Monday, August 8, 2011

Update and supplements

Today's Shout Outs:

Pam G, Joan B, Donna McE (3), Victoria N, Christi B, Barbara Diane, Jeanette Y

*********************************

Dear friends,

I thought I would update you on what is going on these days.  As you know, I've been chemo free since the end of June and have been thankful for this break, but unfortunately I started to feel stomach pains soon after I finished up the chemo yuckiness.  The stomach pains haven't subsided but I have been able to manage the pain with medication.   As time has passed, my apetite as well as my urge to eat has gotten less and less.  I'm still eating and everything is still processing as it should be, but I needed to curtail the amount I ate in order to make sure my stomach was taking it easy.  I don't feel hungry and to be honest it's gotten harder and harder to "read" my body signs.  I think it's called pain transference, but the ills in my stomach create a lot of back ache - go figure!!!

It's true, my body and I don't communicate very well anymore and I don't trust it to let me know what's going on.  I relish the times that I do feel good, but have gotten used to it not feeling well most of the time.  A cancer friend of mine and I have discussed this before and it's really a feeling of betrayal... why would one's own body not fight this disease that is growing and spreading?  It's one of those unexplainable oddities that seem to occur quite frequently these days.  I just found out that another crafty friend of mine has been diagnosed with breast cancer; this makes me inexplicably sad to hear.

What does this stomach pain mean?  I myself don't know, but it worries me of course.  I have another CT scan scheduled for tomorrow morning and I've come to the realization that right before every scan I get anxious. I want to be hopeful, but there is always the underlying reality that the scan could show things going in a different direction.  It's a 50/50 chance either way and this scan will be quite telling since I've been off of chemo this past month and a half.

I also wanted to share with you what became of my visit with the naturopath.  This particular one that I visited is indeed a certified physician and is a board certified Naturopath Oncologist.  I felt very comfortable with her and am hoping that her suggestions and prescriptions will help.

Now here is the problem and I need to call my prescription carrier to see if they will cover any of the supplements that I purchased.  They are not cheap by any stretch of the imagination.  We left the office with $96 with of remedies and there is one more waiting at my local pharmacy, a B6 compound that is going to be another $96.  Can you say WOW.  Up until this point I've never thought I had the need for any type of supplement other than a daily vitamin.

One thing I will share though is that she is a huge proponent of green tea.  It's apparently practically magical and will help your health overall.  I do not like plain green tea, but I do love the tea that is often served at sushi restaurants.  It is a blend of green tea and brown rice.  The flavor for me is much milder and more palatable.  We found a couple of different brands in our local Asian Market.  You can do a whole pot or just a cup's worth.  The tea leaves will settle to the bottom and they don't impede the drinking process.

Ok, that's it for now.  Thanks for visiting and have a wonderful Monday.

Until next time.

-Katie

28 comments:

Joan B said...

Thanks for taking the time to share. You know we are all thinking of you every day and pulling for you. HUGS

LaurieJ said...

Katie, I will be praying for you tomorrow - hoping that you have a very positive outcome with your CT scan.
Do you have Teavana out where you live? They have a wonderful selection of teas. If you can find a shop, you should check it out.

Anita said...

Praying for you. I read your blog and glad to see you enjoying your outings. Glad to know about the benefits of green tea.

Ted said...

Praying that God provides you with reassuring news, Katie. Remain strong, friend.

Sarah said...

Keep your faith in God, Katie. He is a healing God and will never leave you. You are so often in my thoughts and prayers. Thank you for updating us.

Grandma Nancy said...

Positive thoughts, prayers and a hug coming from me. Be well, friend.

jackib said...

Oh Katie - it makes us all so sad to hear that you are having pain and are not feeling well throughout. We are sending positive vibes your way and hope to hear the best news from you after your scan. Peace.

donna calamari said...

You are always in my thoughts. I know that the path you are on is so so difficult. I hope that your scan results are all encouraging. I will be checking in.

Kathy O in Texas said...

Prayers prayers prayers sent your way.
I too am drinking green tea since my radiation time. Just trusting.

Anonymous said...

Take care, sweetie. I sure hope the green tea helps you feel a bit better. That Naturpath Oncologist sounds like a real help. Prayers and thoughts to you.

Big hugs

Deborah

Anonymous said...

one way to save on your supplements is by not buying them from the natupaths offices and instead take the list of the ones she recommended to Super Supplements . You will be able to get most of them there and in turn save quite a bit of money.
hope all goes well with your appot.

IamDerby said...

Isn't it crazy how expensive medicene is? I am sorry you are still in pain, hoping and praying for you daily. Big big hugs to you!

Bonnie said...

Always look forward to updates on health. Hoping for a good outcome from the scan. Let us know as soon as you can. Praying that you find comfort in faith.
Peace.

Debbie said...

Katie:
What was the outcome of your CT? Hopefully no news is good news?

Jackib said...

Hope ct scan showed only good news, Katie. : )

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Gina said...

Worried that you haven't posted since monday. Hoping your scan went well :) XXX

Susan said...

Dear Katie: I think about you each and every day, and pray for good days, healing, and peace. Hugs, Sue

Runnergirl Creations said...

Been praying for you. Glad that things are going "well".

Deborah Frings said...

I do hope the scan went well - keeping you in my thoughts and sending postive vibes.

Tameko said...

Lifting you and your in prayer this morning. May God watch over you, as you continue your journey...

Anonymous said...

Hiya chicky!
We have been on a much needed vacation to the beach. It was awesome. I have been thinking of you but really limited my internet time.
Anyway - hoping your CT went well. Do let us know.
Update soon.
Love ya,
Em

Chef Mama Lori said...

Dear Katie, I am behind on reading blog updates, but want you to know we are continuing to pray for you daily. I'm looking forward to news of your latest scan. Hugs from Texas!

Whimcees said...

Hello Katie!

I am always concerned when a week passes by and no post from you. Wishing you well and hoping that all was good with the scan and that the new prescriptions are helpful. You are always in my prayers. I look forward to seeing your next post.

Hugs,

Barbara Diane

Donna said...

Hi katie, every time I think of you I pop over to your blog to see how your doing, hope your ct scan went well, been popping back and forth but you've not posted in a while, hope all is ok hun. hugs Donna x

Julie said...

Hoping all is going well and you are so busy with fun stuff that you just cant post! wishing lots of good things!

Susan said...

Katie, Stash has wonderful green tea combinations. I recently found that they have powdered "iced" green tea. I love the mint and the lemon ginger flavors.

Hugs.

Susan

Nicole P. said...

Hey there, I just ran across this blog post and wanted to contribute something. I read a while ago that you can make green tea more palatable by doing a couple of things: 1) Don't boil the water, pour it over the teabag right before the kettle starts to whistle. 2) Only let the tea steep for a minute or two. 3) Use honey and no milk (something in the milk is supposed to interfere with something in the tea).

I do it this way now and can definitely tell the difference. I've never had the tea with brown rice in it though; it sounds good.

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