03.21.07
Lunch and Bones
Although I’ve had some topics that I’ve wanted to blog about, I haven’t been quite up to it partly because my parents seem to be in competition with who can visit ER the most, oye. Saturday night we stayed in ER for six hours, and I didn’t get home until almost 3AM. My parents have been having lots of health problems, yet, thank God we’ve been able to dodge the bullet several times. My sisters and I know it’s only a matter of time before we have to face the music (which I am absolutely no where near ready to do!), so with these recent ER runs, the three of us have come up with a plan that we will split up guard duty if and when the time comes. My oldest sister will do three days, my second older sister will do two days, and I will do two days each week. That way they’ll get coverage every day of the week for however long they need it. I know my mom has expressed in the past her worry of no one taking care of her when she gets old, but we don’t ever want her to feel that we won’t be there for them. We have every intention to be! My dad has his MRI today, so I’m hoping that comes out okay. Yesterday was pretty depressing for me, but today is much brighter! Even the sun came out to help me out! Ha! 
I have two cousins visiting from the Philippines, so we were able to have a fun lunch at the Fairfax Farmer’s Market. My sister had just taken them to the Promenade in Santa Monica then brought them closer to home, so we could hook up. I took two of my boys along. I’m just learning about these “thumbnail” pictures, so if you want to see a bigger picture, just click onto the picture. I’m sure you’ll be able to pick out who’s who, eh, I’m the only female in the picture in the back middle. My two sons are sitting at the red top table, and my two cousins are opposite each other just behind my sons. I had my usual sushi from there as did my boys. My sister and my cousins had Brazilian food. That’s one of the things I really like about that place–so many different food choices available, so that we don’t all have to eat from the same menu, yet we can still share a table.
The topper for the day for me was the results of a bone scan I took. I had been somewhat concerned that all my years of poor eating habits and steriod meds had done a number on my bones. But it appears that this past seven years of good eating may be paying off in ways I didn’t realize (too busy working on my blood and skin!) Today’s results show that my bone density is 91% of young adult women (that’s between the ages 30-35), and for women my age (42), I scored 93%. Yeah! Not even close to osteopenia, which I had often wondered if I were teetering there due to all my years of soda guzzling, daily sugar fixes, and daily steriod use. After seven years of organic food, and “free” of sodas, sugar fixes, and steriods, my bones may be able to take good care of me for many more years yet! 
The gal who was scanned just before me was only 18-years-old and scored less than I did at 85% of the young adult women between the ages of 30-35. And she was ecstatic with her score. The good news is, I haven’t even seriously focused on strengthening my bones, so hopefully if I do pay more attention to helping me bones out, I hope to increase my bone density even more. I want to focus on that because once I hit that menopausal age, I know that bone density is likely gonna take a dive. Better start working on getting a lot of bone laid down before that happens!
Well, better get dinner on, so toodles for now!
Marlakins
patti said,
March 21, 2007 at 9:39 pm
T-tapp anyone??? Good for the bones too! And only 15 minutes.
Sorry. I can’t help but be excited about the results.
Sorry to hear your folks are struggling. I know all to well how hard it is. It is so nice that your sisters can help you care for them. Going it alone is difficult. Praying you get much more time with them….
patti
Administrator said,
March 22, 2007 at 7:31 pm
Thanks for your prayers, Patti. Yes, I am very grateful that both my sisters are willing to help out. I don’t think they would have it any other way. We have come to realize that we need to spread out the help amongst us and that we need to take turns so that we can be effective. We all live about 20 miles away from them, so we need to keep close tabs because it takes us time to get there especially if there is traffic. My family is still protective over me, and when my mother had to go to ER a couple weeks ago, they didn’t want me to come because they said they had it under control. I took my dad this time because it happened at a time when both my sisters were unavailable, and so my mom called me. My sisters didn’t know until I was already there. My mom currently has cataract so she can’t see well enough to drive, especially at night.
I saw how my family rallied for me while I had my AA. There was a point when I wanted to die, but they would not have it. I even asked my sister, “How is this supposed to end? How do I end this?” Once they talked the paramedics to take me against my will to the hospital. I was so weak, I couldn’t argue, but kept telling them I didn’t want to go. I was really that tired and depressed that I wanted to just die. I could hear my sister and my brother-in-law arguing with the paramedics that the moment I pass out, they will insist that they take me to the hospital, so might as well take me now. Ha! So they just rolled me in my bed sheet and picked me right up. Boy was I upset, but I just couldn’t argue without starting to black out. My pulse was at 160, and I could barely muster any words. Even though I felt ready to die, I still felt lonely and a bit scared. And that’s what I think of when my parents are sick or in pain. I don’t want them to feel lonely or scared. I want them to feel comfort. My parents have been going through some rough and scary times, but they have each other still and seem to have discussed it between themselves and seem so much more prepared now. We’ve been through the frantic moments of the shock of the news when all you can do is cry. We’ve been blessed with good times in between knowing that things could change at any moment which has seemed to make us enjoy each others’ company more now. I love our family get togethers or any time I can spend with my sisters. Some old hurts even got cleared up when I was sick and we were faced with the possiblity that our family wasn’t going to be whole anymore. The consulation I have now is that I feel that my parents are at peace with it, and that I am secure in the knowledge that they “KNOW” now that we love them so much. I feel very blessed and thank God that we were given the time to express our love that way. Some people don’t get that chance or figure it out too late.
Oh, I tried the T-tapp a bit. It does feel like it will help out, but honestly, since I’m not much of an exerciser, I “forget” to do it, and in addition to the latest commotion around here, it’s just not first and foremost on my mind. I do plan to try it out more, tho. Oh, yeah, if you want to do a before and after picture of yourself like you suggested in one of your posts on it, that’s fine with me. Just send me your pics via email, and I’ll upload it for you.
Okay, hope all is as well as it could be there at the Steele residences.
Marla
patti said,
March 23, 2007 at 6:16 pm
Marla,
Listening to how you felt when you had AA is very moving. And then to see where God has brought you today is nothing short of a miracle and amazing. For you to take the time that you do to help others with their physical illnesses – using what you learned through yours is helping to bear the burdens that others have. It is nothing short of, “this commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another…” I can think of no greater love then to lay oneself out for others in help and providing hope.
Will continue to pray for your family and parents with the health issues. It is difficult….
Maybe in time the t-tapp will be a good outlet. Me? I like exercise so it’s easy for me to keep at it. But also, in my instant gratification mind/body, it helps to see results so fast because it keeps me going daily. Maybe once you see results it will be easier. I’ve lost a total of about 15″ so far.
Oh, yeah, I’m pleased.
Patti
Administrator said,
March 25, 2007 at 4:02 pm
Hi Patti:
Thanks for your prayers and kinds words. I always have to remember that, “We love because He first loved us.” It’s not out of ourselves. Without Him, nothing I have done would have been possible. I think that Jesus’ examples to us in the New Testament shows us that being a servant (not necessarily a forced slave, ha!) has great value even from the smallest gestures of kindness and mercy. He, Himself, washed the feet of His disciples. Serving others has been a privilege for which I am very grateful to be a part of. Lord knows I have spent a good share of time being selfish! Ack! So I am grateful when I’m given the opportunity to “make up.”
Fifteen inches!!!! Jumpin’ Jellyfish! Where have you lost that? Or is that your cumulative total from all over your body? I’d say that you can already submit a before and after picture because 15″ should be very noticeable! Your clothes must be falling off of you! I have some pants in two different sizes. The reason I have that is because the makers seem to have different gauges, and the way they fit around the thighs and the hips varies from brand to brand or style to style. However, the one that is the larger size is constantly slipping down, so I’m constantly pulling them up, ha! And that’s just one size difference! I would imagine after losing 15″ you’d have to buy a completely new wardrobe. Oh, lucky you! Okay, I now I want to see pictures!
Marla
Administrator said,
March 25, 2007 at 9:23 pm
Oh, I forgot that I wanted to comment in case any other AAer or MDSer happened to read my post about my experience that not all AAers would necessarily get as low as I got because I was having a problem with female hemorrhaging. I would get transfused, and just bleed it out. The hemorrhaging was increasing, so that I had gotten a blood transfusion on Friday, and by Sunday, my hgb was at 3.7 when I got to the hospital. So you can see why they knew it was only a matter of time before I passed out. So kids who aren’t menstruating or males wouldn’t have to deal with what I did.
Just wanted to clear that up and not unnecessarily freak anyone out, heh.
Marlakins
patti said,
March 26, 2007 at 5:32 pm
Hey Marla,
The 15″ is from all over. You add the inches up as you measure each area. The one area I can’t measure is my face and neck and I’ve lost a lot from there. Right now, it seems like most of my loss has come from my upper arms, upper thighs, and mid-thigh. Although my waist is smaller, my hips are still the biggest part of my bod. : ( But I’m getting there. I’m not too worried about a new wardrobe for several reasons. I have a full range of sizes in my closet right now because I never got rid of what I wore before I had kids. And I’ve kept everything in between so that’s pretty easy. At least for now. The only thing I’ve really done is change styles. I used to wear mostly dresses everyday with just a few skirts daily but now I wear skirts daily and almost no dresses. So, once I get to where I want to be I will order a few more skirts that are the right size. But for now, I’ll live with the dresses because I have them and I don’t want to buy anything while I’m losing. I pulled my favorite skirt in 4″ because I didn’t want to get rid of it.
I suppose I can do that with stuff I really like. But at some point, it becomes impossible to take stuff in anymore. So, we’ll see.
My husband notices the biggest difference because well, um, he can feel the difference… I don’t tend to wear things tucked in, let’s just put it thata way. : )
When I’m ready I’ll send you pictures…. my experience has been that until someone loses about 4-6 sizes it’s not as noticeable to other people. So when I hit that point I think I’ll send you pictures. I only got to t-tapp twice last week because of being busy with mom and total exhaustion but when I measured today I still had lost 3 1/2″ inches – so at least I’m still losing even when I only do it twice a week. But, it goes much much faster doing it six days a week! I’m hoping to get back on schedule this week but I’m not holding my breath as things get busier with mom. I’m still going to do at least 2 days. I don’t want to lose what I’ve done so far!
Oh, I saw my friend Jennifer that posted on mom’s page, she looks great!! Man, for two weeks of t-tapp she’s lost a ton also! She was pretty normal to begin with. Absolutely amazing. Me? I still got a little ways to go.
Better jet.
patti
Lori said,
April 5, 2007 at 9:42 pm
Patti, it must be a coincidence that I read your post from March 23 today. You talked about the commandmant to love one another. Today is Maundy Thursday and Maundy is from the Latin word Mandatum. It means commandment to us and the specific commandment is love one another; as I have loved you. I learned this in my Bible study group and thought it was very interesting. I am a new poster but have been conversing with Marla via email. I have read some of your story about your MIL and I will pray for your family. Your strength and courage through her illness is an inspiration and I admire you for being so devoted to caring for her. She is a very lucky lady to have family that loves her so much. I read your post about her mouth sores dissapearing. What a wonderful Easter gift! My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Marla,
I’m sorry to read about your parents also being ill. Family really does pull together in times of need. I’m sure your parents are so grateful that you are well and able to help take care of them when they need it. I second Patti’s comments about sharing your time and experiences with people who are going through AA and MDS. The first time I had AA I felt so very much alone in the whole ordeal. I was the only one in the hospital with AA. Therefore, I felt like a science project for the doctors to ohhh and ahhh over. They all wanted to study me and I ended up feeling like a freak! This time I’m still the only one in the hospital but via the internet I’m finding others who have survived AA and are sharing their knowledge or currently have it and are looking for some answers. The internet is truely a wonderful thing! Happy Easter everyone!
Just one question. What is t-tapp and how do I do it?
Lori
Administrator said,
April 6, 2007 at 1:30 pm
Hi Lori:
Thanks for your kind words for my parents. Yes, I am sooo very glad that I am well enough to help them out a bit. My mom is scheduled for cataract surgery April 17. They will do one eye first, then schedule the other eye. I hope at least that will be one obstacle out of their way.
Boy your comments sound familiar! Particularly the loneliness and the “freak” among other feelings. Ha! I was hospitalized at a teaching hospital, too, and they did the same thing to me. . . They would send in all these students in “groups” to come in and check me out–look at my petechia, look into my throat, listen to my heartbeat, etc. And since I had such a strong heart murmur, they would all comment on it and say stuff like, “If you can’t hear that, you’ve got a hearing problem.” It was not comforting, and I do think it would be nice for other AAers to be able to get in touch with each other even if it’s just to chat for whatever reason. There’s more than just treatment choices, but the emotional side of it, too. It’s just one of those things that if you haven’t been there, it’s hard to explain. The physical things that happen was disturbing enough to me. Something as seemingly small as those mouth sores. Patti’s MIL’s experience reminds me of when I first started to get those mouth sores. Actually I thought of them more as blood blisters. I remember how freaked out and grossed out I was the first time I woke up to find myself chewing on a blood clot that had pooled up in my mouth during my sleep. And when those mouth sores are there, they swell up and you can feel it all the time. Not only do you feel it, you have to eat carefully and speak carefully so that you don’t inadvertently chomp on them. Ouch! It’s not that I want to stay there and dwell on it, but when I hear of others going through what I did, it really brings back so many memories. The choice I made to go natural only seemed to alienate me even more, so am very glad that my husband strongly supported me. When I find out about other AAers, it makes me wish I could somehow give some comfort at the very least.
Well, nuf of that. . . T-tapp is an exercise program that Patti and Jennifer are on. You can read more about it here http://www.t-tapp.com/faq/what-is-ttapp.asp There are some free sample exercises you can try out at that site, too.
Okay! Take care,
Marla