Monday, February 25, 2013
Update 2/25/13
It's been 2 weeks since I've had any artificial thyroid hormone and one week since I started a low iodine diet. I feel surprisingly well! I've felt down a few times, been cranky a few times, but for the most part have just been tired. And, thanks to Chris and his mom, I've been able to get the rest I need.
Today I had my "trace" dose of iodine. They will give me a head to toe scan on Thursday to determine how much radioactive iodine is needed to kill any remaining thyroid cells. (The thyroid is the only part of the body that absorbs iodine. Thus, the relatively easy treatment. There is no need to kill healthy cells along with unhealthy ones the way that traditional chemo therapy and radiation do.)
So, for now, I will hug my kids and husband and prepare the basement for my time of isolation when I can't hug any of them. Thankfully, after that, this mess should be over with!
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
This is why I eat at McDonald's
Today's cooking adventure was so fantastic, that it gets it's own blog post. Anyone who knows me, knows I don't cook, but this low iodine diet has left me with two choices: eat nothing but raw fruit, veggies, and nuts, or spend some quality time in the kitchen.
The first two days went pretty well. I definitely struggled when I had to eat an apple while my family all ate pizza, but I made it through ok. My goal in all of this is to eat as normally as possible. I've heard far to many stories of people living off no-salt peanut butter and matzah. The idea is to starve the cancer, not the Kelly!
So today, I decided to make a hamburger and fries for lunch. The potatoes were already peeled and cut and Chris had picked up some burgers, so I was good to go. I started the burger and the oil for the fries. I had never actually fried anything before, but I knew the basic concept. How hard could it be? (Oh yeah- you can see it coming now, can't you?)
The burger was flipped, the oil was hot, and in went the potatoes... And out went the oil onto the electric coil below. Flooph! Flames appear around the pan and I think (very calmly mind you,) "there's a fire. Grease- no water- baking soda- fire extinguisher- maybe it will burn itself out- use the extinguisher Kelly!" And, I did. I aimed right at the base of the pot, avoiding my burger beautifully, because dog-gone it, I was going to EAT that food!
And you know what? After the flames were extinguished and cold air blew the smoke out, I ate it. I ate it ALL. (Alright, I didn't eat some of the fries. I made too many.) But STILL! I knew there was no chance of using the stove again any time soon, so I ate and I liked it.
Oh, did I fail to mention that my mother in law - wife of a fireman - witnessed the whole thing? Yeah... Awesome.
On the plus side, I don't think the stove has ever been this clean. EVER. Q-tips were used, people! On the minus side, the burner that ignited the oil, is ka-put. (It only worked half the time anyway.) One of the back burners smokes, but we have 2 that DO work! Most of the family had takeout for dinner, but Chris made me veggies and rice.
Because there was no way that I was going to use the stove!
The first two days went pretty well. I definitely struggled when I had to eat an apple while my family all ate pizza, but I made it through ok. My goal in all of this is to eat as normally as possible. I've heard far to many stories of people living off no-salt peanut butter and matzah. The idea is to starve the cancer, not the Kelly!
So today, I decided to make a hamburger and fries for lunch. The potatoes were already peeled and cut and Chris had picked up some burgers, so I was good to go. I started the burger and the oil for the fries. I had never actually fried anything before, but I knew the basic concept. How hard could it be? (Oh yeah- you can see it coming now, can't you?)
The burger was flipped, the oil was hot, and in went the potatoes... And out went the oil onto the electric coil below. Flooph! Flames appear around the pan and I think (very calmly mind you,) "there's a fire. Grease- no water- baking soda- fire extinguisher- maybe it will burn itself out- use the extinguisher Kelly!" And, I did. I aimed right at the base of the pot, avoiding my burger beautifully, because dog-gone it, I was going to EAT that food!
And you know what? After the flames were extinguished and cold air blew the smoke out, I ate it. I ate it ALL. (Alright, I didn't eat some of the fries. I made too many.) But STILL! I knew there was no chance of using the stove again any time soon, so I ate and I liked it.
Oh, did I fail to mention that my mother in law - wife of a fireman - witnessed the whole thing? Yeah... Awesome.
On the plus side, I don't think the stove has ever been this clean. EVER. Q-tips were used, people! On the minus side, the burner that ignited the oil, is ka-put. (It only worked half the time anyway.) One of the back burners smokes, but we have 2 that DO work! Most of the family had takeout for dinner, but Chris made me veggies and rice.
Because there was no way that I was going to use the stove!
Monday, February 18, 2013
My motto
I've been off thyroid hormone for 8 days and been on a low-iodine diet for one day. I'd like my thyroid back thank you very much.
On the positive side: it's not chemo.
On the negative side: my mood is def down. I feel like a lead weight. I'm tired. I have little patience and a short fuse. I want to explode.
On the positive side: it's not chemo.
That is all
On the positive side: it's not chemo.
On the negative side: my mood is def down. I feel like a lead weight. I'm tired. I have little patience and a short fuse. I want to explode.
On the positive side: it's not chemo.
That is all
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