NEDenise Downer Alert!

[NEDenise]

Friends,
Once again, I don't know how I'd cope without you all!
First, Lien - I do feel better after I eat... the effect is almost instantaneous.
Rhonda - my memory, comprehension, and thinking are definitely being affected.

I so appreciate the fact that you all think this has to be figured out quickly "because I deserve it!" Thanks you guys!

So... today I went downtown for my regular Herceptin infusion.
But... for the first time in well over a year, I felt so terrible today that not only couldn't I drive myself... I wasn't even able to walk steadily enough not to fall down. It made me feel sad, sick and dependent. NOT feelings I like.
Fortunately my WONDERFUL husband dropped everything (as he is always willing to do) and became my caretaker.

Apparently, now my malady options are...
~minor heart failure... so no Herceptin for me till we get a new echo next week.
~progression of 'disease' into my cerebro spinal fluid... so no peace of mind for me until after a lumbar puncture next week.
~systemic infection... all kinds of blood cultures sent out today.
~cortisol/adrenal/thyroid problems... more blood and urine samples sent out today.

They've also pushed my restaging CTs up 2 months... just to be sure something isn't going on inside that no one noticed yet.

They actually wanted to admit me today for all these tests! But seriously... tomorrow's Friday. I don't want to be stranded there all weekend because they couldn't get everything done tomorrow. So I declined with the understanding that if the symptoms got worse, or anything new popped up... I'd go right to their ER.

Thanks again everybody! Oh! and Caroline - I'll definitely be calling to pick your brain! Just as soon as I can stay awake and feel human enough to chat.
And, Andi... you know I'm hanging on! It's just so hard when I feel so blechy all the time.
Please keep the prayers storming heaven!
Love,
Denise

[Andrea Barnett Budin]

Well, I loved Rhonda's post!!! LOTS of great info in there!


Adrenal Support Recommendation Sheet

I read that obviously being stressed out (which you must be physically and psychologically/emotionally) is a cause for burned out adrenals.

AND -- among other factors -- WITHDRAWAL FROM STEROIDS -- can knock out your adrenals!!!!!!!! Hmmm....

Denise, I've been scouring the Internet re adrenal support for you. There are things you can do to help the process of bucking up your adrenals, rather than just waiting for them to heal!!! EMPOWERING, RIGHT???!!!!!!!!!!!!!

WedMD, Dr. Oz, and more... They all seem to agree on a few supplements:

ASTRAGALUS (which I take w/Thymulus) to boost my immune system.
B COMPLEX (which I take B1, B2, B3, B5, B6 and B-12)
C with bioflavonoids
TYROSINE (I take every morning along w/B-12 lozenge -- or I
am a slug...)
MAGNESIUM (which I can't take due to IBS)
CHROMIUM (in my daily regimen)
CARNITINE (yup, I'm on that too, daily)

There are also supplements w/adrenyl extract, which you can read about. I don't use these.

DRINK LOTS OF WATER!
Eat protein, fruits, vegetables. YOU FEEL BETTER AFTER EATING! THIS IS EXCELLENT!!

Walk, even if it's in your house, as much as you possibly can, get the oxygen flowing. But hold on to walls if need be. I've been there. Do NOT fall!!!!

Laughing at Rhonda's list of symptoms. Difficulty calculating numbers -- that's a permanent condition for me!!!

Your ECHO will be fine. If not, I have stuff to help... You are fine. No progression of disease. Forget that. Peace of mind!!!!!!!!! I have you covered.

It's all about your adrenals. And you can start supplements for that NOW. I know your darling husband will be happy to go get them for you. Don't even wait to order from Vitacost.com (best quality and discount prices). Just start getting better.
Remember how loved you are, (((((((( DENISE))))))... !!!!

I absolutely echo Rhonda's words -- "I hate to see this happen to you, and I demand that you get better. I insist. It's ridiculous that your doctors aren't turning the world on its axis to find a solution, because if anyone deserves a fix, it's you."

Andi

[Andrea Barnett Budin]

AND -- I forgot -- a few mentions of:

CORDYCEPS MUSHROOM-- used for a number of ailments -- among them -- dizziness and weakness.

Strengthens immune system. Increases energy, enhances stamina, reduces fatigue.

+ bonus -- may shrink tumors!

Go for it, Denise...