I knew it!

See? Just when I was happy to see the sun, we got rain here in Indiana. And yes, Pat, I went outside to read yesterday. Lol, I have a screened front porch. No need to worry about my missing the sunshine. Actually yesterday wasn't really that bad of a day at all. I was having problems with the water pills making me go to the bathroom all the time but other than that I didn't have much trouble until the rain started to move through. Once Chris left on his errands, I let Dudley, our dog, out into the front yard to do his business and just enjoy the wonderful weather. I took my book and water to the front porch, sat down and read until I heard him bark to come back in. Dudley, that is. I kept the front door open so the wonderful, soft breeze could flow through into the house. After ten minutes more, I had to come inside to sit on the couch with my feet up for a little while. I'm still having cramps in my legs, but in all honesty, my doctor and I believe it's just the extra fluid working its way out of my system. I'm still drinking plenty of water since it's virtually the only thing I can drink now. I'm actually tired of root beer. Shocker I know since it is one of two carbonated drinks that I can drink that doesn't have caffeine in it and I like the taste of. We shall see.

I do know that I am feeling less bloated, which is a good thing. I can feel less stiffness in my joints but my Fibro isn't letting me forget that it's there too. I don't know what more I can do for the Fibro that isn't going to put me in a drugged state where I waste the day. I would prefer not to take any more medications if I don't have to because I want to be able to remember the day. So I talked with the insurance company about what alternative therapies would be covered under Chris's plan. The only thing they have at this point in time is acupuncture. Now, I'm not a big fan of needles but if it will relieve some of this tenseness and soreness that never seems to go away. I think I will give it a go. Since the insurance will cover it and I have heard it works for others, why not? My counselor thinks that guided meditation may also be the key I need to work myself out of a lot of the anxiety and panic attacks I have. Goes right along with my beliefs any way. Lol, how's that for ironic?

Today I am going to work on my cross stitch project. I would like to finish the section I'm stuck in before the weekend because Chris and I are going to try and do some Spring cleaning before he goes back to work. I plan to work on my editing and maybe even start a new story since Chris was telling me of his D&D characters from his junior high days. Lol, dang imagination! Hope you all are doing well. Take care and know you're always in my thoughts. :)

Love and blessings,
Kim


Edited at 7:57pm
See? Now we have the possibility of tornadoes tonight. Weather here never settles. Right now we have a thunderstorm warning but there have been rumors of tornadoes and funnel clouds. Got to get my candles and flash light. Take care!

Daily Inspiration

As we cultivate peace and happiness in ourselves, we also nourish peace and happiness in those we love. ~ Thich Nhat Hanh

When inspiration does not come to me, I go halfway to meet it. ~ Sigmund Freud

By loving ourselves more and more we attract more loving and fun relationships. ~ Stephen A. Pierce

We wildly underestimate the power of the tiniest personal touch of kindness. ~ Author Unknown

Problems do not go away. They must be worked through or else they remain, forever a barrier to the growth and development of the spirit. ~ M. Scott Peck

It’s not who you are that holds you back, it’s who you think you’re not. ~ Author Unknown

Fifty years from now it will not matter what kind of car you drove, what kind of house you lived in, how much you had in your bank account or what your clothes looked like. But the world may be a little better place because you were important in the life of a child. ~ Author Unknown

Aerodynamically, the bumblebee should not be able to fly. But the bumblebee doesn't know it, so it goes on flying anyway. ~ Mary Kay Nash

You can measure a man by the opposition it takes to discourage him. ~ Robert C. Savage

We shall draw from the heart of suffering itself the means of inspiration and survival. ~ Winston Churchill

Wrinkles should merely indicate where the smiles have been. ~ Mark Twain

Health Headlines 3/31/06

Ultraviolet Light Has "feel-good" Effects That May Be Similar To Those Of Some Addictive Drugs, Study Suggests ~ Click here.

Dietitians Lack Carb Counting Training For People With Diabetes ~ Click here.

UK Government Guilty Of Betrayal Over Bowel Cancer Screening, Cancer Research UK ~ Click here.

New Gene That Causes Spread Of Cancer Identified, University Of Liverpool ~ Click here.

New Research Identifies Specific Teenage And Young Adult Cancers And Points To Possible Causes ~ Click here.

Pregnant Women Should Not Ignore Breast Cancer Symptoms ~ Click here.

Genes And Environment Interact To Promote Cancer ~ Click here.

Sun! Sun!

I can't believe it. Sunny and warm...at the same time! Spring is finally here. *does the limpy gimpy happy dance* Even though I'm still tired from all I had to do yesterday, I'm glad that the day is a sunny one today. Yesterday I know I didn't post but I was really tired and my hands/wrists were so sore from typing that I couldn't do much of anything else. I had a good time chatting with some old friends though. It was worth it. I did go to the doctor yesterday. For the past few weeks I've been feeling some cramping and aching in my calves. I noticed that I had gained weight even though I was watching my food intake and drinking water. The doctor agreed with me that I was retaining fluid so he started me on a week of water pills to see if they would take care of the problem. I don't know as of yet if I am going to have to use them all the time or just when I feel I need them. With the blood thinners, I have to be careful of what I take, even over the counter medicines could be dangerous for me. Today I am going to rest because I have some Spring cleaning to do with weekend before Chris gets back to work. I know I'm going to miss having him around to help me with some things and keep me company when I feel low. But on the flipside of things, I'll love having a few hours just to myself to do whatever I want, whether it be reading all day or writing or even sitting in front of the tv mindlessly watching soaps.

I'm still working through the third book of the LOTR trilogy. I so hope to finish it by this time next week. I've found a few "short" books that I can read and beef up my goal number a bit. Lol, that way I won't feel so bad when June comes around. Since Chris is going to be busy this afternoon and out of my hair, I can really spend a lot of time catching up with Frodo and Sam as well as the others. Tomorrow I am going to try and work on writing a bit to give my wrists a bit more of a rest. They'll need it after I go through my emails and posts that I need to do. So I'm off to do what I can. Before I go, would everyone please say a little prayer for my friend, "J"? He's not doing too well healthwise at the moment and my heart breaks that there isn't more I can do for him at the moment. Thanks in advance from the bottom of my heart. Love to you all.

Love and blessings,
Kim

Daily Inspiration

The Birth of a Dream
By Unknown Author


"Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve."

Would you agree with the statement that a dream is born from an idea-a simple idea conceived in the mind?

Back in the 19th century two brothers had an idea which eventually became their passionate and consuming dream. Their relentless pursuit of that dream was rewarded with an accomplishment that changed world travel.

On Friday December 17, 1903 at 10:35 AM, the Wright brothers (Wilbur and Orville) achieved their dream. They flew "the world's first power-driven, heavier-than-air machine in which man made free, controlled, and sustained flight." This memorable feat took place at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina on a cold windy morning.

The dream started with an idea that was planted in their minds by a toy given to them by their father. In the words of the boys, "Late in the autumn of 1878, our father came into the house one evening with some object partly concealed in his hands, and before we could see what it was, he tossed it into the air. Instead of falling to the floor, as we expected, it flew across the room till it struck the ceiling, where it fluttered awhile, and finally sank to the floor." This simple toy made of bamboo, cork and stretched rubber bands, fascinated the Wright brothers and sparked their lifelong interest in human flight.

The Wright brothers were great thinkers. They enjoyed learning new things. Initially, they recycled broken parts, built a printing press and opened their own printing office. Their interest moved to bicycles and in 1893, they opened the Wright Cycle Company where they sold and repaired bicycles. But Wilbur (the older brother) had his mind set on something more exciting. He decided to seriously pursue flying.

The brothers spent many hours researching, testing their machines and making improvements after unsuccessful attempts at human flight. What started out as a hobby soon became a passion. With determination and patience they realized their dream in 1903.

The next time you hear or see an airplane or travel on one, remember where it all started. A simply idea conceived in the minds of two young men who did not finish high school. Believe it or not, they did not have a University degree in Aeronautical Engineering, Mathematics, Physics or any other subject. They were not scientists in the true sense of the word. In fact, many of their peers who did not witness their accomplishment, had trouble believing that two bicycle mechanics from Dayton, Ohio did what they claimed.

What idea or ideas are YOU working on? Have you said you can't do this or that because you are not a scientist? Have you limited yourself by saying you are not smart enough? Or have you joined the majority in saying that everything has already been invented or discovered?

Since the introduction of the first generation of personal computers in 1981, we are able to do many things more efficiently. With a super computer between your ears and the personal computer at your finger tips, your dream can be achieved. First, give birth to that dream with an idea. A simply idea that ANYONE of us can conceive!


Source

Health Headlines 3/30/06

New Study Establishes Criteria To Detect Ovarian Cancer In Asymptomatic Postmenopausal Women ~ Click here.

Garlic's Efficacy Against Cancer And Heart Disease ~ Click here.

Tailor-Made Treatment For Rheumatoid Arthritis, Japan ~ Click here.

High-dose Vitamin C As A Cancer Therapy ~ Click here.

AACR Launches New Magazine To Focus On People And Progress In Cancer ~ Click here.

Researchers Find Better Prostate Cancer Indicators ~ Click here.

New Insights Into The Link Between Rheumatoid Arthritis And Cancer ~ Click here.

The Cost Of Travel To And From Hospital For Cancer Patients, UK ~ Click here.

New 'litmus Test' Could Aid Discovery Of Anti-cancer Drugs ~ Click here.

Daily Inspiration

Peace
By Unknown Author


There once was a King who offered a prize to the artist who would paint the best picture of peace. Many artists tried. The King looked at all the pictures, but there were only two he really liked and he had to choose between them.

One picture was of a calm lake. The lake was a perfect mirror, for peaceful towering mountains were all around it. Overhead was a blue sky with fluffy white clouds. All who saw this picture thought that it was a perfect picture of peace.

The other picture had mountains too. But these were rugged and bare. Above was an angry sky from which rain fell and in which lightening played. Down the side of the mountain tumbled a foaming waterfall. This did not look peaceful at all. But when the King looked, he saw behind the waterfall a tiny bush growing in a crack in the rock. In the bush a mother bird had built her nest. There, in the midst of the rush of angry water, sat the mother bird on her nest... perfect peace.

Which picture do you think won the prize?

The King chose the second picture. "Because," explained the King, "peace does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble, or hard work. Peace means to be in the midst of all those things and still be calm in your heart. That is the real meaning of peace."


Source

Health Headlines 3/28/06

Weight Training Helps Cancer Survivors Much More Than Aerobic Exercise ~ Click here.

Multiple Myeloma Research Consortium (MMRC) Launches Myeloma Genome Mapping Program ~ Click here.

Varian Medical Systems' On-Board Imager™ Device Improves Tumor Targeting Without Slowing Clinical Workflow, Study Shows ~ Click here.

Drug Shown To Provide Much Needed Alternative Therapy For Chronic Shoulder Pain ~ Click here.

Increased Response To Therapy With No Added Toxicity In Treatment Of Recurrent Ovarian Cancer, New Study Reports ~ Click here.

Two New Cancer Drugs Discovered ~ Click here.

Treatment For Deadly Brain Tumors And Infections Discovered By Cedars Sinai Researchers ~ Click here.

New Breast Cancer Dictionary For Doctors ~ Click here.

*headdesk*

Uh?..What? Oh yea, my blog.

Sorry, I was falling asleep at the keyboard there for a few. Last night was shot night plus there was a front coming through Indiana. No wonder I couldn't sleep. Believe me, I'm exhausted. But I'll live, I think. Anyway, if this past weekend wasn't a lazy weekend for me, then today was the laziest day of all. To be honet, I think my body was just saying enough. I needed the rest. I had been doing a lot with only about three or four hours of sleep each night. So no wonder I have done nothing but sleep. That and my feet are still swollen today. It looks like I have no ankles. Lol, cankles. I love that word. Sorry, though I may be in some pain, I'm actually in a good mood today. It was nice and warm today outside. The sun was shining brightly and I had hoped that Spring had finally won. This afternoon the clouds came back bringing rain with them. I don't mind the rain. I just hate the shift in pressure that goes with it.

I finally finished the second LOTR book today. Woohoo! I will start on the third one this evening before bed. I guess the reason these are taking so long to read is that I don't skim over descriptive paragraphs as I sometimes do with long novels. I savor every word that's written because these stories are like magic to me. Hopefully I can find some thinner novels to read to make up the difference I have in reaching my goal. I know I have plenty of those around here. Chris is soaking up the books by Christopher Paolini. I think I spelled that right. Chris finished Eragon not long ago and went straight out to buy the second in the series titled Eldest. The story really captured him. I did write three more pages of editing today. That is, until my hands said no more. That's the one bad thing about having your wrist bones meld together. It doesn't take long before they start to give out on you and you can't type or write very long. Good thing I am always able to pick up where I left off without having to backtrack too much. The rest of this evening I am going to finish up the chapter I'm working on and spend a little time talking to Chris. He only has this week left before he gets back to work. Hope all is well, wherever you are.

Love and blessings,
Kim

Daily Inspiration

I Believe in You
By Unknown Author


I want to tell you that I believe in you;
I believe in your mind and all the dreams, intelligence, and determination within you.
You can accomplish anything.
You have so much open to you, so please don't give up on what you want from life or from yourself.
Please don't put away the dreams inside of you.
You have the power to make them real.
You have the power to make yourself exactly what you want to be.
Believe in yourself the way I do, and nothing will be beyond your reach.


Source

Health Headlines 3/27/06

New Study Establishes Criteria To Detect Ovarian Cancer Malignancy In Asymptomatic Postmenopausal Women ~ Click here.

New Study Reports Increased Response To Therapy With No Added Toxicity In Treatment Of Recurrent Ovarian Cancer ~ Click here.

Two New Studies Reveal Benefits Of Laparoscopic Surgery For Uterine Cancer ~ Click here.

Rate Of Breast Cancer In Pregnancy Likely To Rise As Women Delay Childbearing ~ Click here.

Foods High In E, Beta-carotene And Vitamin C Do Not Reduce Prostate Cancer Risk ~ Click here.

Gastric Cancer Survival Better After More Extensive Removal Of Nymph Nodes ~ Click here.

Colorectal Cancer Risk May Be Reduced With Antidepressant Use ~ Click here.

Evolutionary Biology Research Techniques Predict Cancer ~ Click here.

Grape Seed Extract May Have Blood Pressure Reducing Qualities ~ Click here.

Winter returns

I knew that Winter wasn't ready to let loose its hold just yet. Waking up today was like waking up near an open fridge without all the smelly and oozing food. Okay, maybe that's not a good picture. Yet it's still that cold. Last night I could feel another front starting to move our way. My poor knees locked up and made walking very difficult. Sitting was painful. Good thing I was laying in bed and reading when I felt them tense up. It appears that I won't get what I had wanted done this weekend. I take that back. I was able to do a little bit of what I wanted, but I had hoped to do more. Chris and I were able to go to Wal-mart last night for a few things. I had decided what I was going to do for my mother's gift on Mother's Day. I know that it's still a couple months away but I must start early if I wish to complete it. I won't say what it is here just in case she stumbles upon this and reads it. No use spoiling the surprise.

Writing and reading took a back seat today. I had to use my pain medicine last night and it left me feeling druggy. I slept until last mostly because my body needed the rest. I'm not used to doing all the errands that I had to do last week. It will be nice to get out and about more often now that my mother has returned to work. Then again, it will take some getting used to as far as my body is concerned. I am planning on spending the rest of the afternoon and early evening reading the second LOTR book. I had planned to have it finished by now but life seemed to get in the way more than I had liked. I'm starting to doubt myself when it comes to reaching my goal for the end of June. But I'm not going to give up! Chris is set to go back to work the first part of April so I will have plenty of time to myself to speed things along. Lol, I don't know why I pile things up that I want to do. Maybe I set myself up for doubting, which works a little too well. Gotta make note of that so I can work on it. And now, I'm off to finish the email I was writing and finish that book. Hope your weekend has been a good one wherever you are. Take care always.

Love and blessings,
Kim

Daily Inspiration

Lessons from an Oyster
By Unknown Author


There once was an oyster
Whose story I tell,
Who found that some sand
Had got into his shell.

It was only a grain,
but it gave him great pain.
For oysters have feelings
Although they're so plain.

Now, did he berate
the harsh workings of fate
That had brought him
To such a deplorable state?

Did he curse at the government,
Cry for election,
And claim that the sea should
Have given him protection?

'No,' he said to himself
As he lay on a shell,
Since I cannot remove it,
I shall try to improve it.

Now the years have rolled around,
As the years always do,
And he came to his ultimate
Destiny ­ stew.

And the small grain of sand
That had bothered him so
Was a beautiful pearl
All richly aglow.

Now the tale has a moral,
for isn't it grand
What an oyster can do
With a morsel of sand?

What couldn't we do
If we'd only begin
With some of the things
That get under our skin.


Source

Health Headlines 3/26/06

Paclitaxel Combined With Bevacizumab Prolongs Progression Free Survival In Metastatic Breast Cancer ~ Click here.

Efforts To Replicate Controversial Diabetes Therapy Bring Partial Success ~ Click here.

Once-Weekly Exenatide LAR Clinical Study In Type 2 Diabetes Initiated ~ Click here.

Caring For Your Eyes In The Digital World ~ Click here.

Reduced Insulin In The Brain Triggers Alzheimer's Degeneration ~ Click here.

Study Finds Emotional Benefits From Participation In Computer Support Groups ~ Click here.

New Drug Shown To Reduce Gastric Ulcers In At-risk Patients Using Long-term NSAIDS ~ Click here.

Still grey

Here I was thinking that I'd wake up to a day full of sun. Lol, I was half right today. I did wake up to a blanket of sunlight this morning. It was wonderful to see the way it bounced off the car windows and feel how it warmed my skin. We've finally had all the snow that was laying around on the ground melt so there was no reminder of Winter to be seen this morning. By this afternoon the clouds had conquered the sky once again, leaving little room for the sun's rays to burst through to continue warming the earth below. I know Spring should be here but it seems that Indiana is stuck in the middle of Winter still. I wish it warm up just a little soon.

First thing I had to do on my agenda this morning was to give my mother a ride home from work. It's a little odd trying to get back into the groove of picking her up during the week. She works at a restaraunt here in town. They closed to do renovations and now are open once again, three months after starting construction. No matter. I had already been awake for several hours before I needed to leave and pick her up. I was swollen and a little tender this morning. Yes, tomorrow is shot night so I expected to be so swollen today. I wore my pj's when I left. Talk about feeling lazy today. I've been reading some and letting Chris use the computer most of the day. He needs to rest up a lot this week as he starts back to work the first Monday of April. We finished the last of his chemo treatments yesterday. (Yay!) He has an appointment in May with the oncologist and then we repeat the chemo treatment in six months, more than likely in August or September. I'll feel better when we are completely done with them. Nothing like sitting in the hospital for four hours in an uncomfortable chair to make you grateful for a comfy, Sealy couch!

I worked my novel today some. I am doing some rewriting on it. To me, the story flows too quickly and doesn't make me think it's plausible to happen in today's world. Plus I have had to do a little research for my killer in the story. Can't have a madman killing someone if he doesn't know what he's using to kill them off? Even after doing ten pages of reading/editing/rewriting, I started on a second to the story. Too many unanswered questions about the central characters. Maybe it'll be a prequel, I'm not sure yet. Anyway, I'm also working on a completely different story as well. Maybe something a little on the romance genre tip. I'm just not sure where it's going. I'm the type that lets the story flow without doing an outline or anything until it's complete. We'll wait and see where it takes us.

I'm gone for now. Chris has brough back dinner since both of us aren't feel the best. I hope everyone has a great day/evening. I think of you all often out there. You know that you're loved.

Love and blessings,
Kim

Daily Inspiration

Today is yesterday's effect and tomorrow's cause. ~ Phillip Gribble

Death is not the biggest fear we have; our biggest fear is taking the risk to be alive -- the risk to be alive and express what we really are. ~ Don Miguel Ruiz

Searching for that big happy moment in life, how many special little moments we let pass us by? ~ Author Unknown

Suppose everybody cared enough, everybody shared enough? There is enough in the world for everyone's need but not for everyone's greed. ~ Frank Buchman

You gotta dance like nobody's watching, dream like you will live forever, live like you're going to die tomorrow and love like it's never going to hurt. ~ Meme Grifsters

Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence. ~ Helen Keller

We struggle to find life outside ourselves, unaware that the life we are seeking is within. ~ Kahil Gibran

One drop of water helps to swell the ocean; a spark of fire helps to give light to the world. None are too small, too feeble, too poor to be of service. Think of this and act. ~ Hannah More

You cannot do a kindness too soon because you never know how soon it will be too late. ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

Health Headlines 3/25/06

New Strategies Help Depressed Patients Become Symptom Free ~ Click here.

Cymbalta® Safely And Effectively Treats Core Anxiety Symptoms Of Generalized Anxiety Disorder - Study ~ Click here.

Two Promising Drugs For Breast Cancer - Raloxifene And Lapatinib ~ Click here.

Cream With Ingredients From Fish Can Relieve Psoriasis And Eczema ~ Click here.

Remicade(R) Approved In Australia For Treatment Of Early Rheumatoid Arthritis And Psoriatic Arthritis ~ Click here.

Drug Effective For Severe Alzheimer's Disease ~ Click here.

Paclitaxel Combined With Bevacizumab Prolongs Progression Free Survival In Metastatic Breast Cancer ~ Click here.

Grey day today

I can't believe that it's been a year since he was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. We went through a lot those eight months of chemo and doctor's visits, staying away from friends and family who had the sniffles and just savoring each and every moment we had together. Even though the time went by so quickly, it seemed to just crawl by for us. I eternally grateful for all the love and support we received from family and friends, even those so far away from us. You all have meant the world to us both.

Today was his last chemo treatment. He will have a week or so to rest up and get back onto his second shift schedule before starting back to work in April. He came through this one fairly well, just a bit more tired than usual. I'm glad that he's only receiving one chemo med instead of the cocktail they had to use to kill the cancer last year. This time he didn't lose any of his hair. Just felt a little more sick to his tummy and weak. I'm hoping that passes quickly enough. Now we wait six months and repeat the process.

Today was a sunny day in the morning. Then the clouds decided to hide the sun away from us and bring rain/snow into our lives. Just when all the snow had melted that was in our yard, there's another possibility of it heading our way. Just something we'll have to deal with when it gets here, I guess. I'm feeling really tired myself. I was only able to sleep about four hours last night and sitting at the hospital for hours takes a huge toll on my body. I know my feet and ankles are swollen and they are so very tender to walk on right now. My hands are aching but that's normal when the weather changes anymore. I was able to spend a few hours with my brother after I dropped Chris off at home and made sure he was okay. My mom went back to work today so I had to give her a ride home. I hung out and laughed and annoyed Bill until I almost peed my pants. Got to love those memories. Not much else to report today. I'm going to make it an early night since I didn't get much sleep yesterday. Hope you all had a wonderful day with at least one smile given within it. Take care out there.

Love and blessings,

Kim

Daily Inspiration

How Many Friends?
By Unknown Author


The old man turned to me and asked
"How many friends have you?"
Why 10 or 20 friends have I,
And named off just a few...

He rose quite slow with effort
And sadly shook his head
"A lucky child you are
To have so many friends," he said

But think of what you're saying
There is so much you do not know
A friend is just not someone
To whom you say "Hello"

A friends a tender shoulder
On which to softly cry
A well to pour your troubles down
And raise your spirits high

A friend is a hand to pull you up
From darkness and despair...
When all your other "so called" friends
Have helped to put you there

A true friend is an ally
Who can't be moved or bought
A voice to keep your name alive
When others have forgot

But most of all a friend is a heart
A strong and sturdy wall
For from the hearts of friends
There comes the greatest love of all!!!

So think of what I've spoken
For every word is true
And answer once again my child
How many friends have you???

And then he stood and faced me
Awaiting my reply
Softly I answered "If lucky...... one have "I"

"You!!!!"


Source

Health Headlines 3/24/06

Age Is An Independent Risk Factor In Young Women With Breast Cancer ~ Click here.

Not All Breast Cancers' Risk Are Increased By HRT ~ Click here.

US Commercial Genetic Testing Does Not Detect All Cancer-associated Mutations In Certain Genes ~ Click here.

NIH Announces Five New Members Of Committee On Research On Women's Health ~ Click here.

Scientists One Step Closer To Cancer Vaccine ~ Click here.

UC Davis Study With Mice Links Thimerosal With Immune System Dysfunction ~ Click here.

New Tools Developed For Studying Neurodegenerative Brain Disorders ~ Click here.

New Research Shows Pin1 Enzyme Is Key In Preventing Onset Of Alzheimer's Disease ~ Click here.

One more day til the weekend!

Still some snow on the ground, but the temperature is getting a bit warmer. Most of the snow has melted, however not all of it. The weatherman says we're supposed to get another couple of inches within the next few days. I'm hoping that it warms soon. I have tulips sprouting in the front yard as well as the desire to plant my rose bushes. I have two new ones that I want to put in the yard this year with Chris's help. One will be yellow roses in rememberance of Chris's grandmother that passed away in 2004. She was a very special lady in so many ways, not only to him but to me as well. It still saddens me when I think of her no longer being here. The second rose bush will be a red/pink mix. That is dedicated to my own grandmother who grew them at times and can no longer grow them. She's in a nursing home now, so it's difficult for her to do much of anything. Once the roses bloom, I want to take her some of them to make her smile.

Today is pretty much a resting day for me. I had trouble yesterday morning getting my shower by myself so that I would be able to meet with my counselor. It's the one appointment I truly try to keep if I am able in any way. So far, it's really helping me to re-evaluate some of the things I had been doing to myself through my negative thoughts and statements even when I give positive ones to others. The next thing I will need to work on is getting into the routine of meditating and relaxing my body. I think that would help me release the tension of my muscles caused by the Fibro and let my body heal itself. We'll have to wait and see how it goes though. After my appointment Chris and I went to the hospital so I could have my blood drawn for a Pro-time. Next stop, something yummy to eat. We went out to a restaruant here in town that cooks up stir-fry just how you ask for it. It's one of the few things I can have when we go out to eat because I control what goes into the food and the levels of sodium. Before we even got home, I was exhausted. Chris ended up taking a nap as he didn't get much sleep the night before. The chemo treatments are really making him tired. He has one more tomorrow and then we won't have to worry about them until six months from now.

I have worked my way to the two-thirds mark in the second LOTR book. I can't help but picture the cast of the movies while I'm reading what's going on in the books. Whoever the casting director was for the movies, I believe they did a good job. There's still a lot of books left on my book shelves that need to be read but I can only go so fast. Lol, wish I was one of those speed readers. I'm still making it slowly across the rows of my cross-stitch project. Other than that not much else going on here. Hope all of you are having a good day or night, where you are in the world. Know that you are loved at least by one person.

Love and blessings,
Kim

Daily Inspiration

A Miracle
By Unknown Author


Like any good mother, when Karen found out that another baby was on the way, she did what she could to help her 3-year-old son, Michael, prepare for a new sibling. They found out that the new baby was going to be a girl, and day after day, night after night, Michael sang to his sister in Mommy's tummy. The pregnancy progressed normally for Karen, an active member of the Panther Creek United Methodist Church in Morristown, Tennessee. Then the labor pains came. Every five minutes ... every minute. But complications arose during delivery. Hours of labor. Would a C-section be required?

Finally, Michael's little sister was born. But she was in serious condition. With sirens howling in the night, the ambulance rushed the infant to the neonatal intensive care unit at St. Mary's Hospital, Knoxville, Tennessee. The days inched by. The little girl became worse. The pediatric specialist told the parents to prepared for the worst.

Karen and her husband contacted a local cemetery about a burial plot. They originally fixed up a special room in their home for the new baby - now they planned a funeral.

Michael kept begging his parents to let him see his sister, "I want to sing to her," he said. Week two in intensive care. It looked as if a funeral would come before the week was over. Michael kept nagging about singing to his sister, but kids are not allowed in Intensive Care. Karen made up her mind. She decided to take Michael whether they like it or not. If he didn't see his sister now, he may never see her alive. She dressed him in an oversized scrub suit and marched him into ICU. He looked like a walking laundry basket, but the head nurse recognized him as a child and bellowed, "Get that kid out of here now! No children are allowed. The mother in Karen rose up strong, and the usually mild-mannered lady glared steel-eyed into the head nurse's face, her lips a firm line. "He is not leaving until he sings to his sister!"

Karen towed Michael to his sister's bedside. He gazed at the tiny infant losing the battle to live. And he began to sing. In the pure hearted voice of a 3-year-old, Michael sang: "You are my sunshine, my only sunshine, you make me happy when skies are gray --- " Instantly the baby girl responded. The pulse rate became calm and steady. "Keep on singing, Michael." "You never know, dear, how much I love you, Please don't take my sunshine away---" Her strained breathing became smoother.

"Keep on singing, Michael." "The other night, dear, as I lay sleeping, I dreamed I held you in my arms..." Michael's little sister relaxed as healing rest seemed to sweep over her. "Keep on singing, Michael." Tears conquered the face of the bossy head nurse. "You are my sunshine, my only sunshine. Please don't, take my sunshine away."

The next day--the very next day--the little girl was well enough to go home! Woman's Day magazine called it "The Miracle of a Brother's Song." The medical staff just called it a miracle. Karen called it a miracle of God's love.


Source

Health Headlines 3/23/06

Environmental Chemicals Implicated In Cancer, Say Experts ~ Click here.

Missing Breast Cancer Genes May Soon Be Discovered ~ Click here.

Osteoporosis Affects Three Times More Women Than Breast Cancer, Many Women Unaware Of Risk ~ Click here.

Breast Cancer Book For Children Wins The 2006 Nathwani Prize ~ Click here.

Purdue Findings Reveal Possible Alzheimer's Link To Brain Organ ~ Click here.

Mammography Does Not Increase Risk Of Breast Cancer In High Risk Women ~ Click here.

New Preclinical Research Supports Ceflatonin(R) In Treatment Of Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) ~ Click here.

NEXIUM(R) Shown To Reduce Gastric Ulcers In At-Risk Patients Using Long-Term NSAIDs ~ Click here.

A New Metal Detector To Help Study Zinc's Role In Alzheimer's Disease, Stroke And Other Health Problems ~ Click here.

Snow days

Snow days! Remember them? You know, the days you long for so that you don't have to go to school and take that test you haven't studied for yet? Lol, that's basically what we have here today. As you can see from the picture, it's snowy and white. We were supposed to have about six to ten inches drop on us last night. The fortunate thing is that we really only had about three to four inches this morning. If I knew how to program my digital camera right, the date would have been correct and on there. Lol, but everyone knows I'm not good with the tech stuff. I've had a rough couple of days to be honest. Everytime I wanted to do something or had plans, things were shoved aside or forgotten completely because of the weather shifting and my pain increasing when I didn't need it to increase. Laying in bed or sitting with my feet wrapped in a blanket isn't really how I had pictured the day going by. I will have to admit that it has been good for the reading I have wanted to accomplish. I did finish the first LOTR book and worked my way through a third of the second book. Maybe I'll have the second and third books finished before Chris goes back to work in two weeks.

Of course, he has one more round of chemo before he can go back to work. I'm thinking he'll spend most of next week resting so that he will be able to get through his first night back without very many problems. Then we'll have to repeat the process in six months. I'm grateful for the fact he may never have to deal with the cancer again. I just hate going into the cancer center! Nothing against the wonderful nurses and doctors, but it just gets old after awhile. I've spent too much time at that hospital already this year. I'm sure that I'll get over it but still. Ugh.

I've been in a lot of pain this week already and the temp is supposed to drop lower until the end of the week when we have a warming trend come through Indiana. I'm hoping that Spring will come here soon and chase away the snow. I need it be warmer so my joints will stop yelling at me. I hate the drugged feeling of having to take pain pills just to go to the bathroom. The only other bother I have is a headache. I can't tell if it's from a sinus infection, just a regular headache or if I should be worried since I am taking blood thinners now. If it doesn't let up by tomorrow, I'm going to call my doctor. Not going to take any chances with the blood thinners. But for now, I'm off to go through emails while I'm still able. Take care out there. Know that someone out there loves you all.

Love and blessings,
Kim

Daily Inspiration

Never, never, never, never, never, give up. ~ Winston Churchill

Those who matter don't judge and those who judge don't matter. ~ Kristy Kempton, Ancora

There are no shortcuts to any place worth going. ~ Beverly Sills

The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart. ~ Hellen Keller

From every problem, there is an opportunity. ~ Anonymous

For everything you have missed, you have gained something else. ~ Emerson

Wisdom is the reward you get for a lifetime of listening when you would have preferred to talk. ~ Doug Larson

Giving people a little more than they expect is a good way to get back more than you'd expect. ~ Robert Half

Life is not lost by dying; life is lost minute by minute, day by dragging day, in all the thousand small uncaring ways. ~ Stephen Vincent Benet

Happiness is an expression of the soul in considered actions. ~ Aristotle

Be glad of life because it gives you the chance to love and to work and to play and to look up at the stars. ~ Henry Van Dyke

The tree is known by its fruits. ~ Author Unknown

In dreams and in love there are no impossibilities. ~ Author Unknown

Do not wait for leaders; do it alone, person to person. ~ Mother Teresa

No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted. ~ Aesop

Health Headlines 3/21/06

More Reliable Diagnosis Of Breast Cancer With New Radiology Method ~ Click here.

High Dose Vitamin C Is Safe For Cancer Patients ~ Click here.

Low PSA Score After Radiation Can Predict Prostate Cancer Return ~ Click here.

Pepper Component, Capsaicin, Triggers Suicide In Prostate Cancer Cells ~ Click here.

MiRNA Fingerprint Identified In Platelet Formation Which Could Lead To A New Class Of Targeted Therapies For Treating Leukemia And Other Diseases ~ Click here.

Rosemary Helps Prevent Brain Aging, Says Nagase ~ Click here.

Neuroscientists Discover New Cell Type That May Help Brain Maintain Memories Of Smells And Lead To Better Understanding Of Alzheimer's Disease ~ Click here.

Molecule Targets And Kills Tumor Cells, Starves Blood Supply ~ Click here.

U-M Scientists Identify Major Psoriasis Susceptibility Gene: Could Lead To Safer And More Effective Psoriasis Treatments ~ Click here.

Termination Of Phase 3 Clinical Program With Oral Temsirolimus In Women With Metastatic Breast Cancer ~ Click here.

Drug Helps Cognitive Function In Brain Tumor Patients After Radiation ~ Click here.

Experts Call For Balance In Addressing Under Treated Pain And Drug Abuse ~ Click here.

Happy St. Patty's Day!

HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY EVERYONE!

Sorry that it has been a few days since I have been able to post. Much of the week was spent in the bed with my feet and hands wrapped warmly, feeling druggy and not having too much fun. I did manage to check some emails during the week as the good moments would allow. Last night and today I am feeling much better because the cold front has already moved through Indiana. I'm hoping that we will now warm up and stay warm but not too hot. Summer will be here soon enough for that. Over the last few days I have been busy reading and trying to work on my novel. I haven't paid much attention to it through the last year because I was concentrating on Chris and then my own health problems. Now that I have some "free" moments from so much stress, I'm trying to write as much as I can. I'm feeling quite happy about it for some reason. I did finish "The Hobbit" and almost have made my way through the first book of the "Lord of the Ring" trilogy. While reading it though, I did manage to squeeze in another book titled "Riding Lessons" written by Sara Gruen. I am happy to say that I know her from my writer's group. Let me tell you, even if you don't like romance type novels, this book is excellent. It was a page turner, literally. I started reading it last night and could not go to bed until I finished reading it. I highly recommend the book. Way to go, Sara! Now I just need to get the other ones out there by her as well as by a gentleman named Tom who's also a part of the group. Lol, who knows? Maybe my bookshelf will be full of the group's work soon.

Today was also dose three of Chris' treatments. He has one more to go next Friday and then we're done for the next six months. He's not been too bad in the sick department but really has been tired more than ever. I am sure he won't be missing the chemo when it's over. I'm just glad we have some really great nurses and doctors in the Cancer Center here who make it worthwhile to come for treatments. We came home and crashed for a few hours because neither one of us was able to get any sleep last night. Chris stayed awake because he had slept most of Thursday morning and then couldn't get to sleep at a decent hour. I was up mostly due to wanting to finish that book and I will admit to sleeping almost all day on Thursday except for a few hours when I forced myself to be online and go through emails. Once I woke up earlier this evening, I mainly read. Lol, refueling my writing muse is what I call it. It was a good day for most of the day.

Well, except for when my thoughts turned to my friend, "J". Of course, that was most of the day. He lost someone he loved very much earlier this month and today was the day in which he was to say goodbye to her. My heart goes out to him and those who loved her and knew her much more than I did. It makes me sad to know that he's going through this after all his family has been through. J, know that you are always in my thoughts and prayers, darlin. Hang in there. I'm here if you need me.

For now, I'm off to get through a few more emails before calling it a night. I have much to do tomorrow in helping Chris to do a few loads of laundry and writing another five pages if I'm able. Take care out there and know that no matter where you find yourself in this world, you're always in my heart.

Love and blessings,
Kim

Daily Inspiration

The Power of One
By Unknown Author


One song can spark a moment
One flower can wake the dream
One tree can start a forest
One bird can herald spring
One smile begins a friendship
One handclasp lifts a soul
One star can guide a ship at sea
One word can frame the goal
One vote can change a nation
One sunbeam lights a room
One candle wipes out darkness
One laugh will conquer gloom
One step must start each journey
One word must start a prayer
One hope will raise our spirits
One touch can show you care
One voice can speak with wisdom
One heart can know what is true
One Life can make a difference


Source

Health Headlines 3/17/06

SDSU Study Shows Antibody May Reduce Or Eliminate Tumors ~ Click here.

MIMA Treats Metastatic Cancer Using Ultra-Precise Image-Guided Radiotherapy Technology From Varian Medical Systems ~ Click here.

Common Anti-convulsant Drug May Help Slow The Progression Of Dementia ~ Click here.

Could A Simple Heart Test Save Medicare Hundreds Of Millions? ~ Click here.

LymphoSign Inc. Completes Successful Pre-clinical Testing Of Promising New Leukemia Drug ~ Click here.

Research To Shed Light On Breast Cancer Detection ~ Click here.

Predicting Chemotherapy Outcome ~ Click here.

Oh joy....rain

Lol, sorry had to say it that way. If it wasn't rain then it'd be the white stuff and I don't want to deal with that if at all possible. We had some pretty strong thunderstorms through the night last night and into this morning. Bad enough the lights flickered a couple of times but didn't go out completely. Good thing too because was awake and playing on the computer. If he lost his game without having a chance to save it, the sight wouldn't have been pretty. I basically am planning to do a repeat of yesterday. The only thing is I hope to get a few more rows done on my cross stitch. It's bugging me that I haven't been able to do more than a couple here and there. I would love to finish it and send it on its way to a close friend of mine. But I still have a large portion to finish as well as all the backstitching and framing. I know, I know. Slow and steady. Well, poop on that. Lol, I have lots more that I want to finish and the stack of them I keep getting at christmas time is piling up. Plus I would love to finish my blanket that I've been crocheting for a few years. That takes a lot more out of me than the cross stitch projects though. We'll see.

Since I spent most of the day yesterday resting, I have made it halfway through the first book of the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy. I can't help but see the cast of the movies in each of their roles in the books. I think that Peter Jackson did a good job with casting because many of the actors and actresses fit their roles very well. All the same, my mind still flows the written words much better than the movies adapted from them. I'm working hard to reach my goal of 50 books by the end of June. I would really love to also get the editing and re-write portion of my novel done this month while Chris is busy hogging the computer at times. We'll see what happens, especially considering the weather as of late. And since it's getting late, no more stalling. Off to read or work on projects a bit. Take care all and know that you are loved by someone out there.

Love and blessings,
Kim

Daily Inspiration

If you can't run, jog. If you can't jog, walk. If you can't walk, limp. If you can't limp, crawl. If you can't crawl, then drag yourself. Don't quit, until you finish what you started. ~ Haydee Lopez, M.A. Instructor, Maric College

One of the most tragic things I know about human nature is that all of us tend to put off living. We are all dreaming of some magical rose garden over the horizon-instead of enjoying the roses blooming outside our windows today. ~ Dale Carnegie

A loyal friend laughs at your jokes when they're not so good, and sympathizes with your problems when they're not so bad. ~ Arnold H. Glasow

For success, attitude is equally as important as ability. ~ Harry F. Banks

Judgements prevent us from seeing the good that lies beyond appearances. ~ Wayne Dyer

What we have done for ourselves alone dies with us. What we have done for others and the world remains and is immortal. ~ Albert Pine

A real friend is one who walks in when the rest of the world walks out. ~ Author Unknown

No one is good at everything but everyone is good at something. ~ Author Unknown

No one outside ourselves can rule us inwardly. When we know this, we become free. ~ Author Unknown

Health Headlines 3/12/06

Scientists Use PET Scans To Monitor Lung Inflammation Noninvasively ~ Click here.

Arkray Introduces Two Diabetes Testing Devices ~ Click here.

Learn The Signs And Symptoms Of Colorectal Cancer - March Is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month ~ Click here.

Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center Receives Funding For Novel Breast Cancer And Obesity Studies ~ Click here.

Cleveland Clinic Research Explores Value Of Two Blood Thinners Versus Just One ~ Click here.

Feeling tired

Still raining and cloudy outside. I'm not going to complain other than to say I am glad I have nothing planned today except resting. I realize I didn't post yesterday. So much going on and I was completely exhausted by the time I was able to sit down. Thursday I was in a major flare that has continued to today though the effects are lessening. Still feel swollen all over and in a lot of muscle pain with joint aches but not as much as it was yesterday. Of course, Thursday night I had trouble getting to sleep. Friday morning Chris and I had to be up bright and early so that he could get round two of the Rituxan. Two more rounds and we're done with it for six months (yay). The first hour and a half was the usual sitting and chatting with Chris until he fell asleep. I worked on my cross stitch and then read a little. I did finish "The Hobbit" Thursday night and began the first book of "The Lord of the Rings" series. I know, I've already read them once, but they're next on my list to be read. They are awesome to read more than once anyway. As I sat there at the hospital, I could feel the weather shifting because my ankles were swelling and I felt as though my whole body was getting stiffer by the minute. By the time his treatment was finished and we drove home, I was barely shuffling along to get into the house. I made sure Chris was comfy and in bed before sitting with my feet up for just a little while. I checked through some of my emails and then I laid down for a while myself. When I woke up this morning, there was a thunderstorm going on. I stretched for a bit and then fell back to sleep for another hour or so before my body said, "Okay, that's enough sleep for now."

So I'm up and already going through emails after doing the usual morning routine. I had a hard time trying to get a bowl of cereal this morning but I know tomorrow is shot night, I'm going to try and hold on til then. I have letters to write and cards to mail today. Two close friends have birthdays next week and I'm going to try and make sure the cards arrive as close to the days as possible. The other new thing on my mind right now is what have I gotten myself into? See, Enliven services is a program set up for people who take the Enbrel shots for whatever reason. Because I've had a good response with the shot, they wanted to know if I would like to share my story with a division of their service department and basically become an advocate for others out there. Isn't that kinda what I'm doing with this blog anyway? A person from the advocacy office contacted me yesterday and as I told her my story and struggles, I knew that it felt right. Normally I don't just open up about things but this year I have, especially when it comes to my PA. In short, she really thinks it will benefit others if I take the step and become an advocate. I have to think it over because it could involve going to places and speaking in front of people which is something I sort of fear. So we'll see. I'm off to let Chris use the computer for a while but I will be back later. Have a good day everyone.

Love and blessings,
Kim

Daily Inspiration

Always keep a window open in your mind for new ideas. ~ Anonymous

The language of friendship is not words, but meanings. ~ Thoreau

Have great hopes and dare to go all out for them. Have great dreams and dare to live them. Have tremendous expectations and believe in them. ~ Norman Vincent Peale

Remember, the greatest gift is not found in a store nor under a tree, but in the hearts of true friends. ~ Cindy Lew

If you travel alone, you can probably go faster. But the journey will never be as rewarding, and you probably won't be able to go as far. ~ John Maxwell

Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it. ~ Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from NOW and make a brand new end. ~ Anonymous

You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You must do the thing which you think you cannot do. ~ Eleanor Roosevelt

Refusing to ask for help when you need it is refusing someone the chance to be helpful. ~ Author Unknown

Health Headlines 3/11/06

Latest In Prostate Cancer Therapy Presented At A New Style Scientific Conference ~ Click here.

The First Clinical Test For Saliva-Based Oral Cancer Detection: Ready Now ~ Click here.

Nabi Biopharmaceuticals Announces U.S. Fast Track Designation For NicVAX(R) To Treat Nicotine Addiction ~ Click here.

Lilly Launches Phase III Trial Of Targeted Cancer Agent ~ Click here.

Major Biomarker Candidates For Alzheimer's Disease Explored ~ Click here.

Common Properties In The Genes Implicated In The Development Of Cancer ~ Click here.

FDA Approves First Head & Neck Cancer Treatment In 45 Years Data Shows Treatment With Erbitux Extends Survival ~ Click here.

Still raining!

Yep, still a rainin' as my grandmother would say. I would have loved to have been on her front porch once again, swinging on the wooden porch swing and watch the rain fall upon the green grass. I feel so far behind in all areas of what I try to do online that I'm almost about to give up. My emails, blogs, journals and MSN groups are all so far behind that I just wanna say forget it all. Yet I know that I won't because they all mean so much to me. They each are a lifeline to those that I value and love online. Even if I have to do it all just one at a time and remain behind for a while longer, then I shall because I can't give up on those I love.

I was supposed to have gone to the counselor's office today for an appointment. When I got out of the bed and started to get ready, I realized that I was in too much pain to go today. Unfortunately that means that we will have lots to talk about when I go in two weeks. I was able after about two hours of easy stretching to go over to my mother's house to pick up some DVD's that she wanted to give to me. No one there watches them any longer so she sent them to us to enjoy. I did work on my writing a bit to keep my mind off the aches and pains of my back and feet. I don't know why those places are acting up so much now than before, but I will deal with it as it comes. None of my joints are red today, just achey and annoying. The muscles in my back, however, are still cramping and just being sore. I hope that this flare ends soon because with the nicer weather coming, I want to be able to at least attempt to plant flowers.

Been thinking a lot about what life was like before I started to realize that the PA was taking away things little by little. It makes me sad to think that I'm only 29 and yet I'm disabled and not able to do even simple things like walk around the block with my husband and dog because of the pain it will cause me. I haven't been able to ride a bike in a long while because I've gotten heavy to the point where I have to have a special sturdy bike. It bugs me that I can't take my dog to the park and play with him because I can't run or skip or jump around without completely being knocked out the next day. Yet I have gained so much that I wouldn't have if I had been a regular person. I wouldn't have patience or understanding when others are having difficulties doing everyday things. I wouldn't know what pain was like and be sympathetic to those who hurt in a million different ways. I wouldn't have a chance at writing and maybe being published because I would have been too busy with a job to even start a sentence. I would have missed out on some amazing and wonderful friendships because I wouldn't have been down the path of joining support groups or knowing what they have gone through with the pain and stiffness. What I may have lost in physical abilities compares little to what I have gained through emotional and spiritual links with those who understand me. So I would say that I came out on top.

My heart still aches for my friend, "J" and his situation. I haven't heard from you in a while and I keep you in my thoughts and prayers, darlin. Everyone try to smile and tell someone you love them today.

Love and blessings,
Kim

Daily Inspiration

Real Friend
By Unknown Author


Horror gripped the heart of the World War I soldier, as he saw his life-long friend fall in battle. Caught in a trench with continuous gunfire whizzing over his head, the soldier asked his lieutenant if he might go out into the "No Man's Land" between the trenches to bring his fallen comrade back.

"You can go," said the lieutenant, "but I don't think it will be worth it. Your friend is probably dead and you may throw your own life away."

The lieutenant's words didn't matter, and the soldier went anyway. Miraculously he managed to reach his friend, hoist him onto his shoulder, and bring him back to their company's trench. As the two of them tumbled in together to the bottom of the trench, the officer checked the wounded soldier, then looked kindly at his friend.

"I told you it wouldn't be worth it," he said. "Your friend is dead, and you are mortally wounded."

"It was worth it, though, sir," the soldier said.

"How do you mean, 'worth it'?" responded the lieutenant. "Your friend is dead!"

"Yes sir," the private answered. "But it was worth it because when I got to him, he was still alive, and I had the satisfaction of hearing him say, 'Jim, I knew you'd come.'"

Many a times in life, whether a thing is worth doing or not really depends on how you look at it. Take up all your courage and do something your heart tells you to do so that you may not regret not doing it later in life. May each and everyone of you be blessed with the company of true friends.


Source

Health Headlines 3/9/06

4th International Conference On Teenage And Young Adult Cancer Medicine ~ Click here.

FDA Will Review Safety Of Medicated Patches, Including Ortho Evra ~ Click here.

GenoMed Announces Healthchip® To Predict Six Common Cancers Including Lung Cancer ~ Click here.

Major Biomarker Candidates For Alzheimer's Disease Explored: Holds Promise For Improving The Diagnosis And Management Of Dementia ~ Click here.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Does Not Increase Risk Of Hearing Loss, Mayo Clinic Study Finds ~ Click here.

Study Indicates Dramatic Rise In Antibiotic-resistant Community-acquired Staph Infections ~ Click here.

New Cell Imaging Method Identifies Aggressive Cancer Cells Early ~ Click here.

Raining finally!

Finally! After waiting days for the rain to get here so that I could have a little more relief, it finally arrived this morning. I didn't get to sleep until about three in the morning and was awaken by the sound of tornado sirens going off around ten this morning. I don't remember anything during that span of seven hours, which is rare for me. I'm not complaining though. Wish I had more sleeps like that one! The arrival of the rain has left me more tired than anything else, I'll admit. My muscles have relaxed somewhat in my back and my joints aren't as tender. Yet, I still have trouble just going from my bedroom to the bathroom more than I should. Hopefully the temperature here in Indiana won't turn colder through the end of the week and my body will have some time to adjust to the changes. Then again, knowing my luck and the weather here, that won't be the case at all. Lol, crazy weather.

Today I am almost finished reading "The Hobbit" and will most likely go on to read the first book of "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy. I figured that would be the easiest way of making it through the books on my shelves without having to hunt all over for the books. Of course, I can't just read one book at a time and basically have two being read although I can't find the other one right now. Lol, that's just my luck. My cross stitch is calling me but I might have to wait a bit on that. My hands still feel sore from this past weekend. I might do a couple rows. I mostly try to pass the time and try not to cry over the situation that my friend "J" is dealing with right now. It saddens me to no end that he has to deal with this on top of everything else he has on his plate. I'm praying that there was a misunderstanding and things will work out. Until then, you're in my thoughts and prayers, "J". Everyone have a good day today. Remember you all are loved.

Love and blessings,
Kim

Daily Inspiration

And in the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years. ~ Abraham Lincoln

Don’t ever say that you don’t have enough time. You have exactly the same number of hours in a day that were given to Helen Keller, Louis Pasteur, Michelangelo, Mother Teresa, Leonardo DA Vinci, Thomas Jefferson and Albert Einstein. ~ H. Jackson Brown

"Yes, I can"-Three of the most potent words in any language. ~ Anonymous

True friends want nothing from you except the joy of your presence. No matter what you do, they will always be your friend. ~ Paramahansa Yogananda

Courage dosen't always ROAR. Sometimes courage is the QUIET VOICE at the end of the day saying, "I will TRY AGAIN tomorrow." ~ Mary Anne Radmache

Happiness comes through doors you didn't know you left open. ~ Author Unknown

Our children are watching us live and what we are shouts louder than anything we can say. ~ Wilfred Peterson

Tenderness and kindness are not signs of weakness and despair but manifestations of strength and resolution. ~ Kahlil Gibran

When the power of love becomes stronger than the love of power, we will have peace. ~ Jimi Hendrix

Health Headlines 3/8/06

Activity Of Imatinib (Gleevec®) In Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma ~ Click here.

'Shuttling' Protein Possibly Key To Resilience Of Cancer Cells ~ Click here.

Aspirin To Prevent Heart Disease Is Beneficial In A Wider Range Of Men ~ Click here.

Data Published In PNAS Show Antibodies Can Be Made 10 Times More Toxic To Cancer Cells ~ Click here.

Older Adults With Depressive Symptoms Are More Likely To Become Cognitively Impaired ~ Click here.

Whew, what a day!

Today was actually one of my good days. That reason alone is why I'm posting so late at night. I had a doctor's appointment with my family doctor to go over the results of my CT scan. When I got to the office, no one else was in there, so I went right back to see him. Guess what?! The scans were clear! No more blood clots in my lung. So I was happy about that although I told he that he could have just mentioned that on the phone instead of dragging me to the office. I needed to see him about my muscles knotting more anyway so it all worked out for itself. I'm upping my Celebrex to 2 a day for the next few days to get my body out of its "flare" state and then dropping back to one as needed. The rheumy had said that if I felt as though I didn't need to take the Celebrex, I could go without it. So far, I need it to get through this weather transition. After the doctor's visit, I went over to my mother's house for a couple of hours. It's always fun to visit my brother and be a little mean to his dog. The poor dog doesn't play much with my brother because Billy isn't able to get down and really play. So I kind of make up for that. At a little after noon, I left their house and came home. Chris had decided it was time to get me new shoes because he was tired of the ones I wear falling apart.

Once we were off on the shoe hunt, it was a little difficult to find the size and width that I needed. We went to four different stores and finally found a pair that fit rather well. Then I treated myself to a couple of new books. I know, I know. I wasn't supposed to buy any new ones until I was caught up with the ones on my bookshelves. I can't help it. I'm a bookaholic and yes, I admit it. The woman at the bookstore wanted to know if I was interested in working there. Lol, I laughed and told her that I wouldn't get much work done because I'd always be reading something. It was kinda nice to interact with people again. After being "stuck" in the house and only going out if I had to, today was a brilliant change. I tried really hard not to shy away from asking for help in finding what I needed and taking my time instead of settling for what I could get. The only problem I did have was walking all the distances. According to my doctor, it will take until May or June for my lungs to completely heal. But I'm still going to live as though I'm okay, just a little more aware. We came home soon after because I was really starting to wear out. Chris was sleepy anyway from not getting very much sleep the night before, so he laid down. I did the first part of my blog duties and checked a few emails before laying down for a nap myself. I didn't wake up until about 730pm! That's a long nap.

The only grey cloud hanging over me today was one that involved my friend, "J", and the fact he may have lost someone he loved dearly. I'm hoping and praying that there was just a misunderstanding with her being so far away and she's not gone. It's too much on top of everything that he and his family have been through in the past year that I have had the pleasure of knowing them. My heart goes out to him and their family, especially the baby girl. Hang in there, "J". We're praying for you.

Love and blessings,
Kim

Daily Inspiration

Happiness on Hold
By Unknown Author


We convince ourselves that life will be better after we get married, have a baby, then another. Then we are frustrated that the kids aren't old enough and we'll be more content when they are.

After that, we're frustrated that we have teenagers to deal with. We will certainly be happy when they are out of that stage. We tell ourselves that our life will be complete when our spouse gets his or her act together, when we get a nicer car, are able to go on a nice vacation, or when we retire.

The truth is, there's no better time to be happy than right now. If not now, when? Your life will always be filled with challenges. It's best to admit this to yourself and decide to be happy anyway. Happiness is the way. So, treasure every moment that you have and treasure it more because you shared it with someone special, special enough to spend your time with...and remember that time waits for no one.

So, stop waiting
--until your car or home is paid off
--until you get a new car or home
--until your kids leave the house
--until you go back to school
--until you lose ten pounds
--until you gain ten pounds
--until you finish school
--until you get a divorce
--until you get married
--until you have kids
--until you retire
--until summer
--until spring
--until winter
--until fall
--until you die

There is no better time than right now to be happy.

Happiness is a journey, not a destination.

So -- work like you don't need money, Love like you've never been hurt, And dance like no one's watching.

Hope for the best and never forget that anything is possible as long as you remain dedicated to the task.


Source

Health Headlines 3/7/06

Cancer Patients' Confidence Boosted By Internet Research ~ Click here.

Newly Discovered Killer Cell Fights Cancer In Mice ~ Click here.

Potential Association Between Skin Cancer Cream And Improvements Of Prematurely Aged Skin ~ Click here.

MannKind Initiates Two U.S. Pivotal Phase 3 Studies Of Inhaled Technosphere(R) Insulin ~ Click here.

Severe Psoriasis - Clinical Data Evaluating CC-10004 As New Oral Therapy ~ Click here.

Halozyme Therapeutics Completes Enrollment Of Chemophase Phase I Clinical Trial For Superficial Bladder Cancer ~ Click here.

Smiling through the grey

That's what I've been trying to do today. Not only because of the weather outside, but the storm inside me caused by being nervous. Last night was a tough night. I managed to write my letters as I wanted and do a little more work on the cross-stitch. Before I knew it, the time for my Enbrel shot came. So I got things ready. Last night, I found that I didn't have a hard time giving the shot to myself. I can't think of a reason as to why it was easier to give myself the shot then compared to all the other times. Maybe it was because I really wanted the tense muscles in my back to relax and the tenderness in my other joints to calm down some. The shot usually lasts until about Thursday or Friday but because of all that Chris and I had to do to prepare for his chemo treatments, I think it wore off quicker. After about an hour or so after the shot, the muscles in my back all seemed to knot up at the same time. I have no clue as to why that happened. All I can remember is the pain being more than I had to deal with in a long time. Chris tried to work some of them out but it only made me feel worse. I ended up taking one of the strong pain pills that I have and drifting off into a sound sleep. The only bad part was waking up this morning to a foggy head that cleared after about an hour.

I am kinda glad the day is an icky looking one outside. It means that I get to stay covered up with a blanket on the couch with my book and my cross-stitch. I am currently reading "The Hobbit" again. One of my friends at Livejournal works in a library and keeps track of what she has read. It kinda rekindled the love of reading for me. I decided to do the same but on my own here with the Excel software I had. So I set a goal of reading at least 50 books by the end of June. Of course, I'll extend it to another 50 by the end of December. Most of the books on my shelves haven't been read in a long while or at all. To do them justice, I will read them again. I am also going to try and do a few more rows on my cross-stitch. This seems to be the only day that I will be able to do what I would like to do as the rest of the week is filled with doctor visits for both myself and Chris. I received a call that my CT results were in my family doctor's office, so I'm off to see him tomorrow morning. Then Thursday is my counsleor appointment. Friday, we are at the Cancer Center for another treatment for Chris. I don't know how long I can keep up this pace with the weather as it is. But there'll be a way somehow.

I'm off to take care of a few bills and try to get some more stuff done. Hope everyone is having a great day. Take time to tell someone you love them. Never know what tomorrow holds.

Love and blessings,
Kim

Daily Inspiration

Unpolished Diamond
By Unknown Author

How a person reacts to criticism often means the difference between success and failure. Take the case of Ole Bull, the famous Norwegian violinist of the past century.

His practical father, a chemist, sent him to the University of Christiania to study for the ministry and forbade him to play his beloved violin. He promptly flunked out and, defying his father, devoted all his time and energy to the violin. Unfortunately, though he had great ability, his teachers were relatively unskilled, so that by the time he was ready to start his concert tour he wasn't prepared.

In Italy a Milan newspaper critic wrote: "He is an untrained musician. If he be a diamond, he is certainly in the rough and unpolished."

There were two ways Ole Bull could have reacted to that criticism. He could have let it make him angry, or he could learn from it. Fortunately he chose the latter. He went to the newspaper office and asked to see the critic. The astounded editor introduced him. Ole spent the evening with the 70-year-old critic, asked about his faults, and sought the older man's advice on how to correct them.

Then he canceled the rest of his tour, returned home, and spent the next six months studying under really able teachers. He practiced hours upon hours to overcome his faults. Finally, he returned to his concerts and, when only 26, became the sensation of Europe.


Source

Health Headlines 3/6/06

New Anti-drug Program Shows 'phenomenal' Success By Focusing On Positives ~ Click here.

UCI Researchers Identify First Compound To Block Progression Of Alzheimer's Disease ~ Click here.

Anti-inflammatory Drug's Potentially Deadly Side Effect Found To Be Rare ~ Click here.

FDA Approves Rituxan® - The First Targeted B-Cell Therapy For Treatment Of Moderate-To-Severe Rheumatoid Arthritis ~ Click here.

Moderate To Severe Psoriasis - Remicade® (infliximab) Phase 3 Data Show Rapid/Significant Improvement And Long-Term Response ~ Click here.

Screening May Over-diagnose 1 In 10 Breast Cancers ~ Click here.

Dark and gloomy

That's how this day started and is continuing on for me. We were supposed to get some of that snow here over the weekend but none has fallen thus far. It's just one of those days where you want to curl up on a comfy couch or chair with a great book and something warm to drink. I would love to do that except my hands aren't letting me do much today. I can type okay and have to stop every once in a while to take a break and let them rest. So if it seems like I have written a lot, it's only because it has taken me a while to do it. One of these days, I'll figure out the html thing and do something spiffy with this blog. Until then, you'll just have to deal with my measly little posts.

Not much on the table to do today on my list. Going to write a couple letters to a few wonderful friends of mine. I have a couple already written and ready to send out. I just wish my hands would let me do more. My cross stitch project is coming along well. I have most of the fringe and dress done on the left hand side of the fabric. I hope to have it finished today but most likely I will have just another portion of it finished. My writing has taken a back seat for now. I started on another chapter of my novel and the reworking is going great up until I have had to help get things in order for Chris to have the chemo this month. I'm hoping and praying that it will give us many, many years together. Once the next dose comes up, we'll have a routine and it will be easier for me to focus my thoughts on my writing. It's kinda hard to get into the mindset of a serial killer for your story when your hubby's getting powerful drugs pumped into his body. Lol, well for some people it is. So I must be off for now. My brother wants me to call him back and if I don't, he'll keep calling me. Take care out there and try to find one thing to smile for today.

Love and blessings,
Kim

Daily Inspiration

For every minute you remain angry, you give up sixty seconds of peace of mind. ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

True friends are those who really know you but love you anyway. ~ Edna Buchanan

Kindness is a language which the deaf can hear and the blind can read. ~ Mark Twain

The quality of life does not depend on happiness alone, but also on what one does to be happy. ~ Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi

We can do no great things; only small things with great love. ~ Mother Teresa

Need inspiration? Just look up at the night sky on a clear evening. ~ Author Unknown

Turn your face to the sun and the shadows fall behind you. ~ Maori Proverb

We must be the change we wish to see in the world. ~ Mahatma Gandhi

As one person I cannot change the world, but I can change the world of one person. ~ Paul Shane Spear

Forget about the consequences of failure. Failure is only a temporary change in direction to set you straight for your next success. ~ Denis Waitley

Do what you can, with what you have, where you are. ~ Theodore Roosevelt

Health Headlines 3/5/06

Inflammatory Biomarker Helps Identify Progressive Precancerous Lesions In The Lung ~ Click here.

Proteins Stop Blood-vessel And Tumor Growth In Mice ~ Click here.

Lower Cost Generic Drugs For Lower Income Consumers ~ Click here.

Latest Discoveries In Alzheimer's Disease Therapy To Be Presented ~ Click here.

‘Hedgehog' Find Could Lead To New Liver Cancer Tests And Treatments ~ Click here.

ExCel Breast Cancer Prevention Study Back On Track ~ Click here.

Infection ‘Alarm' Yields Clues To Immune System Behavior ~ Click here.

Conference Examines Latest Research On Drug-induced Liver Injury ~ Click here.

Marrow-derived Stem Cells Deliver New Cytokine To Kill Brain Tumor Cells, Offer Protection ~ Click here.

Indiana weather

Let me tell you, if you don't like the weather at the moment, just you stay and wait a few more minutes. I'm sure it will change to your liking! Lol, that's the biggest and longest running joke I've ever heard while living here. Just last night it was a beautiful night, crystal clear with just a touch of chill in the wind as it blew. This morning was a completely different story. Even with the sun shining brightly and giving off all the warmth it can muster, the wind is definitely colder and sharper as it blows harder against the houses and the people on the street. I'm glad that I don't have to think about venturing out until the afternoon. In fact, the weather man says that it is supposed to snow at some point this weekend. I don't believe we'll get a lot but I've been wrong in that department before. We shall see, I suppose.

My back is still hurting me most of the time. I know that it's the Fibro back there making things difficult for me. I have also begun to notice that my Enbrel shots are wearing off just short of the day I am to take them again. This week, I noticed that it wore off by Thursday evening/Friday morning. Tough time to wear off as I had to sit in the Cancer Center with Chris for four and a half hours on Friday. Fortunately the majority of the pain didn't hit me until I was at home and Chris was asleep. I was able to do a few things online before the need to stretch out on the bed hit me hard. My hands and feet are doing better, joint wise. They are still tender at times but mostly I can move. The newest development with my feet is definitely a painful one at best. I noticed for the past week or so that a rough and almost calloused part of skin was on the underneath side of my foot near the point where the toe bones meet with the rest of the foot bones. I have sanded it down but apparently the joint bone is pressing the layers of skin downward while walk and creating a deeper callous. So I will have to invest in some cushions for my shoes as well as for the callous.

But my day seems to be a creative feeling one. I am to finish emails as well as taking care of that cross-stitch project I have yet to finish. Hope all is well.

Love and blessings,
Kim

Daily Inspiration

Another quote edition of inspiration this morning. Hope you enjoy.

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You've touched people and know it. You've touched people and never may know it. Either way, no matter what your life feels like to you right now, you have something to give. It is in giving to one another that each one of our lives becomes meaningful. ~ Dr. Laura Schlessinger

We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children. ~ Native American proverb

It is what you do with your life that counts. ~ Martin Luther King Jr.

There are always risks when you chase after a dream because growth requires that you leave your comfort zone and enter unknown territory. ~ Stedman Graham

Mistakes are the portals of discovery. ~ Albert Einstein

All the technology in the world will never replace a positive attitude. ~ Harvey Mackay

Perseverance is a great element of success; if you only knock long enough and loud enough at the gate you are sure to wake up somebody. ~ Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

One word frees us all of the weight and pain of life; that word is love. ~ Sophocles

You are not ever given a wish without also being given the power to make it true. ~ Richard Bach

One drop of water helps to swell the ocean; a spark of fire helps to give light to the world. None are too small, too feeble, too poor to be of service. Think of this and act. ~ Hannah More

Health Headlines 3/4/06

Do Underarm Deodorants Pose A Breast Cancer Risk? ~ Click here.

Nature, Nurture And The Risk Of Depression ~ Click here.

Weighting Cancer Drugs To Make Them Hit Tumors Harder ~ Click here.

Experimental Drug Reverses Key Cognitive Deficits, Pathology In Alzheimer's ~ Click here.

Gold's Power Against Autoimmune Diseases Defined ~ Click here.

Amifostine Makes Radiation More Effective, Eases Side Effects ~ Click here.

Changes

Life has a funny way of taking over, doesn't it? Just when I think I'm doing well and getting back into the groove of things, somethinge else comes along and makes it a bit more difficult to get back in a routine. I was getting better and trying to update daily like I wanted when Chris went to his oncologist appointment Monday. It has been just a little over six months since he was announced cancer free, so this was to be a routine visit. However, we got a small shock. Though his bloodwork and physical exam came out clean and no cancer found, the doctor recommended Chris taking a month to have four doses of Rituxin (chemotherapy drug) and repeat that process every six months. This would go on for the two years that he is to have check ups at the six month mark. When he first came home and told me, I immediately went into a what the heck type of mode. I couldn't believe that the doctor would want him to have chemo if he wasn't battling cancer again. Before I could get more information out of him, it was time for him to go to work. It didn't surprise me much when he came walking back through the door only four hours later. Apparently the decision of whether to take it or not weighed heavily on his mind and he couldn't focus at work. So the supervisor sent him home. It was then that he explained in a bit more detail that the reason the doctor wanted him to take this extra bit of chemo was to ensure a higher chance of the cancer never coming back at all. As it stood before today, his chances of the cancer coming back was 50/50. Once he completes this course over the two years, he will have a 95% of the cancer not coming back within his lifetime. There's always going to be a chance that it might but more than likely it won't. So he thought it over, slept on the decision and then decided to go ahead and take the chemo. If doing that would allow him more years on this Earth, then he wanted to do it.

So the last few days I have been busy trying to help him get ready for the chemo and to get myself stronger. I nearly defeated the purpose by doing too much of the laundry in one day and straining my already tight muscles in my back. The Fibro hasn't let up much since we've been having some wild weather here in Indiana. My joints are doing okay, still have some trouble with them. I can manage with a bit more difficulty than usual to put clothes into the washer. Putting them into the dryer is the hardest part because of the bending and all. Most of the time, Chris has to do that half. I hope to be able to do all of it soon. Plus, I am still unable to walk long distances without becoming so winded that I have to stop. I feel dizzy and light headed sometimes. I know it's going to take a long while to get back to the strength I had before they found the blood clot. I'm hoping the CT scan I had yesterday shows that they are gone. I should get the results on Monday. Keep your fingers crossed. Well, that's pretty much all of what's going on in a nutshell. Hope all is well out there.

Love and blessings,
Kim

Daily Inspiration

Friendship Promise
By Unknown Author

You Are My Friend
And I Hope You Know That's True.
No Matter What Happens
I Will Stand Right By You.
In Times Of Grief
I Will Give You Belief.
I'll Be There For You
Whenever You Are In Need.
To Lend You A Hand
To Do A Good Deed.
So Just Call On Me
WhenYou Need Me, My Friend!
I Will Always Be There For You
Right To The End!
Best Friends Forever!

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