Monday, March 31, 2014

Meeting with the Surgeon, March 28, 2014

After my appointment, Jason, Sam and I had a nice lunch before Jason went to work.  Sam and I came home for a nap.  A nap, most days (these days), for me is a necessity.  I say I am like a little old lady.  I eat like a bird, I tire easy, I nap daily (if possible) & I always go to be early.    

Because my appointment on Friday was a "big" one, I wanted to share a few details that I learned.  It's a blessing to me that people are interested in what is happening, are keeping up with the details & are remembering to pray for me & my family.  I want to honor that by writing enough to keep you all informed & even answering questions if you have them.   

I found so little out there from anyone in my position, I would like to put my story out there for the next young woman that finds her self in my position: sitting at her computer in desperate moments, searching for information to give her hope.  If my story can do that, it's worth me taking the time to write it down!  

My appointment with Dr. Hull today went well.  He believes that I am making the right decision to have both kidney's removed and didn't think there were any need (whatsoever) to leave one kidney in tact.  I spoke with him about my concerns about bio-chemistry and the possibility of seizures.  There is apparently no evidence that removing both would cause seizures- one of this pieces of information I got from combing the internet for information.  I know he probably almost laughed at some of my questions, but he was very gracious and answered them all with great knowledge, professionalism & confidence.  

Dr. Hull is very meticulous.  He is very straight forward & to the point.  A trait that I found gave me great confidence in his ability to perform my surgery.  He doesn't pull any punches & I like that.  He probably doesn't have the best bed side manner, I would imagine, but, that is a fair trade off, in my opinion, for his attention to detail and great expertise.  Dr. Murdock, my nephrologist (kidney specialist) who is the primary physician in charge of my care does has a wonderful bedside manor, so I believe I will have the best of both worlds.  I am very satisfied with how my "team" is coming together. 

So, Dr. Hull said (and yes, this is a quote) that I will be cut, "from stem to stern."  He wasn't kidding.  He plans to cut me from my breast bone all the way to my pubic bone.  Currently, with the size of my kidney bump, that will made the incision almost 20 inches.  Yikes!  

The good news is this.  Some surgeons take kidneys out by cutting you on the sides, across the muscle.  The way that Dr. Hull is planning on doing my surgery, he will not be cutting muscle.  He will be going though the natural linea alba.  This makes my recovery time significantly less painful & will make my hospital stay much shorter.  

1. Linea Alba- he linea alba (Latin, white line) is a fibrous structure that runs down the midline of the abdomen in humans and other vertebrates. In humans linea alba runs from the xiphoid process to the pubic symphysis.
1. Linea Alba- he linea alba (Latin, white line) is a fibrous structure that runs down the midline of the abdomen in humans and other vertebrates. In humans linea alba runs from the xiphoid process to the pubic symphysis.


He says, if all goes as planned, I will only be in the hospital for 2 to 3 days.  Although that seems unbelievable to me, I am happy for that news.  Being away from my family will be the hardest part & I am happy that I get to recover at home sooner than I had expected.  Thankfully, my Mama (who is a retired registered nurse) will be coming to stay with me for a while during my at home recovery.   

I am going to be just fine!

Side Note:  Dr. Hull will be performing my surgery robotically.  He is going to do everything possible to remove them in tact.  Plus, he will take photos of them once they come out so I can see them.  :)

Thursday, March 6, 2014

Oceans

Wednesday, March 5th, 2014, started out as normal as any day could get.  I got up and took my regular medicine and vitamins.  I had a cup of coffee and ran out the door with Jason to take Maddie and Sam to the dentist in Greenville.   Thankfully, Jason was driving because I started to feel light headed and started drifting in and out of consciousness.  We pulled off the exit at Pelham Road and I asked Jason to pull through the Hardee's parking lot to get me a biscuit.  I said, "Maybe I need to eat something and I will feel better."  So, he pulled though the drive through and got me a steak biscuit and a sprite.  I ate half of the biscuit while we found our way to the dentist's office.  When we got there I was still feeling woozy so I stayed in the car while Jason took the children in.  He opened my car door and said, "How are you feeling?"  It had been 20 minutes since went inside and I didn't know any time had passed.  I thought he had just walked around from the other side of the car!  So, he immediately called EMS and they were there in less than five minutes, where they loaded me up

Friday, The day I have dreaded for 13 years came.  The conversation with the doctor where he said,  "It's time."   Time to start dialysis.  That also meant it was time to remove both of my kidneys.  My kidneys have gotten so large (estimated at around 20 lbs) that the pain became unnecessary to bare because they aren't working well enough to keep me off of dialysis any longer.   I was overwhelmed, afraid and yet, relieved.  







"Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)"

You call me out upon the waters
The great unknown where feet may fail
And there I find You in the mystery
In oceans deep
My faith will stand

And I will call upon Your name
And keep my eyes above the waves
When oceans rise
My soul will rest in Your embrace
For I am Yours and You are mine

Your grace abounds in deepest waters
Your sovereign hand
Will be my guide
Where feet may fail and fear surrounds me
You've never failed and You won't start now

So I will call upon Your name
And keep my eyes above the waves
When oceans rise
My soul will rest in Your embrace
For I am Yours and You are mine

Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders
Let me walk upon the waters
Wherever You would call me
Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander
And my faith will be made stronger
In the presence of my Savior
[x6]

I will call upon Your Name
Keep my eyes above the waves
My soul will rest in Your embrace
I am Yours and You are mine

Sunday, March 2, 2014

Homemade Laundry Detergent


Homemade Laundry Detergent 


I must admit, I was a bit skeptical that such a small amount of detergent could actually get the laundry clean.  However, with six people in our family, we do TONS of laundry and I always felt like I was spending too much money when I would go to purchase laundry soap at the store.  So, the cost savings alone made it worth it to me to give this a try.   

Currently, I have been using this detergent for six weeks and I couldn't be happier with the results and the money savings! I waited to share this recipe because I wanted to be sure that any detergent I used really cleaned the clothing well (I want my whites to stay white!) and left them smelling fresh before I recommended it to my friends.  

This detergent costs around $25 to make and I was able to find all of the ingredients at my local discount large chain store.  

I believe, if you make and try this detergent, you will, like me, NEVER be willing to purchase it in the store again.   It's easy to make, saves you money & cleans better than any discount brand of detergent I have ever used!  


What You'll Need: 
  • 3 Bars of Fels-Naptha Laundry Bar & Stain Remover
  • 1 Box Oxygen Powered Stain Remover (36 0z) (I used the Dirty Jobs version because it was on sale, but you can use OxiClean (3 lb) if you wish)
  • 1 Box 20 Mule Team Borax (4 lbs 12 oz)
  • 1 Box Arm & Hammer Baking Soda (1 lb)
  • 1 Box Arm & Hammer Washing Soda (3 lb 7 oz)
  • 1 Large Container of Purex Crystals (55 oz) or 2 Small Containers of Downy Unstoppable's (19.5 oz) in a Scent that enjoy.
  • 1 Large Container with a Lid (I used a 2.5 gallon bucket)
  • 1 Scoop or Cup to Measure 2 Tablespoons
  • Cheese Grater 
  • Trash Bag (optional for mixing if your container isn't large enough)
  • Rubber Gloves (optional to protect your hands)

First you want to get all of your supplies and ingredients out and place them on a large work surface.  I cleared off my kitchen table, it was the perfect amount of space.  

If you are using gloves, this is a good time to put them on.  I did not use gloves and didn't have any problems, but if your hands are sensitive to soaps, you might want to wear them.  

Unwrap the three bars of Fels-Naptha and grate them finely using your cheese grater.  I used the smallest cut available, just to make the dissolving easier in the wash, but you can do whatever you feel good about.  Place all of the shredded soap in your container or trash bag. 

Next, take all of the rest of ingredients and add them to your container or bag and mix well.  This will be harder than you think to get the ingredients distributed evenly.  Keep turning it over and stirring until it looks even.  

As unbelievable as it seems, TWO TABLESPOONS really does get the laundry clean!  That has been the most impressive part to me!   When I have done extra large loads of really soiled fabrics (like when I wash our dogs towels and bed covers) I use three tablespoons, but otherwise I have purposely stuck to using only two and have not been disappointed.  

We are a family of four children, two adults and two dogs.  I am excited to see how long this batch will last.  Once I run out, I will update this blog with that information, but in 6 weeks of at least 3 loads a day, I can barely see the volume going down.  VERY pleased with this DIY!!!   

If you try this, please come back and leave comments.  I would love to know how it works for you too!  

ENJOY!