SO Much to Share...

Today:

Well...I had a much anticipated GI appointment today. To make a long story short (& to spare graphic details) the tests show that my stomach is not working &, thus, causes extreme nausea & frequent vomitting. We now know the reason of why, but I won't bore you with details. Unfortunately, the other medicines have failed...so we are at our last 'hope' with medication. We are going to try a medicine called Domperidone. It is not FDA approved & you cannot buy it in the U.S. We are having to get it from Canada. It is not FDA approved because it has been known to cause cardiac issues & cardiac arrest, but, I counter that and say "what doesn't?" Since I've had previous cardiac issues, I am being sent back to the cardiologist for a follow-up & clearance to receive this medicine, per my GI docs orders. If he clears me, we'll try it. We've come to the point that the potential benefits of this medicine outweight the possible serious side effects. I appreciate my doctor so much. He spent over an hour with my Grandma and I. He explained the reasons of my issues, the severity of them, consequences, the potential benefits & side effects of this medicine, etc. He was wonderful is answering all my questions. I had done my research on it & had questions ready. After our discussion we decided we had to give it a shot. I think sometimes people who have not been around me in the past year or witnessed any 'episodes' think I'm overexaggerating my symptoms, or being 'cautious' in not wanting to go too far, or that I'm 'nervous' about it--I do not think people truly understand until they witness it for themselves!! I have test results to prove the pain & situation...and a wonderful doctor who never gives up on me! I'm not too nervous about this medicine. I'm quite excited for ANY relief it could bring. It is also supposed to help with the extreme & constant nausea---I'd be most grateful for any relief from that! We were encouraged by him & his honesty. This is not a 'for sure' thing. People respond differently to medicines...but its worth a shot. They are concerned about putting the feeding tube back in after my body's rejection of the first one! SO...here's hoping it works! I will schedule my cardiologist appointment tomorrow & order the medicine. It has to come from Canada...so it will take a bit to get. Dr. Martin did his part, so now I have to call the number with my information! He wants me to order it ahead of time so that if I get clearance I can begin it right away. At this point...it is worth whatever risks it may hold. I've started supplementing with baby food & baby cereal. It is easy to digest & will give me a few more calories in the day since it is impossible for me to get adequate nutrition through solid food right now. He also mentioned that I needed to know that I will never be able to eat a full meal since 1/2 my stomach is gone & I will be a small meal eater & that nutrition will always be a battle. This medicine is by no means a 'cure.' However, it can provide some relief from the very unpleasant effects if it works! So...we'll see! I need more calories for energy--that is my greatest struggle right now. I don't have enough caloric intake to keep my body equipped to do much...even if its from baby food, I guess it will help! I've lost 2 more pounds--so I guess I better be trying lots of baby food! (SMILE) I had a banana, plum, grape mixture today--not half bad, really! :) NOW...on to more exciting things...

Sunday:

Was a nice day. My Uncle Paul & Aunt Janice were in from Davenport. A bunch of the Aunts & Uncles went to my Aunt Colleen's house & had lunch. I stayed for most of the day. We took a little road trip to our favorite 'shack' resteraunt in Nevada, Iowa. The car ride was fun with all of them. I was certainly outnumbered! (haha) I was there until about 9:30 last night. We had a great time & I love being with Aunts & Uncles!! It is never a dull moment.

Saturday:

I started out the morning with Sarah down at the Farmers Market, Art Market, & Arts Festival. We had a great time looking around & enjoying the music & people watching. Suzie, Sarah's high school friend, met up with us. It was interesting seeing the various types of art (some of which I still argue isn't true art, but none the less, interesting. haha).

I had to leave the downtown festivities early as my family was heading up North to visit Aunt Linda. She had made reservations for us at a tea room in the SMALL town of Stratford, Iowa! They have dinners once a month with music. Tutu warned me it was 'corny but fun.' She was so right. The band had two accordian players and a guitar player who also sang (great voice) and they told corny jokes, but they sure were fun! I could only enjoy my mashed potatoes but Guenther finished off everything else for me. We had a great group; Tutu, Me, Dad, Papa, Uncle Gary, Auntie Linda, Guenther (friend from Belgium), Marie & her family. The best part of the night was when Auntie Linda, Tutu, and I danced the chicken dance in front of the whole crowd & then Tutu decided to teach me to polka dance in front of all them too! (haha) It really was an enjoyable evening. Here are some pictures from the night:

Tutu & I on the drive to Stratford!

On a much more somber note, my Aunt (my mom's sister) Judy passed away Saturday evening. She had a very long & painful battle with cancer that started in her colon. She was in her early 50's. My Grandma (her mother) told me that she passed away very peacefully and 'just fell asleep' with her oncologist (who is wonderful) & her mother, husband, & children at her side. I am so happy they were all with her. I feel so badly for my Grandmother. I cannot imagine the pain she feels. I also feel so badly for those tiny Grandbabies who will never remember their Grandmother! The wake is tomorrow evening & the funeral is on Wednesday. May she finally be out of pain & in peace.

Well...the past few days have been pretty eventful! I've shared enough. Time for my walk...hope everyone is doing well! Happy Monday!!!