Category Archives: Maggie May, our treasured family pet

My Brain Tumor is ruling my body today!

Posted on by

MM900234673

To start the day off, I woke up a grumpy mess. Barry and my left arm told me why I was so tired this morning, when I got alert enough to listen.

Apparently, I spent the night hitting the wall, bed, myself and Barry, all night. My arm hurts so bad this morning. I also managed to bloody my nose last night and I have bruises on my forehead.

My left hand isn’t bruised yet, but it sounds and feels like it shoud be. Barry told me the dog wouldn’t get in the bed with us last night, so I was scaring my poor puppy during the night.

The morning did not get any better, my balance is terrible and my right hand is even shaking. My head feels like it will blow off at any second and the pain is radiating from the base of my skull, where the tumor is.

My eyes are somewhat focused, but a took a lot of exercising to get them there. It was mid-morning before I could focus. I took a nap, that hasn’t helped. Drugs and more sleep are next.Also a call to the neurologists office.

I probably will go crawl back in bed and hope this is gone tomorrow. I cannot stand when that dyuiiufdfv tumor takes over, I scare my husband. Since the stroke, he’s more sensitive and I hate he has to deal with me like this.

I should have known something was coming on. I spent yesterday stuck in giggle mode. Why couldn’t I get a day or two more of that. Everything was funny yesterday. I need to make sure I tell the neurologist’s office when they call.

Awards Office is closed till morning***Update, Update!!!!!!

Posted on by

Three down and two more to go….I’m going to bed. Have a great evening everyone! *******Update, folks! My body is not cooperating today, we’ll be closed one more day! Be patient, I’m almost complete!….Jill

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Choosing a retirement car

Posted on by

When you retire, do you go for creature comforts or do you get the car you always wanted, but didn’t want to spend the money? These days,  what is my scooter carrier gonna do to the look of a hot rod?

Better yet, what are Barry and I gonna look like getting out of a hot rod? Can I get out of a hot rod? What is an old woman going wear in a hot rod. Barry has not wanted to spend the money on the car, but he has plenty of gear to wear. Trust me! He has been hot rod ready for several years.

I do not want to be the reason he is not getting the car he always wanted. If. It comes down to it, he can get a lift and swivel put on my seat.

Barry driving, not his hot-rod!

Barry driving, not his hot-rod!

 

Insomnia versus Zombie-head

Posted on by

clip-art-sleeping-690347

I have no trouble taking a nap during the day, but I have been up doing housework, running errands, shopping, and/or exercising.Most days, all the above. I get tired easily during the day.

As the day comes to an end, I cannot turn my head off to save my life. My sweet hubby is next to me sawing logs. The dog is at our feet snoring in tune with Barry. Hear I sit, typing up a storm. The universe does not seem to be lining up for me tonight.

You’d think with some of the medication I’m on, I’d be zonked out cold with everyone else in the house.  Mom is even out for the night.

Dad has trouble sleeping, as well as both my sisters. I usually can nod right off, but not tonight.

I had an adverse reaction to one of the drugs I was on and of course, my brilliant doctors have decided to play with my medication again. I call my neurologist brilliant, because he told me he is and that I’m lucky to get to see him.

I can’t wait to see what he wants to replace it with. Baclofen was working wonderfully and my brilliant neurologist wanted to see what would happen if I came off it. I was back on the drug within a month, but now suddenly, my lower extremities resemble those of an 80-year-old woman.

I truly do not like taking the drug, but it took some of my pain away and didn’t give me ‘Zombie-head’. It had other side effects that were pretty miserable.

Now they will be looking for a substitute. I guess this is just part of the plan and I do not need to question it. I need to take one day at a time, read my Bible and pray for patience. A few sleepless nights won’t hurt my too, too bad. After all, I can stay in bed all day if I want.

How many one-handed people does it take to change out headlights on a car?

Posted on by

0511-1201-1903-1206The answer to the above question, at least around here, is two plus one dog to supervise.  Mom has had so many little bumps and bangs to her front fender, that it made it close to impossible to remove the headlights.

Barry tried for over an hour before giving up. He came in defeated. I suggested that he give it one more shot with a little help. In no time, we had the new lights in and working well.

This is just s good example of not getting discouraged and giving up. Barry and I both have weak left hands, but between the two of us we had one good set of hands and got the job done. Making us feel good and saving mom some money.

When I let her know we finished, I suggested she quit hitting things with her front bumper. Her claim was, ‘I didn’t do it’. I just love how she will never admit to doing anything wrong. It is always someone else’s fault. You gotta love her!!!! 🙂

Daily Prompt: Apply Yourself

Posted on by

Describe your last attempt to learn something that did not come easily to you.

My mother makes the lightest, fluffiest biscuits I have ever had. She makes them like her mom did and she made them like her mom. I don’t eat bread these days, but I recently asked her to show me how she makes them one more time. If I cannot get it right this time, I’ll probably give up.

√ Preheat the oven to 350°.

√ We started with a large bowl with a mountain of flour in the center, I do not remember how much.

√ I put my fist in the top of the mountain to make a hole.

√ In the hole, you pour your buttermilk and oil.

√ With clean hands, you slowly start to fold the flour into the hole with your fingers. You continue this process until you have a big ball of dough sitting in your bowl.

√ Next you pinch off pieces of dough and roll them into the shape of a biscuit. Do this until your dough is gone or your pan is full. 

√ Bake at 350° until golden brown.

Over the years, mom has taken me through these steps time after time. I make a killer pan of cornbread, but every attempt I have made at biscuits, has been a useless waste of time. They come out of the oven looking like biscuits, but……

It is pretty bad when your dog will not eat them. The truly sad thing is, that they are always so hard, that you could play softball with them, break a few windows, knock someone out cold. The army could probably use them for some sort of new weapon.

Whenever I need to take biscuits somewhere, I have to sweet talk mom into the job or by the frozen ones at the store.

Living with a Rare Genetic Disease

Posted on by

MP900412070My genetic nightmare started when I was 43 years old. A doctor tells you about a brain tumor st the base of you skull and that it needs to be removed as soon as possible. Your mind immediately starts a road race. Why is this happening to me? Will this affect me in the years to come? Will I be the same after surgery? A million question flood your mind.                    

purplebutterflypurplebutterfly

Neurologist, I guess, are not known for their bedside manner. Apparently, they aren’t known to be free with information, either. Especially, when the tumor you have is a symptom of a rare genetic disorder that little is known about. Truth be told, he truly did not have a lot of answers for me. I think ratio is one in two-hundred fifty thousand.

butterflybug3Dr. O. was unable to remove all the tumor, due to the type tissue the tumor develops from. It makes it hard to differentiate between normal brain tissue and the tumor. When he first told us this news, I thought ‘great, I’ll have to do this surgery again someday.’ Dr. O. assured us we had nothing to worry about, the tumor is slow-growing and it would not be any further trouble. 

gofishy2Within four months after the surgery I started twitching from my shoulders up. On my first follow-up with Dr. O., he said he could fix the problem, but it meant surgery. He suggested we give it a little time and maybe it would go away on its on. 

teddybearlineIt did not, of course. I was referred to another doctor for evaluation and possible Botox injections. During this appointment, it was discovered that my vocal cords were twitching over 200 times a minute. The Botox was useless on my voice. Other than Barry having a couple of quiet weeks when I could not utter a word, it was useless.

teddybearline

Unfortunately, other issues developed that Botox can help. I honestly had no idea how much pain I had been in until the Botox took it away. Wonderful stuff, when it works. 

fishy

OK, enough about the past. If you have read my blog, you know what I’ve been through and continue to deal with daily. The following list is my day:

Up around 8am

I start doing eye exercises, as I do my squats on our Total Gym.

After the squats, I move to the exercise ball for push-ups and some balance exercises. I also do a little training with weights on the ball. 

bearkiss2

Then to the weights. I spend about fifteen minutes on weight training.

Leg exercises on the floor are next.

Then I head to the recumbent bike for my morning ride. I’m proud of myself. I can do five miles now without pain in my leg.

That takes forty-five minutes to an hour and I do it four-five times weekly. Our dining room has been converted into my gym. My hubby is so creative.

beeani0822

I get breakfast next. My eyes are able to focus better by this time, do I feel safe cooking. At this point I will put supper in the crock pot.

My next chore for the day works my eyes a little better. I get my tablet out and read the bible, write a post, answer email, whatever else needs my attention.

After sitting down for a bit after my busy morning, I hit the jacuzzi to relax. As long as someone is home with me, I’ll get in the tub to relax. I get my morning care completed, get dressed and head out for errands, if I have any. I drive better than I walk, so relax.

exercise1

Early afternoon is usually nap time, if mom doesn’t need help.

After that, I finish supper and wait for Barry to get in. 

There are certain things I do on certain days. If I feel up to it, I go to the gym for my exercising. I get as walk in while at the park.Too cold for that now, but they do have a great trail at the park.

By the time Barry gets home and I’m ready for bed or another nap. After supper, we relax, discuss our day and make plans for the rest of the week or discuss our days.

There are those days filled with church, doctor’s appointments, family obligations and whatever else rolls around. 

funnyladybug081906

No matter what limitation I have, Barry and I have adapted our routine around the house to fit my needs. It is all about attitude and what you are willing to do. I chose not to sit down and give up, I-m fighting every step of the way. Also, educate yourself. Know what you are talking about when you see a doctor. There are days Barry and I know more about Cowden’s Syndrome than the doctors we see. Be educated!!!!

Daily Prompt: Toot Your Horn

Posted on by

Most of us are excellent at being self-deprecating, and are not so good at the opposite. Tell us your favorite thing about yourself.

I can give you numerous incidences of my many mishaps in life, but writing down what I have done right, is a different ballgame.

I think if we all took 5 minutes out of our day to write something good about ourselves, self-confidence everywhere would improve. Mental Health Clinics everywhere would lose business.

Now give me a sec to figure out how to toot my horn. This first one will sound a little strange, but it’s true. Those of you who know my blog, know my story.

  • I drive better than I walk.
  • I say what is on my mind, I do not play games.
  • If you tell me I can’t do something, only makes me want to do it more.
  • I love the Lord, studying the Bible and learning more about the Gospel of Christ.
  • I’m good with plants.
  • Improve the springtime.
  • I believe in love, marriage and the whole fairy tale.
  • I have a brain tumor that is a symptom of a generic disorder, called Cowden’s Syndrome. I do not let this effect my life. I live a happy, full life and intend to keep it that way until I can’t do it anymore!
  • I’m good with kids
  • I’m good with animals
  • I’m a great cook, without a recipe
  • I’m crafty and creative
  • I consider myself intelligent, but my brain tumor can get in the way
  • My husband knows I love him because I show him
  • My family knows they can count on me for whatever they need no matter what. Even though I have screwed things up with my older sister, I’d be there in a heartbeat if she needed me. 
  • I adore, Maggie, my dog-child.
  • I am good with geriatric patients
  • I’m an excellent nurse
  • I know my way around a computer and I love learning new things.
  • I love studying birds
  • I love to sing, but I only sing in church and the car for now. I don’t want to scare anyone with what the brain tumor has done to my voice. 
  • I still blush at the drop of a hat.

My favorite thing about myself, is that I love elderly people. I have spent 25 years as a nurse and have always gravitated back to the geriatrics field. My husband says this is where ‘I shine’.

The elderly are a fascinating group of people. I have worked with a stewardess that was on the first plane to ever land in Figi, a woman that was one of the first law enforcement officers in our state, an author, an artist, a woman who helped pioneer one of the largest charity organizations in our state,a comedian and many others that wrote just hardworking people that watched this country grow into the force it is today.

OK, ok , OK enough about me. I hope this is what the daily prompt was referring to. Otherwise, I’m just ranting again. I hope you enjoy reading this yourself!

Stuck between a rock and a hard place!

Posted on by

Let’s just say, I was stuck I’m my very own metaphor this afternoon. With the exception of a rock, my dilemma involved my favorite chair in the living room.

Barry was on a grocery store run, while I did a little reading. It was nice and quiet in the house, so I started to fall asleep. As my snooze was getting good, I started to slip down in the chair and the ottoman started to roll away from my chair. A few moments later, I was wide awake and realized I could not move. 

The ottoman was stuck where the rug started. The rug had started to push up and the ottoman was hung. I was positioned with my weak side up, I’m strong on my left side, but it is pretty useless trying to push or pull up.  

I struggled with it for a bit and gave up. Mom was home, but she was behind two closed doors and could not hear my call, soooooooo….I got comfy and waited for Barry to get back. Not sure how long I was in that position, cuz I fell asleep.

Barry came in, laughing as he helped me up. He wanted to take a picture, but I threatened his life. Maggie thought we were playing a game. She was squirming all over the place and licking everything she could get too! What an afternoon!