They are keeping me in the hospital

 Update, they are keeping me, I have another infection (diverticulitis), another mass that wasn’t picked up during my colonoscopy in August in my sigmoid. They have to move my cancer removal (right side) operation further out to let me heal unless there is an emergency. I have had two different cat scans, a leg ultrasound, blood, and urine taken. Had new specialists, teams of specialists, surgical teams, and most of my Drs checking in on me, either by phone or actually visiting, even those who don’t practice here. I feel I am in good hands and blessed. The road isn’t always easy but glad to be taking this journey with Jesus by my side.

Sent to the ER

     I wasn't feeling well when I saw the Gastroenterologist last Tuesday, they were hoping it was just the new foods introduced causing my colon to work harder but it has gotten progressively worse even with going back to a low residue diet, so they want me to go to the ER at Albany Medical Center just in case. My daughter is on her way to take me.

    While I am waiting for my daughter to pick me up to go to the Er. I thought I would update the plan. Like I said I saw my Gastroentrolgist last Tuesday and that visit went ok, it was just talking about our next steps with them, our next appointment, what to do if I get sick, and setting up an appointment for Dennis to be seen next time we go in. Just so you know the age is 45 now not 50 to get a colonoscopy.         

Wednesday the surgeon's office called to set up testing to see just where the cancer is and if it has spread. Thursday my surgeon called to let us know that the second pathologist confirmed that it is Cancer and wanted to set up my operation date for early October.

    His plan is to use the robot to do my operation if applicable, which is also depending on if the Gynocologist wants my ovaries removed, or if I have a bleed or any other complications, I might lose my colon and end up with a bag, then he would have to do a larger incision. I also have to go for an ultrasound of my legs to check for any blood clots before the surgery as well as having a covid test.

    As of right now I also have to go into the hospital 2 days prior to the operation so that they can start my IV for my bleeding disorder. They are going on at least a nine-day stay with no complications. Of course, right now with me not feeling well I might just be in there until I heal after the big operation so I, Dennis, or my daughter Nesie will be updating everyone as much as they can when I am unable to. I am taking my phone, tablet, and charging cords so I can update as much as I can. Keep the prayers coming. Hugs.

Health Update

 Between homeschooling, family day, Narnia Night, and having my granddaughter over for the weekend, we have been super busy. Also, we were hit with a lot of information and are still sorting things out. First of all, when they find cancer they like to come up with a plan within the first 30 days. Because of my other health issues, it will take a bit more time to sort out.

I have to get my Gynecologist to contact my Surgeon to see what his plan for the growth on my ovaries will be. When and if they cut me they want it to be once. My biopsies have been sent to a second pathologist for more testing. Also, I have to have more tests to make sure my cancer has not spread. They don't want to do anything with my diverticulitis right now unless it is an emergency and I was told I could eat anything as the seeds, nuts, etc are only a myth (so many Dr.'s and patients disagree with this).

We talked about weight loss surgery but we have kept food diaries in the past and I eat less than most people so my weight gain doesn't match my intake, so maybe more movement is needed which has gotten seriously less over the last 13 years due to pain from my fibromyalgia, back, and of course more weight gain from not moving as much. There just isn't an easy answer to all of this. To be quite honest it seems like we don't have all of the information we need yet. So until the Dr.'s talk, the results from the pathology come back, and I get more testing we are at a standstill.

I am sorry I don't have any better news, my health issues just make it extremely hard for the Dr.'s to come up with a plan to treat or medicate me. I hope to have more of an update in the coming weeks. I am scared, this isn't easy on me or my family. We are just praying and taking one day at a time, enjoying the time we have together, and finding joy in each day, until we can take the next step. Thank you to everyone who keeps asking how we are doing and for updates. Keep the prayers coming. Hugs.

Lots of phone calls

     Today I was able to talk to my gynecologist, hematologist, and my Surgeon. I am set up for the ultrasound on my ovaries where they found a growth last year in July for early September and my appointment for mid-September with my gynecologist.

    They are getting the scans from my Gastroenterologist. My Hematologist is reviewing the paperwork and has set me up with the best Oncologist they have, they will be calling tomorrow with my appointments. My Surgeon had more information but still not all of it, she wants it all from day one but has come up with a plan where I am going to see the Surgeons from Albany Med as they have the resources I will need after the operation no matter what they run into.

    She said I will have 24/7 nurses and doctors on hand until after I am out of the woods. I am just a complicated case they need to pay close attention to. I now know where my cancer is but not how far along I am other than the cancer is still in the wall of my colon so we need to get it out soon. The Cancer is on my right side below my gall bladder. They may have to take my whole large intestine but I will update you as we know more. Thank you to everyone who has been calling, texting, and most importantly praying.

Saw the Surgeon on Friday

     I have been meaning to update everyone it's just been hard. Thursday Night my Dr. called with the biopsy results. I have Cancer in my Colon and they aren't a 100% they got it all. Friday I had my appointment with my Surgeon and that was just a mess. She didn't have any of the information she should have had and the Cancer really changes things up.

    Where she thought we could wait has turned into we have to do this so she needed the updated Scans etc to be able to let me know what their office could do if anything. More or less she said operating on me is very dangerous and it could shorten my lifespan considerably if I were to even make it through. Not what I wanted to hear but will listen to what she has to say on Monday.

Of course, I am going to get a second opinion because I just can't go into an operation with someone who is already doubting what they are capable of. On a good note, I was able to leave a message with my Hematologists office as she is also an Oncologist. They left a message that they will call on Monday as well. Please keep my children, my husband, and myself in your prayers.

How I am feeling and a few funnies

     My throat is feeling better today, but just in case I am only eating a soft food diet for a few days to give those metal tabs in my esophagus and colon a bit more time to heal before hitting it with the hard food.

    I thought someone might want to hear about the funny things I remember saying while they were doing my surgery. " You Guys are Awesome" "Excuse Me" (I must have burped or let some gas out) "Look at all of the pretty shapes" (I must have woken up a bit and saw the screens) " That is trippy" (All I remember is swirling colors like tye dye) "Weee" (I think this is when they spun me around to do my other procedure)

Home resting

 I am home in a bit of discomfort but resting. God moved in the situation. Thankfully the Dr. who was there was able to finish if he hadn’t been there they wouldn’t have been able to. He is the one called when something like what was in me is found. They didn’t see it on the scans. I have special surgical clips working with my bleeding medication to keep me from bleeding while I heal.

This is not over yet they sent my biopsies and removals to pathology stat to have them tested. I have damage in both my esophagus and colon as well as what they call a torturous sigmoid. The biggest removal was precancerous 100% but it could also be cancerous which is why they have the stat testing on it.

While in there the Dr. had to cut and resection different parts of me together. I see the other surgeon on Friday, my gastroenterologist in two weeks, and have to go through this all again in 3 months depending on the pathology report. Keep me and my family in your prayers, please.

All ready for my procedures

 I wanted to be more clear about my operation/procedures tomorrow. I am having a colonoscopy and endoscopy. They want to rule out cancer, as well as check things to make sure they have a clear picture to know just how much of my colon will need to be removed. I see a Surgeon on Friday to talk about my Sigmoid removal to hopefully get rid of the diverticulitis. This is something they found back when they did my emergency appendectomy back in 2018, it has just taken time, compounded diagnosis, and then finally infection on top of infection to get the doctors all on the same page. It has just become dangerous to my life for this to continue so it is time to take care of things. Please keep me in your thoughts as you go about your day tomorrow.

My first Telehealth call

 Just had my telehealth call with my Hematologist and I will be going for more tests next week and a possible iron infusion based on those test results. She gave me a rundown of what I will be given for my operations and that there will be an extra med on board to help me, as well as making sure they have enough of my blood on hand. In our family, my 4th biological child is the only one who can give me blood as she hasn't tested positive for any of my blood diseases and has the same blood type as me, so we always have her on call when I need to go to the hospital just in case. We have other children with the same blood type as me but can't give blood or donate organs because of our blood disorders. Those who don't have my blood disorders all give blood as often as they can, I just can't have their blood. Getting closer to having my procedures done so we can find out what needs to come out so I don't have all of these infections from diverticulitis.

Keeping Step

Fitness trackers seem to be everywhere and to be honest I have been against them because of the high prices I don't know how people afford all of these high priced items. I really don't. I won a nice fitness tracker a few months back falling in love  and really wanted to get some for my girls. I wanted an affordable but quality product. 

Trendy Pro wanted my daughter to try their's out which is slotted for both children and adults alike. This fits my youngest daughter who is 11 as well as my grand daughter who is 7 and surprisingly even fits my husband large wrist on the very last slots. We usually have to buy special bands to fit his big wrists so this is amazing in itself. 

So with the Trendy Pro Fitness Tracker set you will get one rechargeable fitness tracker one black band and the choice of  an extra band a wall charger but I just charge ours in our computer, a instruction manual, this tracker is super easy to set up, and a double sided reward chart to get you started on counting your steps. 

What I love most about this tracker is the ease of setting up. I could do it all on my own without my husband's tech help.  The next best thing would be tracking the sleep. Don't judge please this was a weekend and we were up super late but I am able to see exactly when she goes to sleep and gets up in the morning. 

Yes it is a bit like spying but I get to see my girls sleep quality and hers is pretty good. On the other hand I have to talk to my Dr. about mine I am yet to hit more then an hour of deep sleep in over months of monitoring my sleep. My sleep is mostly in the awake sleep. Oddly enough I dream every night so as soon as I hit REM I must dream like there is no tomorrow.

As for her steps well she hits well over 10,000 steps without blinking an eye so we don't have to worry about that, as for me I am have not been working and am now disabled and my steps are no where near 10,000 but I am working on getting more steps each and every day. Some days I don't reach my goal but by the end of the week I usually reach my weekly goals so it all evens out. I raise my goal each week so together as a family these fitness trackers are making a difference. 

So my final decision on Fitness trackers in general is to shop around there are great  fitness bands out there like this one by Trendy Pro that make the grade for dependability, affordability, and ease of use. While Trendy Pro is not made for swimming there are some out there that are make sure you take that into account if you will be using your Fitness tracker while under water. 

Check out all of the specks below. My favorite is the sedentary alert to keep you  active all day long.

Find Trendy Pro Fitness Tracker at Amazon

You can find out more about Trendy-Pro on

Website

Disclosure:  MarksvilleandMe received one or more of the products mentioned above as part of a promotion. Regardless, MarksvilleandMe only recommends products or services we use personally and believe will be good for our readers. Some of the links in the article may be “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive compensation.  If you would like MarksvilleandMe to review or promote a product or service please contact us at marksvilleandme@gmail.com.

Gift idea for the breastfeeding Mom

Having breastfed 5 children of my own, while encouraging others to try before giving up. I am pro breastfeeding. I do understand that some can not do it for obvious reasons such as taking medication, can't product milk, etc. I also understand those who could breastfeed before and not with their second or vice versa.

I would have loved this electric pump back in the day. I had a hand pump which was hard to use. This one is electric, can do two breasts at a time. Talk about time saving. It also has a massage function. Oh My Goodness. Where was this when I needed it.

There is a big difference from a child suckling and a machine pumping milk, but the massage function makes it more bearable. This is great for new moms, seasoned moms, and those who continue to keep their milk production up to donate their milk to babies in need.

Check out more information below.

A little more detail about pump.

Two-mode Technology After turning on, massage mode will keep 120s, then switch to suction mode. The massage mode acts as a warming-up phase to get breasts ready to initiate milk flow by continuously stimulating the breasts in a rapid pumping rhythm. After that, in suction phase, the pumping rhythm becomes slower to maximize the milk flow.9 Adjustable Suction Levels There are 9 suction levels to adjust, from level 1 to level 9, the suction is rising. Users can choose the most comfortable level and the level mostly fit her baby’s feeding pattern. Moreover, the intelligent breast pump has a memory function which automatically switches to the optimum suction level (current setting) after the massage.Isolated System A hygienic isolated system ensures the milk won’t go backward to tubing or motor and protect the main machine. It also prevents bacteria and mold from breeding and let the baby drink clean and hygienic milk.Measurable Milk Production Moms are not sure about whether the amount of their breast milk is enough for their babies when feeding them. Using Gland breast pumps, you can clearly see how much breast milk you produce with the scale on the bottle. 

Check out my un-boxing below.



This breast pump can be found below.

Disclosure:  MarksvilleandMe received one or more of the products mentioned above as part of a promotion. Regardless, MarksvilleandMe only recommends products or services we use personally and believe will be good for our readers. Some of the links in the article may be “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive compensation.  If you would like MarksvilleandMe to review or promote a product or service please contact us at marksvilleandme@gmail.com.

Hydration while running

My girls are pretty active in the spring, summer, and fall, between walking, running, playing, and biking. I am forever telling them to drink water, to re-hydrate themselves. Still they come in most of the time really thirsty. We have tons of water bottles but they either lose them or forget them. So I needed a way to make sure that their drinks were literally on their body.

Along came our first running belt with water bottles and the idea took off. Now they have a spot for their music, some money, and for their water. Now I can be sure that they will have hydration for as long as the bottles hold out.

What I like about this belt is that it has two pockets. The water bottles are kind of small but this is for my youngest daughter and should last her a good bike ride or while she is playing with friends. In the pocket we can fit a snack, and any other little things she would like to take with her. Since the water bottles are attached I don't have to worry about loss as much as before.

The downside to this pouch is that it is quite small even at it's largest size so that people who are bigger like me have no chance of actually wearing it for fitness. If I can find a company that makes them big enough for my size I would be really happy but for now knowing my girls will have what they need with them while they are at play or exercising is good enough for me.

The Fun Fitness hydration belt can be found on my link below.

You can find out more about Fun Fitness Group on:

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Disclosure:  MarksvilleandMe received one or more of the products mentioned above as part of a promotion with Tomoson and Fun Fitness. Regardless, MarksvilleandMe only recommends products or services we use personally and believe will be good for our readers. Some of the links in the article may be “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive compensation.  If you would like MarksvilleandMe to review or promote a product or service please contact us at marksvilleandme@gmail.com.

Hayes-Alan Sensory Chew Brick

These sensory chew bricks from Hayes-Alan have several uses. Mainly made for those with ADHD, autism, and oral needs, but can also be used for teething babies. I love how the necklace is adjustable from a small neck to a large neck. It has three textures. One is like that of a building brick but thing soft. One has little tiny nubs, and the last is just a smooth surface. These are made of non-toxic silicone, are BPA free and have a little flex to them which makes it perfect for bending back and forth. Much more quite then clicking a pen in and out I can vouch for that one. 

If you are interested or have a need for something like this in your or a loved ones life you can find them at my link below.

Disclosure:  MarksvilleandMe received one or more of the products mentioned above as part of a promotion with Tomoson and Hayes-Alan. Regardless, MarksvilleandMe only recommends products or services we use personally and believe will be good for our readers. Some of the links in the article may be “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive compensation.  If you would like MarksvilleandMe to review or promote a product or service please contact us at marksvilleandme@gmail.com.

#NutraEdge

Shaker bottles like this one from NutraEdge  with a blender ball make mixing nutritional drinks a breeze. I love the size which is 20.5 oz perfect for making smoothies in as well. The snug and secure top is really nice too no messes when it falls over when screwed on and spout is closed. 

Take your bottle with you for on the go hydration or nutrition. This bottle from NutraEdge can be found at my affiliate link below.

Find out more about NutraEdge on:

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Disclosure:  MarksvilleandMe received one or more of the products mentioned above as part of a promotion with Tomoson and NutraEdge. Regardless, MarksvilleandMe only recommends products or services we use personally and believe will be good for our readers. Some of the links in the article may be “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive compensation.  If you would like MarksvilleandMe to review or promote a product or service please contact us at marksvilleandme@gmail.com.

ASOONYUM Ankle Support

My daughter has been asking me to get a ankle support for her but everytime we got one she wasn't happy with it. When we got this one from Asoonyum my daughter said this is the one. She can easily get it on and off, it is machine washable, and reusable. I love that it is adjustable and gives my daughter relief. She loves that it can be worn with bare feet as well as with flip flops, and sneakers. She does suggest that when wearing shoes you might need to loosen your laces a bit for best comfort level. 

As a mom I am just glad we found a ankle support that works for her. This ankle support can be used for sprains, post-op recovery, arthritis, and to help with foot fatigue. 

The Asoonyum ankle support can be found at my affiliate link below.

Disclosure:  MarksvilleandMe received one or more of the products mentioned above as part of a promotion with Tomoson and Asoonyum. Regardless, MarksvilleandMe only recommends products or services we use personally and believe will be good for our readers. Some of the links in the article may be “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive compensation.  If you would like MarksvilleandMe to review a product or service please contact us at marksvilleandme@gmail.com. 

LLOP 5 in 1 Mirrored Swimming Goggles

* Some of the links in the article may be “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive compensation.

Getting ready for summer for us means new goggles and other swim gear to keep us going all summer long. This set from LLOP is great because you get a great set that will keep you going pretty much all summer. I love the waterproof pouch for keeping electronics safe. My daughter loves the goggles, my husband the ear plugs. The cap is great for keeping your colored or natural hair healthy. Chlorine can really take a toll on hair.

The goggles are adjustable for head size as well as nose size so you can get the fit that is right for your personal needs. Swimming and having fun is great when you have the products to keep you doing it longer.

Package Include:

1 Pc Swimming Goggles

3 Pcs interchangeable soft nose bridge

1 Pc Free Reversible Swimming Cap

1 Pc Protective Case

1 Pc Free Nose Clip

1 Pc Free Ear Plugs

1 Pc Free Waterproof phone case

The LLOP 5 in 1 Mirrored Swimming Goggles are available at my affiliate link below.

Disclosure:  MarksvilleandMe received one or more of the products mentioned above as part of a promotion with Tomoson and LLOP. Regardless, MarksvilleandMe only recommends products or services we use personally and believe will be good for our readers. Some of the links in the article may be “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive compensation.  If you would like MarksvilleandMe to review a product or service please contact us at marksvilleandme@gmail.com.

Smart Weigh Bathroom Scale

* Some of the links in the article may be “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive compensation.  

As a family having a bathroom scale comes into use fairly often. When the kids have stomach bugs we check their weight to make sure they haven't lost too much weight, and check everyone's weight from time to time to make sure as in my husband's case and my own we are losing while the girls are doing well themselves. 

What I like about this smart weigh scale is that it has a wider base for us larger folks so you don't feel like you are on a balancing beam. This scale also goes to 440 lbs which is more then generous for our family to use. The scale can keep track of up to 8 users and works on 4 AAA batteries which are included, just pull the plastic tab on back of unit to put the scale into use. It can weigh in both lbs and kilograms which is nice for those who are used to that. 

This Smart Weigh scale can be found at my affiliate link below.

Disclosure:  MarksvilleandMe received one or more of the products mentioned above as part of a promotion with Tomoson and Smart Weigh. Regardless, MarksvilleandMe only recommends products or services we use personally and believe will be good for our readers. Some of the links in the article may be “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive compensation.  If you would like MarksvilleandMe to review a product or service please contact us at marksvilleandme@gmail.com. 

ComfiLife Orthopedic Knee Pillow

* Some of the links in the article may be “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive compensation.  

Being a side sleeper I have to put a pillow between my legs. I have been wanting a pillow like this one from ComfiLife for quite sometime. This pillow can be put between the upper or lower legs depending on your needs. This pillow is made from memory foam with a zippered cover that can be washed and hung to dry when needed. 

Side sleepers everywhere like me who have back pain, or those are pregnant will be thankful for a pillow like this. As a person with arthritis of the lower lumbar a pillow like this can be the difference between a good day or a day filled with pain. I still have bad days but they are just from flair ups, weather changes, or my Fibromyalgia.

The ComfiLife Orthopedic Knee Pillow can be found at my affiliate link below.

You can find out more about ComfiLife on:

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Disclosure:  MarksvilleandMe received one or more of the products mentioned above as part of a promotion with Tomoson and ComfiLife. Regardless, MarksvilleandMe only recommends products or services we use personally and believe will be good for our readers. Some of the links in the article may be “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive compensation.  If you would like MarksvilleandMe to review a product or service please contact us at marksvilleandme@gmail.com. 

TakeYour Medicine

* Some of the links in the article may be “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive compensation.  

Do you often forget to take a dose of your medication or do you know someone who needs reminding? Then this item might be right for you. First of all I want to suggest that if there are children who will be in the home at any time that this be kept out of their reach. The lock is really easy to use. 

This Medicine reminder takes 2 AAA batteries which are not included. You set the alarm to go off up to 6 times but remember this is in Military time so you are able to set it correctly the first time. The directions are pretty straight forward although I think the 3 second is much more like 6 seconds if you ask me. 

I always remember my morning or night medication but often if and when I have to take something else like and antibiotic then I need a reminder to take those other doses, and this item has been keeping me on time for taking my medication. I recently had a part of my wisdom tooth break off, causing an infection, and then was pulled out. I am in the healing stages, stitches come out late next week. This medication reminder came just in time to keep me on schedule with taking my medication on time. 

The Ddidak Medicine reminder with alarm can be found at my affiliate link below.

Disclosure:  MarksvilleandMe received one or more of the products mentioned above as part of a promotion with Tomoson and Ddidak. Regardless, MarksvilleandMe only recommends products or services we use personally and believe will be good for our readers. Some of the links in the article may be “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive compensation.  If you would like MarksvilleandMe to review a product or service please contact us at marksvilleandme@gmail.com. 

Beautyer Blackhead Remover Kit

* Some of the links in the article may be “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive compensation. 

Boy my mom would have loved to have these back in the day when she would have to work on my fathers back after a long day on the farm. We deal with acne, boils, pimples, blisters, and the like here in our home and these little tools really save time and money.

I do suggest watching a few videos and as always check with your Dr. before doing anything medical to your body. When using these make sure you start with a clean surface and make sure to sanitize thoroughly after each use. I love that this comes in a nice padded case to keep your tools separated and safe between use. 

The Beautyer Blackhead 5 piece remover kit can be found at my affiliate link below. 

Disclosure:  MarksvilleandMe received one or more of the products mentioned above as part of a promotion with Tomoson and Beautyer. Regardless, MarksvilleandMe only recommends products or services we use personally and believe will be good for our readers. Some of the links in the article may be “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive compensation.  If you would like MarksvilleandMe to review a product or service please contact us at marksvilleandme@gmail.com.