Please, Share in My Joy!

I want to share a triumph with you...I'm super excited, and so proud of myself!!


Back to Normal - Triumph #26...I SHAVED MY OWN LEGS!!! It's been a year, since I was able to shave my own legs; the last time they got shaved, someone did it for me, because I couldn't bend down that far, yet (too soon after surgery). GO, ME!!!

I can do all things, through Christ who gives me strength!! (Philippians 4:13)


As you know, I've been working very hard at getting my body back to normal, since my back surgery in July 2012; every little step brings me closer to being independent, once again. I know I won't be 100% normal, but I'm determined to get as close to it, as possible!

I even nicked my legs a few times, in the process...battle scars! LOL!! Here's the proof...

Have a blessed day!! oxoxox

Oncology Update

As many of you know, I had another CAT Scan, last week; and my Oncologist suggested I call him this week, to discuss the results. Well, I called him yesterday, but didn't get to talk to him, because he wasn't in the office...so, he called me, this evening. I thought you'd want to get an update on my progress.

Some of the lymph nodes on my left side are getting bigger, as are a few tumors in my spine. The good news is, that's all the bad news he had...the rest of the tumors are insignificant, now; and the other nodes are normal. And it isn't spreading to any of my vital organs!

I'm going to call in, next week, and schedule an appointment to see him next month, so we can discuss further treatment options. He had suggested doing another round of chemo, and I told him I'd think about it. I really don't want to go that route, though!

But, I will not be defeated...I will not give in, or give up!! God said this disease will not end in death, and I'm holding Him to it!! LOL!

A Brief Look at Vitamin K

I was reading about Vitamin K, this morning, and found some interesting information about its benefits. Did you know Vitamin K aids in blood clotting? Surgeons often give Vitamin K to their patients, before surgery, to prevent excessive bleeding…I wonder if my surgeon did that with me?

Vitamin K also assists in the transportation of calcium, throughout our bodies; it may aid in overall bone health, and in reducing bone fractures, as well. And, it also prevents hardening of the arteries. So, it’s definitely beneficial for those who have a family history of osteoporosis, or heart disease.

I've read that recent studies have shown, Vitamin K may also be anti-cancer…they say it has preventative and treatment benefits! Which makes sense, since most veggies are alkaline forming. I wrote a blog about that, too...you can read it, here.

Vitamin K isn't just one vitamin…it’s a group of three; I didn't know that, so this was my something new for today. This group consists of K1 (phytonadione, phylloquinone, phytonactone), K2 (menaquinones), formed by natural bacteria present in intestines, and K3 (menadione).

K1 is a fat soluble vitamin, like A, E and D; you can have a diet rich in Vitamin K, by eating your greens! It can also be found in a few other foods, as well…here’s a small list…

Parsley

Kale (cooked)

Spinach (cooked)

Brussels sprouts

Swiss chard (cooked)

Green beans

Asparagus

Broccoli

Kale (cooked)

Mustard greens (cooked)

Turnip greens (cooked)

Collard greens (cooked)

Thyme (fresh)

Romaine lettuce

Sage (fresh)

Oregano (fresh)

Basil (fresh)

Cabbage

Celery

Sea vegetables

Cucumber

Leeks

Cauliflower

Tomatoes

Blueberries

Fermented foods

Unless otherwise indicated (cooked), all of these fruits and veggies should be eaten raw, to get the most Vitamin K out of them. And, fresh herbs are always better than dried!

Come to think of it, the folks at Whole Foods have a rather comprehensive article on Vitamin K, if you’d like to learn more. They also have a chart, in this article, listing all of the foods that are “excellent”, “very good” and “good” sources of Vitamin K. Personally, I only noticed a few things on that list that I wouldn't eat (soy and miso are off my list; Brussels sprouts…yuk!)

So eat well, stay well…and God bless! oxoxox

Change is Inevitable

Everyone experiences change, from time to time. Our lives changed, the day we got diagnosed...when someone gives birth, when someone passes away, when someone gets married, or divorced...things change; even our everyday lives are different, from day to day. It's how we progress through life.

Yesterday, I announced on my Facebook page, that there were some big changes about to take place in my life. Today, I’d like to share what they are, with you. A couple things you may already know about.

As I've mentioned before, I’m legally married (Lee is my maiden name); my estranged husband and I haven’t seen each other for over a year. Our lives are moving in two different directions; and, I've encouraged him to file for an annulment, since he’s the one who doesn't want to be in the marriage, anymore. He was the one who suggested the separation, and shortly after that, he left Ohio.

The only time I've ever heard from him is when I've e-mailed him, and he sends a reply; and all he’s talked about are his dreams of owning a house for himself, and making a life for himself…no mention of me in that future, at all. And, he certainly wasn't all that concerned, when I told him about my diagnosis; he told me he wasn't sure what I expected him to do about it, but he was sorry I was going through this. So, I’m waiting for him to file the annulment, and send it to me, so I can sign it; in one of our previous e-mail conversations, I gave him my address, but I have no idea where he is.

I’m also making plans to move to Knoxville, TN, sometime this year. The sooner, the better, as far as I’m concerned; however, I still have to remind myself that all things happen in God’s timing, not ours! LOL!

As I’m making these plans to relocate, I've created a Wish List for myself; it’s comprised of all the things I want for my new home. I think it’s a complete list...there are a few things I intentionally left off the list; I can get them, the day I move into my new apartment. You can see my Wish List here; and, if you would like to help me fill it, I appreciate that! Thank you, very much!!

The shipping address is different than mine…I’m having my things shipped to Knoxville ahead of me, so by the time I get there, I’ll only have to move in, rather than spend the day collecting furniture and things. That just makes more sense to me! If you've decided to help me fill this list, and can't find the shipping address, please let me know!

My oldest daughter, her hubby, and their families live in the Knoxville area, so I’ll have familiar faces around me, even though my surroundings will be unfamiliar for a while. My oldest daughter’s Dad and I have been friends for years, even though our marriage didn't work out, either. And, everyone’s excited about me coming to live there! The storage facility I rented is at the company she works for…she’s the Assistant District Manager, at Storage Pros and works at the facility on Sutherland Avenue! If you ever need a storage unit, in Knoxville (or know someone who does) I highly recommend Storage Pros…and you can tell them I sent you!!

And, as you may know…in July, my youngest daughter will give birth to my first Grandchild! It’s a girl, by the way! I've already begun picking out frilly little dresses, and hair bands; and I’m in the process of crocheting a blanket for her…the nursery colors will be pink, brown and white!

My daughter has even been discussing some “raising baby” rules with me, for when I have her to myself. She’s going to be such a great Mommy; I'm so proud of her!! She’s also talked about plans that she and her boyfriend are making to take the baby on trips, and to museums, amusement parks, the zoo, etc. Everyone is SUPER excited, and very anxious for the baby’s arrival…July can’t come soon enough for us!! LOL!!

The last big change will happen gradually; I’m hoping to be able to lose at least 80 lbs. by this time, next year. I’m looking forward to being lean and healthy, once again… I've been overweight, and unhealthy, for far too long!! Look out world…here comes the “New Me”!!

And, there you have it! These are the big changes that will soon be happening in my life. I have a feeling life is going to be one great big adventure, with all these things taking place; but, I think I’m up to it! LOL!!

Thanks for being part of that adventure! Have a blessed day!! oxoxox