19 May 2014

Health Update!

I had my second follow up check up, or whatever you call it, scheduled in interval after my surgery and RAI  last year. How time flies!

After my RAI (radioactive iodine therapy) last year, I was scheduled to have another cycle last January (my nuclear medicine doctor said it normally takes two cycles of RAI to remove traces of cancer after my surgery) but my lab results showed that I need not undergo the same procedure. I was ecstatic! But I was told I have to have another laboratory test this May. Sigh. . . . 

I completely forgotten it though. I know I have a planner and it is quite filled with schedules, invites, etc. that the lab test schedule completely escaped me. Ok, maybe my subconscious mind told me to ignore it. Anyway, I attended two wakes for two succeeding weekends and I got reminded of it. No, death did not remind me. :-) It was while I was in conversation with one of the relatives in one of the wakes when I was narrating my hospital experience that it hit me. Omigosh, I am due for check up! I immediately scheduled my tests the following week.

My test results:
TSH: 1.194
Thyroglobulin: .50
My past results for comparison:
TSH levels: 17.82 (July30 before surgery), 96.20 (Aug.15 after surgery), .04 (last Jan.23)
Thyroglobulin: 250 (Aug 23 before RAI), 0.6 (last Jan.23)

My weight ballooned from 120 lbs. to 137 lbs.
But since I have a slim looking body it does not show. 
When I tell people I gained weight nobody would believed me! 

The weather recently has been super hot at 36 degrees centigrade but I left my doctor's office in high spirit that I bought lunch for the nurse in my doctor's office. I was both hungry and happy at 11 AM after my check up! My next check-up is in December.

I am hypothyroid which makes me sluggish. I try to give in to hunger pangs at unusual hours. I always have biscuits and nuts and water in my bag at all times. I wear shorts and I carry a fan and hat to ward off the heat. 

I try to eat fruits every day and I am glad there is so much around me. The neighbor recently gave us this fruit (cheska?) which they harvested from the neighbor's. It tasted like purple yam and packed with vitamins! 

The thing is to slow down, eat right, take your meds (I take the prescribed thyroxine and calcium carbonate every day) and my virgin coconut oil (3 tablespoons a day!) and which I use as lotion and moisturizer too. I plan my trips to avoid stress.

I spend a lot of time with my hounds too:
Our small but energetic Kizu pup is such a joy to watch!
With my senior superdog Sweepy and Hughes at my feet
my world is perfect!

Well, there are so many pending tasks
and so many projects that I need to do
and so many moments when I need to step back
let people make their mistakes and learn from it
and learn to move on . . .

I really do not attend wakes or go to hospitals because I get queasy when spirits of dead people reach out or expose myself to dangerous energies in hospitals which is why I do not expect people to visit me in the hospital or even have a funeral. Yes we discuss these things openly in my family. I expect to be cremated when I die and my ashes thrown or pin to a tree house. I do not want burials and wakes.

Which is why I was surprised to find myself going to the wakes of a family friend Danny and a relative from my mother's side Tita Cecille on two successive weekends. Danny died of sickness and Tita Cecille died of complications from sickness and old age. I went with my sister Loyd and realized the joy of bonding with friends and relatives that I have not seen for a long time! Due to distance reunions are done in wakes and weddings :-) which are always happy occasions. In my family, every reunion is a happy event even if it is a funeral!

Life is indeed a process of blooming and fading . . .
This beautiful orchid has remained in bloom for a month now.
I marvel at its beauty and resilience to the heat.
If it can do that why should I not?

Now I take the opportunity to express my sincerest appreciation for all your love and prayers for my healing. I try to include all of you in my prayers too and I whisper soft healing energies to every one, anywhere you are, at any time zones, for we are always in connection . . .

Have a happy week!

7 comments:

Lisa Gordon said...

Oh Lui, this is such wonderful news!!!
I am so happy for you, sweet friend.
xoxoxoxoxoxox.

DeniseinVA said...

My heart is happy to hear this good news Lui. You are always in my thoughts and prayers. Big hugs to you and all your dear little hounds in heaven :) Hugs and kisses heading your way my dear friend xoxoxoxox

Maia T said...

I'm so happy that you feel better dear.
What a cute little puppy you have in your lap there, it is of great help with stress relief as well.
Hugs and kisses.

Viola said...

I'm so glad you are healthy and strong going and that things seem to be all right with you! :)
Lovely blog post, I had to read again and again.. It made me thonk, smile, reflect, and even worried..
So good that Sweepy and Hughes lies by your feet, it's real love, and I'm glad they take care of you, and you of them :)
This fruit I have never heard of.
I should start and eat more fruits again, for the last periods I've drunken a lot of energy drinks -sugar :(
I as you have a slim body and people do not see I gain weight..

Love viola :)
and Pusa '')____

Viola said...

I'm so glad you are healthy and strong going and that things seem to be all right with you! :)
Lovely blog post, I had to read again and again.. It made me thonk, smile, reflect, and even worried..
So good that Sweepy and Hughes lies by your feet, it's real love, and I'm glad they take care of you, and you of them :)
This fruit I have never heard of.
I should start and eat more fruits again, for the last periods I've drunken a lot of energy drinks -sugar :(
I as you have a slim body and people do not see I gain weight..

Love viola :)
and Pusa '')____

Viola said...

Well..
My comment came twice... :^.

january said...

that is chesa fruit (tiesa in my hometown), we used to have one in our backyard when i was growing up but i never liked the taste. :(

i'm happy to hear all the good news about your heath, try also guyabano leaves. my folks is boiling it as substitute to coffee and tea these days.

the hounds all look happy and healthy, happy weekend to everyone in heaven!