Semi-Busy day

I won't make this a long entry because Chris is wanting to use the computer after I do my blogs and a couple of emails. He's got to have his computer time too. Lol, the month he's taking off from work is going to be one filled with him and I taking turns on the computer. So don't be surprised if I do the blogs as late in the evening as this or even later if I have to.

Today was a beautiful day outside. I was able to sit on the porch and watch the cool breeze make the trees sway in a dance. It was very soothing to be honest. I slept in until noon because I didn't get to fall asleep until nearly four in the morning. My back is starting to stiffen which means the weather is probably going to change here in the next few days. Hopefully it won't be the severe storms that we tend to get during spring here in Indiana. I started on book #22, working my way through it dilligently. I still have a ways to go so we'll see where the end of June brings me in my journey to my goal. I added another three rows to my afghan while talking with my nephew. He's staying the weekend with us to help Chris with the yardwork. I have taken the advice of a friend and began to pace myself when it comes to the housework. The only other thing that happened today was my trip to the rheumy. He wants me to stay off of the Enbrel until he can get ahold of the company to see what the data is on people developing blood clots while taking Enbrel. He and I both believe that my blood clot I had back in February was due to genetics more so than medication, but he wants to be safe. For now I'm to take Celebrex and go back to the acupuncturist as needed. Hopefully he will let me get back on it. If it turns out that I can no longer take Enbrel, he's talking about putting me on Arava for a bit. So we'll see if he calls me before my next appointment.

Take care everyone. I'm off to do some emails.
Love and blessings,
Kim

Daily Inspiration

Things Aren't Always What They Seem
By Unknown Author

Two traveling angels stopped to spend the night in the home of a wealthy family. The family was rude and refused to let the angels stay in the mansion's guest room. Instead the angels were given a space in the cold basement. As they made their bed on the hard floor, the older angel saw a hole in the wall and repaired it.

When the younger angel asked why, the older angel replied, "Things aren't always what they seem".

The next night the pair came to rest at the house of a very poor, but very hospitable farmer and his wife. After sharing what little food they had the couple let the angels sleep in their bed where they could have a good night's rest.

When the sun came up the next morning the angels found the farmer and his wife in tears. Their only cow, whose milk had been their sole income, lay dead in the field. The younger angel was infuriated and asked the older angel "how could you have let this happen!? The first man had everything, yet you helped him," she accused. "The second family had little but was willing to share everything, and you let their cow die."

"Things aren't always what they seem," the older angel replied.

"When we stayed in the basement of the mansion, I noticed there was gold stored in that hole in the wall. Since the owner was so obsessed with greed and unwilling to share his good fortune, I sealed the wall so he wouldn't find it. Then last night as we slept in the farmer's bed, the angel of death came for his wife. I told him to take the cow instead. Things aren't always what they seem."

Sometimes this is exactly what happens when things don't turn out the way we think they should. Just trust that every outcome is always to your advantage. You might not realize it until much later.


Source

Health Headlines 4/28/06

University Of Michigan To Start Program That Would Give No-Cost, Discounted Medications To Employees, Dependents With Diabetes ~ Click here.

New Hope For People Trying To Quit Smoking ~ Click here.

Risk Of Secondary Malignancies In Testicular Cancer: Data From Over 40,000 Survivors ~ Click here.

MIT Research Offers New Hope For Alzheimer's Patients, Cocktail Of Dietary Supplements, Now In Human Clinical Trials ~ Click here.

Novel Vaccine Curbs Brain Tumor Growth, Increases Survival ~ Click here.

Predicting Chemotherapy Success ~ Click here.

Terahertz Imaging May Reduce Breast Cancer Surgeries ~ Click here.

Blood Clots Present In 40% Of Alzheimer's Disease Patients ~ Click here.

Finally!

That's my Dudley. Lol, he's staring at a vanilla sugar wafer before he gobbles it down. I don't give those to him very often but when I do, they don't last long.

Sorry that I didn't post any kind of update yesterday. All the worrying and thinking I did up to yesterday as well as the housework I was able to do (little as it was) really made me feel exhausted. I played on the computer for just a little while before falling asleep. I didn't sleep much on Tuesday night because I was more nervous about going to the oncologist's office than I was the first time we were sent there. I was so sure that he was going to tell me the cancer was back in some new form that it frightened me a lot. I was supposed to go and see my counselor before we were to go to his appointment. My nerves did a number on me so I had to cancel the counseling appointment just so I could get them under control. Chris and I got to the Cancer Center a little early so he could have bloodwork done. We were taken back a little while after the blood was drawn. I told the nurse and then the doctor what was happening with Chris' hands. The looks on their faces weren't very good at all. In fact I'd say that the doctor was quite concerned that there was something he didn't catch the first time around.

The doctor went down a checklist of symptoms and then gave Chris a physical exam to feel for any lumps or bumps. He didn't find any, seeming pleased at that as a matter of fact. The doctor told us he was going to check the bloodwork and be right back. It was about ten minutes before the doctor came back to tell us what was going on with Chris' hands. Apparently Chris is having a very rare and uncommon reaction to the Rituxan he took last month. It is a sudden onset of severe arthritis in both hands and wrists that can only go away with time. I looked at Chris with a look of surprise because only he would be the only to come up with having one of the rarest side effects of chemotherapy. In a way I was relieved because all Chris had to go through now was the pain and inflammation but he wouldn't have to do the chemotherapy any more since it was causing this reaction. So the doctor ordered him some pain medication and told him that he would need a month, maybe two, off from work until his hands are feeling better. Needless to say I've razed him about it awhile.

Today the weather was perfect outside. Just the right mix of sun and cool breezes. I sat out on the front porch and read awhile so that Dudley could go out in the front yard to do his business or just lay in the sunshine, which he tends to do a lot. Chris was able to drive my mom home from work and then came home to take a nap. I worked on the dolphin puzzle I started a few days ago. I swear that puzzle hates me. It keeps stopping me from finishing it quickly. Lol, but I will conquer it! I also finished another book today. That makes 21 so far this year. I even was able to add three more rows to the afghan. In a way today was a productive day. Just not in the housework department but I'll get to that eventually this weekend.

Thanks to everyone who sent positive thoughts and prayers our way. Chris and I have truly been blessed and are eternally grateful to those who send us love and blessings. May it be repaid ten fold to you all. Love from the bottom of my heart to you.

Love and blessings,

Kim

Daily Inspiration

Angel at the Bus Stop
By Unknown Author


There was still a steady rain when Amee trudged into the shelter at the bus stop that evening. Sitting heavily on the bench, she stared at muddy gutter, and wondered when things would ever change. So much had been wrong, she felt she was slowly being crushed inside. The physical therapy after the auto accident was only supposed to be for a couple weeks. The weeks had stretched to months, and although she could walk now, she still fought for balance on her steps, and the numbing ache still robbed her of sleep most nights. Her broken collarbone still ached, too, when it rained. Like today. Her stomach growled, and she grimaced at the thought of food.

All the medications were ruining her appetite, too. She was so tired of being sick. So tired of being tired. Amee sat lost in thought, as the rain dripped steadily off the awning.

Suddenly, Amee was aware of white service shoes in front of her line of vision. Startled, she followed the sturdy uniform-clad legs up to see pudgy tan hands clasped around an ample waist within a bright blue scrub shirt. She looked up into a pair of crinkled-rimmed kind brown eyes, and realized a woman was speaking to her.

"Ya all right, honey?" she was saying. Without warning, Amee burst into tears. In seconds, the woman had stepped close, and pulled Amee's head to her ample bosom, and held her quietly close. The moment passed, and Amee straightened up, apologizing profusely through her tears.

"Stop Amee," said the soft voice. "God knows when we're drowning, and need His touch. The sun will come out again for you." Gently she kissed Amee's forehead, and turned to walk away.

"Wait!" cried Amee, "How did you know my name?!"

"God knows all His children by name, child."

As Amee blinked in astonishment, the bus arrived, blocking her view. As she stood up, shaking her head, the voice came again. At the same moment as the breaking sunbeams. In the mist steaming off the pavement Amee distinctly heard, "He knows you needed to be held in His arms, for just a moment. To hear His heartbeat. He sent me to wrap you in it today."


Source

Health Headlines 4/27/06

Social Networks Protect Against Alzheimer's ~ Click here.

Women Need More Comprehensive Approach To Managing Depression ~ Click here.

Federal Commitment To Diabetes Prevention Falters In 2005 As Diabetes Epidemic Grows, USA ~ Click here.

Low Folate Levels May Also Cut Bowel Cancer Risk ~ Click here.

Nanotechnology May Find Disease Before It Starts, By Improving The Quality Of Ultrasound Images ~ Click here.

Women Under 60 Appear To Be At Increased Risk For Depression After Heart Attack ~ Click here.

Chemotherapy Gel May Fight Breast Cancer And Reduce Breast Deformity ~ Click here.

Protein Inhibits Neurotoxins In Alzheimer's Disease ~ Click here.

NICE Says Yes To ‘no Wait' Oral Bowel Cancer Treatment Xeloda® (capecitabine), UK ~ Click here.

Clues To Breast Cancer Hidden Inside Stem Cells ~ Click here.

Doctors Learn More About Diagnosing Rare Form Of Cancer ~ Click here.

Dark clouds today

That's the sunset here from last night. I decided to snap a bunch of pictures while the sun was out of Chris and myself. Then the sun started to set and I took this one. I was standing on the front steps when I took it. The bit of sunlight before the darkness of night fell. That's what I'm holding onto right now, the last bit of sunlight or light in general. See, I have been working really hard not to let this thing with Chris get to me. But it's not working. I've done just about everything that I can think of to remind myself that my faith isn't going to let me down nor will things be as bad as I think they will. It helps for a little while and then the doubts and darkness comes back into my thoughts. I just don't know what else to do except face the doubts and darkness, let it out and move on as hard as it will be. I have been avoiding people that I love to spend time with because I don't want to put on the "pretend it's all okay" mask. There are some people who see right through it and tell me to let it go, to lean on them for awhile. I feel guilty and almost mad at myself for laying more burdens on those who already are facing their own. That's exactly how it feels to me. Nonetheless, I can't hold all these feelings no matter how dark and scary they are inside me any longer. That way only brought more harm than doing any good. I have written the worst and darkest fears out in my journal that I keep offline and tried my hardest not to think of them during the day so I won't give any more power than necessary.

Tomorrow we go see the oncologist to see what is causing Chris' hands to swell and feel as though they are on fire. I have an uneasy feeling that it's something bad and I can't shake it. Believe me, I've kept the prayers of health and protection going as well as holding onto my faith as hard as I can. Yet the feeling won't go away. Either way, Chris and I will get through whatever it is that we are going to be facing the only way we know how. That is together. Whenever we do things or work on projects together, it just seems like there's nothing holding us back. I'm so hoping that is what we are able to do with whatever news we get tomorrow. Not only that, but I know deep down that I have a lot of people out there also praying, meditating, or sending healing thoughts his way. We'll be safe one way or another.

Today, it's cold and gloomy outside. Not exactly helping me to keep a positive attitude. Yet, I try to tell myself that the sun is only taking a break before coming back out and warming everything back up once again. My hands and feet are really bothering me today as the weather has shifted bringing rain and cold winds through Indiana. Even the little birds that usually inhabit our trees have gone into hiding. I have spent part of the morning sitting out on the front porch, thinking through everything and being thankful that I have another day to live and spend time with those I love. This latest bump in the road has really thrown me for a loop and the bad thing is that I don't know why. I have been going through emails and just playing online for the most part so far this afternoon. Chris has been spending time with friends, working on armor out in the garage while he can. He's been growing more and more nervous as Wednesday approaches. I added another two and a half rows on my afghan as well as read halfway into my next book. So I must say that even though it's gloomy outside, it's also been a semi-productive day for me. Hope that all is well out there for you, my dear friends. I keep each one of you close to my heart.

Love and blessings,
Kim

Daily Inspiration

I like living. I have sometimes been wildly, despairingly, acutely miserable, racked with sorrow, but through it all I still know quite certainly that just to be alive is a grand thing. ~ Agatha Christie

Patience is never more important than when you are at the edge of losing it. ~ O.A. Battista

Do what makes you happy look within yourself and discover true happines. ~ Gwyn

There is no goal better than this one: to know as you lie on your deathbed that you lived your true life, and you did whatever made you happy. ~ Steve Chandler

Life is really simple but men insist on making it complicated. ~ Confucius

Inspiration grows into full-scale creation through persistence and imagination. ~ Carol Lloyd

The future depends on what we do in the present. ~ Gandhi

It is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness. ~ Chinese Proverb

Worry gives a small thing a big shadow. ~ Swedish proverb

Practice hope. As hopefulness becomes a habit, you can achieve a permanently happy spirit. ~ Norman Vincent Peale

A coincidence is a small miracle in which God prefers to remain anonymous. ~ Author Unknown

Do what you love. The rest will come. ~ Author Unknown

Health Headlines 4/25/06

Latest Issue Of Alzheimer's & Dementia Explores New Ideas For Cause, Screening And Risk Factors ~ Click here.

Failed Wound Healing Promotes Psoriasis ~ Click here.

LIAI Scientists Make Major Finding On Potential Cure For Type 1 Diabetes ~ Click here.

Too Many Breast Cancer Survivors Missing Follow-Up Screenings ~ Click here.

Combination Therapy Reverses Type 1 Diabetes ~ Click here.

Inhibition Of Iron-metabolizing Enzyme Reduces Tumor Growth ~ Click here.

Possible Cause And Potential Treatment Found For Aggressive Head And Neck Cancer ~ Click here.

New Hybrid Virus Provides Targeted Molecular Imaging Of Cancer ~ Click here.

Spring days are here

Sorry for not posting yesterday. I was obviously away from the computer. Friday, we didn't do much of anything because I was feeling stiff and hurting in my hands and feet. I slept in late and so Chris basically amused himself on the computer. Saturday, he was feeling bored, very much like a caged bird so he went over to our friends', Shaun and Dani, house. He wanted to help them work on Shaun's truck a bit. I think it did him good to get out of the house. It also gave me time to just be by myself and do a lot of thinking as well as some housework. I just needed to be alone and regroup as far as my feelings and all. I sat on the front porch a bit and read while the machines were washing and drying clothes. Even managed to get a few dishes cleaned up. Not a while lot but enough to make a dent in them. We'll see what the rest of today holds.

I'm basically doing the same thing today as I did yesterday. I have a load in the washer and one in the dryer. Not to mention the load I haven't folded yet, but that one is made up of sheets and pillowcases so it's no biggie. I loaded up the dishwasher, letting it run while Chris went over to his sister, Dawn's house. He helped her work on her yard a bit before coming home. Seems his back is starting to spasm on him. Right now he's resting and I'm doing this update before I forget. Besides reading and working on the house, I've also been busy crocheting on my afghan. I am so close to the halfway mark, I can see it looming in the distance. It's so heavy when folded because it's all single stitch. Lol, Chris said he wanted it warm. Well, I can testify that the blanket is definitely warm. I've taken some pictures of it and will upload those as soon as I finished with this. Maybe I'll have them in time for my next post. We'll see.

Hope all is well. I'll write more later when my hands don't feel as though they are going to fall off from typing. Take care out there and know you all are in my thoughts, no matter how far away you may be.

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 4/23/06

Brain Differences Could Explain Why Males And Females Experience Pain Relief Differently ~ Click here.

More Than Half Of Older Diabetics Lack Medicines That Protect Kidneys And Heart ~ Click here.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome May Be Genetically Related ~ Click here.

Risk Factors For Dementia ~ Click here.

New Drug Poised To Radically Change The Treatment Of Severe Anemias ~ Click here.

Staying In Touch With Close Friends Reduces Damaging Effects Of Alzheimer's Disease ~ Click here.

Hypnotherapy Helps Relieve Chest Pain ~ Click here.

Rare Form Of Alzheimer's Disease Found In Camelford Resident, UK ~ Click here.

Merck To Pay $32 Million Damages In Texas Vioxx Case ~ Click here.

New Genetic Cause Of Alzheimer's Disease Discovered ~ Click here.

St. Jude Unlocks Mystery Of Very Aggressive Leukemia ~ Click here.

Cancer Therapy Based On Anatomical Location May Soon Be Obsolete ~ Click here.

Hmm..looks like rain

Lol, imagine that. Rain in spring. Just kidding. I'm trying to make myself a bit more positive than before because I'm trying to help ease Chris' worry. Seems that waiting is always the hardest part of anything. So far, Chris has been sleeping lots and I'm doing the whole get in touch with people to let them know what's going on up to this point thing. I haven't been saying the "c" word if I can help it. There have been times when I have gotten sad and let my mind wander over to the "what if" couch, but I don't let it stay there very long. Too much to think about that's good instead of bad. Besides we won't know for sure one way or the other until Wednesday of next week. All I'm going to do by worrying is work myself up again and again. So I am going to think positively and believe in my beliefs. :)

Today the sky is cloudy and grey. Rain has been falling off and on but not in a severe sort of way. It's just been gentle showers, the kind that the flowers (and weeds) love to have. The trees and flowers are really starting to bloom as of late. We have a Japanese maple on the side of our front yard that is so beautiful as it starts to show its leaves. The birds are coming to my yard and having fun much to the amusement of my dog, Dudley. He's started to chase them whenever he's out and gets the chance. There's one little blackbird that's taken a liking to Dudley and started to chase him a time or two. I just happened to look up yesterday when it was happening. Lol, I was so glad to get that chance to smile. Since it's all rainy and cloudy, I'm mostly going to be working on my reading today. I'm letting Chris get as much rest as his body needs because I know it will help his body heal in the long run. I have wanted to write but when I sit down to do anything, my mind goes blank. I carry a notebook and pen with me just in case but when I pull those out of my purse, the thoughts go away. *sighs* Silly thoughts.

The drama between my aunt and I continued until today. I received an email saying almost everything that was in the first email she wrote to me. Of course, I wrote her one letting her know I wasn't going to be involved in a petty arguement over the internet about my Grandma's care. I had more important things to deal with. If she wants to focus her life on things that have happened in the past instead of working on the future, then that's her decision. I am going to love and cherish the only grandmother I have left and see that she's happy in any way that I can. So I have let that part of the drama go. Hope that all of you out there are doing well. Love to you all.

If you have questions or whatever, feel free to comment or send me an email. The information's in my profile. Take care!

Love and blessings,
Kim

Daily Inspiration

Don't Give Up!
By Unknown Author

There was this museum laid with beautiful marble tiles, with a huge marble statue displayed in the middle of the lobby. Many people came from all over the world just to admire this beautiful marble statue.

One night, the marble tiles started talking to the marble statue. Marble tile: "Marble statue, it's just not fair, it's just not fair! why does everybody from all over the world come all the way here just to step on me while admiring you? Not fair!".

Marble statue: "My dear friend, marble tile. Do you still remember that we were actually from the same cave?"

Marble tile: "Yeah! That's why I feel it is even more unfair. We were born from the same cave and yet we receive different treatment now. Not fair!" he cried again.

Marble statue: "Then, do you still remember the day when the designer tried to work on you, but you resisted the tools?"

Marble tile: "Yes, of course I remember. I hate that guy! How could he use those tools on me, it hurt so badly.".

Marble statue: "That's right! He couldn't work on you at all as you resisted being worked on."

Marble tile: "So???"

Marble statue: "When he decided to give up on you and start working on me instead, I knew at once that I would be something different after his efforts. I did not resist his tools, instead I bore all the painful tools he used on me.."

Marble tile: "Mmmmmm......."

Marble statue: "My friend, there is a price to everything in life. Since you decided to give up half way, you can't blame anybody who steps on you now."


Source

Health Headlines 4/21/06

New Genetic Cause Of Alzheimer's Disease Discovered ~ Click here.

New Method For Predicting Individual Patient Responses To Drug Treatments ~ Click here.

Fast-acting Artificial Insulin Drugs Work Just As Well As Regular Human Insulin ~ Click here.

Bone Thinning Drug Raloxifene As Effective As Tamoxifen In Reducing Postmenopausal Women's Risk Of Breast Cancer, NCI Study Says ~ Click here.

Wall Street Journal Examines Concerns About Birth Control Pills Because Of Risks Associated With HRT ~ Click here.

Prostate Cancer Research May Be Faster With PSA Endpoints ~ Click here.

Elderly Cancer Survivors Face Increased Functional Limitations, Study Finds ~ Click here.

Lack Of Research Forcing Elderly To Cope With Chronic Pain ~ Click here.

Wearing Compression Stockings Reduces Risk Of DVT On Long-haul Flights ~ Click here.

More Than Half Of Older Diabetics Lack Medicines That Protect Kidneys And Heart ~ Click here.

Grey clouds on a clear day

That's what it feels like here anyway. Yesterday I had company, my youngest brother and his girlfriend came over for a few hours. It was fun to hang out and just talk because it's hard to do that when they live so far away. We paid for dinner since they had to drive a long way to get here and gas prices are incredible. Chris had stayed home from work with his hands bothering him again. I seriously started to worry whether I should call the oncologist or not. Instead, I called the family doctor and made an appointment for today (4/20). I didn't sleep much last night because I was worried and also the dog had to go outside four times to pee! I wasn't going to go with Chris to the doctor because I had only had a few hours of sleep. Yet something in his eyes convinced me that he needed me to be there. So I got dressed and went with him. The family doctor listened to the symptoms both Chris and I told him and examined his hands. The doctor was concerned because although Chris could have some arthritis in his hands, both of them wouldn't be affected at the same time and so severely that his use of them became limited. He gave us some medications to help with the inflammation and the nerve pain before telling us that it was really important that Chris go to see Dr. Gray, his oncologist, to get to the bottom of what was going on with Chris' hands.

That worries me, a lot. I don't know if this is a result of the Rituxan or if this is something new being caused by the cancer in some sneaky way. I fear it's the cancer coming back. That's just the feeling deep down in the pit of my stomach and I can't shake it. I try to force the thoughts out of my head because I don't want to give those negative thoughts any more power than they currently have, yet they still find a way to sneak into my mind. Facing another battle with cancer is scary but we beat it before. I'm not going to give up until the end. My faith will carry me all the way through this. She's never let me down before and I don't intend to give up on Her while She still gives me strength.

Chris is sleeping now peacefully due to the strength of the medications he had to take. I'm going to sit here and work on my emails and postings that I have gotten behind on thanks in part to my company (although I'm not complaining, lol) and just wanting to be outside. The weather here has been nice enough that it doesn't hurt me to sit out on the porch and read or write letters. There's been just enough breeze to make it wonderful. It looks like it may rain later in the week. We don't really need it with all the water coming from the northern half of Indiana. But it does make the flowers seem prettier.

I'm off to work on emails before I'm unable to type much longer. Please tell those you love how much they mean to you. Life is too precious and often too short to not say what's on your heart. Yeah, it's times like this that remind me how much of a part those I love and cherish play in my life. You are all loved.

Love and blessings,
Kim

Daily Inspiration

Don't Be Afraid to Fail
By Unknown Author

You've failed many times, although you may not remember. You fell down the first time you tried to walk. You almost drowned the first time you tried to swim, didn't you? Did you hit the ball the first time you swung a bat? Heavy hitters, the ones who hit the most home runs, also strike out a lot.

R.H. Macy failed seven times before his store in New York caught on.

English novelist John Creasey got 753 rejection slips before he published 564 books.

Babe Ruth struck out 1,330 times, but he also hit 714 home runs.

Don't worry about failure. Worry about the chances you miss when you don't even try.


Source

Health Headlines 4/20/06

Chernobyl Disaster May Be Cause Of 270,000 Cancer Cases, Greenpeace ~ Click here.

Applying Mathematics To The Study Of Tumours And Cell Mobility, University Of Granada ~ Click here.

European Commission Grants Orphan Medicinal Product Designation To Nexavar For Hepatocellular Carcinoma (liver Cancer) Treatment ~ Click here.

Markers Of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Inherited, Persist And Raise Risk For Heart Disease, Diabetes ~ Click here.

Telephone Proves Valuable Tool In Increasing Cancer Screening Rates ~ Click here.

8 Percent Of Patients With Melanoma Skin Cancer May Develop An Additional Melanoma Within Two Years ~ Click here.

Blood Sugar Control Before Surgery Associated With Fewer Infections Afterward For Diabetic Patients ~ Click here.

Genetic Switch That Links Animal Growth And Cancer Discovered ~ Click here.

New Type Of Anti-inflammatory Drugs May Reduce COX-2 Cardiovascular Problems ~ Click here.

Five Drug Companies Launch Effort To Help Employers Start Cancer Prevention Programs For Employees ~ Click here.

Chemical Guidance Of T Cells Leads To Immunologic Memory And Long-term Immunity ~ Click here.

Scientists Reveal First Ever Complete Structure Of Crucial Anti-Cancer Drug Target ~ Click here.

Osteoporosis Drug As Effective As Tamoxifen In Preventing Invasive Breast Cancer ~ Click here.

Gene Profile To Help Decide On Breast Cancer Treatment ~ Click here.

Too much on my mind

For the past few years there's been a rumbling throughout my family concerning the care of my grandmother. I know I haven't been that active in her care but my circumstances haven't allowed it. I'm in a place now where things are starting to become more and more settled and I can help or take part in caring for her. Yet, there are so many things that have occurred that shouldn't have and things that should have taken place that haven't as of this moment. I had stayed out of a lot of the arguing and the name-calling until the other day when I had just had enough. I wrote to my aunt, asking her what was going on, to get her perspective. The response I got was a long email filled with accusations and cursing. I wrote one in my defense, basically stating that I was just trying to find out what was going on and if that was her response then unfortunately I will no longer take part in caring for her at the moment. I have grown up from the little girl that looked up to my aunt in blind love and belief that she could do no wrong. Her own actions have contradicted themselves on a number of occasions and when pressed, she makes out a pity party statement turning the cameras away from the matter at hand and back onto her poor, poor self. Therefore I am taking myself out of the picture once again unless it is needed by my grandmother.

With that said, my day hasn't been too bad although I have had to deal with the things written above. The sun is out and the sky is filled with wonderful white clouds. It's more like a summer day than a spring one. I have set outside on the front porch for a little while, just to soak up some of the sun's rays to help chase away the negative thoughts and feelings. The rest of the day is going to be spent working on my afghan and entertaining my youngest brother's girlfriend. She's going to stay here while he goes for a job interview. Chris stayed home from work today because he is having problems with his hands. I don't know what's going on but I will say that it's starting to scare me. He's been taking medication for them but every morning he wakes up, his hands are swollen and feel like they are on fire. I don't want to think that it's something serious. Yet my mind wanders there. He's missed two days so far and we just can't afford for him to miss many more or to lose his job completely. Deep down I remind myself that we've gotten through worse times and we'll get through this one. Just gotta hang in there. I was able to finish off another book yesterday. It was number 19 for the year so far. Slowly I'm gaining on that goal. Lol, one way or the other I'll get there.

Hope all of you are having a wonderful day/evening wherever you find yourselves. May the next day bring much more happiness and many smiles your way.

Love and blessings,
Kim

Daily Inspiration

The Dollmaker
By Unknown Author


Once upon a time in a far-away place lived a kindly old dollmaker. He had spent his goodly long life creating dolls of all sorts, making all the little girls in the world happy.

He had kept up in the trends of the world and made dolls that say "mama", that cry, that stand up by themselves, and that even wink at you. But our dollmaker was very wise. He knew that his time for special contribution was growing short. So, with special resolve in his heart, he made his most beautiful creation. He gave her brown curls, which he personally felt had the most beauty in their long tresses. He gave her the bluest of blue eyes, into which he put the promises of eternity and into which one could gaze forever.

This special doll was given long legs with which she could dance, run and play, and occasionally even walk a second mile. He gave her beautiful hands to work and serve with and teach all the other dolls. Her fingers were long and slender. With these, the old man hoped she would comfort those around her. She had a beautiful face and he planned this so that she could see the beauty in others. He dressed her in a gown as shimmery as gossamer, and on the last day when she was completed, he lifted her up with great care and set her gently in front of a large mirror.

"What do you think little doll?" he asked "Are you not the most beautiful doll in the world?" The doll looked through her long lashes full of excited anticipation. Suddenly her pretty face clouded up and then stormed over. "Oh dollmaker, I hate brown hair and I have always longed for green eyes. These are not the colors I'd have chosen for myself. And look how gangly and long my legs are! How large my feet are! How unfashionable they will seem to the world. My gown is really very ordinary. Oh dollmaker, I am not a beautiful doll at all!"

We have been created with the most beautiful qualities. Don't look into life's mirrors and wish you were something you're not. May we thank the great Dollmaker for what we have been given.


Source

Health Headlines 4/19/06

Mothers Of Women With An Endocrine Disorder Have Increased Risk Of Cardiovascular Disease ~ Click here.

New Predictive Model To Assess Individual's Risk Of Prostate Cancer ~ Click here.

Engineers Creating Small Wireless Device To Improve Cancer Treatment ~ Click here.

Researchers Reveal Lung's Unique Innate Immune System ~ Click here.

Tried something new

Today, I stepped out of my comfort zone and tried something completely new to me. I had gotten the urge to call the insurance company to see if they would cover massage therapy or anything along those lines so I could get some relief from the fibro and joint pain. Not on a daily basis mind you, but something to help me so I didn't have to go on a bunch of different drugs just to combat the muscle stiffness and be so out of it that life passed me by without a glance. It was the insurance company that told me about the doctor here in town who does acupuncture. He sat with me for about twenty minutes going over my health history and telling me everything about the procedure, what he uses and how he does it. Then he went ahead and did a small procedure on me to see if I would be able to tolerate the needles. All went well. In fact, I felt nothing except for the small electric current he placed on the needles in the ankle area on either leg. The doctor even placed a heat lamp to shine on my back. It was such a wonderful and soothing feeling. I almost fell asleep. To be honest, I didn't even feel the needles going in except for one or two. Yet after they were in for a few minutes, I didn't even notice them.

I'm really glad that I went through with it and not chickened out at the last minute. I remember coming out of the office smiling because my neck felt really good for the first time in a long while. For the rest of the day I am going to work on my reading and write a few letters that I have been putting off. I just want to enjoy this relaxed feeling and not do too much so that I will have to pay for it later. Hope all is well with those out there I love and cherish.

Love and blessings,
Kim

Daily Inspiration

The Eagle and the Wolf
By Unknown Author


There is a great battle that rages inside me.

One side is the soaring eagle. Everything the eagle stands for is good and true and beautiful, and it soars above the clouds. Even though it dips down into the valleys, it lays its eggs on the mountaintops.

The other side of me is the howling wolf. And that raging, howling wolf represents the worst that's in me. He eats upon my downfalls and justifies himself by his presence in the pack.
Who wins this great battle?

The one I feed.


Source

Health Headlines 4/18/06

Merck To Appeal Punitive And Compensatory Verdicts In New Jersey VIOXX® Product Liability Case ~ Click here.

Avastin Filed In US For Treatment Of Most Common Form Of Lung Cancer ~ Click here.

Takeda Pharmaceutical To Release Sustained-Release Morphine Hydrochloride Capsule ~ Click here.

How COX Inhibitors Cause Heart Hazards, And Alternative Treatment Strategy ~ Click here.

Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma - Cytokinetics Announces The Initiation Of Phase I/II Clinical Trial For SB-743921 ~ Click here.

Hypertension Drug Reverses Death Of Cells, Purdue Scientists Find ~ Click here.

Mediterranean Diet Lowers Alzheimer's Risk, Study ~ Click here.

After the rain...

I took that picture the same day that I took the picture in the previous post. This is actually two trees in one, a cherry tree and a crab apple tree. For some reason the previous owners of our house planted them side by side and they have grown up together. Now the little crab apples have a hint of cherry within them and the cherries have a hint of crap apple. It's kind of ironic how those two trees have melded together and become one. It reminds me of Chris and myself. We had a semi-hard day yesterday. Between the weather causing both of us to be in pain and also to be a little on the grouchy side. We attended a family gathering at his uncle's house, one that used to be his grandmother's house before she passed away in June of 2004. Mama was basically the matriarch of the family, holding it together and giving each of us a place within the family. Yes, including me even though I married into it. As soon as we pulled up to the house, I did feel sad. It was hard to walk in there and see the house, virtually as it was before she passed away. But within a little while, the saddness turned to reverance and I was remembering her, being grateful that I had gotten the chance to know her and call her Mama while she was still on this earth. I will never forget how she blessed my relationship with Chris and gave us encouragement when no one else had. There are some family members who have taken that place but no one could ever replace her.

All in all, the cookout/gathering was a good one. We cooked hot dogs over a wood fire and just all talked about anything and everything under the sun. Of course, the guys were happy. They found 3 garden snakes squirming through the grass. They had fun moving them out of the way for the kids to do their easter egg hunt. Then Chris and I came home to just hang out ourselves. He and our friend, Everett, worked on the yard most of the day Saturday. Sunday became rest day. I worked on my afghan a little and then read until I fell asleep. Chris played on the computer for a while before crawling into bed himself.

Today, he's off to work and I'm doing the housewife thing. At least I'm trying to. I just finished tidying up the living room, took me about an hour but it's worth it in the end. Right? I'm going to try and do a load of laundry before my back tells me it's time to sit down. Then I'm going to read some more. :) You know me, always got to have a book in my hands. Hope all of you out there had a great Easter holiday. Love to you all.

Love and blessings,

Kim

Daily Inspiration

Keep Your Goals in Sight
By Unknown Author


When she looked ahead, Florence Chadwick saw nothing but a solid wall of fog. Her body was numb. She had been swimming for nearly sixteen hours.

Already she was the first woman to swim the English Channel in both directions. Now, at age 34, her goal was to become the first woman to swim from Catalina Island to the California coast.
On that Fourth of July morning in 1952, the sea was like an ice bath and the fog was so dense she could hardly see her support boats. Sharks cruised toward her lone figure, only to be driven away by rifle shots. Against the frigid grip of the sea, she struggled on - hour after hour - while millions watched on national television.

Alongside Florence in one of the boats, her mother and her trainer offered encouragement. They told her it wasn't much farther. But all she could see was fog. They urged her not to quit. She never had . . . until then. With only a half mile to go, she asked to be pulled out.

Still thawing her chilled body several hours later, she told a reporter, "Look, I'm not excusing myself, but if I could have seen land I might have made it." It was not fatigue or even the cold water that defeated her. It was the fog. She was unable to see her goal.

Two months later, she tried again. This time, despite the same dense fog, she swam with her faith intact and her goal clearly pictured in her mind. She knew that somewhere behind that fog was land and this time she made it! Florence Chadwick became the first woman to swim the Catalina Channel, eclipsing the men's record by two hours!


Source

Health Headlines 4/17/06

Parents Need Help To Talk To Their Children About Cancer ~ Click here.

Raloxifene Reduces Breast Cancer Risk As Well As Tamoxifen ~ Click here.

SNM Issues First Procedure Guideline For Imaging Cancer In Adults And Children With PET/CT ~ Click here.

More Than Half Esophageal Cancer Patients Now Survive ~ Click here.

Diabetes And Cancer: Alpha Connection ~ Click here.

Novartis Completes Submissions In US And Europe For Glivec As Treatment For Four Rare Types Of Cancer ~ Click here.

Ginger Kills Ovarian Cancer Cells ~ Click here.

Sunny days are here again...

Those are the tulips I found growing in my yard last year after moving into our house. When we bought the house in 2004, we weren't able to move into it until August so by then the city had already mowed the yard and knocked them down. It was quite a surprise to see them bloom in 2005 and now again this year. I love seeing them come up and open to greet the sunshine. It's definitely a lovely surprise in the Springtime. Today it's very warm outside, almost summer-like in temperatures so I am doing what I can to be outside and yet not get overheated myself. Have to be a little careful due to my medications but otherwise I can go and have some fun playing with the flowers and dirt. I still have those two rose bushes from last year to plant sometime this spring.

I can't believe that I'm going to go over 200 posts already and I've only been doing this for a little while. It seems impossible but then again I know that I will have a lot more as the years go on. This has became a part of my day that I wouldn't have guessed that I would miss not doing it. There's so much to me that seems so boring and yet I know that some of my readers want to know about my boring days. It's an odd mix but I can't say I don't like odd things.

Yesterday was full of nothing for me. My back was acting up a lot and Chris decided that I was on a punishment type of day. I was to only be on the computer or in the bed doing my craftwork or reading. The housework was put off until today when I would feel a little better. He started in cleaning the garage and fixing it up for it to become the armor shop. He bought a new toolchest that he could lock up to hold all the really nice tools and is going to leave the other ones out for the other guys to use. I have told him that he and the other guys can all smoke out there in the garage as long as they are careful to make sure the cigarrettes are put out when they are finished. I worked on my afghan that I'm crocheting. It's taken a few years but I'm finally making head way with it. Not my fault that Wal-Mart had stopped carrying the color of yarn that I needed. Well, I think they quit making it anyway. So I'm using a standard color to finish it and then I will begin the other projects that I've put off.

With Easter being tomorrow, I may not post. We have family obligations and I hope to make it through the day without going completely insane. I'm also going to go to the cemetary and lay flowers on a few of my friends' graves that I haven't been to in a long while. I hope that you all have a great Easter holiday in whatever way you celebrate it. If you don't celebrate it at all, I hope that the day is still a good one for you, nonetheless. Take care of yourselves. Love to all.

Love and blessings,

Kim

Daily Inspiration

Jeremy's Egg
By Unknown Author


Jeremy Forrester was born with a twisted body and a chronic, terminal illness slowly killing him all his young life. Still, his parents had tried to give him as normal a life as possible and had sent him to St. Theresa's Elementary School.
At the age of 12, Jeremy was only in second grade, seemingly unable to learn. His teacher, Doris Miller, often became exasperated with him. He would squirm in his seat, drool and make grunting noises. At other times, he spoke clearly and distinctly, as if a spot of light had penetrated the darkness of his brain. Most of the time, however, Jeremy irritated his teacher. One day, she called his parents and asked them to come to St. Teresa's for a consultation.
As the Forresters sat quietly in the empty classroom, Doris said to them, "Jeremy really belongs in a special school. It isn't fair to him to be with younger children who don't have learning problems. Why, there is a five- year gap between his age and that of the other students!"
Mrs. Forrester cried softly into a tissue while her husband spoke. "Miss Miller," he said, "there is no school of that kind nearby. It would be a terrible shock for Jeremy if we had to take him out of this school. We know he really likes it here."
Doris sat for a long time after they left, staring at the snow outside the window. Its coldness seemed to seep into her soul. She wanted to sympathize with the Forresters. After all, their only child had a terminal illness. But it wasn't fair to keep him in her class. She had 18 other youngsters to teach and Jeremy was a distraction. Furthermore, he would never learn to read or write. Why waste any more time trying? As she pondered the situation, guilt washed over her. "Oh God," she said aloud, "here I am complaining when my problems are nothing compared with that poor family! Please help me to be more patient with Jeremy."
From that day on, she tried hard to ignore Jeremy's noises and his blank stares. Then one day he limped to her desk, dragging his bad leg behind him. "I love you, Miss Miller," he exclaimed, loudly enough for the whole class to hear. The other children snickered, and Doris' face turned red. She stammered, "Wh-Why, that's very nice, Jeremy. Now please take your seat."
Spring came, and the children talked excitedly about the coming of Easter. Doris told them the story of Jesus, and then to emphasize the idea of new life springing forth, she gave each of the children a large plastic egg. "Now," she said to them "I want you to take this home and bring it back tomorrow with something inside that shows new life. Do you understand?"
"Yes, Miss Miller!" the children responded enthusiastically - all except for Jeremy. He just listened intently, his eyes never left her face. He did not even make his usual noises. Had he understood what she had said about Jesus' death and resurrection? Did he understand the assignment? Perhaps she should call his parents and explain the project to them.
That evening, Doris' kitchen sink stopped up. She called the landlord and waited an hour for him to come by and unclog it. After that, she still had to shop for groceries, iron a blouse and prepare a vocabulary test for the next day. She completly forgot about phoning Jeremy's parents.
The next morning, 19 children came to school, laughing and talking as they placed their eggs in the large wicker basket on Miss Miller's desk. After they completed their Math lesson, it was time to open the eggs.
In the first egg, Doris found a flower. "Oh yes, a flower is certainly a sign of new life," she said. "When plants peek through the ground we know that spring is here." A small girl in the first row waved her arms. "That's my egg, Miss Miller," she called out.
The next egg contained a plastic butterfly, which looked very real. Doris held it up. "We all know that a catepillar changes and grows into a beautiful butterfly. Yes that is new life, too" Little Judy smiled proudly and said, "Miss Miller, that one is mine."
Next Doris found a rock with moss on it. She explained that the moss, too, showed life. Billy spoke up from the back of the classroom. "My Daddy helped me!" he beamed.
Then Doris opened the fourth egg. She gasped. The egg was empty! Surely it must be Jeremy's, she thought, and, of course, he did not understand her instructions. If only she had not forgotten to phone his parents. Because she did not want to embarass him, she quietly set the egg aside and reached for another.
Suddenly Jeremy spoke up. "Miss Miller, aren't you going to talk about my egg?"
Flustered, Doris replied, "but Jeremy - your egg is empty!"
He looked into her eyes and said softly, "Yes, but Jesus' tomb was empty too!"
Time stopped. When she could speak again, Doris asked him, " Do you know why the tomb was empty?"
"Oh yes!" Jeremy exclaimed. "Jesus was killed and put in there. Then his Father raised him up!"
The recess bell rang. While the children excitedly ran out to the school yard, Doris cried. The cold inside her melted completely away.
Three months later Jeremy died. Those who paid their respects at the mortuary were suprised to see 19 eggs on top of his casket, all of them empty.

Source

Health Headlines 4/15/06

Newer Chemotherapies Improve Outcomes For Some Types Of Breast Cancer ~ Click here.

Benefit Of Chemotherapy In Breast Cancer Depends On Estrogen-receptor Status ~ Click here.

No Link Between Estrogen-only Therapy, Breast Cancer In Postmenopausal Women ~ Click here.

Direct Link Between High Cholesterol And Prostate Cancer Found ~ Click here.

Cell Surface Profiling Technique Could Yield Cancer Blood Test ~ Click here.

Insulin Pump And Continuous Glucose System A Significant Step Towards Artificial Pancreas Technology ~ Click here.

Good Friday

Today is the start of the Christian holiday weekend to celebrate the resurrection of Christ. When I was going to church with my grandmother, this was one of her most favorite holidays. The services were both inspiring and yet scary for me in a lot of ways. To be honest, I think it was the pastor who made it so for me, but nonetheless, I still carry with me the message of hope that this weekend brings to all. Within the past seven years, I've been on a spiritual journey of my own, frequenting other churches and faiths to find something that would fill the hole within my own soul and make me feel complete. There were many questions, doubts I had about the faith I had been brought up with and yet at the same time there were parts that I have never forgotten. In all my wanderings, I haven't found anything that is 100% complete for me. So to fill the void, I have taken beliefs and virtues from several to form my own faith that sustains me. It may not be the accepted practice in today's society. Yet inside, I feel complete and I know who I am and where I stand within it. Yet the holidays still hold special places within my heart. I think back to the way my grandmother would bring us all together to celebrate the day and how she made it all feel worthwhile. Now that she's not able to do the things in the past, the distant memories are guiding me through the day, and making me extra grateful for having been a part of them no matter how long ago they were.

So today I hold as a day of reflection of what was, is and soon will be. I make it a day to remind me of the simple joys and to be thankful I have another day to see the sun shine down upon the flowers, hear the birds sing to one another and watch the clouds pass over head in their journery around the world. Very early this morning we had some several storms roll through the state bringing a lot of lightning and thunder. In a way the storm was beautiful set against a backdrop of dark clouds and a full moon. Normally I am afraid of severe storms but for some reason, after a little bit, it lulled me to sleep. When I woke a few hours later, the rain had moved on through leaving sunshine and bright white clouds for me to enjoy. The temperature has been warm as of late, almost summer like temperatures instead of spring. But it's better than below zero winter stuff! Chris is off work today because the factory observed the three day weekend. I know he's planning on doing some yardwork and cleaning of the garage so that there can be an "armor" shop in there. He and a few buddies are interested in doing a Medieval re-enactment with a group called the SCA. It's pretty fun actually. We've been to a few events. Kinda like stepping back into time. Keeps him busy and out of my hair some at any rate.

As far as my agenda today, I've got several letters to write and put in the mail. I've kinda gotten behind with being sick and all. Plus, I'm going to work on a new story that popped into my head a few days ago. I don't know where it'll lead just like I didn't know with the others but I'm always ready to go along with the ride. Seems to be going back to the first few things I wrote so it's almost as if I'm coming around full circle. I'm still working on the reading goal, one page at a time. Other than that, today is going to be an easy day for me since I haven't been able to take my Enbrel shot and won't be able to take it this Sunday either. I have bits of the infection still lingering and my doctor would like for me to be well before I take the shot again. I'm off to spend some time with Chris and my Dudley. Hope you all have a great and wonderful day wherever you are. Know that you are loved from the bottom of my heart.

Love and blessings,
Kim

Daily Inspiration

24 Things to Always Remember
By Unknown Author


Your presence is a present to the world.
You are unique and one of a kind.
Your life can be what you want it to be.
Take the days just one at a time.

Count your blessings, not your troubles.
You will make it through whatever comes along.
Within you are so many answers.
Understand, have courage, be strong.

Do not put limits on yourself.
So many dreams are waiting to be realized.
Decisions are too important to leave to chance.
Reach for your peak, your goal and you prize.

Nothing wastes more energy than worrying.
The longer one carries a problem the heavier it gets.
Do not take things too seriously.
Live a life of serenity, not a life of regrets.

Remember that a little love goes a long way.
Remember that a lot … goes forever.
emember that friendship is a wise investment.
Life’s treasure are people together.

Realize that it is never too late.
Do ordinary things in an extraordinary way.
Have hearth and hope and happiness.
Take the time to wish upon a start.

AND DO NOT EVER FORGET ….
FOR EVEN A DAY
HOW VERY SPECIAL YOU ARE !


Source

Health Headlines 4/14/06

High Cholesterol Linked To Raised Prostate Cancer Risk ~ Click here.

Appetite-inducing Hormone Receptor Found Active In Breast Cancer ~ Click here.

Long Island Newsday Examines Reports Of Birth Control Patch's Side Effects ~ Click here.

A Jekyll And Hyde Of Cytokines: IL-25 Both Promotes And Limits Inflammatory Diseases ~ Click here.

Shock Wave Therapy For Kidney Stones Linked To Increased Risk Of Diabetes, Hypertension ~ Click here.

New Risks Identified After Early Breast Cancer ~ Click here.

Scientists Discover New Genetic Subtypes Of Common Blood Cancer ~ Click here.

Type Of Breast Cancer Tumor More Important In Determining Treatment Than Tumor Size, Study Says ~ Click here.

Single-Dose Carboplatin Comparable To Prophylactic Radiotherapy For Stage I Seminoma: Results Of A Randomized Trial ~ Click here.

NICE One Step Closer To A Fairer Deal For Prostate Cancer Patients - Men To Benefit From Equality Of Access To Chemotherapy Treatment ~ Click here.

MedImmune Begins Dosing Of Lupus Patients In Phase 1 Clinical Trial ~ Click here.

Yeah! Sunshine!

Day two of the most beautiful weather. I know it's not going to last too long as the temperature is already beginning to rise higher than what one would deem enjoyable. But for now, I'll enjoy it. Today I feel much better than I have in a couple of weeks. My voice has come back somewhat. There are still times when I'm a bit squeaky. Lol, all in all, I'm glad to be able to even talk just a little bit. Poor Chris has to end his vacation from my annoyance. Muwhahaha! Just kidding. I'm not that annoying. Really.

I ended up waking late today because I was pretty much up and down all night long. My back was giving me fits again. I am glad to be going to the acupuncturist next week. Hopefully it will be able to take some of the stiffness out of my shoulders and neck area where I hurt the worst. For the past couple of days, I have felt like that are was made out of marble. Turning my head hurt more than anything else. Fortunately my hands and feet have decided to be nice to me the past week while I was sick. It always seems to me like they take turns hurting me the most. One day it will be my hands and make updating a struggle. The next day would be my feet making it hard to even walk to the bathroom. I live for these days when I'm able to prepare lunch for myself and even walk around the house without much difficulty. They are so few and far between that I am grateful to be reminded how I used to be before I was given this task of living with this arthritis.

Last night I had a visit from my youngest brother, Andy, and his girlfriend, Tami. I haven't really spent much time with them because they live in another town that's a little bit away from my hometown. When he does come up, it's usually catching up time on all that's gone on with him. We try and stay in touch by the internet but he's so busy with pursuing his dream sometimes it's easier to catch him two or three days in advance. He's always wanted to become a professional wrestler, like the ones you see on the WWE or TNA. I will admit that although I'm biased, he is a great wrestler. He has talent and the drive to make it somewhere and his dream to come true. I wish him all the best. His girlfriend, Tami, is a wrestler as well, but it's harder for women to get into the wrestling world due to certain ideas and practices. I know it's not right but unfortunately that's the way it works for women. I hope at some time that will change. Probably won't be for a long while.

Today I'm doing my updates and checking emails. I'm going to let Dudley go out for a while and play in the sunshine while I sit on the front porch. I can't be in the sun too long. I burn way too easy partly due to my heritage of Dutch, German and Irish. The other part is in thanks to my medication. Lol, but I won't miss the sunshine. I'm steadily working on a new story idea. Something that just popped into my head. We'll see where it leads. Hope everyone has a wonderful and awesome day. Know you are all loved very much.

Love and blessings,
Kim

Daily Inspiration

Finding Copper Pennies
By Unknown Author


There was a small boy who when walking down the street one day found a bright copper penny. He was so excited that he found money and it didn't cost him anything. This experience led him to spend the rest of his days walking with his head down, eyes wide open, looking for treasure.

During his lifetime he found 296 pennies, 48 nickels, 19 dimes, 16 quarters, 2 half dollars and one crinkled dollar bill. For a total of $13.96.

He got money for nothing. Except that he missed the breathless beauty of 31,369 sunsets, the colorful splendor of 157 rainbows, the fiery beauty of hundreds of maples nipped by autumn's frost. He never saw white clouds drifting across blue skies, shifting into various wondrous formations. Birds flying, sun shining, and the smiles of a thousand passing people are not a part of his memory.

Who do you know that is living like this?: Head is bent down burdened with trivial things afraid of pain and criticism and fear of things that never happen hoping to find that copper penny...for nothing.


Source

Health Headlines 4/13/06

Nanoparticles Armed To Combat Cancer ~ Click here.

Hormone Use Linked To Increased Breast Cancer Risk Among Black Women ~ Click here.

Postmenopausal Hormone Therapy Appears To Increase Risk Of Blood Clots In Veins ~ Click here.

New Method To Estimate Cancer Survival ~ Click here.

Friends For Life' Focusing On Ways To Predict Likelihood Of Breast Cancer ~ Click here.

Legume Compounds May Help Cancer Treatment ~ Click here.

Genome Changes Tracked During Multiple Myeloma Initiation, Progression And Treatment ~ Click here.

Growth Factor-promoting Angiogenesis Expressed In Tumor Cells And Normal Neurons ~ Click here.

Welcome Back to....Me!

I know that my post have been spotty the past couple of weeks at best. Not much that I can offer in the way of an excuse yet I will say that it's mostly due to the fact I've been sick with whatever it was Chris brought home with him from work. Last week I had dealt with the fever part and now it seems that my voice has ran away from me still. It kinda went out on Sunday night and now I'm reduced to a whisper or worse, a squeak. The past couple of days I've gotten to the boredom stage of being sick. You know the one - you want to get up and do something but you can't truly concentrate on anything for more than a couple of minutes at a time. I attempted to do a few rows on my cross-stitch but after the tenth time of taking out stitches, I gave up. I managed to read about one and a half books though so I'm still pumped about reaching my goal by the end of June. The other thing I need to work on is sending all the things I have collected over the year off to those I bought them for. It's just been hectic with one thing after another going on in my life. *shrugs* Isn't that the way life works anyway?

Today the weather is beautiful outside. Nice and sunny with a cool breeze that flows through the open windows. I let Dudley, my dog, go outside and play in the yard for a bit while I sat on the front porch. Lol, I almost fell asleep because it was just so comfortable out there. It was an adventure in itself for me to get Dudley to come back inside with no voice. Ultimately I had to waddle behind him, chasing him back into the house. Can't blame him for wanting to stay outside, but I don't have his new flea/tick collar one yet. Don't really want to chase him around the house when he needs extra baths for the fleas. So today I'm going to take it a little easy again and save my voice as much as possible. It's bad when the doctor's office calls to confirm an appointment and asked for you even when you answer the phone. Oh well, quiet reigns supreme around here for now. At least in my department it does. I have had a resurgence of creativity for some reason. I'm not going to knock it as my muse will take it away from me if I don't keep at it. Started a few things and getting opinions about them. Don't know where they're going. I hate having a lot of projects going on and not having any of them finished but that's the way it usually goes for me anyway. Yet, I'm off to do the email/post thing for a little while. Hope everyone is well out there. Have a few of you really in my thoughts here lately so I'm a little worried about you. Love you all.

Love and blessings,
Kim

Daily Inspiration

Ideas of a Best Friend
By Unknown Author


In first grade your idea of a good friend was the person who went to the bathroom with you and held your hand as you walked through the scary hall.

In second grade your idea of a good friend was the person who helped you stand up to the class bully.

In third grade your idea of a good friend was the person who shared their lunch with you when you forgot yours on the bus.

In fourth grade your idea of a good friend was the person who was willing to switch square dancing partners in gym so you wouldn't have to be stuck do-si-do-ing with Nasty Nick or Smelly Susan.

In fifth grade your idea of a friend was the person who saved a seat on the back of the bus for you.

In sixth grade your idea of a friend was the person who went up to Nick or Susan, your new crush, and asked them to dance with you, so that if they said no you wouldn't have to be embarrassed.

In seventh grade your idea of a friend was the person who let you copy the Math homework from the night before that you had.

In eighth grade your idea of a good friend was the person who helped you pack up your stuffed animals and old baseball but didn't laugh at you when you finished and broke out into tears.

In ninth grade your idea of a good friend was the person who would go to a party thrown by a senior so you wouldn't wind up being the only freshman there.

In tenth grade your idea of a good friend was the person who changed their schedule so you would have someone to sit with at lunch.

In eleventh grade your idea of a good friend was the person who gave you rides in their new car, convinced your parents that you shouldn't be grounded, consoled you when you broke up with Nick [or Glenn] or Susan, and found you a date to the prom.

In twelfth grade your idea of a good friend was the person who helped you pick out a college /university, assured you that you would get into that college/university, helped you deal with your parents who were having a hard time adjusting to the idea of letting you go...

At graduation your idea of a good friend was the person who was crying on the inside but managed the biggest smile one could give as they congratulated you.

The summer after twelfth grade your idea of a good friend was the person who helped you clean up the bottles from that party, helped you sneak out of the house when you just couldn't deal with your parents, assured you that now that you and Nick or you and Susan were back together, you could make it through anything, helped you pack up for university and just silently hugged you as you looked through blurry eyes at 18 years of memories you ere leaving behind, and finally on those last days of childhood, went out of their way to give you reassurance that you would make it in college as well as you hadthese past 18 years, and most importantly sent you off to college knowing you were loved.

Now, your idea of a good friend is still the person who gives you the better of the two choices, holds your hand when you're scared, helps you fight off those who try to take advantage of you, thinks of you at times when you are not there, reminds you of what you have forgotten, helps you put the past behind you but understands when you need to hold on to it a little longer, stays with you so that you have confidence, goes out of their way to make time for you, helps you clear up your mistakes, helps you deal with pressure from others, smiles for you when they are sad, helps you become a better person,and most importantly loves you!


Source

Health Headlines 4/12/06

Nanoparticle Shows Promise In Reducing Radiation Side Effects ~ Click here.

Doctor Wants To Test Treating Heart Patients With Chocolate ~ Click here.

Type 2 Diabetics' Acidity Heightens Risk For Kidney Stones ~ Click here.

Usage And Outcomes Of Primary Androgen Deprivation Therapy For Localized Prostate Cancer ~ Click here.

Elderly Forced To Cope With Chronic Pain As Only 1% Of Studies Focus On Pain And Aging ~ Click here.

Merck To Pay $9 Million In Punitive Damages ~ Click here.

Are Pharmaceutical Companies Inventing Diseases, New Study Suggests They Are ~ Click here.

Diabetic Neuropathy Treatment Has Passed The First Clinical Trial ~ Click here.

Mutation In Blood Stem Cells Provides Clues To Cancer Development ~ Click here.

Sustained Blood Pressure Treatment Lowers Dementia Risk In Elderly ~ Click here.

First Person On Insulin To Attempt South Pole ~ Click here.

Estrogen Alone Therapy Does Not Raise Breast Cancer Risk ~ Click here.

Sick...still

Won't be the normal posting format today. Taken me logging on twice to post the headlines and now this post. Not feeling up to par for anything but the drugs have made my creative side start to work again. Lol, how ironic is that one? I have lost my voice for the most part so I can't speak much. Just squeaks whenever I try so I'm silent for now. Chris says it's been so quiet he doesn't know what to do. :P on him. I'm going back to reading and I hope that you all are having a good day today. Love to all.

Love and blessings,
Kim

Health Headlines 4/10/06

Cinnamon, Cloves Improve Insulin Function, Lower Risk Factors For Diabetes, Cardiovascular Disease ~ Click here.

Epilepsy Surgery Successful For Alleviating Seizures Over The Long Term ~ Click here.

Acute Multiple Migraine Benefits From Single Tablet Containing Sumatriptan Succinate And Naproxen Sodium ~ Click here.

Oral Chemotherapy Xeloda Shown To Be Effective In Stomach Cancer, Phase III Study ~ Click here.

How A Faulty Gene Leads To Kidney Cancer May Pave Way For New Treatments To Block Kidney Cancer Growth ~ Click here.

Significant Improvement Noted In Diabetes Management Using Chronic Care Model ~ Click here.

Ovary Removal Surgery Elevates Risk For Dementia ~ Click here.

Understanding And Treating Neurological Disorders ~ Click here.

Some Diabetes Patients Lose Lower Limbs Because Their Skin Changes ~ Click here.

Sunny days....chilly nights

Thank goodness for the sunshine. The past few days of grayness has almost made me sad. This is supposed Spring. Okay, so we've had to have the gray clouds, but today is so beautiful. I'm planning on spending a little bit of time outside today helping Chris pick up some of the trash that's blown into our yard last week and just get things ready for Spring cleaning. Some people do it all in a couple of weekends. Me...it takes a long while to complete everything and then I still have to get Chris's help with it. Since he's still not feeling completely up to par, I'm just doing what I can and letting him do what he feels he's able to do as well. Between the two of us, we should be able to get everything done. We are both still sick with this infection stuff that we've been battling this past week. I'm still running a slight fever so I won't be able to take my Enbrel shot tonight. I still have plenty of Celebrex left so that if I start to feel too much in the way of aches and pains, I will have something to help fight the inflammation. Right now I feel really icky with a slight headache and sore throat, but I'm not going to let it ruin the beautiful day that's been given to me, well to everyone but you know what I mean.

I have begun book #17 for the year so far. I'm still far behind in the amount that I would like to have read to reach my goal. But I'm not giving up just yet. There's a number of what I call "quick reads", books that are under 400 pages. If I have some free moments, I can usually get them read within a day. With almost a month and a half left, I'm sure I'll get close to that goal of mine. I've had to put my cross stitch and writing projects on the back burner so to speak. Just until I feel a bit better. It's hard to concentrate on the little x's as your eyes water and blur from fever. Mainly I'm going to focus on reading until I am well again. I need to stay active though. I know if I don't, my joints grow stiff and ache much of the time. Since I have been out of the hospital, my activity level is slowly climbing. I was able to take a shower by myself for the most part. Chris did have to help me dry off and dress because I was having some difficulty standing and breathing. I'm getting there. :D One of these days, I may write in there that I was able to take a walk around the block without having to stop for breathing troubles. I am trying to get some of the weight off. I know I am limited in the convential ways since I am on blood thinners and have a decreased range of motion and activity. Yet, every little bit counts as I tell myself. So we'll see what happens. I know have a great support system. That's definitely a plus. For now, I'm off to do some reading outside and soak up that glorious sunshine. Take care all. You are all loved. :D

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 4/9/06

HPV Testing To Screen For Cervical Cancer: More Sensitive Than Current Screening Methods ~ Click here.

Chronic Heartburn Is Linked To Esophageal Cancer And Now Photodynamic Therapy Is An Alternative To Removal Of Esophagus ~ Click here.

Lipid Energy Source Could Lead To Diet Engineering In Diabetes, Post-recovery And Space Travel ~ Click here.

Second Hand Smoke Raises Diabetes Risk ~ Click here.

Single Drop Of Blood May Help Millions Avoid Dementia, Anemia ~ Click here.

Researchers Look To The Brain To Explain Gender Differences In Sleep Apnea ~ Click here.

Vitamin D And Flavonoids Examined For Impact On Breast And Ovarian Cancers ~ Click here.

Study Finds Lesser Conditions A Stepping Stone To Major Depression ~ Click here.

Markers Of Gene, Protein, Or Micro-RNA Activity Predict Outcome In Prostate, Colorectal Cancers ~ Click here.

Panitumumab Significantly Improved Progression-Free Survival And Disease Control In Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Patients, Phase III Trial ~ Click here.

Potential Targets For New Pain Therapies Identified By Researchers ~ Click here.

Ginger Causes Ovarian Cancer Cells To Die, U-M Researchers Find ~ Click here.

Capsaicin Shows Promise In Inhibiting Growth Of Pancreatic Cancer ~ Click here.

Missing Posts part 1

Okay, seeing's how I missed a lot of days, I'll just hit ya with the highlights. Chris did go back to work on Monday, the 3rd, but came home at the midpoint of his shift. The smells of the coolant, diesel fuel, and oil were making him sick. When he woke up on Tuesday morning, it was a different story. Apparently he had picked up some kind of flu-like bug from work or somewhere because he had a fever, felt aches all over and had a sore throat. He went to the doctor who gave him the rest of the week off to rest and fight the cold since his immune system had been lowered by the chemotherapy. I fought it for two days before I had to go to the doctor myself. We were both given medication to take and have been taking it easy. My internet connection was interrupted this week because the cable connector broke. Then I felt like all my joints were on fire. So I slept most of the time. I did see my counselor on Wednesday. We talk about a few things that were on my mind that were kind of bugging me about past hurts. That and she was able to help me find a guided hypnosis/meditation cd that I am going to give a try as soon as I have a few minutes to sit down and listen to it straight through. I hope it works. As well as the acupuncture that I'm going to try on the 18th of this month. I just don't want to pop pills for the rest of my life if there's an option that will help me that doesn't involve pills. I take too many the way it is for the arthritis and pain.

Yesterday we had a bad day of storms roll through again. My sister-in-law and her husband were actually in an area that was hit worse than here because they had gone down to Nashville, TN for a family funeral. Since Chris and I were sick, we opted to stay here and watch after our nephew. From the news reports, I've heard as many as three tornadoes went through the city of Nashville. Luckily, they weren't hit with any of them but the burial portion of the funeral was put on hold until they were sure they could get to the graveyard. Here we had our emergency sirens go off twice. On the second round of sirens, we went to the basement and waited. The storms were moving so fast through our area that we were back upstairs within a half hour or so. I know it's a bit dangerous to wait until the second set of sirens but the sky was clear of menacing clouds after the first set of sirens. Once we had the all clear, Chris and our nephew went to grab a movie and some dinner. I have had a bad headache from all the pressure changes so I laid in the bed, reading to get caught up on my goal. Eventually I fell asleep only to wake up an hour and a half later to go to the bathroom. That's what I get for having to take water pills! Lol, but if it helps to keep my legs feeling well, then I have no problem with going to the bathroom. Well, yea I have problems getting to the bathroom but that's not what I meant.

I have really written much except in my journal or in cards to send to people as of late. I just don't feel like I'm inspired for some reason. Or when I do get inspired to write something, I'm so tired that I can't stay awake long enough to get more than a couple of sentences written. Ah well, I guess I'll just have to beat my muse into submission at some point. I'm still working towards my reading goal. I've reached 15 books so far and nearly finished with another one. I know it doesn't seem like I am going to be able to reach 50 by the end of June, but I'll not give up until the end of June as arrived. Then I'll still be pretty proud of myself for reading however many books that I reached. At least that's the way I feel right now about things. I'm off to get a few more hours of sleep before I have to be awake. I just thought to update while I was up for a bit. Hope everyone is well. My love to you all.

Love and blessings,
Kim

Daily Inspiration

Whether or not we realize it each of us has within us the ability to set some kind of example for people. Knowing this would you rather be the one known for being the one who encouraged others, or the one who inadvertently discouraged those around you? ~ Josh Hinds

It is only when we truly know and understand that we have a limited time on Earth and that we have no way of knowing when our time is up that we will begin to live each day to the fullest, as if it were the only one we had. ~ Elisabeth Kubler-Ross

Honesty is the first chapter of the book of wisdom. ~ Author Unknown

Asking the right questions takes as much skill as giving the right answers. ~ Robert Half

If you think you're too small to make a difference, you've never spent the night with a mosquito. ~ Author Unknown

The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes. ~ Marcel Proust

Defeat is not the worst of failures. Not to have tried is the true failure. ~ George E. Woodberry 1855-1930

Friendship is a union of spirits, a marriage of hearts, and the bond there of virtue. ~ Samuel Johnson

Life is growth. If we stop growing, technically and spiritually, we are as good as dead. ~ Morihei Ueshiba

Be of good cheer. Do not think of today's failures, but of the success that may come tomorrow. You have set yourselves a difficult task, but you will succeed if you persevere; and you will find joy in overcoming obstacles. Remember, no effort that we make to attain something beautiful is ever lost. ~ Helen Keller

No one gets out of this world alive, so the time to live, learn, care, share, celebrate, and love is now. ~ Leo Buscaglia

Health Headlines 4/8/06

Doctors Able To Predict Recurrence Of High-Risk Breast Cancers ~ Click here.

Targeted Therapies Showing Great Promise Against Colorectal Cancer ~ Click here.

Celecoxib May Help Prevent Colorectal Cancer In High Risk Patients, Studies Confirm ~ Click here.

Chemicals In Sunscreens May Disrupt Thyroid Hormones ~ Click here.

New Method Of Delivering Chemotherapy To Cancer Patients Without Them Incurring Side Effects ~ Click here.

Bone Resorption Cells Offer Drug Targets For Osteoporosis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, And More ~ Click here.

Applying A Mathematical Method That Refines The Contour Of Tumors To Image Analysis To Improve Treatment ~ Click here.

Cancer Cells May Move Via Wave Stimulation, Mayo Clinic Researchers Discover ~ Click here.

Mayo Clinic Study Finds Two Genes Predict Outcome For Breast Cancer Patients ~ Click here.

Genes In Fruitflies That May Shed Light On Human Cancer Spread Identified By Researchers ~ Click here.

A Better Method Of Detecting Ovarian Cancer ~ Click here.

New Treatment Approach For Inflammatory Conditions Suggested ~ Click here.

Cervical Cancer Vaccine Effective For A Long Time ~ Click here.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids Inhibit Growth Of Liver Cancer Cells ~ Click here.