Tuesdays - What Entertains Me?

We had an electrical storm last night that lit the sky up for miles.  Here in Ontario, we desperately need the rain but the lightning can cause just as many fires as the rain puts out.  Its a double edged sword.

Since I was a child thunder and lightning has freaked me out. Over the past 15 or so years I have been trying to see the beauty and entertainment in natures light show.  

Have I found it?  Yes, absolutely.  

Have I learned to relax within this beauty?  Still not there, folks!  However, I do find it is getting better each year.

Last night I went as far as to open up the door to the back porch and watch the lightning on the hills in the distance.  It really was spectacular...right up until the point the thunder and lightning came directly on top of each other.  I was trying to count, "One-one thousand, two-one thousand...so I could determine how far away the lightning was but I couldn't get pass the word 'one' and the thunder cracked like 4th of July fireworks.  It was at that moment, I realized I was standing 2 arm lengths from the 9 ft. metal patio umbrella. 

"A lightning rod! This can't be good!" 

The entire backyard lit up, the power went out, and it was at this point I slammed the door shut and ran like the wind for my bed. I haven't moved that fast in months! I think I passed the cat on the stairs making a run for it, too.  It was a toss up as to who was more freaked out - him or me.

What can I say...we are both a work in progress.

Until next time,

Deborah

Week 12: Mondays - Recharging My Batteries

With this heat wave we are presently experiencing in the province I find a fever can make the days and evenings a bit more challenging.  I am not able to afford an air conditioner and even if I could - they raise the rent on the units who are using them.  I will need to rely on the fans in the house (which I am pretty sure use up more energy than a newer model air conditioner). So far, they are doing the job.

I find going at a slower pace when I am doing an activity like dishes, cooking, gardening, and grocery shopping is helpful.  I take plenty of breaks in between and remain hydrated. 

Instead of taking my shower first thing in the morning when temperatures outside are still low, I wait until early noon when the humidity rises.  It cools me off for a good part of the day.

My new refreshing drink;

 Fill tall glass with ice cubes and add...

* 2 parts 100% grapefruit juice

* 1 part ginger ale or water

* 1 squeeze of lemon or lime juice
* splash of 100% orange juice

As a treat, this goes down real nice!

Until next time,

Deborah

Weekend's Healthy Eating

When I decided to accept the triple therapy treatment one of the areas of concern, for me, was the diet required while on telapevir.  

I spent days researching the internet for food lists already available to patients who had been on the treatment in other countries. I kept coming across the same document provided by health professionals.  Most of the foods on the list were fast foods from well known franchises and had little to no nutritional value.

As I enter into my 12th week of treatment, I am still experiencing low energy - too low most days to prepare anything that takes more than 10 minutes.  I understand the desire to order out or grab something that is fast from a box.  On occasion I have given in to pizza, ice cream and fries for that 20 grams of fat. But my day to day intake has primarily been a steady diet of healthy, nutritious food. 

This weekend I decided to post a list of healthy choices available for take - out at your favorite neighborhood restaurant, deli or supermarket.  Here are just a few for your consideration:

* Sushi 

* Vegetables and Rice / Noodles

* Stir Fries

* International Soups &/or Salads

* Wraps ...

 Fajitas

Most restaurants will accommodate you if you let them know you need the food to be low sodium, extra vegetables and healthy oils like olive and sesame seed. They will often add almonds, cashews or tofu to the dish if you request it.


I wish you all a wonderful weekend!


Until next time,


Deborah

Thursdays - Physical Self-Care

Traditionally, we like to participate in 'foot soaks'.  They are relaxing and come with holistic benefits.

As I have shared in past posts, I like to be outside with my hands and feet in the earth.  The outcome of this practice can be stained, dirty feet and hands.  But if you soak them each night, this will take care of that. It also helps you have a good nights sleep!

I fill a copper, wooden or stainless steel container with warm water and a little cedar oil, then I soak.  The oil has properties in it that help in a number of ways.   

Please visit this link if you are interested in exploring cedar oil.

You can also add bath salts, fruit, flower petals or your favorite essential oil.  

After about 45 minutes to 1 hours I give myself a bit of a pedicure. I follow this up by rubbing utter cream into the bottom of my feet.  Even scaly, tough skin will turn out soft and smooth.  I stay away from ex-foliating my feet for a number of reasons.  It is a matter of preference based on what one is taught. 

So tonight I hope you are able to give yourself a little something special while you are sitting back relaxing, reading an enjoyable book or listening to some tunes. Treat yourself to a foot soak and see how it makes you feel.

Until next time,

Deborah  

Wednesdays - Meditation & Relaxation

How many of you have had a difficult time getting up in the morning when you were experiencing the flu; running a fever, your body aching, waves of nausea coming at you like a rough kayak ride on big open water? It's enough to zap the energy from the Ever Ready Bunny.

Early on during this process I decided there had to be another way of getting through this first hurdle of the morning. I went back to the basics of some meditation teachings.

Practicing meditation on a day to day basis when you do not have extreme challenges to deal with is a different experience.  This treatment has been a good reminder and teacher for me where this is concerned. Point is - we will all have challenging days and often this is the time you don't want to meditate - however, it is when we need it the most.

Instead of struggling with myself to get up in the wee hours of the morning to fix the 20 grams of fat breakfast - I simply remind myself of a time when my family didn't have food in the house to prepare. So, when I wake up I am grateful for the food and medicine that awaits me.  

When it comes time for my shower - after spending extended periods of time out on the land without any running water, or clean water for that matter, later in years I developed a great appreciation for the H2O running through the plumbing in my home. 

As a young girl on the farm, having a bath was a luxury because it took a great deal of preparation - hauling the water from the well, filling up the tub (an old slop trough), heating up the wood stove, heating up the water.  Emptying the trough was a whole other process that I never did master.

 

Today - being fully present with these gifts while I am preparing and experiencing them is meditation.  This makes me smile.  The outcome...my symptoms take a back seat and that Ever Ready Bunny begins to march to a new rhythm.

On another note: 

Today is my graduation day.  At 51 years of age I went back to college. Through the help of a community of generous, patient, and encouraging individuals I was able to complete my 3 year goal just under 2 years.  A special thank you to all of you!  I couldn't have done it without your help. 

To all the graduates of 2012 - Congratulations!

Deborah

 

Week 11: Tuesdays - What Entertains You?

We just celebrated the May long weekend and with that comes outdoor parties, barbecues, garage sales, and of course - fireworks.  Presently, in this region of Canada, we have a 'fire band' restriction in place due to the extreme conditions we are experiencing.  I was, however, able to catch a glimpse of the celebration going on in Ottawa.  Even though it was televised, I still enjoyed the spectacle of color.

Some of the best fireworks I witnessed was during a conference I attended in Hawaii a few years ago.  Each Friday evening on the famous Waikiki Beach there is a celebration that takes place once the sun sets.  Tourist gather around the water front after a day of swimming, site seeing and shopping just to see this display.  It really is extravagant.

This May long weekend was a little different for me.  I spent most of the weekend taking time in the gardens or relaxing on the porch. I spent some time researching jazz music from the 50s and 60s.  I found some footage on Mr. Coltrane and thought this would be a wonderful piece to share with readers.

Whether you choose to celebrate life through the explosion of fireworks or the clear crystal sound of John Coltrane - the point is to celebrate.

Until next time,

Deborah

How I Help My Body DeTox

Dry skin brushing is a wonderful way to help the body detoxify.  A few years ago I invested in a quality Japanese brush specifically used for dry skin brushing.  It took me a bit to get use to but within days my skin started adjusting to the hard bristles.

Somewhere along the way I stopped this daily morning ritual before getting into the shower.  With the skin problems I have been experiencing on the triple treatment my son recommended I start the dry skin brushing back up again.

It was as if my body's cells had stored away a memory of the procedure.  I was surprised at how quickly I was feeling and seeing positive results.  My skin is softer, I have less little hives breaking out, and the yellow liquid that has been leaking out of my pores seems to have lessened. My skin doesn't appear to be as dry, either.

A warning to anyone interested in exploring this technique.  Do not use the brush on any open sores, rashes, cuts, hives, infections or any other skin openings.  It is important that your strokes go in the direction towards the heart area.  I recommend you research the technique before starting and perhaps clear it with your doctor. There is plenty of information on the internet.

Here is a site that can offer some useful information.

Link: Dry Skin Brushing

Until next time,

Deborah

A Recipe For Physical, Emotional, Mental and Spiritual Self-Care

I love this time of year when the weather gets warmer and the wind kicks up during the days.  There is a cool stillness about the evenings.  It's my favorite time to just sit out back and be silent. That is until the black flies and mosquitoes come.   

At this time of year I feel a nudge to start working in the gardens.

This year I feel a bit like a newbie.  I am adjusting to my new capabilities while working in the gardens.  I do not have the stamina to work steady and hard for hours at a time like I use to.  I spent a few days experimenting and sure enough; I got myself a little routine down!

The first day I worked in 10 - minute intervals.  I copped a patch on one gardens edge and I just took my time pulling weeds.  After 10 minutes I went in doors and rested or napped.  An hour or two later, I repeated the same thing.  The next day I took shorter breaks and each day after - built on this.

Now granted, what would take someone else about 3 minutes I am able to complete in two 10-minute intervals but that is okay. While on this treatment my body demands a particular pace when it comes to physical work.  It’s a practice and one I am still getting familiar with.

Being out in the gardens with the Earth not only makes my body feel good; it also presents an opportunity for me to meditate while I am doing repetitive movements, which is part of my spiritual self-care.  Mentally, being outside, doing something productive where I can see instant results is a positive reinforcement.  Emotionally, gardening allows my body to release stresses and I am able to experience a sense of peace during the course.  Traditionally we say this is because we are connecting with our Mother – the Earth. 

 I remember when I was a very young girl living on my auntie’s farm.  She taught me how everything that we are made of and everything that we need to sustain ourselves comes from the Earth.  Through her I learned the importance of going back to the Earth on a regular bases.  The Earth helps me regenerate and find my balance. Through these teachings I began to learn the importance of giving something back to the Earth as an offering for all that is provided for me to live this good life.

Yesterday, I was able to go a few hours with about six 10 - minute breaks throughout.  I sat in the shade digging up the dirt and cleaned up some old foliage from last year’s harvest of flowers and medicines.  During the breaks I sat back under the umbrella, watched a butterfly moving from flower to flower and I examined my work.  And I smiled. 

Until next time,

Deborah

A Personal View

When something traumatic occurs in my life, traditionally, I have been taught to allow my feelings to surface – not to shove them down, avoid them or to medicate myself. This will only compound the problem.  When the physical body needs attention, so do the mental, emotional and spiritual bodies.  We work with them – we do not numb them.

As someone trained in areas of traditional and non-traditional health care, I am educated in techniques that help support this process. I also have access to health professionals who live by similar ethics and I am comfortable asking for their help when I need it. They believe, as I do, providing support that is culturally safe for patients is an important component within any treatment.  Bringing traditional and non-traditional modalities together can be quite complimentary if applied responsibly and with respect to all parties involved.

On this journey I have had to deal with a number of surprises.  Most recently, the news on the extensive damage caused to my liver due to HCV. To me it makes perfect sense to look at this in a pro-active manner and ask some pertinent questions:

What is the probable prognosis for someone with my lab results, medical history and has been in stage 4 - cirrhosis for as many years as I have?  

Over the past 5 years, what stresses have I allowed to influence my life and what am I willing to do in order to remove the damaging stresses?

What do I need to do to keep my body clean of impurities and support my liver and spleen in the best way possible?

What behavioral changes am I willing to make?

What do I want to do with the rest of my life that will bring me joy, purpose, and fulfillment?

I realize no one can give any of us a guaranteed time - line.  After all, it is only written in stone after the fact.  But for this patient I would like to know roughly what my prognosis is. The answer to this question will influence the outcome to some of the other questions I have. I do not consider this to be unreasonable or a sign that I am in a state of depression. Simply put - it is information that I am ready to hear. 

So folks, due to the new diagnosis - I went out on a limb and asked the big question…what is my prognosis?  Along with a conversation that I found to be patronizing - I was offered anti-depressants for the duration of the treatment so I can sleep through some of the symptoms I am experiencing.  I turned this offer down.  The question I asked was not addressed. 

I believe we look at the world through our own unique lenses.  We maneuver our way over, around and through life’s hurdles differently for a number of reasons – one being we are a culturally diverse people. This is a good thing.  Creation loves variety. The teachings, values and principals of those who have influenced us have helped shape us and because of this, we do not all fit into the same mold.

What I experienced this week in the health-care professional’s office was not culturally supportive. It was as if we were two people looking into the same room through completely different lenses. I realize it isn’t a matter of right or wrong…it was an opportunity missed for both of us to learn something of importance.  Instead, communication failed.

There are medical conditions that require anti-depressants to be prescribed in order for patients to be able to live a functional life.  I also understand the published data on trials related to this treatment list depression and suicidal thoughts and tendencies as possible symptoms while on this treatment – not probable. 

I say this with the utmost respect to the health-care professionals out there – please, do not assume someone is depressed or in need of anti-depressants because it appears their methods are unconventional to your academic and practical training.

If there comes a time when a patient trusts you enough to ask a question that appears to have some significance to them, I hope you will listen equally with your heart as you do with your intellectual expertise. One never knows what opportunities can come when we look at something with an open heart and an open mind.

Until next time,

Deborah

Weekend - Healthy Eating

Another recipe you may be daring enough to try for your 20 grams of fat intake per telaprevir dose.

Cinnamon Tortilla Shells

1 large tortilla shell (7 grams - fat)

Butter (3 tsp. = 12 grams - fat)

Cinnimon sugar mixture ( 1/2 & 1/2)

Optional:

Sliced apple, banana or pear

Method:

* Spread 2 tsp. of butter over entire tortilla shell.  Reserve 1 tsp. of butter for the frying pan.  If you are going to bake them, spread all 3 tsp. of butter on the tortilla.  These tortillas are large ( 12 inches ). 

* Sprinkle with the 1/2 & 1/2 cinnamon sugar mixture. It doesn't take much!  Experiment.

* This is the time you would place the apple, banana or pear slices on top of the tortilla shell.

* Fold over in half and fry in the pan on both sides until brown. Garnish with fruit slices and plain yogurt. Remember to consider the fat in the yogurt if you do decide to use this ingredient. * If you are baking them, do not fold the tortilla shell over, plus, serve the fruit &/or yogurt on the side.

Salad Ideas

Next salad you make for your 20 grams of fat intake, try adding a few of these ingredients.  They will bump up the fat count;

* Kalamata Olives - 3 to 5 olives = 4 grams of fat

* Feta Cheese - 1/4 cup crumbled = 8 grams of fat

* Croûtons - check the package of fat content. 

* Slivered almonds

These few ingredients add enough flavor to your salad, you may find you only need a small amount of olive oil and balsamic vinegar to top it off.

I would like to extend a special "Happy Mother's Day" to all the moms out there.  May your weekend be filled with love, special memories and the voices of your children telling you how much you mean to them.

Deborah 

Friday - Update: Fibroscan

In 2003 I had a double biopsy completed on my liver.  I found the procedure to be painful and invasive.  I said to myself at the time that I would not put my body through that again.  

Fairly recently here in Ontario, Canada a test called a Fibroscan was approved.  Basically, it works like an ultra sound.

*The following information is from a brochure offered to physicians and patients. I have been given permission to share this information. 

What is a fibroscan?

A fibroscan can help your doctor determine how scarred (fibrosed) your liver is.  It can be used in many different types of liver disease.  In some cases it can take the place of a liver biopsy.  Your doctor will explain to you why they think this is the best test for you.

The scan takes between 10 and 20 minutes, and is painless.  The device uses non-invasive ultrasound waves to assess the health of your liver, and there are no risks associated with this test.

 

Preparing for the scan

Nothing to eat for 2 hours prior to the test.

How much does the procedure cost?

The Fibroscan is approved by Health Canada, however is not covered by OHIP.  To cover the operating and maintenance of the machine, there is a charge for this test.  (Please contact the clinic performing the scan in your community for current fees.)

What happens when the test is done?

A liver specialist will analyze the data from your test and send the results to the doctor who sent you for the test.  Your doctor will discuss the results with you directly. 

How to get a Fibroscan?

Your doctor must complete the information on the back of the brochure and fax it to the Fibroscan Program.  You will be notified of an appointment time. 

   

I found the scan to be painless. The specialist was able to go over the results with me immediately.  

Personally, this was a favorable alternative to another biopsy. 

A special thank you to my specialist and his nurses for all the good work you do in caring for your patients.

Deborah

Thursdays - Movement

This last week has been a bit of a struggle.  Motivating myself to be physically active is one of the most challenging hurdles that I have had to over come. 

This treatment can hit you hard.  When someone wants you to go out for a 20 to 30 minute walk, for some, you may as well ask us to run a marathon. For others, it's a breeze...not a problem.

Grocery shopping last week with a friend, I must have looked like a drunkin' sailor because I was having difficulty walking in a straight line.  I swear - I could feel the rotation of the earth.  Like a child, I had to hold onto the side of the grocery cart while my friend pushed. Now there's a humbling experience!

There are different stages of this virus and each stage affects the individual differently. I do what I can manage each day.  At times, I push myself just slightly beyond that mark.  It is what works for me.

Last weekend the weather here was spectacular!  I needed to get out and go where there was water, bush and life.  I ended up at one of the lakes in the region.  I took the camera with me and found a quiet spot. I walked a bit, took a few breaks, snapped some photos, and I  sat in the sunshine by the water.  It was a good hour out of the house. I enjoyed every second of it.

I am learning that finding a physical balance while on this treatment may not be possible some days.  The medication has the strength to physically and mentally swing the body from one extreme to another like a pendulum. Some days all I can do is just hold on for the ride.

What I can rely on is at one point the direction will change.

Until next time,


Deborah

 

Wednesdays - Meditation & Stress Release

One of the earliest teachings I received on meditation was; check in with each part of the body and send  it love and gratitude.  Thank it for all it does for you -  for each body part,  each organ, each feeling we are able to experience is a miracle. 

I do this by starting with my feet and slowly work my way up my entire body.  Then I go deeper.  I check in with each of the major organs (like the liver, spleen, kidneys) - connecting with and offering my deep gratitude. I smile at each body part and organ before I move onto the next.  I smile from the inside out and I feel my gratitude light up.

This meditation has turned out to be a rather humbling experience for me once I got over my internal dialog.  

My first few attempts I was saying things like, "Okay, this is just silly.  I am literally talking to my feet and my legs!"  

The process was new to me and I often react like this with something that is new and different.  I stuck with the technique and in time I started to feel a warm, comforting sensation moving through my body like fluid while I was in the practice.  To this day I still practice this technique.  It helps me realize how everything is connected. It helps my body settle and experience peace. Like anything else, it takes practice. 

For step by step instructions on this Deep Relaxation Practice please visit the highlighted link.

Thich Nhat Hanh was the first teacher who taught me this technique.  I encourage you to check out his website, Plum Village There are podcasts available on iTunes and the world web.  Oprah recently interviewed Nhat Hanh.  You can find a copy of the interview by going to Oprah Speaks to Thich Nhat Hanh.

May you find many reasons to smile today.

Deborah

Tuesdays - What Entertains You?

Yesterday, by late afternoon, I was experiencing one of my most difficult days since treatment started.  I ended up calling a friend who helped me through the worst part of the process. I had a fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, dry heaves, weakness and dizziness. I couldn't stop shaking. I was one hour away from another dose of telaprevir and 20 gms. of fat with no idea how I was going to get the food and meds into me. 

It is a good person who can stand my your side putting a cold cloth on your head and rubbing your back while you are engaged in an intimate relationship with the toilet bowl.

I was too weak to trust myself with the peg elated interferon injection so without hesitation she took care of it for me.  

What I needed at the time was something to revert my attention.  Another friend sent this video to me yesterday. The timing was perfect. I laughed so hard tears came to my eyes!

I have never heard of Jeanne Robertson before but I am certainly going to check out a few more of her videos. 

I will let this one speak for itself. Thank goodness for comedy relief. I hope you enjoy!

Jeanne Robertson - Don't Bungee Jump Naked!

Week 9: Mondays - Rest and Relaxation

Finding time to rest is not as easy as it may appear while going through this treatment.  I know it is time I need to 'take'. Just like I need to take time to meditate, prepare healthy meals, keep my environment clean, get some exercise in and most importantly, take time to tend to medical schedules and needs. Not simple at all.

Right now, my days are filled with these seemingly simple tasks and yet, some days I am not able to keep up.  The energy is not there. Upon review of my recent blood work results, this is understandable. Throw in ridiculous amounts of forms and paper work required by funders, insurance companies and government...well, you have your basic nightmare happening here.

In order for me to be able to be on this treatment I need financial assistance.  This is what insurance is for here in Canada - as is CPP.  We pay into these resources while we are working so we will have the safety nets in place if something happens.

Each resource requires an overwhelming amount of paperwork to be filled out.  They want dates of doctor appointments and hospital stays dating back 5 years previous along with the who, what, when, where and whys of each visit, procedure and operation.  They want current and future information that only the Great Oz would be able to predict.  They also require your doctors to fill out their own lengthy forms and it is my responsibility to make sure these forms are completed on time.

After filling out and sending in hours of CPP forms (an 8 hour process if you are familiar with the forms) I am told there will be a waiting period of 3 months.  Then, another 6 to 7 month wait before the insurance company &/or I hear from them or we receive any payment. This is if things go smoothly. Yikes!

So...rest and relaxation is key to the success of this treatment and my over all health.  With these financial woes and pressures hanging over my head - rest and relaxation is looking like another task today.  

My goodness...no wonder people drink!  I think I need a piece of quality mint chocolate and a miracle.  I'll spend a few hours on the forms and then I'm taking time out to rest.

One piece of mint chocolate away from sanity!

Deborah

Caramelized Cinnamon Popcorn

Here is another recipe I just couldn't resist sharing.  

Since I made this recipe (after my friend Val told me about it) a few other friends have commented that they have had something similar.  This is decadent and delicious all in one!

You will need the following: 

* Popping Corn

* Unsalted Butter

* 1 part Cinnamon + 1 part Sugar (place in shaker)

  

Caramelized Cinnamon Popcorn 

1.  Pop your favorite brand of popping corn. I like to use a hot air popper with Orville's popping corn.

2.  Melt enough unsalted butter to make up the 20 grams of fat required for the telaprevir dose.

3. Pour hot butter over your popped corn and immediately shake a generous amount of cinnamon-sugar mixture over top. Mix well.

Because the popcorn is still hot, the cinnamon-sugar caramelizes.  You may want to be mindful as to how often you have this treat because of the sugar content.  Once in a while it tops off a special evening and is far better than the salted version.

I have posted some new movies on the right side menu to consider.  Perhaps tonight you can take in a film and try some of this popcorn.

Until next time,

Deborah