Thursday, February 26, 2015

Hydration Is Key ...

Water has no calories, it is colorless and is essential for maintaining a healthy body environment.  Yet most people do not have the recommended eight glasses of per day.  A natural resource, individuals will choose soda, energy drinks and others over water.

For me, I was a soda drinker.  I loved Coca-Cola!  As a young person it would help any hangover, the sugary caramel flavor.  Yyyuuummmmm!  Coca-Cola always satisfied my thirst cravings, but it wasn't until later in life did I realize the effects it was causing.

Drinking 4-6 cans a day, I had sugar rushes as well as crashes.  It was hard to give up.  Gradually I reduced the amount of soda and incorporate water into my diet.  After a year of not drinking soda, I can say when I indulge, it no longer has that pleasure factor.   Soda doesn't taste the same either, it now has an aftertaste.
Regan putting in my IV.
 

As mentioned, water is essential to a health body.  It maintains your organs, bloodflow, hydrates the body, aids the digestive system, removes toxins through the kidneys and sweat through the skin.  For me I need a steady drink of water throughout the day.  When I start to feel a headache coming on, I have water and within minutes feel better.  It is your system signaling you are dehydrated.

Each month I have Zometa treatments to help strengthen my bones via IV.  Requiring tests to ensure my kidneys are running properly and other indicators, my veins are difficult for blood draws and IV's.  Drinking the recommended eight glasses of water the day before and a fair amount in the morning, my IV's have become easier to put in.  Usually it would take 2-4 sticks.

Are you still drinking soda or energy drinks?  Make a change for a healthier body environment, drink water.  My reasons may not be yours, but you never know when the body becomes acidic.  An environment that accepts disease.  Over time you will feel a difference and perhaps change the course an unhealthy body environment.  Now is the time.

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I have setup a GoFundMe page for donations to help with my medical bills.  Your generosity is humbling and appreciated.

Be genuine, share yourself and have a fabulous day!  Susan (aka SuzzzyGal)

Disclaimer:  I am not a medical professional and any information contained here is an opinion.  Seek advice from a professional. 

Monday, February 23, 2015

Have You Taken Your Vitamins Today?

As we get older our bodies are constantly changing, adjusting to our diets, medications and daily stress.  I remember as a child my mother making breakfast.  It always included vitamins.  Not understanding the value of vitamins, I simply did what I was told.  It wasn't until I was older and living on my own did taking supplements and vitamins become a choice.

My background does not include being a Nutritionist.  So my diet consisted of processed and takeout foods, Coca-Cola, pizza, pasta, cheese with very little fruits and vegetables.  I didn't take any daily vitamins, thinking the food being consumed had everything I needed.  This certainly is not the case. 

What I have learned this past year is it isn't about what you eat but how you add nutritional value to your diet.  Think of your body as an engine.  It requires fuel, good fuel.  Each item eaten has the usual carbohydrate, protein and fat values, all necessary to keep your engine running.  But, you also need to have vitamins, each one helping the body in some manner regulate as one efficient component. 

Once a vitamin becomes deficient (such as Vitamin D or Calcium) it may compromise the absorption process for strong healthy bones.  Everyone should consider this after age 40 when osteoporosis can set in.  It may also have a domino effect to other organs.  I have been taking a daily women's pack that has a vitamin, calcium magnesium tablet, anti-oxidant and a biotin supplement.  The daily pack comes prepackaged so I do not have to think about which ones I need to take.
Strawberries and fresh cream
 

Having changed my diet from the above to eating healthier choices, more fruit to replace the carbohydrate cravings and a few vegetables, I notice the difference.  Still having trouble with vegetables because I am single living alone and do not like the looks of them.  I don't know why, just do.

Now this was meant to tickle you in some way in regards to your diet and supplements.  There are a lot of good companies providing vitamins in liquid and tablet forms to accommodate everyones needs.  I also recommend taking your vitamins and supplements with a meal or after eating.  It will help absorb more of the nutrients.

I have been with several network marketing companies and take Amway's NutriLite Women's Daily Pack of vitamins.  My bloodwork report shows my nutrient or vitamin levels are well within their range during my recovery process.

So ... Have you taken your vitamins today?  Make the adjustment from eating poorly to eating well and supplement with vitamins to ensure your engine is running properly.  Don't wait until your body becomes sick like I did.

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I have setup a GoFundMe page for donations to help with my medical bills.  Your generosity is humbling and appreciated.

Be genuine, share yourself and have a fabulous day!  Susan (aka SuzzzyGal)

Disclaimer:  I am not a medical professional and any information contained here is an opinion.  Seek advice from a professional. 

Friday, February 20, 2015

Have You Had Your Mammogram Yet?

If someone had told me the full extent of what could happen when you don't get a mammogram, I would have been more compliant with my doctor.  My last mammogram was in 2010.  Like many of us it becomes a scary scenario when the radiologist wants to take another picture.  For me, they took over 8 images of my right breast, putting more skin in the x-ray field.  They didn't see anything and that was the problem.  My previous mammogram had little grains they said to keep watch on. 

Now this mammogram was clear.  Go figure.  The Doctor of radiology came in and said they wanted to take more.  During the conversation it was revealed the center had changed to a digital format.  Since those grains didn't show after the 8th image, I said no more.  The Doctor protested and I asked for an alternative.  Was there an alternative?  Surely the must be something else that doesn't smush your breast like a pancake.

I know many are like me.  Agreeing with those who didn't have a yearly mammogram too.  Yet, I didn't go for the alternatives also.  I am seeing social media more and more offering breast exams and testing, many of them free.  Money should not be an excuse.

Since then I have learned there are several other alternatives to a mammogram, like thermography and sonograms.  They used a sonogram while in the hospital and I saw my lymph node during the pathology testing.  My mother had been diagnosed with Breast Cancer Stage 0 over six years ago.  She had surgery, radiation treatments and placed on Tamoxifen for 5 years.  On stage 0 cancer!  I thought they were covering their a***s on that one. 

But, But, But!!!  There is always a BUT.  It wasn't because I felt invincible or that doesn't happen til my senior years.  I was in denial that would be me, labeled as a Breast Cancer Surviror.  But I am a survivor!  If we could go back in time everyone would change the one thing that would prevent us from change what we know know. 

Unfortunately, I know now why you should not postpone a breast exam.  I have metatastic breast cancer (stage IV) and it is in my bones.  At this point it did not effect any of my major organs.  For someone else this may not be true.  I truly believe the healthy coffee I drink with Ganoderma Lucidum, reishi mushroom, saved my organs from being touched by these rogue breast cancer cells.

Get a checkup, especially if you have prolonged back pain.  It could be nothing or it could be something.  You don't want the something that takes away your ability to live your life like you want to.  You still have so much to offer, right!  Be Brave, Strong and Fearless!

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I have setup a GoFundMe page for donations to help with my medical bills.  Your generosity is humbling and appreciated.

Be genuine, share yourself and have a fabulous day!  Susan (aka SuzzzyGal)






Tuesday, February 17, 2015

My Weight Loss Came With A Price

By this point you know my mother passed away in 2013.  It was an emotional struggle losing her and someone I long to speak to since.  When I hurt my back in January 2014 I was down 34 pounds and feeling good about it.  It seemed to be easier.  But, as it turned out weeks later I was diagnosed with hormonal Breast Cancer Stage IV.  That is why my back was hurting, it was in my bones.  To be specific, it was in my lower and upper spine, left shoulder, hips and right knee.  I have had radiation treatments in my spine and right knee, with possibility of more in the future.


Me / February 2012
Having been overweight to severely obese in my adult life, I needed to really buckle down and stop overeating for any reason at all.  Such as, celebrating the good and bad, because I wanted to, happy, sad, the list is long.  Eating for me was the only control I had in my life.  I was like anyone else, single living alone and really didn't like to cook.  I liked to bake and good at it.  Eating fast foods, processed foods along with my favorites of pasta and pizza, rarely eating fruits and vegetables.  Wrong carbohydrate cravings galore.  I could eat them everyday. 

Before I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer and at home, I had smaller portions and managed to lose a about 10 more pounds.  Once in the hospital, my diet change helped with my weight loss.  I was put on a schedule with portioned meals, fruit, vegetables and desert.  I thought I was overeating but it jumpstarted the carbohydrate cravings normally felt when starting a diet.  Having failed diet attempts, I gave up long ago from the carb cravings.  I wasn't able to walk while in the hospital, especially on my right leg for fear of breaking it and I was hurting on my left side.  I did all my physical therapy in my bed with leg raises, etc. to maintain some semblance of strength.  When I was released the first time to the skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility, down 56 pounds.

The same occurred through my second hospital stay and hip surgery.  When I entered the skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility in Largo, FL I lost nearly 60 pounds.  My clothes were hanging on me.  Since I had started physical therapy, it added to my weight loss and when released to go home, I was down another 22 pounds.  Since being home, I have a main healthy portion meal and then fruits, nuts or vegetables throughout the day.  I haven't felt a carbohydrate craving they way I used too.  Actually when I have a high concentration of carbohydrates (breads or pasta) in a daily diet I feel cranky and tired.  Go figure!

Me and Adele Brown / February 2015
I am happy to say that I'm now a size 16 pants / 14 top.  I have lost a total of 131 pounds since my mother died and can't believe what I see in the mirror at times.  I have donated half my wardrobe with more remaining in my closet that I can no longer wear.  Cannot believe how much money had been spent throughout the years on clothing that weren't worn or barely used.  Now I shop sparingly for the necessities as I continue on my diet.  I already have my size 14 pants and shorts for the end March.  Hoping my one year anniversary with breast cancer goes on without a hitch.  Keep me in your prayers :)
 
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I have setup a GoFundMe page for donations to help with my medical bills.  Your generosity is humbling and appreciated.

Be genuine, share yourself and have a fabulous day!  Susan (aka SuzzzyGal)

Saturday, February 14, 2015

Skilled Nursing ~ Rehabililtation vs. Rehabilitation

At my age I always expected to have an experience with a skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility if one of my parents needed one.  I lost my father in 2004, then my mother in 2013.  Never expecting that I would need a rehab facility, the hospital gave me a long list of them.  Making phone calls to facilities close to me, family and friends, cost was essential.  I would be required to pay out of pocket and 30 days in advance.  Another Ka-Ching!

There is a difference between skilled nursing and rehabilitation facilities and I realize that it must meet your budget.  But I also understand that the environment you place yourself or a loved one is important in recovery and happiness.  Because it was me needing a rehab facility, I couldn't go to inspect the facility.  Fortunate to have my step-father here in Florida at the time, he was great at visiting and bringing me things I needed.  Now I had to rely on his opinion.

General questions to ask when looking for a skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility:
  • How many Nurses and Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA's) to # of patients?
  • How many residents to a room?
  • Is there a TV and phone?  How many TV's?
  • Food:  How many options are given and how many substitutions?  Do they accommodate special need meals?  Where are they served?
  • How much is physical therapy?  If it is self pay or isn't covered under health insurance.
  • What are visiting hours? 
  • What activities do you offer?
  • Is there security on site?
Being released the first time from the hospital to a skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility in Clearwater, FL, I was truly nervous.  I wasn't able to stand on my own, requiring assistance in every aspect, scared to say the least.  At first, I arrived and was required to be weighed.  I was severely obese and had lost about 20+ pounds while in the hospital.  I needed to be placed in a wheelchair.  It was the first time, I had been transported there by a stretcher and I was anxious about how they would handle me.  Initially, the CNA's that afternoon were cautious with me.  It was over time that I felt my care was in question. 

Meals were served in the dining room or in your bed.  A menu was provided so you could choose, lunch and dinner.  You had the choice of two options and your substitutes were a grilled cheese or another sandwich.  I was there for a week and in that time, I had 3 grilled cheese sandwiches.  One night for dinner, corned beef has was served.  Not my cup of tea!  Plus I had a salad with my meals and they only served ranch dressing.  I was advised that if I wanted Italian dressing, I could purchase a bottle and place it into a refrigerator (that I would have to purchase also). 

My roommate was a senior who couldn't hear and kept to herself.  The room had 1 TV for the both of us and lacked decor.  Fortunately, she spent her time up and around through the day and I was bedridden.  I had control of the TV, yippee!  My nurses were great, coming in to give me my medication.  It was a time when I started refusing some of the medication the hospital had me on.  Because I had pain, on morphine, steroids and more.  I had been diligent with being alert so decisions were made without cloudiness. 

Some of my CNA's were great, but there were a few that handled me roughly, uncaringly.  One afternoon, two put me in the bed, then I said wait a minute.  They walked out and left me there, I was weak and couldn't get myself correctly in bed and still needed help.  I could see how skilled nursing and rehabilitation facilities get a bad reputation.  These two instances, food and care is where I believe cost should be key in deciding a facility.  It was later discovered by the physical therapist that I had an acute fracture in my left hip and they couldn't work with me.  I was sent back to the hospital.  Thankfully, I would not return there.

Once at the hospital and second stay without health insurance.  I was advised I needed a hip replacement.  This was my first surgery requiring me to go under the knife.  It wouldn't be long before I was released and had to choose again a skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility.  Luckily, I kept my notes on them from my last hospital stay.  The facility I liked best was financially out of my reach before, but my HMO health insurance would go into effect soon and was one of their facility choices.  The Largo, FL facility ended up being the right place for me.  Menus offered a variety to choose including alternates.  Yes, they had Italian dressing as well as others.  The staff was pleasant and caring, never being handled roughly and the physical therapy was great.  Their décor pleasant and comfortable, each resident had their own TV too.

The difference in cost between the two skilled nursing and rehabilitation facilities was $135 per day/room & board.  I truly believe that a person's happiness is important in their recovery.  It is simple, but décor, location and meal selection is imperative for any individual.  I spent 54 days in the Largo, FL facility.  I felt happy and cared for even during the days I couldn't wait to get out and go home.

Again, it all depends on your budget when considering short or long term skilled nursing and rehabilitation care.  I also recommend getting an insurance policy while young and healthy.  You never know what life puts in front of you.

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I have setup a GoFundMe page for donations to help with my medical bills.  Your generosity is humbling and appreciated.

Be genuine, share yourself and have a fabulous day!  Susan (aka SuzzzyGal)

Tuesday, February 10, 2015

My Experience With An HMO

Once in the hospital I needed to sign up for ObamaCare and based on the information provided I was eligible for a bronze level HMO.  It would not be active until 4 weeks later.  I was released from the hospital again after my hip replacement surgery into a rehabilitation facility.  The HMO required that I pay the deductible up front.  The deductible was $6,300 and placed on a credit card.  Oh boy!!!

I knew I was in a good facility.  After being evaluated by the Occupational & Physical Therapist, I stood for the first time before entering the hospital.  What a great feeling, I had lost hope that I would be able to walk again.  I began my physical therapy and gained some strength.  The HMO required weekly updates and by my second week they were ready to release me.  They felt I wasn't progressing fast enough.  I was weak and so disappointed with the HMO.  How can you release someone who isn't able to take care of themselves.  The HMO did not have my whole story, only that I had a hip replacement. 

During this timeframe my facility doctor had weekly blood draws and it became a concern that my hemoglobin was too low.  I was lightheaded at times while in therapy sessions lately and it was decided I needed to go back to the hospital for another blood transfusion.  I had lost a lot of blood during the hip surgery, along with my immune system being compromised from breast cancer.  After the transfusion, I returned to the rehabilitation facility 2 days later.

After spending a total of 54 days in rehab, I was walking with a walker and able to get to the toilet on my own.  This is where HMO's have some deficiencies.  Once released, I was brought home by a friend who luckily had a walker and commode that sat above the toilet.  My HMO doctor had received my documentation along with the home equipment list needed.  My equipment listed a wheelchair, commode, home healthcare and physical therapy.

It took three weeks to get a wheelchair and I was only eligible for physical therapy.  The commode was considered portable and the HMO would only provide one transport equipment.  Thank goodness for my friends equipment.  I had been in contact with the HMO, the doctors office and the referral department daily, weekly.  It seemed the doctors office kept losing my orders.  The constant waiting for everything, such as equipment, radiation treatments became more frustrating with each request.

In my lifetime working for different companies, I had been exposed to different health insurance policies including HMO's and PPO's.  I never experienced this with a PPO.  There are a lot of individuals who praise the HMO system, but I would not want to be sick while on their health insurance plan.  I changed my plan to a PPO during open enrollment with ObamaCare and qualified for a gold PPO plan costing less than the HMO.  Go figure!!!

Share your experience with your health insurance plan, good or bad.  It may help another make a better decision in their healthcare.

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I have a GoFundMe page for donations to help with my medical bills.  Your generosity is humbling and appreciated.

Be genuine, share yourself and have a fabulous day!  Susan (aka SuzzzyGal)

Friday, February 6, 2015

My Medications ... Oh Boy!

I had lost my mother the summer before and didn't have the guidance she would always provide.  I was on my own.  My friends have been a great support system when needed, but I am making major decisions on the fly since the hospitals.  I do my research as well.

I depend on my healthcare professionals to provide the best options for my course of treatment.  Taking Tamoxifen twice daily, plus Zometa treatments monthly to help strengthen my bones and just recently Falsodex (another anti-hormonal drug).  I can remember speaking to an American Cancer Society representative and asked about Zometa.  He gave me a long list of side effects.  I was in for monthly blood draws one week to keep an eye on my kidneys, plus IV infusions the next week.  Blood draws are difficult for me because my veins seem to hide and are deep, sometimes requiring multiple sticks.

Generally, after receiving my Zometa treatment, it drains me for a few days.  But my last treatment along with Falsodex (injections to right and left hips) left me hurting in my hips greater than usual.  I think the doctor hit my bone or possibly a nerve, limiting my ability to walk.  It took a week for me to feel my usual self.

I am walking with a cane these days for short distances and looking forward to warmer pool weather here in Florida for water exercises.  At the turn of 2015, it's a new health insurance year with ObamaCare.   Changing from an HMO to a PPO is the best thing I did for my healthcare.  Thankful that pre-existing conditions were eliminated, I know have an affordable plan.  It is certainly better than not having insurance, learned that the hard way.

March will be my 1st year anniversary of breast cancer and on Tamoxifen.  I still feel the lump in my right breast and will be going for a mammogram.  My Oncologist is suggesting possible radiation treatments based on my results.

I have a GoFundMe page for donations to help with my medical bills.  Your generosity is humbling and appreciated.

Be genuine, share yourself and have a fabulous day!  Susan (aka SuzzzyGal)







Wednesday, February 4, 2015

The First Day of The Rest of My Life!

A challenge to say the least!  It's a road one must travel step by step to recovery.  It's never perfect, obstacles everywhere, each day.  Emotional, physical and spiritual awareness questioned daily.

My breast cancer journey started January 2014.  I had just attended an event for my coffee business and came home with back pains.  It was something I thought was about getting older.  My mother had back problems so it was only natural to think that was my course at age 52.  So after time and trying to fix myself I became physically weak and scared.  Made a doctors appointment, had an MRI a week later for my back and right knee and that's the day I learned it was cancer.

Confirmed later at the hospital with pathology reports and with no health insurance.  Each time the five+ different doctors came in to discuss my prognosis, all I could hear in my brain was Ka Ching.  You truly can't afford not to have health insurance in the USA.  After 2 separate stays including a hip replacement for a fractured hip, I had accrued over $225,000 in medical bills. OMG!!!

I have Hormonal Breast Cancer Stage IV with no markers in my blood.  The Oncology doctor with the hospital said it was the best one to have and had only metastasized to my bones and not to any major organs.  (Thanks to Ganoderma Lucidum / Reishi Mushroom).  He said his case team was puzzled by that.  It's not terminal, he said, you could be hit by a bus before this gets you.  Really!!!  It was treatable with Tamoxifen and be on it for the rest of my life. 

It has been a challenging road since the beginning of last year.  I am able to walk short distances with a cane.  I've also lost 130 pounds too, now a size 16.  Going through all the phases of denial and acceptance about life.  My personal pity party (PPP) ended last month with thoughts in the direction of health improvement, happiness and writing my journey with you and for you.  Over the next few months, I will be posting about my progress, weight loss, recipes, supplements or anything interesting.

I have a GoFundMe page for donations to help with my medical bills.  Your generosity to help is humbling and appreciated.

Be genuine, share yourself and have a fabulous day!  Susan (aka SuzzzyGal)