Wow, in the last 48 hours, the west coast, from Alaska to Baja has experienced a multitude of small quakes. I haven't seen a 'swarm' like this for a couple of years. Hope it's not a prelude to something larger. You can check it out at:
http://earthquake.usgs.gov/ Scary!
Monday, April 30, 2007
Friday, April 27, 2007
Symlin
My injectable Symlin arrived today from the pharmacy. The last time (last week) I saw my Endo (DM & Thyroid), Dr. Edelman suggested Symlin after reviewing my recent Blood Sugar Logs. He felt it might help reduce the after meal spikes I cannot seem to get rid of. (Just as the insulin pump, the Deltec Cozmo, has gotten rid of my ‘Dawn Phenomenon’.)
I have to admit I am more than a little hesitant, after my Byetta fiasco (both drugs were developed and are produced by the same company, Amylin Pharmaceuticals!). However, I agreed to try it. He ordered the prescription and all the ‘prior authorization’ paperwork was done. Now it is sitting here waiting for me to start using it!
I am not anxious to have Urticaria again. Which is silly, as I have only experienced (and what an experience it was – took me three months and many other drugs to get over it) it once in my life, from the Byetta. I’m also not looking forward to perhaps suffering that nausea again, apparently one of Symlin’s major initial side effects. (Oh, I remember the nausea caused by Byetta well!)
I am also concerned that it will cause ‘lows’, (I HATE LOWS!) though I will be starting out on the smallest dose. In fact, till I see how I react to it, I can hold all pre-meal insulin, almost eliminating the possibilities of a low.
OTOH, it would be so great to eliminate those post meal spikes, and the associated sleepiness! Not to mention getting that A1C down even more.
I did phone the ‘support’ line for Amylin Pharmaceuticals. And I read the info on their web site, and the package inserts that came with the med. There seems to be no chemical connection between the drugs. In fact Symlin mimics a substance (like insulin does) that your body already makes (unlike Byetta, which is, as I understand it, is a ‘foreign’ substance as far as the body is concerned.
I will get up the ‘gumption’ soon (as I de-stress a little more); pick a start date, make a plan, and start using Symlin. Probably as soon as next week. Perhaps Monday. (I can not help it; sometimes my anxiety disorder gets the best of me...)
I have to admit I am more than a little hesitant, after my Byetta fiasco (both drugs were developed and are produced by the same company, Amylin Pharmaceuticals!). However, I agreed to try it. He ordered the prescription and all the ‘prior authorization’ paperwork was done. Now it is sitting here waiting for me to start using it!
I am not anxious to have Urticaria again. Which is silly, as I have only experienced (and what an experience it was – took me three months and many other drugs to get over it) it once in my life, from the Byetta. I’m also not looking forward to perhaps suffering that nausea again, apparently one of Symlin’s major initial side effects. (Oh, I remember the nausea caused by Byetta well!)
I am also concerned that it will cause ‘lows’, (I HATE LOWS!) though I will be starting out on the smallest dose. In fact, till I see how I react to it, I can hold all pre-meal insulin, almost eliminating the possibilities of a low.
OTOH, it would be so great to eliminate those post meal spikes, and the associated sleepiness! Not to mention getting that A1C down even more.
I did phone the ‘support’ line for Amylin Pharmaceuticals. And I read the info on their web site, and the package inserts that came with the med. There seems to be no chemical connection between the drugs. In fact Symlin mimics a substance (like insulin does) that your body already makes (unlike Byetta, which is, as I understand it, is a ‘foreign’ substance as far as the body is concerned.
I will get up the ‘gumption’ soon (as I de-stress a little more); pick a start date, make a plan, and start using Symlin. Probably as soon as next week. Perhaps Monday. (I can not help it; sometimes my anxiety disorder gets the best of me...)
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Ethel is scheduled to be Spayed again...
Went to the North Park Animal Hospital yesterday, where the Vet examined Ethel thoroughly.
I liked the place and the Vet; it was a typical lower to middle-class professional office. The staff was efficient. Though the place was busy, we were seen at our appointment time. There were no display cases in the waiting room of shampoos, foods, etc.
I got a chance to meet and consult with our new Vet; he thinks that a THIRD spay will do the trick. He said (like everyone else in the world), that Ovarian Remnant Syndrome is rare, but it happens (Twice?)
The procedure will be more complex, and two Vets are going to be doing the surgery. I will also take longer, meaning that Ethel will be under longer, there will be more danger to her for infection, or even worse complications.
I have decided to leave her there overnight, though I really can not afford it, but I think it will be money well spent. Unlike here, if I were to bring her home that evening, she will be in a confined space and the drugs will have worn off before I have to deal with her. (Yep, I learned last year after her second spay, that it is not easy to deal with a drugged, unhappy cat, whose ‘sister’ is worried, when you have no real ‘confinement’ area, and from a wheelchair!)
Ethel’s THIRD spay has been scheduled for May 10, 2007. This long delay is so that both Vets would be available for the procedure. But with my luck, the delay may also mean that she’ll go into heat again just before, she will be just about due then!
The trip to and from the appointment on MTS Access, absolutely wore me out! Ethel weighs 10 pounds now, and the soft-sided mesh carry case probably weighs 3 – 4 pounds. That is a lot of extra weight to carry, lug around, get on and off the wheelchair van, and keep in my lap during the ride (with the shoulder strap around my neck). The ride there was not too bad, I lucked out, and we went straight from my curb to the Vet’s parking lot. It probably took about 20 minutes and Ethel complained the entire time.
The ride back was another story! We were picked up at 5:30P and the driver did not use the disabled parking spaces in the lot, but loaded us at a red zone on the street. Even then, she did not get a good alignment of the lift on the available sidewalk. Then the hell started! With Ethel crying every minute of the way, this driver took us east to La Mesa! At first, I just thought we were going to pick up another client, not so! Besides, I was busy trying to placate Ethel, in the carry case on my lap, who had definitely had enough!
The next thing I noticed, we were passing Grossmont Hospital! The driver then transitioned to another freeway, and we circled BACK, past SDSU, got on the 8 West, and were finally headed towards home. The routine 20-minute trip took well over an hour!
She had to have been not only a ‘new’ driver, but also someone very unfamiliar with the area, and obviously did not know her east from her west! Once I realized where we were, I started giving her directions, but by that time, we were more than double the distance from home...
Both Ethel and I were wiped out once we finally arrived here. Ethel is recovered today, her usual jaunty self. But it will probably take a couple more days for me.
Did I mention stressed out?
I liked the place and the Vet; it was a typical lower to middle-class professional office. The staff was efficient. Though the place was busy, we were seen at our appointment time. There were no display cases in the waiting room of shampoos, foods, etc.
I got a chance to meet and consult with our new Vet; he thinks that a THIRD spay will do the trick. He said (like everyone else in the world), that Ovarian Remnant Syndrome is rare, but it happens (Twice?)
The procedure will be more complex, and two Vets are going to be doing the surgery. I will also take longer, meaning that Ethel will be under longer, there will be more danger to her for infection, or even worse complications.
I have decided to leave her there overnight, though I really can not afford it, but I think it will be money well spent. Unlike here, if I were to bring her home that evening, she will be in a confined space and the drugs will have worn off before I have to deal with her. (Yep, I learned last year after her second spay, that it is not easy to deal with a drugged, unhappy cat, whose ‘sister’ is worried, when you have no real ‘confinement’ area, and from a wheelchair!)
Ethel’s THIRD spay has been scheduled for May 10, 2007. This long delay is so that both Vets would be available for the procedure. But with my luck, the delay may also mean that she’ll go into heat again just before, she will be just about due then!
The trip to and from the appointment on MTS Access, absolutely wore me out! Ethel weighs 10 pounds now, and the soft-sided mesh carry case probably weighs 3 – 4 pounds. That is a lot of extra weight to carry, lug around, get on and off the wheelchair van, and keep in my lap during the ride (with the shoulder strap around my neck). The ride there was not too bad, I lucked out, and we went straight from my curb to the Vet’s parking lot. It probably took about 20 minutes and Ethel complained the entire time.
The ride back was another story! We were picked up at 5:30P and the driver did not use the disabled parking spaces in the lot, but loaded us at a red zone on the street. Even then, she did not get a good alignment of the lift on the available sidewalk. Then the hell started! With Ethel crying every minute of the way, this driver took us east to La Mesa! At first, I just thought we were going to pick up another client, not so! Besides, I was busy trying to placate Ethel, in the carry case on my lap, who had definitely had enough!
The next thing I noticed, we were passing Grossmont Hospital! The driver then transitioned to another freeway, and we circled BACK, past SDSU, got on the 8 West, and were finally headed towards home. The routine 20-minute trip took well over an hour!
She had to have been not only a ‘new’ driver, but also someone very unfamiliar with the area, and obviously did not know her east from her west! Once I realized where we were, I started giving her directions, but by that time, we were more than double the distance from home...
Both Ethel and I were wiped out once we finally arrived here. Ethel is recovered today, her usual jaunty self. But it will probably take a couple more days for me.
Did I mention stressed out?
Friday, April 20, 2007
Pathology Back - Negative!
I got the pathology results today from the bladder/kidney proceedure Dr. Salem did at UCSD Thornton Hospital 4.5.07. Negative once again!
Yes! Now I have six months till I have to do part (or all) of it all over again.
(Big sigh of relief!)
Yes! Now I have six months till I have to do part (or all) of it all over again.
(Big sigh of relief!)
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Ethel Update
After two days on the telephone, I have an appointment with a new (to me) vet next Tuesday April 24th. I just have to survive, somehow, until then.
Of course, she should be out of heat by then, before it has only lasted, full blast so to speak, for a week. But then a month later, there would be a repeat, yikes!
Even this appointment is problematic; I will have to take her in a carry case, by myself, on the disabled transit, and pay the $9 round trip (it is the end of the month – I will have to reschedule one of my own doc appointments to be able to do this). Physically, it will be very taxing for me, especially on top of little sleep (see yowling), also.
This vet will examine her, determine if he thinks a THIRD spay would ‘cure’ or ‘fix’ her. I do not know how much this is going to cost me. But have already put in calls to two local ‘cat charity’ organizations, to see if they could give me some help.
I am looking at some cold, hard facts here. If she cannot be stopped from going into season EVERY MONTH, if the surgery is not possible, or does not work, then I will have to find her another home, splitting up the sisters.
I just cannot do it, physically, mentally, or emotionally. And the neighbors are complaining, the manager of the Coves is even getting phone calls about the cats yelling (you can imagine what it’s like IN here!).
Did I mention being stressed out?
Of course, she should be out of heat by then, before it has only lasted, full blast so to speak, for a week. But then a month later, there would be a repeat, yikes!
Even this appointment is problematic; I will have to take her in a carry case, by myself, on the disabled transit, and pay the $9 round trip (it is the end of the month – I will have to reschedule one of my own doc appointments to be able to do this). Physically, it will be very taxing for me, especially on top of little sleep (see yowling), also.
This vet will examine her, determine if he thinks a THIRD spay would ‘cure’ or ‘fix’ her. I do not know how much this is going to cost me. But have already put in calls to two local ‘cat charity’ organizations, to see if they could give me some help.
I am looking at some cold, hard facts here. If she cannot be stopped from going into season EVERY MONTH, if the surgery is not possible, or does not work, then I will have to find her another home, splitting up the sisters.
I just cannot do it, physically, mentally, or emotionally. And the neighbors are complaining, the manager of the Coves is even getting phone calls about the cats yelling (you can imagine what it’s like IN here!).
Did I mention being stressed out?
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Deadliest Catch
Did I mention that my all time ‘new’ favorite television show, Deadliest Catch, just started a new season? Actually, I found it, by accident, just last season.
This new season, of course, involves the re-play of all previous programs, including some daytime reruns!
Yes, I love the Sopranos & Medium & Six Feet Under, but those are not reality shows.
This is the one and only ‘reality’ show I have ever watched more than one episode of; most I have turned off before even watching the entire episode.
There are many reasons I love ‘Deadliest Catch’; the weather, the boats, the men, the reality, the men, the ocean, the waves, did I mention the men?
Check out your local television listings and give it a shot if you have not watched it yet. I am ‘hooked’ on ‘Deadliest Catch’...
This new season, of course, involves the re-play of all previous programs, including some daytime reruns!
Yes, I love the Sopranos & Medium & Six Feet Under, but those are not reality shows.
This is the one and only ‘reality’ show I have ever watched more than one episode of; most I have turned off before even watching the entire episode.
There are many reasons I love ‘Deadliest Catch’; the weather, the boats, the men, the reality, the men, the ocean, the waves, did I mention the men?
Check out your local television listings and give it a shot if you have not watched it yet. I am ‘hooked’ on ‘Deadliest Catch’...
Monday, April 16, 2007
Ethel is in Season!
No wonder she has been such a pain the last week or so! BUT, the thing is; Ethel has been spayed, TWICE, the last time, a year ago this month!
Yep, it would seem that once again she is suffering from Ovarian Remnant Syndrome – which is rare, but happens, and was supposed to be ‘cured’ (no guarantees given) with the second spay.
As before, this did not just appear suddenly, it has had a gradual onset, probably over the last four to six weeks.
Unsuspecting me, I could not figure out why she was acting up so bad. Until two nights ago, when she positioned herself in front of me, waiting to be mounted.
Then the outside ‘found’ (as yet unnamed – I am still trying to find his ‘person’, with no luck, it would seem he wants to live here), unaltered male cat went absolutely nutso trying to get in here to her.
This is about the point when Ethel started crying constantly. And I mean constantly – as in all day and all night, her cries echoing through the apartment, driving me and her sister crazy, and stirring up the out the outside cat beyond belief, so HE joined in the yowling too.
Still not believing what was happening; I got on the net to the rec.vets news group, and got some needed emotional support.
First thing tomorrow, I will start calling vets, the folks that spayed her THE FIRST TWO TIMES, etc.
Did I mention ‘stressed out”?
Yep, it would seem that once again she is suffering from Ovarian Remnant Syndrome – which is rare, but happens, and was supposed to be ‘cured’ (no guarantees given) with the second spay.
As before, this did not just appear suddenly, it has had a gradual onset, probably over the last four to six weeks.
Unsuspecting me, I could not figure out why she was acting up so bad. Until two nights ago, when she positioned herself in front of me, waiting to be mounted.
Then the outside ‘found’ (as yet unnamed – I am still trying to find his ‘person’, with no luck, it would seem he wants to live here), unaltered male cat went absolutely nutso trying to get in here to her.
This is about the point when Ethel started crying constantly. And I mean constantly – as in all day and all night, her cries echoing through the apartment, driving me and her sister crazy, and stirring up the out the outside cat beyond belief, so HE joined in the yowling too.
Still not believing what was happening; I got on the net to the rec.vets news group, and got some needed emotional support.
First thing tomorrow, I will start calling vets, the folks that spayed her THE FIRST TWO TIMES, etc.
Did I mention ‘stressed out”?
Saturday, April 14, 2007
Maslow’s 5 Steps to Self-Actualization
In a forum I have been frequenting of late, we are having a ‘discussion’ regarding ‘motivation’. This discussion has now gone on for 3 days, and there are 3 full pages of messages.
It got me to thinking of ‘motivation’ in my own life, specifically my CURRENT life.
There are those that think I lack motivation, therefore achievement of goals and the following success, in several areas of my life, ranging from smoking cessation, to completing a novel, to making more $$$, to losing weight.
Strangely, (or maybe not!), I do not feel that way. Because of that specific discussion, my thoughts have turned to Maslow and his 5 Steps originally published in 1943 (and probably horribly ‘outdated’ to many these days), something I have not cogitated on in a very long time. I would refer you to an ‘overview’ at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maslow
I first came across Maslow while in college during the early Seventies. Even then I thought his ‘steps’ right on, and was able to apply them easily to my own life and endeavors. Maslow still speaks to me, as I am still on step one, fighting to get my basic needs met. And at age 61, I doubt I will ever move up the ‘steps’, but you never know.
But that does not mean I am not motivated, as I am. Proof of this is that I am still among the living, have a roof over my head, two cats, and a couple of close acquaintances’ (if not friends).
It does perhaps mean that finishing that novel or losing some weight, may be a bit more difficult for me (but at least I know why). It does not mean that I will not accomplish these things, it just means that a lot of things in my life could be a lot easier than they are, if I could just get ‘basic needs’ not only met, but assured.
Yea, right!
It got me to thinking of ‘motivation’ in my own life, specifically my CURRENT life.
There are those that think I lack motivation, therefore achievement of goals and the following success, in several areas of my life, ranging from smoking cessation, to completing a novel, to making more $$$, to losing weight.
Strangely, (or maybe not!), I do not feel that way. Because of that specific discussion, my thoughts have turned to Maslow and his 5 Steps originally published in 1943 (and probably horribly ‘outdated’ to many these days), something I have not cogitated on in a very long time. I would refer you to an ‘overview’ at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maslow
I first came across Maslow while in college during the early Seventies. Even then I thought his ‘steps’ right on, and was able to apply them easily to my own life and endeavors. Maslow still speaks to me, as I am still on step one, fighting to get my basic needs met. And at age 61, I doubt I will ever move up the ‘steps’, but you never know.
But that does not mean I am not motivated, as I am. Proof of this is that I am still among the living, have a roof over my head, two cats, and a couple of close acquaintances’ (if not friends).
It does perhaps mean that finishing that novel or losing some weight, may be a bit more difficult for me (but at least I know why). It does not mean that I will not accomplish these things, it just means that a lot of things in my life could be a lot easier than they are, if I could just get ‘basic needs’ not only met, but assured.
Yea, right!
Found Cat!
Or a cat found us, I should say.
I first saw him about 3 months ago when I was out ‘walking’ the Sisters in my wheelchair around the area (they actually ‘walk’ with me like dogs would, except they will not go far from OUR building, even with me - yet). He was behind some bushes of another building, under a window, and he stayed there, or so I thought. In hindsight, perhaps he followed me home!
He looks just like a cat that I took care of 15 years ago, Mister, could be his double, or his progeny (is this a reincarnation?).
This cat is healthy, seems ‘flee less’ and is wearing a newish blue color with NO ID tags on it. So someone, somewhere ‘owns’ him. (Therefore, I did NOT feed him!) He is a beautiful, probably middle-aged, gray striped, shorthaired, skittish, UNNEUTERED MALE.
That is where my problem starts. This guy has decided to befriend the Sisters, trying to ‘herd’ them as a male lion would his ‘pride’. After all, he has no way of knowing that they will NEVER come in season, that the playpens are gone! He just sees two attractive, unclaimed females.
The Sisters see a pain in the ass cat trying to dominate their play and newfound outside freedom, an interloper. And it has made them ‘nervous’, as if they weren’t high strung already!
It would also seem that this Found Cat desires to MOVE IN here with us! However, every time he tries to get in a door, one of the sisters whacks him across the nose, and he retreats, properly chastised
So I’ve had this male cat around here 24/7, mostly meowing, yowling, etc for a full month now. (Everyone in this building is going nuts! Me first!). Even at night, or when the Sisters are inside, which is most of the time, he sleeps right under MY windows, issuing an occasional vocal ‘invite’ to them.
I have asked everyone I know, the people at the office, and strangers also, if they knew where this cat belonged – no one did.
Next, I posted a massive multitude of ‘Found Cat’ signs. Yep, you guessed it, no one called.
As what I thought of as a ‘last resort’ I got a ‘cat cage’ from the Complex office. I was going to trap him, and have him taken to the shelter. For all I know, he could even be ‘chipped’. The shelter would neuter him (cool his jets!) and find him a real home.
Well THAT plan has not worked! No matter what kind of ‘treat’ I put in that trap (REAL tuna, Kitty Caviar, a cooked piece of fresh meat), he has not gone for it! One would think that he has had prior experience with these traps, except for the fact that he is not neutered, and is wearing that collar.
So finally, I have given up. This morning I put out a bowl of dry food for him, right at the patio door, and he ate it all, immediately. Then he climbed up into the patio chair, made himself comfy and took a little nap before the sisters went out to play. As I write this, he is following them around out there, but the noise level seems much less.
Perhaps he is not as interested in the sisters as he is in food and somewhere safe to sleep. Or even a home! Perhaps he figured that I took care of two, what would one more matter?
I can only assume that he is an ‘abandoned’ cat. A cat that someone has left here after moving out of the complex; sadly, it happens, and it causes great psychological damage to the animal. (Magic was one such cat – but at least he was neutered.)
Jeeze, I do not know. It is actually against my religion to ignore an animal’s plight, to not take care of an animal that comes to me for help. BUT, I am not a ‘collector’ and I barely have the funds to take care of these two! I certainly do not have the funds to have him neutered, and get him shots, nor a way to do that physically, even if I had the bucks. If I did, I would just take him to be neutered, get his shots, bring him back, let him go, and feed him on the patio. All I can do is ‘hope’ he will eventually tire of courting the Sisters, feed him twice a day, put a old blanket in the patio chair for him, and ‘punt’. I feel so guilty...
I first saw him about 3 months ago when I was out ‘walking’ the Sisters in my wheelchair around the area (they actually ‘walk’ with me like dogs would, except they will not go far from OUR building, even with me - yet). He was behind some bushes of another building, under a window, and he stayed there, or so I thought. In hindsight, perhaps he followed me home!
He looks just like a cat that I took care of 15 years ago, Mister, could be his double, or his progeny (is this a reincarnation?).
This cat is healthy, seems ‘flee less’ and is wearing a newish blue color with NO ID tags on it. So someone, somewhere ‘owns’ him. (Therefore, I did NOT feed him!) He is a beautiful, probably middle-aged, gray striped, shorthaired, skittish, UNNEUTERED MALE.
That is where my problem starts. This guy has decided to befriend the Sisters, trying to ‘herd’ them as a male lion would his ‘pride’. After all, he has no way of knowing that they will NEVER come in season, that the playpens are gone! He just sees two attractive, unclaimed females.
The Sisters see a pain in the ass cat trying to dominate their play and newfound outside freedom, an interloper. And it has made them ‘nervous’, as if they weren’t high strung already!
It would also seem that this Found Cat desires to MOVE IN here with us! However, every time he tries to get in a door, one of the sisters whacks him across the nose, and he retreats, properly chastised
So I’ve had this male cat around here 24/7, mostly meowing, yowling, etc for a full month now. (Everyone in this building is going nuts! Me first!). Even at night, or when the Sisters are inside, which is most of the time, he sleeps right under MY windows, issuing an occasional vocal ‘invite’ to them.
I have asked everyone I know, the people at the office, and strangers also, if they knew where this cat belonged – no one did.
Next, I posted a massive multitude of ‘Found Cat’ signs. Yep, you guessed it, no one called.
As what I thought of as a ‘last resort’ I got a ‘cat cage’ from the Complex office. I was going to trap him, and have him taken to the shelter. For all I know, he could even be ‘chipped’. The shelter would neuter him (cool his jets!) and find him a real home.
Well THAT plan has not worked! No matter what kind of ‘treat’ I put in that trap (REAL tuna, Kitty Caviar, a cooked piece of fresh meat), he has not gone for it! One would think that he has had prior experience with these traps, except for the fact that he is not neutered, and is wearing that collar.
So finally, I have given up. This morning I put out a bowl of dry food for him, right at the patio door, and he ate it all, immediately. Then he climbed up into the patio chair, made himself comfy and took a little nap before the sisters went out to play. As I write this, he is following them around out there, but the noise level seems much less.
Perhaps he is not as interested in the sisters as he is in food and somewhere safe to sleep. Or even a home! Perhaps he figured that I took care of two, what would one more matter?
I can only assume that he is an ‘abandoned’ cat. A cat that someone has left here after moving out of the complex; sadly, it happens, and it causes great psychological damage to the animal. (Magic was one such cat – but at least he was neutered.)
Jeeze, I do not know. It is actually against my religion to ignore an animal’s plight, to not take care of an animal that comes to me for help. BUT, I am not a ‘collector’ and I barely have the funds to take care of these two! I certainly do not have the funds to have him neutered, and get him shots, nor a way to do that physically, even if I had the bucks. If I did, I would just take him to be neutered, get his shots, bring him back, let him go, and feed him on the patio. All I can do is ‘hope’ he will eventually tire of courting the Sisters, feed him twice a day, put a old blanket in the patio chair for him, and ‘punt’. I feel so guilty...
Monday, April 09, 2007
Cysto/Retro Went Well
I am still trying to get out from under all the ‘drugs’ I was given for the procedure! That will just take time...
The staff at UCSD Thornton was great; everyone was friendly and helpful.
Unlike the last two procedures at UCSD Hillcrest, there were no problems, before, during or after, with the Spinal Anesthetic. They also managed to keep my anxiety under control (not an easy thing!)
I was in at 6AM and out by 12:30PM. (My friend Rosemary came, signed me out, and followed the MTS Access Van to my apartment, and by the way, I lucked out, in that I was taken straight home.
Most importantly, doc saw nothing suspicious anywhere in my bladder, or kidneys. Of course, the cytology will not be back for a while. But there was also no indications of where the bleeding I am having on rare occasions was originating-but at least it is NOT of cancerous origin!
It would be absolutely, positively great if I did not have to do THIS one again for a couple of years!
The staff at UCSD Thornton was great; everyone was friendly and helpful.
Unlike the last two procedures at UCSD Hillcrest, there were no problems, before, during or after, with the Spinal Anesthetic. They also managed to keep my anxiety under control (not an easy thing!)
I was in at 6AM and out by 12:30PM. (My friend Rosemary came, signed me out, and followed the MTS Access Van to my apartment, and by the way, I lucked out, in that I was taken straight home.
Most importantly, doc saw nothing suspicious anywhere in my bladder, or kidneys. Of course, the cytology will not be back for a while. But there was also no indications of where the bleeding I am having on rare occasions was originating-but at least it is NOT of cancerous origin!
It would be absolutely, positively great if I did not have to do THIS one again for a couple of years!
Monday, April 02, 2007
Bladder Cancer Comments
Life Style Changes
I am on my FOURTH unrelated Cancer; I have had thyroid cancer (1973 – not judged NOW to have been a cancer), Parathyroid Cancer (1982), Breast Cancer (1993 - in situ), and then Bladder Cancer (2001 - T1G3).
The first three were treated with total surgical removal. I ended up with the complications of the surgeries, and the loss of whatever, but was cancer free post surgically.
Not so with Bladder Cancer; the cancer is removed and the bladder is retained, though I sought total removal, I was told it was not ‘medically approved procedure’ for the grade and stage I had. Therefore, Bladder Cancer for me has been like adding still one more ‘chronic illness’, and there is always something ‘medical’ waiting to be done, again...
This then, is what finally influenced my personal life style changes.
Yes, I am still ‘morbidly obese’, though I have managed to lose and keep off 50 pounds in spite of diabetes and insulin. And I have consulted and been turned down in regards to weight loss surgery.
Yes, I still smoke. And people rage at me all the time about smoking, though I believe that 99% of the time it is their own social anxiety motivating their behavior.
I have made MANY life style changes
I have certainly thought of documenting the changes I have made in my life because of cancer before (every time someone asks me!), but have not gotten around to it until this very minute.
This list doesn’t look very ‘important’, or difficult, but for me it was a major change over a period of time, due in part to poverty and rearranging my ‘budget’ to include some of these items. Each one of these things I had to ‘plan’ for and many I had to develop into a ‘habit’.
-I have tried to eliminate as many chemicals from my food as possible (sometimes it is just not feasible ie butter over cheap margarine).
-I drink and cook with only bottled spring water
-I got rid of every cooking utensil in my kitchen that contained Teflon
-I lowered my ‘fat’ intake drastically (I used to eat ‘fried’ stuff almost daily.)
-I increased my ‘fiber’ consumption
-I try to meditate & pray daily, preferably for someone else! (Actually, I have done this for decades, but sometimes have skipped months at a time.)
-I take one multivitamin (sans iron!), daily in the morning.
-I have one serving of orange or grapefruit juice (sans sugar!) daily.
-I work at keeping my blood sugars under control.
-I try to drink sufficient fluids daily.
-I try to keep my Hemoglobin under 15 (Hereditary Hemochromatosis seems to ‘invite’ cancer.)
-I eliminated ALL saccharine from my diet (I was a HEAVY user since age 10 in my quest to control my weight!)
-I take one low dose aspirin with 200mcg of vitamin E at bedtime.
There are things I would still LIKE to do such as: lose more weight, and get more exercise (very limited by pain!)
Causes of Bladder Cancer
Of course, everyone jumps on the ‘smoking’ band wagon! But I have known people who have had both lung and bladder cancer who not only did not smoke, but claimed they had not been exposed to heavy doses of ‘second-hand’ smoke.
The connection between smoking and cancer (as well as other health issues) may or may not have been proven (I still doubt those government sponsored studies!). Worse than that, I think ‘the smoking connection’ blinds or reassures, whichever the case may be, folks to OTHER things in our daily lives that could be carcinogenic.
Carcinogenic Risks (even if only a slight correlation!)
Our daily drinking water:
http://www.gorkhapatra.org.np/content.php?nid=15840
“There is a very real, long-term hazard to drinking and cooking with chlorinated water. Epidemiological studies have found that risk for bladder cancer and rectal cancer correlates with trihalomethane levels and increases with the length of life time one drinks chlorinated waters. And colon cancer risk correlates with length of lifetime drinking of chlorinated water, but not with trihalomethane levels - some other DBP seems to be at work with colon cancer.”
Dyes (including carpet, working in factory where dye is commonly used, and HAIR dyes)
http://www.care2.com/channels/solutions/home/368
“a 2001 study from researchers at the University of Southern California that analyzed the association between hair dying activity and bladder cancer.”
Teflon
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art36325.asp
“The Environmental Protection Agency's own scientific advisory panel has identified perfluorooctanoic acid, a chemical compound used to make Teflon in nonstick pots and pans, as a "likely carcinogen."”
Saccharine (Which I personally blame for my and my aunt’s bladder cancer.)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saccharin#Saccharin_and_cancer (Including pics of labels!)
“Many studies have since been done on saccharin, with some showing a correlation between saccharin consumption and increased cancer (especially bladder cancer) and others showing no such correlation.”
Early Menopause (This too, is me - surgical!)
http://www.sciam.com/article.cfm?alias=early-menopause-related-t&chanID=sa003&modsrc=reuters
“The odds of bladder cancer were 32 percent higher for women who reached menopause between 43 and 47 years, compared with women who reached menopause at age 48 or later.”
The list could go on and on and on, and probably will! Perhaps eventually including that dirty pond you swam in every summer afternoon when you were a kid!
Other Cancers
Radiation Therapy (One of my favs, perhaps the reason for many of my health problems, as I had this as a kid. Can I also blame bladder cancer on this?)
http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/cgi-bin/abstract/112716376/ABSTRACT?CRETRY=1&SRETRY=0
“Radiotherapy for benign conditions of the head and neck area was first linked to thyroid carcinoma in 1950”
Hereditary Hemochromatosis (Also me)
http://munstermom.tripod.com/HHandcancerriskmorefueltothefire11-01.pdf
"These data suggest an involvement of iron in carcinogenesis even in heterozygotes for HFE mutations."
So please, keep good thoughts for me this week as I undergo still more same-day diagnostic stuff. Then look to your own kitchen, chemicals, menopause, and habits, and I will do the same!
Picking your ‘poison’ may just be the sane, viable option! We all are going to die, you know...
I am on my FOURTH unrelated Cancer; I have had thyroid cancer (1973 – not judged NOW to have been a cancer), Parathyroid Cancer (1982), Breast Cancer (1993 - in situ), and then Bladder Cancer (2001 - T1G3).
The first three were treated with total surgical removal. I ended up with the complications of the surgeries, and the loss of whatever, but was cancer free post surgically.
Not so with Bladder Cancer; the cancer is removed and the bladder is retained, though I sought total removal, I was told it was not ‘medically approved procedure’ for the grade and stage I had. Therefore, Bladder Cancer for me has been like adding still one more ‘chronic illness’, and there is always something ‘medical’ waiting to be done, again...
This then, is what finally influenced my personal life style changes.
Yes, I am still ‘morbidly obese’, though I have managed to lose and keep off 50 pounds in spite of diabetes and insulin. And I have consulted and been turned down in regards to weight loss surgery.
Yes, I still smoke. And people rage at me all the time about smoking, though I believe that 99% of the time it is their own social anxiety motivating their behavior.
I have made MANY life style changes
I have certainly thought of documenting the changes I have made in my life because of cancer before (every time someone asks me!), but have not gotten around to it until this very minute.
This list doesn’t look very ‘important’, or difficult, but for me it was a major change over a period of time, due in part to poverty and rearranging my ‘budget’ to include some of these items. Each one of these things I had to ‘plan’ for and many I had to develop into a ‘habit’.
-I have tried to eliminate as many chemicals from my food as possible (sometimes it is just not feasible ie butter over cheap margarine).
-I drink and cook with only bottled spring water
-I got rid of every cooking utensil in my kitchen that contained Teflon
-I lowered my ‘fat’ intake drastically (I used to eat ‘fried’ stuff almost daily.)
-I increased my ‘fiber’ consumption
-I try to meditate & pray daily, preferably for someone else! (Actually, I have done this for decades, but sometimes have skipped months at a time.)
-I take one multivitamin (sans iron!), daily in the morning.
-I have one serving of orange or grapefruit juice (sans sugar!) daily.
-I work at keeping my blood sugars under control.
-I try to drink sufficient fluids daily.
-I try to keep my Hemoglobin under 15 (Hereditary Hemochromatosis seems to ‘invite’ cancer.)
-I eliminated ALL saccharine from my diet (I was a HEAVY user since age 10 in my quest to control my weight!)
-I take one low dose aspirin with 200mcg of vitamin E at bedtime.
There are things I would still LIKE to do such as: lose more weight, and get more exercise (very limited by pain!)
Causes of Bladder Cancer
Of course, everyone jumps on the ‘smoking’ band wagon! But I have known people who have had both lung and bladder cancer who not only did not smoke, but claimed they had not been exposed to heavy doses of ‘second-hand’ smoke.
The connection between smoking and cancer (as well as other health issues) may or may not have been proven (I still doubt those government sponsored studies!). Worse than that, I think ‘the smoking connection’ blinds or reassures, whichever the case may be, folks to OTHER things in our daily lives that could be carcinogenic.
Carcinogenic Risks (even if only a slight correlation!)
Our daily drinking water:
http://www.gorkhapatra.org.np/content.php?nid=15840
“There is a very real, long-term hazard to drinking and cooking with chlorinated water. Epidemiological studies have found that risk for bladder cancer and rectal cancer correlates with trihalomethane levels and increases with the length of life time one drinks chlorinated waters. And colon cancer risk correlates with length of lifetime drinking of chlorinated water, but not with trihalomethane levels - some other DBP seems to be at work with colon cancer.”
Dyes (including carpet, working in factory where dye is commonly used, and HAIR dyes)
http://www.care2.com/channels/solutions/home/368
“a 2001 study from researchers at the University of Southern California that analyzed the association between hair dying activity and bladder cancer.”
Teflon
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art36325.asp
“The Environmental Protection Agency's own scientific advisory panel has identified perfluorooctanoic acid, a chemical compound used to make Teflon in nonstick pots and pans, as a "likely carcinogen."”
Saccharine (Which I personally blame for my and my aunt’s bladder cancer.)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saccharin#Saccharin_and_cancer (Including pics of labels!)
“Many studies have since been done on saccharin, with some showing a correlation between saccharin consumption and increased cancer (especially bladder cancer) and others showing no such correlation.”
Early Menopause (This too, is me - surgical!)
http://www.sciam.com/article.cfm?alias=early-menopause-related-t&chanID=sa003&modsrc=reuters
“The odds of bladder cancer were 32 percent higher for women who reached menopause between 43 and 47 years, compared with women who reached menopause at age 48 or later.”
The list could go on and on and on, and probably will! Perhaps eventually including that dirty pond you swam in every summer afternoon when you were a kid!
Other Cancers
Radiation Therapy (One of my favs, perhaps the reason for many of my health problems, as I had this as a kid. Can I also blame bladder cancer on this?)
http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/cgi-bin/abstract/112716376/ABSTRACT?CRETRY=1&SRETRY=0
“Radiotherapy for benign conditions of the head and neck area was first linked to thyroid carcinoma in 1950”
Hereditary Hemochromatosis (Also me)
http://munstermom.tripod.com/HHandcancerriskmorefueltothefire11-01.pdf
"These data suggest an involvement of iron in carcinogenesis even in heterozygotes for HFE mutations."
So please, keep good thoughts for me this week as I undergo still more same-day diagnostic stuff. Then look to your own kitchen, chemicals, menopause, and habits, and I will do the same!
Picking your ‘poison’ may just be the sane, viable option! We all are going to die, you know...
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