Weekend - Healthy Eating

With spring comes a better selection of green vegetables in our supermarkets.  I have been finding swiss chard, kale, and baby bok choy which are wonderful in stir fries, chicken broth soups and smoothies.

This week I came up with a smoothy that tastes light and clean on the pallet. 

 

Swiss Chard & Ginger Smoothy

4 cups (loosely packed) swiss chard.  *cut into large pieces.

Juice of 2 lemons (remove seeds as they make the drink bitter)

1 cup of carrot juice

1 to 2 cups pickled beets

1 cup frozen blueberries

1 cup orange juice

1 apple (cored and cut into chunks)

1/4 tsp. of fresh grated ginger 

Blend together all ingredients and enjoy!

*NOTE:  Place fresh ginger in a zip lock bag and store in the freezer. Remove and grate as needed.  

Ginger, blueberries and beets help cleanse the blood of toxins. This means they benefit the liver.  Start off with smaller amounts of these ingredients to see how your body reacts.  If you are fine, than increase the amounts. 

 

Use colorful ingredients in your food.  Generally, the more colorful it is the healthier it is for the body.

Until next time,

Deborah

Friday - What Brings You Happiness?

I'm into my 7th week and I have 5 weeks more to go on the telaprevir. This way of eating has been an interesting one to say the least.  I would never have guessed that I would find it challenging coming up with high fat food items to eat three times a day...but I do! I can only imagine how happy my heart and arteries will be once I have completed this phase of treatment.

I shared with readers a few weeks ago that I was starting to get back into some guitar playing and writing.  I got right into it this week.  Once I started I just didn't want to stop.  Even as my fingers were throbbing with pain from not playing for so long I wanted to keep going. It doesn't matter if it is a one person audience or 2,000 individuals in a crowd, playing feels like pure happiness to me.

Immersing myself in the things that bring me joy benefits me so much right now. I don't want to put my entire life on hold during treatment. I want to stay current so I am prepared when it comes time to get back out there post treatment. What a wonderful thing to immerse myself in ... music.  It has helped provide a beautiful life for my family and I over many years.

"Even a happy life cannot be without a measure of darkness, and the word happy would lose its meaning if it were not balanced by sadness. It is far better to take things as they come along with patience and equanimity."  Carl Gustav Jung (1875 - 1961)

Until next time,

Deborah

Thursday - Let's Get Moving

Physical movement of any sort when you are dealing with symptoms similar to the flu is certainly not up there on my 'can't wait to get started' list.  Add in some other extras like skin infections, rashes, frequent bathroom visits and extreme fatigue - you have your basic makings of a pajama party for one. 

Right now with the unpredictability of our spring weather it has been a welcoming breeding ground for virus'.  Friends have respectfully stayed away when they are dealing with a cold or anything contagious. I have a great deal of respect for this.  With my immune system at an all time low I need to be mindful of what I am exposing myself to.  I learned this over the past few years when I developed pneumonia a few times  upon contracting a simple flu.

Planned physical activity has been an uphill battle for me during this treatment so these are a few things I have figured out that work for me.

* I get some movement in early in the morning. I generally have a 45 minute to 1 hour window and I need to take a few breaks in between.

* Do some house cleaning, laundry, or take in a short walk.

* When I need to go out for an appointment, I park at a distance from the building so I have to walk a ways there and back.

* I take the stairs as often as this body will allow me to and I take my time. 

* Sitting and bouncing on the exercise ball.

* Thai Chi or yoga stretching.

Some folks with a strong disposition and immune system have no problems in this area during treatment.  I am told some people work, go to school, and even keep up their practice of jogging each day.  Okay,... confession time.  If you were physically able to see me right now I have no doubt the expression on my face would be described as one of envy.  If you were gifted enough to hear my inside voice you would hear me contemplating, "over achievers?"

But on a more serious note - no matter what, movement is important. Be your own gauge and do what you can.

Take care of yourself!

Deborah 

Wednesdays - Meditation & Stress Release

How many times a day do you catch yourself engaged in internal dialog – bantering back and forth with no one but you?

How often have you caught yourself going over a conversation you had with someone that lasted in total 10 minutes and here you are hours later still stuck in the conversation, carrying it around with you like it was tape recorder…play, rewind, play, fast forward?  But now, you have added “I should have…” or “Next time I’m going to...”. 

What this does is it gets your heart rate up, your blood pressure rises, and your stress increases.  In many cases it causes internal turmoil and even depression.

Internal dialog can be a dangerous thing.  It can take command of our attention.  Without realizing it we may have traveled miles unaware as to whether we recognized the red lights and stop signs of our lives.

Learning to let go of habitual internal dialog is not an easy thing.  It takes acquiring the skills that work best for you.  Then, it takes putting these skills into practice on a regular basis.  Like anything we practice, this will become easier with time.

A good place to start is in meditation or during quiet time in the morning with your tea.  Try it in the shower or next time you are taking a walk. Observe your thoughts. 

What are you investing your attention in?  You can learn so much about yourself.  I offer this to students early on in their meditation practice:

· Next time you are on your way to the bathroom check in with where your mind has wondered off to.  What are you thinking about while you are taking that walk? Is having to stop what your were doing in order to take care of a natural bodily function an inconvenience in your busy day?

·  Tomorrow when you are taking a shower check in and listen to what you are mentally invested in when you are standing under that clean water piped into your home.  Are you even aware of the gift you are receiving at that moment or are you somewhere else in your thoughts?

·  If you are waiting in a line-up at a grocery store - where are your thoughts during this time?  Are you agitated that you have to wait?

Photography by Nasir Brangman 2012, Botanical Gardens, Bermuda

These are all opportunities to check in with your breath - for you to do a body scan and see if you are tense in any areas.  You could observe your own internal dialog and see if you are stuck on something negative that your body is physically responding to.

This is a process.  Be patient and kind to yourself. You are your best investment!

Deborah

Tuesdays - What Entertains You?

By nature I am a person who requires creativity in my life.    Each day I put time aside to meditate – be still – and observe.  Once I am done, on with the day I go. I like to keep myself moving physically and creatively. This treatment doesn’t necessarily support this.  Majority of days I am physically drained. I see what the health care providers refer to as the emotional and mental spiral that can accompany this treatment. 

At the first sign of throwing a personal ‘pity party’, I need to pull out the ‘big guns’… entertainment!

In 2010 I watched the 52^nd Grammy Awards on CBS.  I generally skip through the acts I don’t particularly follow.  My attention is on the artists that I have connected to through years of listening to their music;  purchasing their CDs; and attending their live performances.  And I love it!

I am not a Pink fan but when this woman came on stage to perform at the 2010 Grammy’s she literally lit the venue up. Her performance grasped the attention of the audience. I became fully invested in that brief moment. 

I watched and listened to her perform her song “Glitter In the Air” while she gracefully moved above the audience from a set of silks.  It remains the most artistic piece of art I have witnessed. 

Oprah interviewed Pink soon after to discuss the buzz generated after her performance that night.  It was an enlightening interview and I am now a Pink fan. 

So when I feel myself beginning to enter the slippery slope of the ‘pity party’ I tune into YouTube and bring a little glitter into my life.  It puts me in a good place. Enjoy!

Week 7: Monday - Rest and Patience

It has been almost a week since my last entry.   Although I try to keep up with it daily, last week I needed to put my energy elsewhere.  Isn’t this the whole point in taking care of ones self?  I can’t just write about it and not practice it…I mean, I could but for me it would not be right. For the next while I need to focus on tending to what my body needs right now and that appears to be rest and patience.

Last week my ears started to give me some trouble.  The doctor found fluid has accumulated in them.  I am opting to deal with the discomfort and pressure before the doctor does anything to drain them. The doctor passed on a few things I could try that are natural. They seem to be working rather well.  I realize I will have to watch for infection.  I am being monitored closely.

A skin infection escalated rather quickly within a weakened area that in the past was the access site for 4 or so surgeries. It is under control but is not going away; rather, another area of the scar tissue has opened up.  I see the HCV nurse tomorrow.

A rash has surfaced on my lower torso and this morning I noticed a spot on my upper torso starting.  Each of the injection sites has turned red.  Up to this point, they were not visible. The drugs are known to cause rashes so this is not a surprise to me.  My immune system is taking a bit of a beating so the infection is understandable.

It is my responsibility to get as much rest as possible. With my blood count being so low I need to be mindful when it comes to exposing myself to folks with colds, flus, etc..  I am keeping my skin clean and hydrated.  Rest and patience is the best thing for me right now. Is this easy?  Certainly not but I know I am not in this alone.  If health care professionals, family, friends and neighbors are willing to help me as much as they are, I need to be on board to do my part in the best way possible.

My new brain food – as I shared in a previous entry, my son purchased an iPad for me. I am playing ‘scrabble’ and ‘draw me’ which both help in keeping my mind active and certainly do bring some humour into my day.  The treatment drugs cause brain fog and I find these games are helping lift it a bit.  I can play these games at my own pace and friends are accommodating.  They are so much fun! My mind gets a work out, I get to socialize a bit, and I can stop or start when I choose.

Thank you to all those who remind me I am not alone in this journey.  Thank you for bringing laughter into my day. ;)

Deborah

Tuesdays - What Entertains You?

I recently stumbled on a comedy series called Psych with James Roday, Dule' Hill, Corbin Bernsen and Timothy Omundson. The series is focused around the main character Shawn Spencer (played by James Roday) who as a boy learns the art of studying people and their behaviors while memorizing their surroundings. Once he becomes an adult Shawn manages to manipulate his way into the Santa Barbara Police Dept. under the illusion that he is a psychic who possesses a special gift for solving crimes.  The show was a delightful surprise to me. I found myself laughing out loud at this fast paced craziness.  The series is entertaining, humorous and witty.

A new favorite movie for me is Undertaking Betty with Brenda Blethyn who plays a woman whose husband is cheating on her. Christopher Walken plays a totally over-the-top undertaker and Alfred Molina  plays an undertaker who for years has been secretly in love with Blethyn's character.  The story that unfolds is hilarious.

If I need a little entertainment in my life, laughter is the perfect conduit.

Whether it is music that invokes emotion, a good movie that captures my imagination or a tale told by a seasoned storyteller,  each of these will capture my attention and entertaining me.

Deborah

Week 6: Mondays - Recharging My Batteries

As I enter into week 6 I am noticing how the peg-interferon, ribavirin and telaprevir medications have depleted my body of energy. The best thing I can do to recharge when I am feeling like this is to get the sleep and quiet rest my body is demanding.  Meditation helps a great deal.

Friday I slept on and off throughout the day and was still able to sleep that night.  My body obviously needed the rest.  When I woke up on Saturday I had some energy back. I got a few things done that needed my attention along with a little physical exercise.  By Saturday evening I was bagged out again.  I am finding the fever and headaches are fairly consistent.  

When I am feeling completely depleted I find taking a bath or a shower helps make me feel better.  I get into some comfy warm clothes and let the answering machine pick up my calls.  I grab a pillow and blanket and park myself on the couch to watch a good movie or two.  I keep my body hydrated with clean water and clear tea.

These times definitely calls for some comfort food.  A few of my favorites:

·         Fruit Pie

·         Frozen Grapes (wash, dry, place in zip lock bags, and freeze)

·         Soup

·         Baked Home Fries

Its days like these that I contact the friends who have let me know they just want to help in any way they can. If I need something picked up at the store or if there is an emergency, I call one of them and they are more than happy to offer their support. 

Recap – a warm bath, clean cloths, rest/sleep, plenty of drinking water, a good movie and a little comfort food.

Deborah

Weekend - Delicious Encounters

A friend of mine sent me this recipe.  I am often looking for alternative sources of protein that are tasty and easy to prepare.

Chickpeas are an excellent source of both fiber and protein.  Like any bean, it is important to cook your your chickpeas before you eat them even if you are using them in a cold salad. This makes them easier to digest.

Chickpeas and Mushrooms

3 ½ cups chickpeas (approximately 2 large cans) 

olive oil 

1 large onion, sliced finely 

2 cloves of garlic crushed and chopped

1 lb. cremini mushrooms, wiped and sliced thickly

sea salt and pepper to taste

2 ½ cups chicken stock

* Drain and wash chickpeas. Set aside.

* In a skillet heat up 2 tablespoons of olive oil. 

* Add onions and cook for 3 minutes.   

* Add garlic, mushrooms, salt and pepper to taste and cook for 2 to 5 minutes.

* Add the chickpeas and pour the chicken stock over the ingredients in the skillet.  

* Cover tightly and allow to simmer for 15 minutes.

* You can add spinach, grated carrots, red peppers, potatoes, or sundried tomatoes to this recipe.  

Be daring! 

Deborah 

Fridays - What Brings You Happiness?

Over the past 2-½ weeks two of my sons have traveled back home to visit me.  I didn’t realize how much I missed them until it came time for them to pack up and head back to their own homes.

I have been blessed with 3 sons and they bring me more joy than I could possibly write in a blog.  They are kind, intelligent, and generous caring individuals who have cultivated their own healthy connections to this sacred life.

From the time they were babies I was in awe of the way they looked at the world – how resilient they were when life offered them unexpected trials.  Today they are adults and I see how these challenges have helped them mature into fine young men - contributing to this world with good hearts.

The day each of my sons departed I remembered when I was 19 years old - watching my 4 ft. 8 in. grandmother as she stood on a city corner in Edmonton crying as my boyfriend and I drove off to go back home following a visit with her. No matter how long I held her in my arms before getting into that car, it would never have been enough to comfort her.  As we drove off I leaned out the window and watched my grandmother sob into her weather worn hands, calling out my name.

What do we do with such abundant happiness as it travels in and out of our lives? I breathe.  I remind myself how grateful I am to have each experience. And I keep my door open for its return.

My connection to happiness is nurtured by the love I feel for my children.

Deborah

 

Thursdays - Let's Get Moving

I found it rather ironic that the very day I am to write about ‘physical movement’ in my life I am bed bound.

I once asked someone to imagine their most physically challenging day.  Then I explained - this can be a good day for someone with HCV and/or acromegaly. 

Between the HCV and the long-term effects of acromegaly my body has developed it’s own unique rhythm.  At times my body can be like a rebellious teenager if I push it too much.

Wednesday was my second intramuscular treatment of Sandostatin LAR since starting the HCV triple therapy.  My body is learning to adjust to the over lap of the two treatments but in the interim; my body just wants to rest for the first few days following this overlay. My energy level falls even lower than what I am experiencing when just dealing with the HCV triple therapy. I have decided to just give the process its time.  Goodness knows the Sandostatin LAR allows my body to experience some quality of life for the rest of the month. 

Today is Saturday morning and I have a little energy back. Housework has piled up over the past 2 days.  By the time I complete some of the chores I have no doubt that I will have gotten my heart rate up. With three floors in the house, the stairs alone will be a good workout for the first day.

Today, I will get back to some gentle bouncing on the exercise ball.  This will help some of the water that my body has been holding onto for the past 2 days to gain some movement.

Tonight I look forward to clean sheets on my comfy bed,  a spring breeze blowing through the windows and the feeling that I accomplished something today.

Until next time,

Deborah

Wednesdays - Meditation and Stress Release

“How do I make time for meditation in my busy schedule?”  This is one of the most common questions I am asked.

In an already congested daily schedule some folks have little to no time invested in self-care.  I understand this.  As a single mother I was focused on raising 3 children, working, running a home and participating in our community's development. Adding another item to my bundle just seemed impossible.  It took getting completely run down, sick and unhappy before I would feel “…something has to change.”

I became interested in how different cultures viewed happiness and spirituality. As I visited different parts of the globe I noticed how happy individuals were who to me seemed to have so little in their lives.  Each day appeared to be a struggle for many of the people I was privileged to sit with and hear their stories.  Getting clean water, enough food, and shelter for their families were day-to-day concerns. But they still maintained this joyful spirit.

 

What I began to recognize was this – they all believe in something far greater than what we are consciously experiencing in this brief existence on earth. They explained how they connect with this greater power each day through prayer or meditation – how they connect with the Earth and all her blessings of life.  They give offerings to show their deep gratitude to the Sky, Water, Air, Fire and all of the ancestors who have come before and after this life.  There was genuine bliss in the knowing that they were connecting with something far greater than the human mind can possibly imagine. How many of us do this on a day-to-day basis? Imagine doing this 2 to 5 times a day.

I thought I learned some things during these visits but as the years have gone by I realize I am only beginning to gain some understanding.

So, back to the original question – “How do I make time for meditation ….?”  I started by asking myself a few questions regarding what is it I believe in? What could be my role in the larger scheme of life? Am I willing to explore this? How do I show my gratitude for all the abundance in this life?” 

 

I have made a commitment that meditation will be a part of my day just as eating, drinking water, showering and brushing my teeth are.  Throughout each day I stop and take time to connect with just the moment I am in.  From this point everything else I experience has a sturdier foundation to build upon.

FYI - No one is going to come to your door and say, “Hi! I’m here to meditate for you so you can have a more fulfilled and meaningful life.”  It just isn’t going to happen.

When you decide…all else will follow.

Deborah

Tuesdays - What Entertains You?

I learned a long time ago that I need a variety of entertainment in my life if I am going to get through any kind of medical procedure or treatment. 

 

Years ago during a lengthy stay at the Hospital-ity Inn I needed a change of scenery and certainly a more uplifting topic of conversation. So, I grabbed the ‘all you can drink’ portable juice bar I was hooked up to (compliments of the staff) and I headed down into the lobby.  I was given preferred seating due to the fact I brought my own chair on wheels.  I settled in and started to watch the live show in the front lobby.

One male guest had obviously come to the Inn with a gold card because his juice bar had far more items on it than mine did.  He must have been somebody important!  He also had a complimentary oxygen tank he wheeled wherever he went. We struck up a conversation and I found out he was a construction worker.  He’d had a serious fall and was in need of a special tune up provided only by the Inn.  I found him to be a witty gentleman.  His entertaining stories picked my mood right up.

After 40 minutes or so with my new friend we said our ‘good byes’ and he wheeled himself to the front doors of the lobby.  He exited the building and veered to the right where the smoking section was. I watched as he removed his oxygen mask and lit up a cigarette.  He dragged on that cigarette with sheer focus.  It was like watching someone having a spiritual experience.  I never saw him again.  I often wonder how that tune up worked out for him.

Next, a boy of about 4 years old caught my eye.  He was playing a game of ‘catch me if you can’ with a man I presumed was his dad.  That little guy was having so much fun.  I don’t think the man chasing him was as enthusiastic about the game as the young lad was.  I couldn’t figure out why the man was so mad.  It was the weekend, it was beautiful out and this gentleman got to spend it with his family.  The little guy probably got up that morning and was told they were going to go visit a special guest at the Hospital-ity Inn and it would be fun!  This little guy figured out just how to do that! He made me laugh. No one else seemed to be laughing, though. Huh! 

So, it was time to gather my things and head back to my room.  Room service was coming with a special meal - another complimentary gift for all the guests.  I didn’t want to miss out. 

Sometimes we have to find things to entertain us in the most unusual places under the most challenging circumstances.  With a little imagination, anything is possible.

Happy Tuesday!

Deborah