Time to Change..... The Use of My Terminology!

Most of you are probably thinking, what is the MDN Re-growth? First of all, don’t make fun of my little drawing there…I did the best I could with PowerPoint, the software isn't great for freeform drawing (haha!!). 

Secondly, It’s been a while since I’ve discussed my progress with this new drug Riutxan. As many of you may know, I have been on several treatments in the past and all of them have worked the first 6 months then fail to continue working. I have to say none of the treatments have been able to achieve what Riutxan has (I'm still left with symptoms of the disease which means the diseased cells are still alive, but the duration of a flare is sometimes shorter).  Despite the improvement with this new drug, I’m beginning to experience another “apparently failed drug.” 

I have come up with a theory and a possible resolution behind this process which I would like to share with you and plan on talking about it with my doctor. I’m always making the statement “The Disease Tends to find its Way Around... Around What?” Many cancer patients also tend to make this statement. As I’ve gauged my disease from many subjective and objective angles, I’m starting to realize and understand what could be happening and why. The disease isn’t finding its way around anything…it’s THERE!!! It’s the medicine that has been empowered and trusted to kill off the bad cells, it doesn't just inadvertently "dodge" a diseased cell or cells. As I’ve uncovered  in previous post, if you were to stretch out all of your cells in your body it would equate to 160,000 thousand miles of blood vessels, so it’s very difficult to cover each and every diseased cell ground. 

As you can see in the MDN Re-growth Diagram above, the yellow part of the cell is the disease, the red part is the “normal” blood vessels and the blue circles are the drug attacking the cells. With that being said, your cells multiply very quickly and if enough drug isn’t given at one time it doesn’t kill off enough of the bad cells which means we have a  multiplied re-growth of Behcet’s cells. It isn’t the drug not working…it’s the cells within the body that quickly form and generate, causing the symptoms to progressively grow stronger.  The reason why Riutxan has worked best is because “MORE” drug is given at one time with this particular treatment, killing off more of the diseased cells.

So the resolution would be???

Happy B-day Daddy!

Inside of my Dad's 1941 Ford Pick-up Truck

As the wheels of life turn ever so quickly, taking us down volatile, winding roads that change the landscapes we try to improve and regulate so carefully, the inevitable end so faithfully occurs. But the memories stained deep within always remain and eases the pain. Oh daddy, how I wished I could have been at the wheel and in control of the little diversion your life took, so that you could enjoy the landscapes on the roads I have and will travel, and if whomever is in charge, has allowed you to see more beauty and all the roads I have and will travel through a much happier, beautiful, insightful perspective.

Dad I wish you the happiest B-day cause I know you're celebrating it! I wished you were here so I could celebrate it with you and you could enjoy your grandchildren. You would be so proud of them.


I love you daddy!

Do Trinidadians Know the Secret to a Happier Life?

Americans should be endeavoring to look further south/east, rather than the typical location - inside our pocket books or bank statements for happiness these days.  With the current economic climate bringing down more than just our spirits, we must find new ways to make our life happier and fulfilling.

I had the best conversation today with these women who were from Trinidad, which is along the Caribbean Sea. This young woman was talking to her friends about how much happier people are in that country than in America. I could not help but  intrude and began to question her to the reasons behind this precious gift they acquire. After all, I believe the ideology of the "American Dream" is in question and becoming somewhat obsolete as we speak! No I'm not talking about going on a vacation to some exotic island in the Caribbean, or moving to a foreign country! We just may need to adopt or improve a newer motto or at least take some lessons from these folks.  

Americans Are Judgmental

This reason really threw me for a loop (I just had this conversation with Nancy my BFF). I then began to question her on why she thinks  American’s are like this. Her answer was extremely simple, “Because they have never had to endure poverty level hard times like the people from third world countries do.” Trinidad is poor but nowhere near the “Third world country” status other fellow countries are. They have all the amenities American’s have but the work is limited which is what Americans are starting to experience. They have a sense of unity because they have had to work “Together” to make it through hard times. Pulling together as a community instead of looking down on someone for what they have lost or don’t have is an important part of being a happier person! I laughed because on a previous post, I had talked about volunteering for something to help our fellow Americans. Creating a unity in America and helping people instead of judging them for their faults and reasons why they are in whatever unfavorable position they may be in!


Maturity

Another reason was lots of Americans are very immature! I then told her, “This is why I love old people, because as we age we do become less judgmental, more compassionate and caring.” That’s why you see so many older folks that do volunteer work. But if we could tap into this maturity level earlier in life, maybe we can knock some years off of our life and look more youthful, happier and healthier!

This reason didn’t surprise me! I think there are lots of immature individuals in America…and it’s because they’ve never had to struggle in life or go through hard times! And if they did struggle and go through hard times and still look down on others than they must have some sort of spirtual-disconnetion from God!!

Resolution

So my question to her was, “Do you still associate with these types of people whom are disconnected from life or God, even if they are disconnected or have these big differences and issues?” Her resolved candid answer was, “ABSOLUTELY!” That is the key! It doesn’t matter the differences rather its; social, race or religion, we should all try lending our hearts and help be a good friend to all Americans!

If your judging....you're "Immaturely Worrying" about why that person isn't acting or doing things the way you think they should which is presumptions and premature on your part! I know I'm guilty of this! Because in life what goes up ultimately comes down in some respects...full circle!

Celebrate LIFE...Don't worry be HAPPY!

I'm going to have a new bumper sticker made that reads, "Achieving the American Dream.... TOGETHER.  Lending an Unbiased Helping Hand!"

February 10, 2009

I’ve been listening to this popular radio station - 106.1 Kidd in the mornings for two decades now. I love listening to this station because they are so funny and they typically have some great views. Last week Kidd created this quest inspired by Obama’s volunteer work (painting someone’s house the night before the inauguration and continuing with his volunteer work even after becoming President). Kidd asked his listeners to dedicate February 10, 2009 as “My Turn Day” a day to commit to volunteer to do something for someone or an organization, something that isn’t just about you! No matter how much time, just volunteer to do something, post it on your blog and talk about what you’re endeavoring to do and have committed to.

I always thought volunteer work shouldn't be bragged about! Therefore, I typically keep quite about this type of thing. But I think, Kidd's right,  if other people realize others are giving back to society, it could help other people want to give back as well creating a worldwide unity in America.

While listening, I thought about Mike’s grandmother, aunts, his cousin Ricky and my mother-in-law. These guys deserve an award! They constantly do volunteer work. They devote their time, money and life to the Moose. Ricky volunteers for his church, every year he takes clothes and food to the homeless. They are definitely inspiring individuals and I’m sure they will be awarded for it! I just want to tell them thanks for setting an example!

Mike and I joined and we endeavor to commit to this organization as much as we can but we aren’t even close to the time and efforts Mike’s family contributes to this organization. We need more members to keep our section open and going as well (this is something the two of us are working on).  The donations from the Moose organization go to children and elders; Moose Heart and Moose Haven. It’s a fantastic organization to join. I had my fund raiser a couple of weeks ago and I made floral arrangements to donate and raise money for the Health Awareness Committee which is what I’m on and this money went towards the Moose Heart fund (I raised $230.00 dollars to donate…it felt really good to do that for someone!).

A couple of the members which attended my fundraiser really liked my floral arrangements, so they asked me how much I would charge them to make one for their church to put in front of the altar! This was my volunteer work. I made it for them to take to the church and  did not charge them. They were so happy with it! I gave it to them on Saturday.

What’s your contribution to society, what can you commit to? Once you have committed to something; Blog it, Facebook it, Myspace it...etc on February 10, 2009. If you have already committed to something go ahead and post early like I have so that more people will be prepared on February 10, 2009. Thanks for your help!

The 3 H’s of the 56th Change In History

History

This inauguration was definitely history in the making! I wouldn’t have missed the entertainment and this great time in history for nothing! Of course it would have been wonderful to be there in person, but I think the journalist did a great job of bringing the feel of the crowd and the feel of the monumental moment to our own living room. Here are my 3 H thoughts on the event:

From The Heads

Ms. Franklin sung her little head off to her “special version” of Let Freedom Ring! But the hat on her head was a definite conversation piece. No doubt this had to be planned and if it wasn’t it should have been for underlying meanings! My initial reaction was, “what a cute bow hat!” But then I thought the hat was just an improved version of a now iconic woman on a condiment bottle my daughter loves to poor over her pancakes for breakfast...improvement is grand!

To The Hands

I loved the new first lady’s dress but who in the heck picked-out those ugly green gloves she wore on her hands with that beautiful mustard color dress? It destroyed the whole look and credibility of her style.

Like the hands from most fidgety 10 year olds, Obama's daughter Malia’s hands stayed very, very busy.....videoing and taking pictures of her father the whole time. I was very impressed with her maturity and interest in capturing every moment of her father’s success. The next journalist in the making mark my words!

The cellist, Yo-Yo Ma, had hands that could master anything! In my opinion, this was the best entertainment aside from the heart felt speech and the look on Obama’s face as he walked down the hall to enter the National Mall.

For Our Hearts

Witnessing the large sea of people at the National Mall was defiantly monumental and heart stopping ...photography perfect!

Despite trying to keep a stoic look, while walking through the hall, to make his way out to the crowd at the National Mall, Obama exposed his emotions and how he felt on the inside. I could see the seriousness in his heart and it wasn’t hard to predict the outline and outcome of his heart felt speech to our battered but never broken Americans.

Go America!!

Hormones and the Cardiovascular System

Researching the affects of a hormone replacement on my cardiovascular system is a very complex research study. For me specifically, due to the various drugs I have to take and my illness itself, I’m definitely not the ideal candidate for this type of research study. They would throw me out the door on my ear, if I even tried to apply for this type of study at an actual study site.

I have used several different approaches while gathering the data to come to this conclusion, one of the most important is the Physician’s Package Insert for Activella estradiol. Some of the issues I’ve looked into that could possibly be a major factor in the lowering of my blood pressure and heart rate are as follows:


Metabolism

Estrogen Therapy Increases Thyroid-binding globulin

Blood Pressure

Thromboembolic Disorders

Adverse Reactions


Of course, all of these issues are faced issues with auto-immune diseases (Behcet’s patients) as well as people whom are on chemotherapy, steroids or biological therapy drugs. So you can see why, for me specifically, it’s near impossible to gather up accurate data. Even a seasoned research associate or doctor would struggle with the proof in data needed to determine if the estradiol was causing the lowered blood pressure and low heart beat readings.

In conclusion the best approach for proof would be – monitoring and recording my heart rate while exercising and at rest. I’m going to do this for several weeks and then I will start taking estradiol for a month and record the readings, to see, if in fact, there is any difference between the readings pre and post estradiol and endeavor to report back to you.