours long. I usually only nap when I am sick. I've been resting, but still need more. I would like to know what is going on with my body. I would like to feel better soon.
The week of November 4, I started to notice how difficult it was to go up the two short flight of stairs at school, and the stairs at home at night to go to bed. That Thursday night, is when I first noticed the rash on my legs, and had thought that I was having an allergic reaction. Of which I wasn't.
The next week, it wasn't too bad. The week of the 18th, rash was bad, the energy was horrible, half a sleep when I wen to school, polar pop every day, half a sleep, when I left school. That Thursday, my right leg was hurting by the top part of my hole, and it was hard. I went to the ER Friday night, and left with a prescription for pain pills. That was 22nd, and we found out that mom had mono.
By Thanksgiving, I was wondering if I had caught mono from mom. So I called on Wednesday or Tuesday to see my doctor today. My face is already very swollen from the steroids (I now take only two a day). Areas around my neck are swollen, either due to the steroids or my lymph nodes are swollen. I asked to be tested for mono.
The nurse was able to get blood from my left hand, it flowed slowly, but she was able to get enough for the different tests they wanted to run. The did the quick mono blood test, which came back negative for mono. But the rest was sent out to the lab and will be tested for mono.
Having sarcoid, and being on steroids, makes it difficult to know what is going on with my body. I am still dehydrated, and do not drink enough water. I drink pop for the caffeine kick I need to have energy to do things.
Between Thanksgiving through yesterday, I took naps on three of the four days. Friday's nap was 2 1/2 hours long. I usually only nap when I am sick. I've been resting, but still need more. I would like to know what is going on with my body. I would like to feel better soon.
Friday, November 29, 2013
Holiday Tree Festival
Every year, people decorate a tree and it is for sale at John S. Knight Center for the week of Thanksgiving. People come and view all of the trees. Each tree is a different theme. This is a big fundraiser for Akron Children's Hospital. Real Life went to walk around and look at the trees last Saturday night, I went and had a lot of fun. Afterwards, we ate supper at Spaghetti Warehouse. Besides church, this is the first time I had hung out with the group in about two months. Here are some pics of the trees that I took.
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| I think this is just a really cute Hawaiian themed one. I liked this one a lot. |
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| I liked this patriotic themed tree. |
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| This was also kinda cool. A tree in the shape of a snowman. |
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| Here I am standing in front of a Pittsburgh Steelers themed tree. |
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
Today's Doctors' Visits
I took the day off from school for three different doctor/dentist visits that I had scheduled for today.
The first one was at 10 am with my kidney doctor. I got the blood and urine tests results that were done October 18 and 20th. All of the levels have gone down. My creantin level is still just slightly over 2, my calcium is now in the normal range. I have been diagnosed with Kidney Sarcoid. There has been damage done to my kidneys. We do not know if the damage will reverse itself, or what. If the steroids I am on, do its job, then hopefully, the damage won't be too bad. If I do or do not go off of steroids in two months, then I have to let my kidney doctor know. If I do go off of them, then I will have blood work done in the middle of February to see what my different levels are. As of now, I am scheduled to see him again on February 26. If I am able to have the blood work done, and my levels have not gone down some more, or they have gone up, then I will have to have a kidney biopsy to see what type of damage has been done to my kidneys. I have not been drinking a lot of water lately, because of being so tired, that I get a polar pop in the morning, to give me a kick of caffeine. I have had no energy in the past week. I have only gained 4 pounds in the last 5 weeks. That is pretty good, for being on steroids. The side effects are not fun.
My next appointment was with the dentist at 1 pm. I was supposed to have molds made of my teeth so that I could have a night guard made. I've been clutching and grinding my teeth at night. My face has become very swollen in the past two weeks. The lady who was going to do the molds, could barely get the top one into my mouth, but she did. She put a bit of the plaster mixture on the top of my mouth, and I had a major gagging fit and started to throw it up. We could not get the molds made today. I will have to wait until the spring, when I am off of steroids and the swelling in my face has gone down.
My last appointment was for 2 pm at the dermatologist. I actually saw the physician's assistant. I wanted to know if the rash that was on my legs was exczema that had spread from where I get it around my mouth down to my legs. The exzcema has spread. I was given a prescription for topical steroids to put on my legs twice a day for two weeks. Giant Eagle pharmacy did not have it in, so I have to go back tomorrow to get it. I was taking to the PA about the weakness in my legs I have been experiencing over the past three weeks. She told me to call my personal doctor. I will be seeing her on Monday, December 2 at 8:40 am. It can be very difficult to walk, go up a few steps, and even get into and out of my car, because I have no energy in my legs.
I fell yesterday morning in my classroom, I was walking behind two of my students and just went down. They were seated at the table, I had just started going around, stapling a 1/4 sheet of paper into their planners, when I fell. I have a bruise on the left side of my left leg. I think I bruised my right leg, because it hurts, and there isn't really a bruise that has popped out on my leg. My right leg does hurt.
The first one was at 10 am with my kidney doctor. I got the blood and urine tests results that were done October 18 and 20th. All of the levels have gone down. My creantin level is still just slightly over 2, my calcium is now in the normal range. I have been diagnosed with Kidney Sarcoid. There has been damage done to my kidneys. We do not know if the damage will reverse itself, or what. If the steroids I am on, do its job, then hopefully, the damage won't be too bad. If I do or do not go off of steroids in two months, then I have to let my kidney doctor know. If I do go off of them, then I will have blood work done in the middle of February to see what my different levels are. As of now, I am scheduled to see him again on February 26. If I am able to have the blood work done, and my levels have not gone down some more, or they have gone up, then I will have to have a kidney biopsy to see what type of damage has been done to my kidneys. I have not been drinking a lot of water lately, because of being so tired, that I get a polar pop in the morning, to give me a kick of caffeine. I have had no energy in the past week. I have only gained 4 pounds in the last 5 weeks. That is pretty good, for being on steroids. The side effects are not fun.
My next appointment was with the dentist at 1 pm. I was supposed to have molds made of my teeth so that I could have a night guard made. I've been clutching and grinding my teeth at night. My face has become very swollen in the past two weeks. The lady who was going to do the molds, could barely get the top one into my mouth, but she did. She put a bit of the plaster mixture on the top of my mouth, and I had a major gagging fit and started to throw it up. We could not get the molds made today. I will have to wait until the spring, when I am off of steroids and the swelling in my face has gone down.
My last appointment was for 2 pm at the dermatologist. I actually saw the physician's assistant. I wanted to know if the rash that was on my legs was exczema that had spread from where I get it around my mouth down to my legs. The exzcema has spread. I was given a prescription for topical steroids to put on my legs twice a day for two weeks. Giant Eagle pharmacy did not have it in, so I have to go back tomorrow to get it. I was taking to the PA about the weakness in my legs I have been experiencing over the past three weeks. She told me to call my personal doctor. I will be seeing her on Monday, December 2 at 8:40 am. It can be very difficult to walk, go up a few steps, and even get into and out of my car, because I have no energy in my legs.
I fell yesterday morning in my classroom, I was walking behind two of my students and just went down. They were seated at the table, I had just started going around, stapling a 1/4 sheet of paper into their planners, when I fell. I have a bruise on the left side of my left leg. I think I bruised my right leg, because it hurts, and there isn't really a bruise that has popped out on my leg. My right leg does hurt.
Monday, November 25, 2013
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns
Yesterday, one of my dreams came true! I attended my very first NFL game! It was my dream game, going to a Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers game. I am a Pittsburgh Steelers fan! My mom blames my sixth grade teacher for this. He is a Steelers fan. My dad won in some way a Browns/Steelers package, with two tickets to the game, two tickets to the Football Hall of Fame, a tshirt, and a few other things in the bag. I had a hard time finding someone, but got my cousin by marriage to go with me to the game.
Got there early to see the pre-game festivities. Here is a view of the stadium from my seat.
I was able to see all of the action on the field from my seat. Each team scored a field goal on their first possession. Then they took turns punting the ball. Kinda boring! After each possession, it seem to take a long time to continue the game, because of commercials for the tv. Towards the end of the first half, the Browns quarterback, Jason Campbell gets hurt, and Weeden comes into the game for one play. That seemed to give the Steelers the shot in the arm that they needed. The Steelers scored a touchdown. They scored twice before the end of the half.
A local high school from Berea played the half time show. Third quarter, the Browns fumbled, and the Steelers scored. Jason Campbell gets hurt again and is taken out of the game. Weeden comes back into the game. It is now mid-way through the third quarter, my feet are very cold. I am very cold. I did dress in layers. The sun came out at various times, it snowed at times. The temperature dropped while we were at the game. We left the game. The final score of the game was 27-11. I would've love to stay for the whole game, I was just too cold!.
Here are some pics that I took during the game:
Got there early to see the pre-game festivities. Here is a view of the stadium from my seat.
A local high school from Berea played the half time show. Third quarter, the Browns fumbled, and the Steelers scored. Jason Campbell gets hurt again and is taken out of the game. Weeden comes back into the game. It is now mid-way through the third quarter, my feet are very cold. I am very cold. I did dress in layers. The sun came out at various times, it snowed at times. The temperature dropped while we were at the game. We left the game. The final score of the game was 27-11. I would've love to stay for the whole game, I was just too cold!.
Here are some pics that I took during the game:
Sunday, November 17, 2013
Streams in the Desert: November 17
Listen to what the unjust judge says. And will not God bring about justice for h is chosen ones, who cry out to him by day and night? Will he keep putting them off? I till you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. (Luke 18:6-8)
God's timing is not ours to command. If we do not start the fire with the first strike f our match, we must try again. God does hear our prayer, but He may not answer it at the precise time we have appointed in our own minds. Instead, He will reveal Himself to our seeking hearts, though not necessarily when and where we may expect. therefore we have a need for preservance and steadfast determination in our life of power.
In the old days of flint, steel, and brimstone matches, people had to strike the match again and again, perhaps even dozens of times, before they could get a spark to light their fire, and they were very thankful if they could get a spark to lift their fire, and they were very thankful they finally succeeded. should we not exercise the same kind of perseverance and hope regarding heavenly things? When it comes to faith, we have more certainty of success than we could ever have had with flint and steel, for we have God's promises as a foundation.
May we, therefore, never despair, God's time for mercy will come--in fact, it has already come, if our time for believing has arrived. Ask in faith without wavering, but never cease to petition the King simply because He has delayed His reply. Strike the match again and make the sparks fly. Yet be sure to have your tinder ready, for you will get a fire before long. Charles H. Spurgeon
I do not believe there is such a thing in the history of God's eternal kingdom as a right prayer, offered in the right spirit that remains forever unanswered. Theodore L. Cuyler
God's timing is not ours to command. If we do not start the fire with the first strike f our match, we must try again. God does hear our prayer, but He may not answer it at the precise time we have appointed in our own minds. Instead, He will reveal Himself to our seeking hearts, though not necessarily when and where we may expect. therefore we have a need for preservance and steadfast determination in our life of power.
In the old days of flint, steel, and brimstone matches, people had to strike the match again and again, perhaps even dozens of times, before they could get a spark to light their fire, and they were very thankful if they could get a spark to lift their fire, and they were very thankful they finally succeeded. should we not exercise the same kind of perseverance and hope regarding heavenly things? When it comes to faith, we have more certainty of success than we could ever have had with flint and steel, for we have God's promises as a foundation.
May we, therefore, never despair, God's time for mercy will come--in fact, it has already come, if our time for believing has arrived. Ask in faith without wavering, but never cease to petition the King simply because He has delayed His reply. Strike the match again and make the sparks fly. Yet be sure to have your tinder ready, for you will get a fire before long. Charles H. Spurgeon
I do not believe there is such a thing in the history of God's eternal kingdom as a right prayer, offered in the right spirit that remains forever unanswered. Theodore L. Cuyler
Streams in the Desert: November 15
We were under great pressure. (2 Corinthians 1:8) ...so that Christ's power may rest on me. (2 Corinthians 12:9)
God allowed the crisis in Jacob's life at Peniel to totally surround him until he ultimately came to the point of making an earnest and humble appeal to God Himself. That night, he wrestled with God and literally came to the place where he could take hold of Him as never before. And through his narrow brush with danger Jacob's faith and knowledge of God was expanded, and his power to live a new and victorious life was born.
The Lord had to force David, through the discipline of many long and painful years, to learn of the almighty power and faithfulness of his God. through those difficult years, he also grew in his knowledge of faith and godliness, which were indispensable principles for his glorious career as the king of Israel.
Nothing but the most dangerous circumstances in which Paul was constantly placed could ever have taught him, and thus the church through him, the full meaning of the great promise of God he learned to claim: "My graces is sufficient for you" (@ Cor. 12:9). And nothing but the great trials and dangers we have experienced would ever have led some of us to know Him as we do, to trust Him as we have, and to draw from Him the great measure of His grace so indispensable during our times of greatest need.
Difficulties and obstacles are God's challenges to our faith. When we are confronted with hindrances that block our path of service, we are to recognize them as vessels for faith and then to fill them with fullness and complete sufficiency of Jesus. As we move forward in faith, simply and fully trusting Him, we may be tested. Sometimes we may have to wait and realize that "perseverance must finish its work" (James 1:4). But ultimately we will surely find "the stone rolled away" (Luke 24:2) and the Lord Himself waiting to bestow a double blessing on us for our time of testing. A. B. Simpson
God allowed the crisis in Jacob's life at Peniel to totally surround him until he ultimately came to the point of making an earnest and humble appeal to God Himself. That night, he wrestled with God and literally came to the place where he could take hold of Him as never before. And through his narrow brush with danger Jacob's faith and knowledge of God was expanded, and his power to live a new and victorious life was born.
The Lord had to force David, through the discipline of many long and painful years, to learn of the almighty power and faithfulness of his God. through those difficult years, he also grew in his knowledge of faith and godliness, which were indispensable principles for his glorious career as the king of Israel.
Nothing but the most dangerous circumstances in which Paul was constantly placed could ever have taught him, and thus the church through him, the full meaning of the great promise of God he learned to claim: "My graces is sufficient for you" (@ Cor. 12:9). And nothing but the great trials and dangers we have experienced would ever have led some of us to know Him as we do, to trust Him as we have, and to draw from Him the great measure of His grace so indispensable during our times of greatest need.
Difficulties and obstacles are God's challenges to our faith. When we are confronted with hindrances that block our path of service, we are to recognize them as vessels for faith and then to fill them with fullness and complete sufficiency of Jesus. As we move forward in faith, simply and fully trusting Him, we may be tested. Sometimes we may have to wait and realize that "perseverance must finish its work" (James 1:4). But ultimately we will surely find "the stone rolled away" (Luke 24:2) and the Lord Himself waiting to bestow a double blessing on us for our time of testing. A. B. Simpson
Saturday, November 09, 2013
Allergic Reaction
I mention back in the spring about having issues in sleeping, which was due to stress. I went to GNC and bought melatonin and velearan root to help me sleep. They did, and I had no very little issues in sleeping over the summer. I tried not to take these two sleep aids that much over the summer. When school started at the end of August, all of a sudden, I started having issues sleeping again. I have very little stress this year, and I have my joy back in teaching. I love where I teach. I love teaching my students and what I teach. I am greatly enjoying my school year. I've done the two sleep aids at various times this school year. I got sick back in the middle of September, and kind of stopped taking them. When you are on an antibiotic, you are very careful in what else you take.
I started taking steroids on October 23. I get about 4-5 hours of sleep, then can't seem to go back to sleep. I can probably count on both hands, how many times, I have gotten a good night's sleep since school has started. I was out of the valerean root, so I bought a bottle at Giant Eagle last Saturday. Nobody told me, that sleep issues is a side effect of the steroids. I took both sleep aids about 45-60 minutes before going to sleep over the next 4-6 nights.
I noticed how difficult it was to go up the short flight of stairs to the recess door to pick my kids, and the short flight of stairs to the entrance/dismissal doors we use. I am not talking about becoming short of breath, I am talking about my muscles in my legs, it was taking effort. Even at night to go upstairs to go to bed, it was an effort to use the stairs. Thursday night, I noticed a rash on my right leg. I had also noticed having cramps in my left leg, while moving around in my bed. My muscles hurt in my right leg, there is a rash on the front of my right leg and part of the back of my left leg. Both legs are covered in bruises. My legs also itch at times. I had an allergic reaction to the sleep aids.
Yesterday, I called my lung doctor to get in and see him, due to the allergic reaction. He was out of office and said to go to the emergency room. I called my personal doctor, she was booked solid, but another doctor had an opening right after lunch. I took it. He had blood drawn to check my platelets, and sent me to get an ultrasound of my right leg. (I had one back in July). He wanted to check for blood clots. That came back normal, no blood clots. No more sleep aids until I am done with the steroids and will have to adapt to not getting enough sleep. I need sleep.
I got weighed at the doctor's office, and I haven't gained any weight since October 22. That is good, since gaining weight is one of the side effects of taking steroids. I just want to eat. I have also felt like I have been in a brain fog. It is like I feel totally out of it. I felt this way back in September when I was sick. I kinda felt like this last weekend when I was experiencing the sugar crash. I am not sure what causes this brain fog. Side effects of meds are never fun. Because of this rash, I can not wear my compression stocking. I do get tired of wearing the stocking, but it is something I will have to wear for the rest of my life.
I started taking steroids on October 23. I get about 4-5 hours of sleep, then can't seem to go back to sleep. I can probably count on both hands, how many times, I have gotten a good night's sleep since school has started. I was out of the valerean root, so I bought a bottle at Giant Eagle last Saturday. Nobody told me, that sleep issues is a side effect of the steroids. I took both sleep aids about 45-60 minutes before going to sleep over the next 4-6 nights.
I noticed how difficult it was to go up the short flight of stairs to the recess door to pick my kids, and the short flight of stairs to the entrance/dismissal doors we use. I am not talking about becoming short of breath, I am talking about my muscles in my legs, it was taking effort. Even at night to go upstairs to go to bed, it was an effort to use the stairs. Thursday night, I noticed a rash on my right leg. I had also noticed having cramps in my left leg, while moving around in my bed. My muscles hurt in my right leg, there is a rash on the front of my right leg and part of the back of my left leg. Both legs are covered in bruises. My legs also itch at times. I had an allergic reaction to the sleep aids.
Yesterday, I called my lung doctor to get in and see him, due to the allergic reaction. He was out of office and said to go to the emergency room. I called my personal doctor, she was booked solid, but another doctor had an opening right after lunch. I took it. He had blood drawn to check my platelets, and sent me to get an ultrasound of my right leg. (I had one back in July). He wanted to check for blood clots. That came back normal, no blood clots. No more sleep aids until I am done with the steroids and will have to adapt to not getting enough sleep. I need sleep.
I got weighed at the doctor's office, and I haven't gained any weight since October 22. That is good, since gaining weight is one of the side effects of taking steroids. I just want to eat. I have also felt like I have been in a brain fog. It is like I feel totally out of it. I felt this way back in September when I was sick. I kinda felt like this last weekend when I was experiencing the sugar crash. I am not sure what causes this brain fog. Side effects of meds are never fun. Because of this rash, I can not wear my compression stocking. I do get tired of wearing the stocking, but it is something I will have to wear for the rest of my life.
Saturday, November 02, 2013
What is Sarcoidosis?
Sarcoidosis (sarcoid) is an autoimmune disease. It can affect any part of one's body. One can have flareups and then have it settle back down (remission). But it can get worse and worse over time. It is also a genetic disease. I have sarcoid in my lungs (nodules with granulomas), in my lymph nodes with granulomas, and has been found on one spot on my skin. I will found out the Tuesday before Thanksgiving, if it has started to affect my kidneys.
I believe that I have had this disease since I was a kid. I have had a cough since I was a kid. I got colds, upper respiratory infections, and sinus infections quite a bit. Since I've had sinus surgery in January 2006, my sinus infections have not been as many.
I also believe that my brother had sarcoid. Will be finding out in about a week, if my mom has sarcoid.
If you want to read up about sarcoid, go to www.webmd.com and in the search window, type in sarcoid.
I believe that I have had this disease since I was a kid. I have had a cough since I was a kid. I got colds, upper respiratory infections, and sinus infections quite a bit. Since I've had sinus surgery in January 2006, my sinus infections have not been as many.
I also believe that my brother had sarcoid. Will be finding out in about a week, if my mom has sarcoid.
If you want to read up about sarcoid, go to www.webmd.com and in the search window, type in sarcoid.
Lesson Learned
Back in the spring, I decided to severely cut back on my chocolate and candy intake. I still kept my Mike & Ikes in my purse, for meetings and other times when I did a lot of yawning. There have been times this fall, where I did not eat much because of being sick. Last week, I started taking steroids for my sarcoid. For a week now, I've noticed how much energy I've had. (Still having issues sleeping, though.) I've also been wanting to just eat this past week, which has been due to the steroids.
Dad came home with some snack size Snickers and Reese Peanut Butter Cups, since they were on sale. I ate too many last night after supper, and went into a major sugar crash. I felt weird, was in bed by 10:30. I had that feeling for a few hours. That has never happened before, and I will never do that again.
Dad came home with some snack size Snickers and Reese Peanut Butter Cups, since they were on sale. I ate too many last night after supper, and went into a major sugar crash. I felt weird, was in bed by 10:30. I had that feeling for a few hours. That has never happened before, and I will never do that again.
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
Saw my Lung Doctor Today
I've had so much blood drawn this month! The second time this month, was for seeing my lung doctor today, to have my ACE levels checked. This is down. My calcium level has been going up all year. January it was 9, in July 10.1, and earlier this month, it was 12.4. I had a PET/CT scan in August just before the start of the school year. Here are the results from that: the lymph nodes in my abdomen are better (the swelling have decreased), the lymph nodes are still swollen in under both of my arm pits and in my left groin area, and my spleen is bigger than it was in February. I have been getting headaches off an on since June. I have been told to keep track of them, because people can have neurosarcoid. I do not have any other symptoms for neurosarcoid. He was debating on scheduling me to have an MRI on my head/brain. As of now, I am not getting an MRI.
I will be taking predisone for three months. I will see this doctor on Martin Luther King Jr. day. At that time, will talk about some kind of scan, because that is the best way to see if there are changes or not. I am hoping that the side effects are not that bad. One of the major side effects is gaining weight. I have lost some weight, and do not want to gain a lot of it.
I had to get a flu shot this afternoon, because of going on steroids.
I will be taking predisone for three months. I will see this doctor on Martin Luther King Jr. day. At that time, will talk about some kind of scan, because that is the best way to see if there are changes or not. I am hoping that the side effects are not that bad. One of the major side effects is gaining weight. I have lost some weight, and do not want to gain a lot of it.
I had to get a flu shot this afternoon, because of going on steroids.
Thursday, October 17, 2013
Saw the Kidney Doctor
I had an appointment with the kidney doctor today. My oncologists office set it up, and told me the appointment was for 10:30 am. I took the day off from school. I get there, and was told my appointment was for 2:30 pm. That made me mad, since I had training from 4-6 pm.
I went back this afternoon. I had blood drawn on Tuesday, and he hadn't received those results yet. I do not know what my cretin level is currently. Even back in June, it was slightly elevated. My calcium level is high, over 12. There is two kinds of vitamin D in your body, so he thinks the one kind will be high. I am going to have blood drawn tomorrow morning and will have a lot of things tested. The theory is that my sarcoid is messing with my kidneys. I am still dehydrated. As of now, I will see him again the week of Thanksgiving. He is going to talk to my oncologist and my lung doctor.
I went back this afternoon. I had blood drawn on Tuesday, and he hadn't received those results yet. I do not know what my cretin level is currently. Even back in June, it was slightly elevated. My calcium level is high, over 12. There is two kinds of vitamin D in your body, so he thinks the one kind will be high. I am going to have blood drawn tomorrow morning and will have a lot of things tested. The theory is that my sarcoid is messing with my kidneys. I am still dehydrated. As of now, I will see him again the week of Thanksgiving. He is going to talk to my oncologist and my lung doctor.
Friday, October 11, 2013
Friday's Update
My weight is the same as yesterday's. Labs were drawn and they were looking at two different things. One was good, and my cretin level went up from 2.25 to 2.26. I ended up getting two bags of fluid this afternoon, that makes a total of eight bags of fluid this week. As soon as the second bag was done, boom, I became really tired. I am cold.
I will have labs done again Tuesday afternoon. I will see the kidney doctor next Thursday at 10:30 am.
I will have labs done again Tuesday afternoon. I will see the kidney doctor next Thursday at 10:30 am.
Thursday, October 10, 2013
Thursday Update
I received two more bags of fluid this afternoon. Yesterday I didn't get cold. But, boy am I cold this evening. I did get cold at the cancer center this afternoon. Mom started a fire in the fireplace and it feels good to sit in front of it. My cretin levels have dropped down to 2.2. I will have to go in tomorrow afternoon to get another bag of fluid. So, my port is still accessed. If I need more fluids after tomorrow, I will have to go to the emergency room on Saturday to get more fluids.
I now have to see a renal doctor. Nobody knows for sure what is wrong. Do I have a sinus infection or the flu, which caused me to become dehydrated, or is there something else going on?
Again I got to see my favorite nurses today!
I now have to see a renal doctor. Nobody knows for sure what is wrong. Do I have a sinus infection or the flu, which caused me to become dehydrated, or is there something else going on?
Again I got to see my favorite nurses today!
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