http://www.novartispharmaceuticals.com/en/stories/detail/5-things-every-person-living-with-a-rare-disease-understands
Monday, April 6, 2015
Day 6.....5 things every Person living with rare disease underatands
I wanted to share this article with you. Rachel and I were interviewed and this article came out. We weren't paid in any way just wanting to help advocate for cushings. This is 5 things every person living with a rare disease understands.
http://www.novartispharmaceuticals.com/en/stories/detail/5-things-every-person-living-with-a-rare-disease-understands
http://www.novartispharmaceuticals.com/en/stories/detail/5-things-every-person-living-with-a-rare-disease-understands
Saturday, April 4, 2015
Getting Diagnosed....My Tips
Tips:
- Doctors listen to the first few symptoms first. I personally tell people to start out with the Cushing's Symptoms that you have that are more Cushingoid. For instance if you have weight gain, buffalo hump, moon face, straie, bruising, depressed, and anxiety. You should tell the Doctor first about your buffalo hump, moon face, straie, bruising and leave weight gain and depression to the end. I know most of us say weight gain first or depression but those really should be at the end so the Doctors don't try and treat you for that and don't listen to the rest.
- Bring Before and After pictures to your doctor. Also a food log so you don't get the well you must be eating too much bit. Its helpful for others to see the difference. They don't know what you looked like before. You don't have to be big to have Cushing's either. My good friend Van who has a blog at www.onedelicateheart.blogspot.com isn't a big person at all. She is one of the founders of this blog also. Van is in remission from Cushing's. You can have different symptoms.
- You don't have to have all the symptoms to have Cushing's. I would doubt myself a lot actually because it seemed weird that I would have this disease. One thing my husband said to me was "Name something else that would have all these symptoms and come back to me". I couldn't. Maybe its a good thing to ask your doctor too. Mind you I am in remission now and had two tumors removed. I went through my doubts too though.
- Join groups like Cushings!! on Facebook or search out blogs or sites of others who have experienced this. Learn from them and others. Get the support you need because it is out there.
- If you are struggling with money for medical bills or going to the right doctor contact NORD. National Organization of Rare Diseases. They are an amazing organization who helps so many. They will help pay for your doctor bills, your hotel or flights, MRI etc. until you get Diagnosed. www.http://rarediseases.org/
- There are a lot of websites out there. One of my favorites is www.cushings-help.org which has been around for almost 14 years. It has so much knowledge. My other favorite site is www.cushingstories.com because it has personal stories of those with Cushing's at all different stages. They also have blogs to follow and Videos of Cushies. If you look at some of the stories at the end of that page is also more Videos of that particular person.
- Test....Test....Test.... keep testing. One or two tests that are normal doesn't mean you don't have Cushing's. Have your doctor give you 24 hour urine tests, Saliva's, Midnight Serums of Cortisol, Dex test, Atch tests. Remember most Cushing's patients are up at night and tired in the morning. Our Cortisol is higher at night than a normal person and can be low in the morning hence the Midnight Serums. Test, Test, Test. Don't give up! I had over half normal and half highs because I was cyclical. Check out www.cushingstories.com Facts section on when to test. It could make all the difference.
- A lot of Doctors hear that they will never meet someone who has Cushings that it is too Rare. If you feel you have it please keep seeing Doctors until they test you and do MRI or Scans. Cushing's only gets worse with time. Be your own advocate. There ARE Cushing Specialist Doctors out there. Who will listen to you. If you think you cant afford to go there (NORD can help) just remember that it is worth it to getting to the other side of this. Personally I had to say to myself its worth it to go to a specialist than waste my time and energy and money on endo after endo. Two endos wouldn't even see me because I had a normal test. I went to a Cushing specialist and found my tumor, got diagnosed, had surgery and now am in remission getting better by the day. That was worth it to me!
Thursday, April 2, 2015
Cushings Mom of 4 Teens
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| Christmas 2014 |
I am a mom of four teenagers and I am a Cushing's Mom. I don't know which one is more exciting to read about so I will write about both :) I have a blended family which makes it so our teenagers are very close in age. We have been a family for almost 7 years now and I am very blessed that they get along so well!! Jackson is my oldest, 9 months later is Cassie, 18 months later is Joshua and then only 2 months later is Jason. They are my world! I joke with ppl in our community however that next year I am moving to India so my husband will be left home with a 9,10,11, and 12 grader:) With being in a very small community you become very active in their school lives. Just today I have a football game to go to for two of them, a bake sale for one of them and a dinner to serve for another one of them. Its a busy busy life.
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| Josh & Jackson playing football |
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| 200 cupcakes made for a game |
It says..."Dear Mother, I created this painting because of your influences. You are Gods child just like many people. this was made because you will always be protected and of course you will be painting in watercolors. I hope that every time you see this, you will be safe, happy, healthy, and just in a good mood! This paper is being watched over by many angels, one of them is your own beautiful mother. I HOPE that by the third time you read this to yourself, you will be cured of Cushing's. That disease is crucial to leave because you cant do many things because of it. i hope that you will live the life that you have always wanted and that it goes in your direction. And guess what? In the middle of this ninja our dog just threw up. Hope my day gets better as well! (this part cracked me up folks!). So I hope, want, you will become a beautiful person that you have always wanted to be. Okay, even though you already are beautiful inside and out! love Cassandra. always praying". Now tell me that wouldn't make you cry!
My kids are all crazy and like to have fun like me! I am now 8 months post op and am getting my life back slowly! I love to cook and bake and am back to doing that daily. Even started canning! I went from only being able to lift 10 pounds to lifting 55 plus now. I am losing weight, I am in a MUCH better place attitude wise and WANT to be around ppl again! I had hope! I had to fight to get here but I did it! It was worth it to me! I am enjoying my kids more and more. Not that I ever really stopped, I just was in a different place. Even my kids notice the changes and Cassie knows her prayers were answered. Here are some fun pictures of us in the last couple weeks....Things can change! I am living proof! We just need to have a good support system out there and if you don't have one at home....you can find them online! There are great Cushing's groups on Facebook....I even started one myself called "Cushings!!" And there are great sites like Cushings-help.com where you can find tons of resources and of course www.cushingstories.com . If you ever need someone to talk to even please feel free to email me at Cushingscountrygirl@gmail.com and I will always respond! You can also follow my family blog on how I am now with our life as a mom with 4 teens recovering from Cushings at www.everydayraerae.blogspot.com
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| Jason and I |
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| My daughter Cassie |
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| Jackson going hunting |
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| Joshua and I |
Cushing's Exposing Myself in Pics
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| hot spots that just appeared |
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| My buffalo hump that grew |
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| round moon face |
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| bad stretch marks just appeared from thin skin and discolored skin |
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| bruising for no reason |
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| belly large and bloated day of surgery |
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| one month after surgery...going down but so many stretch marks |
You are all beautiful! This disease is not going to define who you are as a person. No matter what remember that I am here for you too. I understand even if its just a little. God does not make trash. I had to tell myself that a lot. He just doesnt! We are of his image...and God is not trash:) He is wonderful, beautiful just like you! This is me slowly getting back to what I looked like before.....but what I have gone through has made me stronger.....wanting to help others so they don't have to suffer as much.
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| my youngest son and I at onset of cushings |
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| Year before cushings and before I cut off my hair |
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| i will get back to this. Cushings took it from me but I will get it back |
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| After my kids were all born |
Wednesday, April 1, 2015
Cushings Symptoms
I want to talk about the Symptoms of Cushing's because that is where it starts of course. To have Cushing's you don't have to have all of these Symptoms either. For instance I was Diagnosed, had my tumor removed, and now am in Remission but I only had 18 out of 22 of these symptoms. That was by Surgery Date when things had gotten worse.
Symptoms of Cushing's:
- High Blood Pressure
- Diabetes
- Round Face
- Fat pad behind neck (Buffalo Hump)
- Thin arms and legs compared to Stomach
- Acne
- Fatigue
- Weight Gain especially upper body
- Depression and Anxiety
- Osteoporosis
- Insomnia
- Irregular Periods
- Low or No Sex Drive
- Thin Skin
- Slow Healing
- Low Immune System
- Pink or Purple Stretch Marks
- Easy Bruising
- Mood Changes
- Hypertension
- Hirsutism
- Thinning of Hair
If you think you have Cushing's or are in the process of being diagnosed remember there are a lot of places to go to get educated on it, see others stories or be with others for support. I will tell you some of my favorite sites. We want to support you! Tomorrow I will write the different ways you can have Cushing's. If you ever need anything please feel free to email me at Cushingscountrygirl@gmail.com and I will respond as soon as possible. I always respond though! Here are some of those sites.
www.cushings-help.org which has a variety of help and has been around for over a decade.
www.cushingstories.com which has stories, blogs and videos of Cushing's Patients
Cushing's!! is a group I have for Cushing's patients or those who think they might have Cushing's on Facebook.
Battleground Diagnosis is also on Facebook on Fact vs Fiction of Cushing's.
Check some of those out please. The more support we give one another the better!
Thursday, March 26, 2015
My Rare Disease, My Story
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| Novartis.com |
Oh where do I begin? Let’s start with when I didn’t know what Cushing’s was. Let's back track to the beginning.
The day I got diagnosed was my sixth time to the doctors office for bronchitis that year; it was my second time with walking pneumonia. I went in and cried to my doctor that I was barely eating, gaining weight, I was only sleeping two hours per night, my body always hurt, I had bruising all the time and swore that I was going crazy, had depression or was a hypochondriac. He looked at me and said, “You have Cushing’s I bet.” I thought "Is this man crazy? What is Cushing’s?" He examined me as this was the first time I had seen him. He looked at my neck and said that I had a buffalo hump, saw red and white stretch marks on my stomach. He reviewed my food log and saw I was only eating 1600 calories per day and had gained eighty pounds in a year and half and was still gaining.
I had a hysterectomy three years prior and felt like I had hormone imbalances ever since. Actually, I felt like I had those even before that. I always thought the loss of muscle, the bruising, and weight gain was all because of that. It was from the hormones but not from that. I went to doctor after doctor after doctor and they said my estrogen and testosterone was fine. Sometimes they would give me a pill for depression or more estrogen to cure my hot flashes and other symptoms. The depression pills never worked for me. I went to a doctor that gave me more estrogen and had their clinical psychologist call me to see if I wanted “had bruising, cried a lot, was 37 and must have a bad home life.” That made me SO mad! I wasn’t having a bad home life at all. I left that clinic and went to another one because of that. It was meant to be because that’s when I found Dr. Edmonds,my primary care physician, the one that said I probably had Cushing’s.
After Dr. Edmonds said I needed to test, he set me up for two tests: an 8 a.m. cortisol blood draw and a dexamethasone test. One came back positive but the other was negative. Then my doctor thought maybe I didn't have Cushing's. By this time, I had looked up everything I could on Cushing’s and started researching everywhere I could. I found some videos on Youtube, a couple of websites, blogs and Facebook groups on Cushing’s. I researched Cushing’s specialists and decided to go to, in my opinion, the top endocrinologist at the time, Dr. Theodore Friedman (or "Dr. F., as we call him). He listened to me. I tested A LOT! I even tested wrong at first, by testing when I felt bad instead of testing when I felt better (on a high). At first, some of my tests came back normal because I cycled from high cortisol to low. After learning more and getting help from other Cushies by figuring out when to test, my tests came back high, high and high. I went in for a MRI (you should always get a T3 MRI) and they saw something that COULD be a tumor. I was scared and relieved at the same time. What a weird feeling to have. My endo saw a tumor on the left side and my neurologist saw one on the right. It was very confusing but I was finally diagnosed in the beginning of July 2014 and had my surgery scheduled three weeks later in Houston, Texas at MD Anderson, even though I live in California.
Once I was ready for surgery, it couldn’t come fast enough. I wanted to get rid of the tumor and get back to a normal life. By the time my surgery rolled around, my muscle wasting had me only able to lift about 10 pounds. I still wasn’t sleeping. I was angry at nights and had so much anxiety that my foot was tap, tap, tapping all the time. I bruised if someone touched me hard or bumped me. I was depressed because I felt like my family would do better without me around. I am a mother of four teenagers. It was hard because I wanted to do so much for them. I felt bad that my husband was picking up the slack. I wanted ME back! I wanted to ride my horse, shoot my bow, cook dinner and be able to move the pot of spaghetti etc. NOW I HAD THE CHANCE!
July 25th,2014, I had my surgery. I wanted to jump up on the table to have my brain tumor removed. I had a calm that day and was prepared for it. My husband was by my side and I waved at him and said “See you on the remission side.” When out of surgery, we were told that they had found TWO tumors on my pituitary that were connected underneath. They felt they had gotten it all out. I was relieved.
It's now seven months after my surgery. I am starting to lose weight. I am sleeping every night all night long. My hair is growing back. I am not bruising. I can think again and don’t have brain fog all the time. I feel more like ME again. Every single symptom has reversed or is getting better. I can lift 55 pounds now! That a lot considering I could only lift 10. My friends, family and especially children see the differences and all for the good. I take it day by day because recovery is hard and I have to remember I am not going to be ME all in one day. I have more and more glimpses, though, of the old me. I am happier. I am happy to see the flip side.
I have really tried to become an advocate for Cushing’s. I have started a Facebook group called “ Cushing’s!!” that has over 800 members and is all about Cushing’s support. My friend Van and I started a blog together, www.2cushiegirls.blogspot.com. My good friend Rachel and I have worked hard on a website called www.Cushingstories.com. Its a place to go to see other patients stories. Not only is it their story but we have patient videos (in their own words) and tons of Blogs. We want to let people know there are others out there and have it all on one site. The stories of all of us. It’s why I decided from the beginning to YouTube my journey because that was the first place I looked for others like me. I cried on my first video. I almost didn’t post it. I decided that if I can help one person that it was worth the humility of it all.
The day I got diagnosed was my sixth time to the doctors office for bronchitis that year; it was my second time with walking pneumonia. I went in and cried to my doctor that I was barely eating, gaining weight, I was only sleeping two hours per night, my body always hurt, I had bruising all the time and swore that I was going crazy, had depression or was a hypochondriac. He looked at me and said, “You have Cushing’s I bet.” I thought "Is this man crazy? What is Cushing’s?" He examined me as this was the first time I had seen him. He looked at my neck and said that I had a buffalo hump, saw red and white stretch marks on my stomach. He reviewed my food log and saw I was only eating 1600 calories per day and had gained eighty pounds in a year and half and was still gaining.
I had a hysterectomy three years prior and felt like I had hormone imbalances ever since. Actually, I felt like I had those even before that. I always thought the loss of muscle, the bruising, and weight gain was all because of that. It was from the hormones but not from that. I went to doctor after doctor after doctor and they said my estrogen and testosterone was fine. Sometimes they would give me a pill for depression or more estrogen to cure my hot flashes and other symptoms. The depression pills never worked for me. I went to a doctor that gave me more estrogen and had their clinical psychologist call me to see if I wanted “had bruising, cried a lot, was 37 and must have a bad home life.” That made me SO mad! I wasn’t having a bad home life at all. I left that clinic and went to another one because of that. It was meant to be because that’s when I found Dr. Edmonds,my primary care physician, the one that said I probably had Cushing’s.
After Dr. Edmonds said I needed to test, he set me up for two tests: an 8 a.m. cortisol blood draw and a dexamethasone test. One came back positive but the other was negative. Then my doctor thought maybe I didn't have Cushing's. By this time, I had looked up everything I could on Cushing’s and started researching everywhere I could. I found some videos on Youtube, a couple of websites, blogs and Facebook groups on Cushing’s. I researched Cushing’s specialists and decided to go to, in my opinion, the top endocrinologist at the time, Dr. Theodore Friedman (or "Dr. F., as we call him). He listened to me. I tested A LOT! I even tested wrong at first, by testing when I felt bad instead of testing when I felt better (on a high). At first, some of my tests came back normal because I cycled from high cortisol to low. After learning more and getting help from other Cushies by figuring out when to test, my tests came back high, high and high. I went in for a MRI (you should always get a T3 MRI) and they saw something that COULD be a tumor. I was scared and relieved at the same time. What a weird feeling to have. My endo saw a tumor on the left side and my neurologist saw one on the right. It was very confusing but I was finally diagnosed in the beginning of July 2014 and had my surgery scheduled three weeks later in Houston, Texas at MD Anderson, even though I live in California.
Once I was ready for surgery, it couldn’t come fast enough. I wanted to get rid of the tumor and get back to a normal life. By the time my surgery rolled around, my muscle wasting had me only able to lift about 10 pounds. I still wasn’t sleeping. I was angry at nights and had so much anxiety that my foot was tap, tap, tapping all the time. I bruised if someone touched me hard or bumped me. I was depressed because I felt like my family would do better without me around. I am a mother of four teenagers. It was hard because I wanted to do so much for them. I felt bad that my husband was picking up the slack. I wanted ME back! I wanted to ride my horse, shoot my bow, cook dinner and be able to move the pot of spaghetti etc. NOW I HAD THE CHANCE!
July 25th,2014, I had my surgery. I wanted to jump up on the table to have my brain tumor removed. I had a calm that day and was prepared for it. My husband was by my side and I waved at him and said “See you on the remission side.” When out of surgery, we were told that they had found TWO tumors on my pituitary that were connected underneath. They felt they had gotten it all out. I was relieved.
It's now seven months after my surgery. I am starting to lose weight. I am sleeping every night all night long. My hair is growing back. I am not bruising. I can think again and don’t have brain fog all the time. I feel more like ME again. Every single symptom has reversed or is getting better. I can lift 55 pounds now! That a lot considering I could only lift 10. My friends, family and especially children see the differences and all for the good. I take it day by day because recovery is hard and I have to remember I am not going to be ME all in one day. I have more and more glimpses, though, of the old me. I am happier. I am happy to see the flip side.
I have really tried to become an advocate for Cushing’s. I have started a Facebook group called “ Cushing’s!!” that has over 800 members and is all about Cushing’s support. My friend Van and I started a blog together, www.2cushiegirls.blogspot.com. My good friend Rachel and I have worked hard on a website called www.Cushingstories.com. Its a place to go to see other patients stories. Not only is it their story but we have patient videos (in their own words) and tons of Blogs. We want to let people know there are others out there and have it all on one site. The stories of all of us. It’s why I decided from the beginning to YouTube my journey because that was the first place I looked for others like me. I cried on my first video. I almost didn’t post it. I decided that if I can help one person that it was worth the humility of it all.
There is a lot of information out there. www.Cushingstories.com is a AMAZING site. Also www.Cushings-help.org. My personal favorites are these blogs because they are real....and you really can see the journey of the person!
Living with Cushing's Disease is one of my personal favorites. Its written by a good friend of mine who is also the Co-Founder of Cushingstories.com. She is someone who is amazing at keeping it real and positive. She has had her struggles but has been in remission now for years! Check out her blog https://cushieworld.wordpress.com/
Moxie has an amazing site that is chalked full of information!!! She is an amazing lady who will always be there for you to answer questions. Please check out her site at http://www.cushingsmoxie.blogspot.com/
Then there is my good friend Nicci who is very real, raw and doesn't hold back what she is thinking or feeling. You should check her out at http://cushiequeen.blogspot.com/
I hope now you know a little bit more about my disease and have an understanding of what my family and I have gone through. Each day is amazingly better! As you can see on my blog that I am living and we are having fun! Just thought I would tell you my story!
Bless all of you. Thank you for reading my story. Please feel free to write me anytime. I always answer. Cushingscountrygirl@gmail.com.
Friday, February 27, 2015
5 Things Every Person Living with a Rare Disease Understands
I am really excited to share this article to you all!! It has my good friend, blogger and Co founder of our site Cushingstories.com in it! They feature quotes from the both of us. I am so proud that Novartis is taking the time to really talk about Cushing's and Advocating for it. Rachel and I both have Cushing's and really want ppl to understand it. This is just the beginning! Novartis is making great strides in getting awareness out there for our disease and many other Rare Diseases also. Please check out the article! #RDD2015 #GetLoud #Raredisease #Cushing's
http://www.novartispharmaceuticals.com/en/stories/detail/5-things-every-person-living-with-a-rare-disease-understands
http://www.novartispharmaceuticals.com/en/stories/detail/5-things-every-person-living-with-a-rare-disease-understands
Sunday, February 15, 2015
Everyday Rae Rae: Hospital Valentines...Best one Ever
Everyday Rae Rae: Hospital Valentines...Best one Ever: The love day! Valentines Day. Its that time once a year that is dreaded by many or such an exciting day for others. I happen to love Valenti...
Thursday, February 12, 2015
MIA....in hospital
Ahhhh the glories of a low immune system;) Been in the hospital now for three days going on four. Remember how I said I got sick Super Bowl Sunday? It hasn't gone away. Yeah! Lucky me .....not. :)
By day 9 Ryan took me to ER and they said I had bronchitis and asthma on top of it. Three breathing treatments later and medicines, inhalers etc we were sent home. Next day even though I had been on antibodies for days I felt worse. Being in remission from Cushings Disease I still have low immune system being only 6 months post op from brain surgery. Everything else is a thousand times better though. For that I am so terribly grateful! The sickness part though seems to go on and on for me. End up having to stress dose cortisol (since now it's my friend not my enemy) because sickness eats it up.
I thought I would get better but I just couldn't breathe. Coughing so much and so hard I would vomit. Had to breathe really shallow and talk low to not cough. Felt extremely dizzy and not hungry at all. We ended up going back to the ER mid day since my MD was out of town this week. They admitted me into the hospital within 40 minutes. I have been here since.....laying in my hospital bed under that ugly pink blanket ha!
Good news is I am getting better. I am so pumped full of steroids right now. 160 mg cortisol daily. Breathing treatments every hour on the hour and some even in between, antibodies and fluids. Now on day three here I am feeling better even more so and have breathing treatments every two hours. I look a wreck but the only time I am up is to go to the bathroom or shower or I am short of breathe.
Something I learned is when you have Cushings that cortisol masks some things like auto immune problems or asthma etc bec the cortisol is naturally so high from the tumor that you just don't know it. So in remission I am finding out I have asthma.....maybe always have had it but it was masked. Well guys......bronchitis and asthma don't mix.....at all. Just trust me on this one haha.
We are on day 12 of being sick I really am feeling bad. Not health wise but bad that my family is having to keep on keeping on without me. I am very lucky to have the husband I have. He is so generous and kind in all ways and knows that this of course is out of my control. He always asks me "well if it were me in your place what would you do?". I would do anything I could of course but I definitely think I would be way more cranky than he is ha! We really lucked out too bec the day I got admitted Grandma Sally (Ryan's mom and my awesome MIL) was coming up to stay with us. It never ceases to amaze me how she just jumps right in and helps and doesn't gripe about it. With my mom in heaven it really makes me think that she somehow has a touch in her that helps Sally to be there for us when we really need it.....along with the fact she would just do it anyways. My mom would always come to the rescue like that. Anything for me or her grand kids....she would make sure that they were being taken care of so Ryan could help take care of me. Ryan and I are both blessed to have those type of ppl in our lives. I may not have my mom but I do have my second mom Sally. Fiesty and Fun.....just like my mom was. Okay seriously now I am crying lol. I will just say that's from only having 3.5 hours of sleep in 3 days ( gotta love that cortisol....not).
I am really hoping to be home tomorrow but if not tomorrow I pray I am not here on valentines day. Even though no matter where I am I will feel loved by family and friends. I am typing on my I Pad so I don't think I can add pictures to my blog or you would see the beautiful flowers and cards and books I have received. Yesterday I was so taken back because someone I know through Facebook who is a friend of a friend but retired teacher at our kids school came by and gave me flowers, candy, a beautiful chicken soup for soul book ( she doesn't know this but it had special meaning to me because my mom was published in one) and a book to keep me busy. It was beyond sweet. I wanted her to be able to sit and chat but I would start coughing as soon as I talked so that will have to wait for another day.
Then.....in walks in my husband and daughter couple hours later. Man I have to figure out how to add pictures. I seriously almost cried. They looked like they were moving in lol. They brought me a late lunch and flowers, my coveted grapes and orange juice, coffee and then MY P UPPY MOLLY!!!!!!! Ryan had called ahead and asked and begged and they said yes for a little bit. Mind you Molly is only 2 pound Shih Tzu that doesn't shed. She was so happy to see me and I her. To me that was one of the most romantic gestures because it was so thoughtful.....a surprise ....and effort was put into it. Seriously I will always remember that....! I had a great visit with them but I knew they would have to go and pick up and drop off the boys for basketball soon. I am really blessed to have such a good family.
Right as they were leaving I got a delivery. I was really feeling loved. It helped too because the fact that I can't sleep on all this cortisol they are pumping into me I am here a lot by myself. My husband wants to be here more but it's 1 hour drive just to get here and then one back. Plus I really want our household to keep going because our kids are so busy. He constantly is telling me he feels bad bec I tell him to not come back. It makes me feel better that Sally and him can get everything done at home. He just ends up texting me right when he wakes up till he goes to sleep anyways. Lol. Anyways back to my delivery......omg they were the most beautiful flowers!!! As soon as I saw the card I knew who they were from when the front of it said "Farmer Rae" lol. That's a nickname a couple of my friends call me because when I first moved to the ranch I kept collecting all these bottle fed animals......calves.....lambs.....puppies lol.....it's a big joke that they think I need a skunk now or a giraffe. These two friends are always giving me such strength I don't even think they know how much strength they give me. I am very thankful for our families friendship.
So I may be in the hospital.....I may not be sleeping.... But I know I am loved. Not because I am here but because that's how I feel daily. I am hoping tomorrow I will be outta here because I am pretty bored. Ok extremely bored but I will stay till I am well.
By day 9 Ryan took me to ER and they said I had bronchitis and asthma on top of it. Three breathing treatments later and medicines, inhalers etc we were sent home. Next day even though I had been on antibodies for days I felt worse. Being in remission from Cushings Disease I still have low immune system being only 6 months post op from brain surgery. Everything else is a thousand times better though. For that I am so terribly grateful! The sickness part though seems to go on and on for me. End up having to stress dose cortisol (since now it's my friend not my enemy) because sickness eats it up.
I thought I would get better but I just couldn't breathe. Coughing so much and so hard I would vomit. Had to breathe really shallow and talk low to not cough. Felt extremely dizzy and not hungry at all. We ended up going back to the ER mid day since my MD was out of town this week. They admitted me into the hospital within 40 minutes. I have been here since.....laying in my hospital bed under that ugly pink blanket ha!
Good news is I am getting better. I am so pumped full of steroids right now. 160 mg cortisol daily. Breathing treatments every hour on the hour and some even in between, antibodies and fluids. Now on day three here I am feeling better even more so and have breathing treatments every two hours. I look a wreck but the only time I am up is to go to the bathroom or shower or I am short of breathe.
Something I learned is when you have Cushings that cortisol masks some things like auto immune problems or asthma etc bec the cortisol is naturally so high from the tumor that you just don't know it. So in remission I am finding out I have asthma.....maybe always have had it but it was masked. Well guys......bronchitis and asthma don't mix.....at all. Just trust me on this one haha.
We are on day 12 of being sick I really am feeling bad. Not health wise but bad that my family is having to keep on keeping on without me. I am very lucky to have the husband I have. He is so generous and kind in all ways and knows that this of course is out of my control. He always asks me "well if it were me in your place what would you do?". I would do anything I could of course but I definitely think I would be way more cranky than he is ha! We really lucked out too bec the day I got admitted Grandma Sally (Ryan's mom and my awesome MIL) was coming up to stay with us. It never ceases to amaze me how she just jumps right in and helps and doesn't gripe about it. With my mom in heaven it really makes me think that she somehow has a touch in her that helps Sally to be there for us when we really need it.....along with the fact she would just do it anyways. My mom would always come to the rescue like that. Anything for me or her grand kids....she would make sure that they were being taken care of so Ryan could help take care of me. Ryan and I are both blessed to have those type of ppl in our lives. I may not have my mom but I do have my second mom Sally. Fiesty and Fun.....just like my mom was. Okay seriously now I am crying lol. I will just say that's from only having 3.5 hours of sleep in 3 days ( gotta love that cortisol....not).
I am really hoping to be home tomorrow but if not tomorrow I pray I am not here on valentines day. Even though no matter where I am I will feel loved by family and friends. I am typing on my I Pad so I don't think I can add pictures to my blog or you would see the beautiful flowers and cards and books I have received. Yesterday I was so taken back because someone I know through Facebook who is a friend of a friend but retired teacher at our kids school came by and gave me flowers, candy, a beautiful chicken soup for soul book ( she doesn't know this but it had special meaning to me because my mom was published in one) and a book to keep me busy. It was beyond sweet. I wanted her to be able to sit and chat but I would start coughing as soon as I talked so that will have to wait for another day.
Then.....in walks in my husband and daughter couple hours later. Man I have to figure out how to add pictures. I seriously almost cried. They looked like they were moving in lol. They brought me a late lunch and flowers, my coveted grapes and orange juice, coffee and then MY P UPPY MOLLY!!!!!!! Ryan had called ahead and asked and begged and they said yes for a little bit. Mind you Molly is only 2 pound Shih Tzu that doesn't shed. She was so happy to see me and I her. To me that was one of the most romantic gestures because it was so thoughtful.....a surprise ....and effort was put into it. Seriously I will always remember that....! I had a great visit with them but I knew they would have to go and pick up and drop off the boys for basketball soon. I am really blessed to have such a good family.
Right as they were leaving I got a delivery. I was really feeling loved. It helped too because the fact that I can't sleep on all this cortisol they are pumping into me I am here a lot by myself. My husband wants to be here more but it's 1 hour drive just to get here and then one back. Plus I really want our household to keep going because our kids are so busy. He constantly is telling me he feels bad bec I tell him to not come back. It makes me feel better that Sally and him can get everything done at home. He just ends up texting me right when he wakes up till he goes to sleep anyways. Lol. Anyways back to my delivery......omg they were the most beautiful flowers!!! As soon as I saw the card I knew who they were from when the front of it said "Farmer Rae" lol. That's a nickname a couple of my friends call me because when I first moved to the ranch I kept collecting all these bottle fed animals......calves.....lambs.....puppies lol.....it's a big joke that they think I need a skunk now or a giraffe. These two friends are always giving me such strength I don't even think they know how much strength they give me. I am very thankful for our families friendship.
So I may be in the hospital.....I may not be sleeping.... But I know I am loved. Not because I am here but because that's how I feel daily. I am hoping tomorrow I will be outta here because I am pretty bored. Ok extremely bored but I will stay till I am well.
Saturday, January 31, 2015
Van's Recovery List (PICS) and Good news!
Hi guys! I apologize for not updating in so long but don't worry I am
still very active in responding to my emails, youtube (onedelicateheart), and instagram (1delicateheart).
Ever since coming back from the New Jersey trip I have gotten so many
emails and messages from Cushies and people who are in the diagnosing
process. So feel free to contact me from those various social medias.
Best way to get a quick response is to email me at yumnguyen07@yahoo.com
If you guys haven't checked out Rachel and Rae's website cushingstories.com then you better go and check it out now. I am so proud of these ladies for doing so a huge thing for our cushie community. There are stories, contacts, and videos for you to learn more about. Please share <3
So I have big news! I have fully weaned of steroids for 3 weeks! My doctor told me that my left adrenal gland has woken up. It is functioning at a low level so my adrenal gland is not producing like the normal average person but my body has adapted to the low levels so I decided to quickly taper off the rest of the hydrocortisone (Cortef) because let's face it, it is a pain in the ass to take and still felt bloated from small amounts! Well, how am I feeling? I feel almost perfect. Like I am 97% there. There are times I notice the change in energy and feel great then sometimes I feel lethargic and faint due to the fact that I have used up the little amount of cortisol reserve that I produce but nothing that I have not already been through and it is bearable. I still get very faint often but I think I need to start eating a diet that supports the hypoglycemia issue. And of course how do I look? Well here are some photos for you guys to see =]
These pictures are all post op and recovery. and no I did not get facial surgery during recovery, it's just really good makeup tricks I started learning that I want to share to you all soon! But now Here is the breakdown of
my recovery. This is not the most organized list sorry! lol
6 Month Post OP: moon face was shrinking, acne growth stalled, skin got a bit drier, still bloated, face still felt heavy (hard to smile or open eyes wide), droopy skin, reddish orange skin, no hair growth, depression, anxiety, nausea, hello collarbones! dry eyes, adrenal insuffiency was at it's worse due to tapering. high bp but pre diabetes was gone. Sleeping all the time. Lazy, no motivation. panic attacks. Crying all the damn time.
10 Month: Face continued to shrink, features feminizing (eyes and lips look more pretty??), smiling is easier but still felt like cheeks were heavy, acne fully stopped, skin healing, hair growth (baby hair halo) not so healthy looking though crinkly hair texture, period was back (still irregular), buffalo hump shrinking, itchy dry skin to the point I can't sleep, body adapting to adrenal insuffiency, acne scars, less depressed, up and down emotions and mood, nausea, faint, period still irregular. Insomnia. undereye bags circles. Panic feelings, no attacks.
12 Month: I have to say I felt much happier after a year since the surgery, My face is almost back to normal, features are slowly defining, smiling is easy, hair is starting to regrow fuller but texture is still crinkly, no more acne problems, super duper dry skin, less crying, less stressed, I notice myself being funny and enjoying life like never before, began socializing again, face dimple is starting to show, jawline, cheekbones and nose looking slimmer. less nausea, Less paranoid. Insomnia. Doing normal activities. Shopping addiction due to weight loss and increased confidence LOL
14 Month: period came back regularly (feeling prettier after every menstrual cycle), skin is glowing, reddish orange skin fading, acne scars healing, less hair fall, wondering if this was as good as it gets??, face features more defined. fainting, low bp, dizzy, Mood is pretty stable but I still will get cranky when I being weaning off more steroids, more confident, no more sadness and resentment in my heart.. I literally woke up one day feeling like all the bad stuff and people in the past did not affect me anymore. Truly a miracle. Is this it? Will it get better? Sleep is up and down.
16 Months: face is back to normal, dimple is fully visible, jawline is chiseled, sleeping more, period is irregular again (due to low amount of steroids?), hair is healthier and shinier better texture, acne scars are less visible, night sweats, fainting, dizzy, extreme low bp (good thing? idk), satisfied with how i look but still worried if I still would have the highs and lows of moods and dizziness.
18 Month (fully off steroids): Face got even smaller less bloated (yeah I didn't know that was possible), I can now even smile with my teeth effortlessly, skin fully healed, scars are not as visible, I feel confident enough to go makeup free while running errands, people complimenting me, strangers think I am younger than my age, my mom says I look like I did back as a senior in Highschool! Thanks mom. Still faint and dizzy, no more obsessive thoughts, no more paranoia, no more guilt, anxiety, or shame, no more negative feelings. Mind is at peace, skin still dry, period still irregular but still coming, facial features look lifted, eyes are brighter, eyes are less dry, feeling motivated, not afraid of speaking my mind. No more panic attacks! Still food sensitive. No more waking up at 9am to take Cortef yay!
My body Recovered:
Less joint pains, muscles are starting to look more defined with little exercise around month 9 post op, no dieting, appetite is normal. No more feelings of being ravenous with food, body is getting a more feminine curvier shape, fat is relocating to where it should be instead of on my stomach, buffalo hump gone. I can feel my spine, collar bones, less body and facial hair, more hair on head lol... no more orange hands, still food sensitive to salt, sugar, and MSG. Can drink coffee without panic attacks. Can lightly workout and lift light weights with less muscle pain. Still cannot run or do any hardcore exercise training (not that I ever want to again). more flexible. no more bloating in weird places. More active. Feet shrank 1 size down (size 7 to 6-5.5), no more rapid hearbeats. Feels like I can breathe again. The heavy brick feeling on my chest is gone yay! Digestion is greatly improved.
That is all I can think of right now. I am thrilled that my future is filled with more optimism. I am glad that majority of the stuff is reversible. I am still stuck with a few minor health nuisances that Cushing's affected. I really don't think it is going to ever get me down because everything that I prayed for I have been given by God and the Universe. This whole experience really shaped me to become who I am now. I am stronger and humbled than I was ever before getting sick. I am glad that I got to meet so many people and understand the struggle of getting everything taken away from me. I learned the lesson of compassion, patience, and gratitude. I will continue to advocate for Cushing's and rare diseases. So I will always come back to blog and update my life. I also want to be more active on my youtube channel and posts some videos of me talking about various Cushie subjects and giving advice to Cushie patients and also post my beauty and health regimen. I just need to get over my fear of talking to a video camera lol. Thank you guys for reading this post and supporting me through this journey. I will never forget. Much love!
If you guys haven't checked out Rachel and Rae's website cushingstories.com then you better go and check it out now. I am so proud of these ladies for doing so a huge thing for our cushie community. There are stories, contacts, and videos for you to learn more about. Please share <3
So I have big news! I have fully weaned of steroids for 3 weeks! My doctor told me that my left adrenal gland has woken up. It is functioning at a low level so my adrenal gland is not producing like the normal average person but my body has adapted to the low levels so I decided to quickly taper off the rest of the hydrocortisone (Cortef) because let's face it, it is a pain in the ass to take and still felt bloated from small amounts! Well, how am I feeling? I feel almost perfect. Like I am 97% there. There are times I notice the change in energy and feel great then sometimes I feel lethargic and faint due to the fact that I have used up the little amount of cortisol reserve that I produce but nothing that I have not already been through and it is bearable. I still get very faint often but I think I need to start eating a diet that supports the hypoglycemia issue. And of course how do I look? Well here are some photos for you guys to see =]
6 Month Post OP: moon face was shrinking, acne growth stalled, skin got a bit drier, still bloated, face still felt heavy (hard to smile or open eyes wide), droopy skin, reddish orange skin, no hair growth, depression, anxiety, nausea, hello collarbones! dry eyes, adrenal insuffiency was at it's worse due to tapering. high bp but pre diabetes was gone. Sleeping all the time. Lazy, no motivation. panic attacks. Crying all the damn time.
10 Month: Face continued to shrink, features feminizing (eyes and lips look more pretty??), smiling is easier but still felt like cheeks were heavy, acne fully stopped, skin healing, hair growth (baby hair halo) not so healthy looking though crinkly hair texture, period was back (still irregular), buffalo hump shrinking, itchy dry skin to the point I can't sleep, body adapting to adrenal insuffiency, acne scars, less depressed, up and down emotions and mood, nausea, faint, period still irregular. Insomnia. undereye bags circles. Panic feelings, no attacks.
12 Month: I have to say I felt much happier after a year since the surgery, My face is almost back to normal, features are slowly defining, smiling is easy, hair is starting to regrow fuller but texture is still crinkly, no more acne problems, super duper dry skin, less crying, less stressed, I notice myself being funny and enjoying life like never before, began socializing again, face dimple is starting to show, jawline, cheekbones and nose looking slimmer. less nausea, Less paranoid. Insomnia. Doing normal activities. Shopping addiction due to weight loss and increased confidence LOL
14 Month: period came back regularly (feeling prettier after every menstrual cycle), skin is glowing, reddish orange skin fading, acne scars healing, less hair fall, wondering if this was as good as it gets??, face features more defined. fainting, low bp, dizzy, Mood is pretty stable but I still will get cranky when I being weaning off more steroids, more confident, no more sadness and resentment in my heart.. I literally woke up one day feeling like all the bad stuff and people in the past did not affect me anymore. Truly a miracle. Is this it? Will it get better? Sleep is up and down.
16 Months: face is back to normal, dimple is fully visible, jawline is chiseled, sleeping more, period is irregular again (due to low amount of steroids?), hair is healthier and shinier better texture, acne scars are less visible, night sweats, fainting, dizzy, extreme low bp (good thing? idk), satisfied with how i look but still worried if I still would have the highs and lows of moods and dizziness.
18 Month (fully off steroids): Face got even smaller less bloated (yeah I didn't know that was possible), I can now even smile with my teeth effortlessly, skin fully healed, scars are not as visible, I feel confident enough to go makeup free while running errands, people complimenting me, strangers think I am younger than my age, my mom says I look like I did back as a senior in Highschool! Thanks mom. Still faint and dizzy, no more obsessive thoughts, no more paranoia, no more guilt, anxiety, or shame, no more negative feelings. Mind is at peace, skin still dry, period still irregular but still coming, facial features look lifted, eyes are brighter, eyes are less dry, feeling motivated, not afraid of speaking my mind. No more panic attacks! Still food sensitive. No more waking up at 9am to take Cortef yay!
Less joint pains, muscles are starting to look more defined with little exercise around month 9 post op, no dieting, appetite is normal. No more feelings of being ravenous with food, body is getting a more feminine curvier shape, fat is relocating to where it should be instead of on my stomach, buffalo hump gone. I can feel my spine, collar bones, less body and facial hair, more hair on head lol... no more orange hands, still food sensitive to salt, sugar, and MSG. Can drink coffee without panic attacks. Can lightly workout and lift light weights with less muscle pain. Still cannot run or do any hardcore exercise training (not that I ever want to again). more flexible. no more bloating in weird places. More active. Feet shrank 1 size down (size 7 to 6-5.5), no more rapid hearbeats. Feels like I can breathe again. The heavy brick feeling on my chest is gone yay! Digestion is greatly improved.
That is all I can think of right now. I am thrilled that my future is filled with more optimism. I am glad that majority of the stuff is reversible. I am still stuck with a few minor health nuisances that Cushing's affected. I really don't think it is going to ever get me down because everything that I prayed for I have been given by God and the Universe. This whole experience really shaped me to become who I am now. I am stronger and humbled than I was ever before getting sick. I am glad that I got to meet so many people and understand the struggle of getting everything taken away from me. I learned the lesson of compassion, patience, and gratitude. I will continue to advocate for Cushing's and rare diseases. So I will always come back to blog and update my life. I also want to be more active on my youtube channel and posts some videos of me talking about various Cushie subjects and giving advice to Cushie patients and also post my beauty and health regimen. I just need to get over my fear of talking to a video camera lol. Thank you guys for reading this post and supporting me through this journey. I will never forget. Much love!
 |
| Before and after |
Friday, January 30, 2015
Cushingstories.com Thunderclap Campaign
Please go support this campaign by Cushingstories.com to increase Cushing's awareness. Once we get 100 supporters (by February 22, 2015), our campaign will be forwarded to celebrity Thunderclappers to pick causes they care about and tweet to their followers. Its free and easy as just clicking a button. I can see who has followed it so please let me see your smiling face!
Thanks for your help!
Thursday, January 29, 2015
NEW CUSHINGS WEBSITE
www.cushingstories.com
Thank you to all of you who submitted stories, videos or your blogs to help others. Without you we couldn't of done this!
Love, Rae
Tuesday, December 9, 2014
Before and After (symptoms)
So today a couple of my Cushie friends asked me to send them my symptoms list that I had when I first was having problems. While rereading it to send to them because its been almost a year now (four months post op though) I noticed that WOW things have changed! I am hoping this will give someone hope! But this is my symptoms and in parenthesis is what it is like now after 4 months post op.
So in 4 months there has been so much change! Amazing because I realized it but didn't realize it as much until I saw my personal symptoms list. There really can be a light at the end of the tunnel with remission. Not everyone will have the same effects. Some more and some less but it does get better! If you are not there yet please feel free to always email me at cushingscountrygirl@gmail.com and lets help you find drs or help or support. I am not a DR by any means but I am willing to help you find support. If you are in remission and would like to share your story please email me also. We are working on a website of cushingstories where all stages of the disease are addressed through personal journeys.
- Inability to lose weight no matter diet or exercise (able to lose weight now)
- Central Obesity (stomach 2 inches smaller)
- Weight Gain 47 pounds in 6 months 80 pounds in one year (lost 23 pounds)
- Insomnia only sleeping 2-3 hours a night (restful sleep 8 plus hours)
- Buffalo Hump (yep its getting smaller)
- Moon Face (double chin getting smaller and can see cheek bones)
- Hot all the time even in a cold room (now I sleep under the blankets instead of on top)
- Thinning hair especially around my bangs area (new whispies appearing!)
- Red, Flushed Face (no more hot flashes)
- Heart Palpitations almost every night 120s (Heart rate is at normal level 60-80s)
- Blood Pressure on daily basis 160/110 (Now 123/80s)
- Not much of a Libido (Yeah for my husband its back)
- Stretch marks all over stomach and corners of breasts red and thick (starting to fade color)
- Low immune system. Bronchitis 6 times and walking pneumonia in 8 months (bronchitis one time in 4 months)
- Loss of words and work call (less and less but still have short term memory problems)
- Anxiety every night and out the roof (Anxiety only when actually called for)
- Mood Swings. (Husband said those are WAY less :)
- Weakening of Muscles Before Surgery could only lift 10-15lbs (lifting 30-45 pounds now)
- Fatigue just had no git up and go (still tired but it is better and I am doing a lot more)
- Whiskers popping up on chin (same)
- Bruising without even noticing I was bumping into anything (no bruising)
- Thinning skin, hurts to touch sometimes (seems to be toughening up because doesn't hurt as much)
- Major Aches and Pains (minor aches and pains except when hip goes out)
- Very slow healing with cuts or bug bites (faster healing but still slower than normal)
- Concentration is VERY weak (able to start and finish tasks with no problem)
- Depression and don't have a reason why really (feeling much better)
So in 4 months there has been so much change! Amazing because I realized it but didn't realize it as much until I saw my personal symptoms list. There really can be a light at the end of the tunnel with remission. Not everyone will have the same effects. Some more and some less but it does get better! If you are not there yet please feel free to always email me at cushingscountrygirl@gmail.com and lets help you find drs or help or support. I am not a DR by any means but I am willing to help you find support. If you are in remission and would like to share your story please email me also. We are working on a website of cushingstories where all stages of the disease are addressed through personal journeys.
Sunday, December 7, 2014
RIP :(
As I look at this blank page with so much on my heart I want to say its hard for me to know where to start.
First I will say that this week my friend was driving to school in our truck and went off the road, rolled numerous times and went straight to God to be with him in his glory. Now I want to talk about all the good!
My friend Debbie Card. She was a single woman living on her own at a ranch with the world at her feet. She was the Secretary of our school here in Big Valley. Big Valley really isn't big though. Its formed of a couple of towns but each town only has about 250 ppl in it. So with that many people you can be sure that she made each and every person smile! So within the two years we have lived in Big Valley I had gotten to know my friend by volunteering at the school. She was so funny because she was like me....she would talk and talk and talk. The thing that was cool about her though is she had a small accent and would always say words like "wee little one" that would crack me up. After about a year of knowing her, her always being so gracious to everyone,(even our family) we heard she needed to move. She had this giant dog named Finnegan and the neighbor dogs would make her dog bark all day long. We happened to have a house for rent. I was worried she wouldn't want it because although it was a 3 bedroom it was on 3000 acres and she was a single woman. She made it very clear to me that her dog and her would love to have that "majestic beauty" around them and she was a "rather big girl who could handle it".
After she moved in we became even closer friends. Not because she was renting from us but because she was fun to be around and also because we moved next door 400 acres away.
What can I say about my friend? So much. To type it ALL out would be so hard. I will share some of my memories that I have of her. Memories that are just ours and will always be in my head. First because we lived close every time one of us was sick with a cold we would have the kids drive from one place to the other offering homemade chicken noodle soup or gumbo. Debbie always made everyone feel like they were kings or queens. She would rave about my cooking and let me tell you its totally just normal cooking. She always was so positive!! Always. Even when she was sick she would laugh when I would come in my pjs telling me that "man I was a super star dresser lol". We laughed a lot. I wish I would of spend more and more time sitting and drinking tea. I regret the fact that I felt my life was so busy with four teens that I didn't take more time out of my day to visit with her. Debbie was a hard worker. I remember worrying because I didn't see her home so I would call her. She was still at the school at 800 at night saying she was just trying to finish up with stuff. She loved animals so much. She watched our house so we could go to the kids Championship game and send me a text every 4 hours to give me an update on our dogs:) She was an amazing artist too. We took a art class at the school together. Don't laugh now but we were the only adults there. I went at first just to be able to spend more time with my daughter but Cassie being a teen I ended up sitting by Debbie. I think we got in trouble for talking more than the teens did ha! I would text her my newest painting (mind you I have never painted before) and she would always tell me how wonderful I was. Her kitchen was full of awesome art supplies and she had an art room. Told me to come over and lets play art together anytime. I said whenever you want me to come to call and I will be there. She told me if I was going to be stuffy then she will make me a gold plated invitation to her house. She made me laugh. Did I say she didn't have a mean bone in her body? She used to crack me up so much. I always told her how beautiful she was and how I wish I could steal her skin. Did I say she gave the best hugs too? And since I am babbling and not doing this in any order because I just want to get my feelings out...I remember when she had one of the kids over to her house. She was watching him till he was able to go home, he had just been at our house. We were all trying to help his parents out. Well I had two kittens that this little boy didn't want to leave. So we took them to Debbies with us. Well lets just say after the little boy went home, she wouldn't let the kittens go back to our house. She was a lover of animals. When I first met her she had Rosie her Saint Bernard.
Rosie passed and then she got Finnegan. Finnegan oh Finnegan he is a huge and I do mean huge pup that is a scardy cat of everything. We used to laugh at that. Finnegan did go straight to me which was always surprised at. I saved that dog so many times because I didn't want to have to call Debbie and tell her that Finn was missing or on the highway (he can run a long ways when he would follow her when she left)or worse that she didn't have him anymore. I didn't want to have HER heart broken.
Debbie was an amazing person who loved art, people, animals and was a chatty gal who always was humming:) She loved her sons beyond all things. Its funny when you have never met the kids of your friend because they are grown and live far away but you feel like you know them. I will miss her so much. I feel the first thing she felt in heaven was a hug from her son Collin and her dog Rosie. I am so thankful that she was able to see her other son a couple weeks before. You just never know but she always made away to go see him no matter what.
Now we have Finnegan and those two pesky cats. I swear Finn is sad like me and misses her. We have cried a lot together. I think that Finn knows how I feel and I know how he feels. Mind you we have 4 dogs already but I feel like a piece of Debbie is with me right now. I miss her. He misses her.
We all miss her. This week was a very tragic week. As all of you know I am recovered from Cushings but cannot deal with stress a lot yet. If I have too much stress or get sick with an illness I go into Adrenal Insufficiency and in the 4 months I have been "in remission" I have been in the ER three times. Its been such a hard week and everyday I have had to stress dose a lot on cortisol. Why am I telling you this? Because...
I am alive. I am able to be happy or sad or mad or angry or blissful or full of hope or full of life. My friend Debbie is not. With all the stuff I complain about in my life through sickness I have to remember that I am STILL HERE. Debbie is teaching me even though she is not here on earth anymore. She made such a mark in my life in the last two years and never once said something negative. Do you think she didn't have problems? She did. Do you think she didn't have illness or heartache or even bad days? She did. She had many days of wondering. Days of depression of missing her son who was in heaven. Days were she was sad or mad. Everyone does because we are human. Debbie CHOSE to live her life, to be positive and to LOVE. She complimented every person she met. She made you FEEL like you were apart of her family since day one. She would tell me that I was in her "inner circle" which made me feel so good. She always made everyone feel good! She was amazing. When people pass we try to remember the good and not the bad things about them. With Debbie....there WAS only good! May she rest in peace. Its hard for me to say it was in Gods timing but to me it really is. She is dancing with her other son now and I know she is looking down at her other son, watching him and is going to help him be ok.
Say your I love you's, compliment people, make them feel good about themselves, help others, love others, love animals, be compassionate, work hard, think outside the box, play, do art, be creative, always be helpful.......................that is what I have learned more from my friend. I just wish I would of learned this lesson more so before she passed than after. I love you Debbie! Your spirit will go on. Finn and I are going to keep talking to each other till we heal, but we know you are wrapped in Gods tender arms. I love you! Thank you for being you! Thank you! Finn and I will continue to talk about you and I promise you that we will make sure that he is ok! We love you.
First I will say that this week my friend was driving to school in our truck and went off the road, rolled numerous times and went straight to God to be with him in his glory. Now I want to talk about all the good!
 |
| Debbie and Cameron |
After she moved in we became even closer friends. Not because she was renting from us but because she was fun to be around and also because we moved next door 400 acres away.
What can I say about my friend? So much. To type it ALL out would be so hard. I will share some of my memories that I have of her. Memories that are just ours and will always be in my head. First because we lived close every time one of us was sick with a cold we would have the kids drive from one place to the other offering homemade chicken noodle soup or gumbo. Debbie always made everyone feel like they were kings or queens. She would rave about my cooking and let me tell you its totally just normal cooking. She always was so positive!! Always. Even when she was sick she would laugh when I would come in my pjs telling me that "man I was a super star dresser lol". We laughed a lot. I wish I would of spend more and more time sitting and drinking tea. I regret the fact that I felt my life was so busy with four teens that I didn't take more time out of my day to visit with her. Debbie was a hard worker. I remember worrying because I didn't see her home so I would call her. She was still at the school at 800 at night saying she was just trying to finish up with stuff. She loved animals so much. She watched our house so we could go to the kids Championship game and send me a text every 4 hours to give me an update on our dogs:) She was an amazing artist too. We took a art class at the school together. Don't laugh now but we were the only adults there. I went at first just to be able to spend more time with my daughter but Cassie being a teen I ended up sitting by Debbie. I think we got in trouble for talking more than the teens did ha! I would text her my newest painting (mind you I have never painted before) and she would always tell me how wonderful I was. Her kitchen was full of awesome art supplies and she had an art room. Told me to come over and lets play art together anytime. I said whenever you want me to come to call and I will be there. She told me if I was going to be stuffy then she will make me a gold plated invitation to her house. She made me laugh. Did I say she didn't have a mean bone in her body? She used to crack me up so much. I always told her how beautiful she was and how I wish I could steal her skin. Did I say she gave the best hugs too? And since I am babbling and not doing this in any order because I just want to get my feelings out...I remember when she had one of the kids over to her house. She was watching him till he was able to go home, he had just been at our house. We were all trying to help his parents out. Well I had two kittens that this little boy didn't want to leave. So we took them to Debbies with us. Well lets just say after the little boy went home, she wouldn't let the kittens go back to our house. She was a lover of animals. When I first met her she had Rosie her Saint Bernard.
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| Debbie and Rosie as a pup |
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| Big Ol Pup Finn |
Now we have Finnegan and those two pesky cats. I swear Finn is sad like me and misses her. We have cried a lot together. I think that Finn knows how I feel and I know how he feels. Mind you we have 4 dogs already but I feel like a piece of Debbie is with me right now. I miss her. He misses her.
I am alive. I am able to be happy or sad or mad or angry or blissful or full of hope or full of life. My friend Debbie is not. With all the stuff I complain about in my life through sickness I have to remember that I am STILL HERE. Debbie is teaching me even though she is not here on earth anymore. She made such a mark in my life in the last two years and never once said something negative. Do you think she didn't have problems? She did. Do you think she didn't have illness or heartache or even bad days? She did. She had many days of wondering. Days of depression of missing her son who was in heaven. Days were she was sad or mad. Everyone does because we are human. Debbie CHOSE to live her life, to be positive and to LOVE. She complimented every person she met. She made you FEEL like you were apart of her family since day one. She would tell me that I was in her "inner circle" which made me feel so good. She always made everyone feel good! She was amazing. When people pass we try to remember the good and not the bad things about them. With Debbie....there WAS only good! May she rest in peace. Its hard for me to say it was in Gods timing but to me it really is. She is dancing with her other son now and I know she is looking down at her other son, watching him and is going to help him be ok.
Say your I love you's, compliment people, make them feel good about themselves, help others, love others, love animals, be compassionate, work hard, think outside the box, play, do art, be creative, always be helpful.......................that is what I have learned more from my friend. I just wish I would of learned this lesson more so before she passed than after. I love you Debbie! Your spirit will go on. Finn and I are going to keep talking to each other till we heal, but we know you are wrapped in Gods tender arms. I love you! Thank you for being you! Thank you! Finn and I will continue to talk about you and I promise you that we will make sure that he is ok! We love you.
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| Long weekend and not going to leave each other sides |
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