Tuesday, February 23, 2010
The Results Are In
I got a call from the doctor's office this morning! I do not have ovarian or uterine cancer. The doctor says to carry on trying to get pregnant. I took my 1st dose of Clomid soon after the call.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Fun Weekend
Well, the past week has been a lot of fun! Monday through Wednesday Branden was in Salt Lake at training, so Brax and I had a week to ourselves. Yes, we did treat ourselves to Subway one night which was wonderful. I'd actually made dinner, but put it away and served it Wednesday night. Branden and our friend Rhett went to Mesquite Thursday morning and went golfing on Falcon Ridge Golf Course, thanks to my Uncle Brian. They had a great time and enjoyed being able to spend time together!
We packed and got ready Thursday and Friday. We picked up Brax from school on Friday and headed north to Venice. We got there and went to South China for our Valentine's meal since we never went out. We let Brax go play with his friend Jordan for a few hours and that night my parents took my family, Jeremy's family, and Cara and Kincade out to Pizza Hut. It was a lot of fun, although Kennedy had been woken up to come so she was exhausted.
Saturday we went to the temple. My cousin got married Saturday morning, so we went through a session since we had babysitters and then to his dinner following. After that, we went to my cousin's in Ephraim to discuss my parent's new remodel and look at all the options and decisions. We got back later that night and headed to Glenwood to find no one home. Errol and MaeBeth went to Salt Lake to watch Tyler play. We visited with Branden's Aunt Alta and Uncle Ralph then returned to my parent's. I wasn't feeling that great so I stayed there the rest of the night and watched the Olympics. We were able to go to church in Venice and see some of our old ward members. We then went to lunch at Branden's parents and headed home soon after. The roads were pretty bad, but we made it home safely. I'm happy to be home and see the sunshine again! The following are pictures of our trip home from Venice!
We packed and got ready Thursday and Friday. We picked up Brax from school on Friday and headed north to Venice. We got there and went to South China for our Valentine's meal since we never went out. We let Brax go play with his friend Jordan for a few hours and that night my parents took my family, Jeremy's family, and Cara and Kincade out to Pizza Hut. It was a lot of fun, although Kennedy had been woken up to come so she was exhausted.
Saturday we went to the temple. My cousin got married Saturday morning, so we went through a session since we had babysitters and then to his dinner following. After that, we went to my cousin's in Ephraim to discuss my parent's new remodel and look at all the options and decisions. We got back later that night and headed to Glenwood to find no one home. Errol and MaeBeth went to Salt Lake to watch Tyler play. We visited with Branden's Aunt Alta and Uncle Ralph then returned to my parent's. I wasn't feeling that great so I stayed there the rest of the night and watched the Olympics. We were able to go to church in Venice and see some of our old ward members. We then went to lunch at Branden's parents and headed home soon after. The roads were pretty bad, but we made it home safely. I'm happy to be home and see the sunshine again! The following are pictures of our trip home from Venice!
Thursday, February 18, 2010
PCOS Information
So I talk about Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome lately, but haven't been very informative. I believe that people should be informed about new things. I have also been learning new things about the disease over the past couple weeks which make the past few years make a little more sense.
PCOS affects 1 in 15 women. It is not scientifically linked as hereditary, but is found more common in women who have a mother or sister who have it. It has shown up as early as age 11 in girls and is the most common reason for infertility in the US. The cause is unknown, but some believe that some major trauma or stress may cause the hormonal imbalance. The earlier the diagnosis, the better chance of getting it under control and reducing your risk of a lot of problems later.
Symptoms
Abnormal, irregular, or absent cycles
Acne that gets worse
Increased hair growth, in male patterns
Infertility
Poor response to insulin or build up of insulin in the body
Weight gain or obesity and trouble losing weight
Male patterned baldness
High cholesterol
High blood pressure
Patches of dark skin
Anxiety or depression
Sleep Apnea
Fatigue
Due to cycle irregularity, pregnancy symptoms occur almost monthly
Pain in the lower abdomen
Skin tags especially in the neck area
Dandruff
It can lead to diabetes or heart problems by age 40. Women with PCOS also have a 7X more likely chance of having a heart attack. Higher risk for endometrial cancer have also been found. It also increases risk of stroke and cardiovascular disease. Miscarriages are also very common.
I looked at 5 different web sites and not every one says the exact same thing. More and more research is being done because of how many lives are affected. It is one of those diseases that a lot of people don't believe it is real. They believe that it's just one of those things you make up when you can't figure out what is wrong. I am here to tell you it's real and very hard on a lot of women who have it. I even found there are web support groups to help so you don't feel alone. When people don't understand, they tend to lessen what you're really going through and so it's nice to have someone there that understands and knows what you're going through. Like I've said before it can be treated. If treatments are used properly, the symptoms and risks are lessened. Sometimes they go away completely. I am hearing of more and more women with PCOS getting pregnant. More and more research is being done also to help those of us out there that are having problems. I have come to grips with it and have found an amazing doctor. He is helping me do everything I possibly can right now.
I am also learning now about supplements that can be taken instead of medications, but the right dosage levels need to be determined with doctors before taken. There were 26 different supplements listed on pcosupport.org, but I'm not sure which ones are for what so I'll have to consult with my doctor next time I go in. I've also learned that sometimes losing 10% of your body weight may also help with symptoms, but the problem is that PCOS makes it extra difficult to get rid of those extra pounds. If you're well trained, I say go for it.
I must say I am lucky that my symptoms have not been worse, especially the hair growth. I'm very blessed to have found the doctor I have now since he specializes in hormonal regularity. I hope that this post might help people out there understand a little better and maybe someone who has the disease can learn something they don't know. I've found it fun researching and sharing it with the few people who may read my blog.
PCOS affects 1 in 15 women. It is not scientifically linked as hereditary, but is found more common in women who have a mother or sister who have it. It has shown up as early as age 11 in girls and is the most common reason for infertility in the US. The cause is unknown, but some believe that some major trauma or stress may cause the hormonal imbalance. The earlier the diagnosis, the better chance of getting it under control and reducing your risk of a lot of problems later.
Symptoms
Abnormal, irregular, or absent cycles
Acne that gets worse
Increased hair growth, in male patterns
Infertility
Poor response to insulin or build up of insulin in the body
Weight gain or obesity and trouble losing weight
Male patterned baldness
High cholesterol
High blood pressure
Patches of dark skin
Anxiety or depression
Sleep Apnea
Fatigue
Due to cycle irregularity, pregnancy symptoms occur almost monthly
Pain in the lower abdomen
Skin tags especially in the neck area
Dandruff
It can lead to diabetes or heart problems by age 40. Women with PCOS also have a 7X more likely chance of having a heart attack. Higher risk for endometrial cancer have also been found. It also increases risk of stroke and cardiovascular disease. Miscarriages are also very common.
I looked at 5 different web sites and not every one says the exact same thing. More and more research is being done because of how many lives are affected. It is one of those diseases that a lot of people don't believe it is real. They believe that it's just one of those things you make up when you can't figure out what is wrong. I am here to tell you it's real and very hard on a lot of women who have it. I even found there are web support groups to help so you don't feel alone. When people don't understand, they tend to lessen what you're really going through and so it's nice to have someone there that understands and knows what you're going through. Like I've said before it can be treated. If treatments are used properly, the symptoms and risks are lessened. Sometimes they go away completely. I am hearing of more and more women with PCOS getting pregnant. More and more research is being done also to help those of us out there that are having problems. I have come to grips with it and have found an amazing doctor. He is helping me do everything I possibly can right now.
I am also learning now about supplements that can be taken instead of medications, but the right dosage levels need to be determined with doctors before taken. There were 26 different supplements listed on pcosupport.org, but I'm not sure which ones are for what so I'll have to consult with my doctor next time I go in. I've also learned that sometimes losing 10% of your body weight may also help with symptoms, but the problem is that PCOS makes it extra difficult to get rid of those extra pounds. If you're well trained, I say go for it.
I must say I am lucky that my symptoms have not been worse, especially the hair growth. I'm very blessed to have found the doctor I have now since he specializes in hormonal regularity. I hope that this post might help people out there understand a little better and maybe someone who has the disease can learn something they don't know. I've found it fun researching and sharing it with the few people who may read my blog.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Crazy Week
Last week I posted that Braxten was sick. I took him into the doctor and he was diagnosed with strep throat. I had the doctor check me also and sure enough, I had it too. Branden came home later complaining of a sore throat. Needless to say, we are all on antibiotics. Only 2 days left and I can't wait! We stayed home Tuesday and Wednesday so life was pretty boring. Branden ended up staying home all week. On Thursday, I returned to the doctor for a uterine cancer test. Not the funnest of tests, but I guess whatever is necessary. I get my results back in another week and a half. The doctor put me back on Metformin to help with my Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome(PCOS), not diabetes. I also got back on Provera to help me start my cycle. We decided to try Clomid again since my dosage was too low previously. We're going to try all this for three months and then reevaluate. Last time we tried it, I was only on Provera and Clomid, not Metformin. I'm finally at a state in my life that I think I can handle all of this emotionally and be okay with it no matter the outcome.
Enough about me though. The weekend was a typical just hang out and have fun weekend. Honestly, I couldn't really tell you what we did except Sunday. Friday I got Brax signed up for soccer after he got home from school. We also put new racks in our garage because Branden loves having organization. Although I do have to admit, they look really nice and I like the extra space. Saturday we mostly just relaxed and cleaned a little. Branden's cousin, Gayleen and her family were in town to visit her in-laws so they stopped by. The kids played Wii while I took the parents on a tour. It was fun to see them. Sunday was church and fun with the family. After church, my visiting teacher came over and we visited for a while. At 5:30 we went over to the neighbor's for a Valentine's Dinner. It was a lot of fun. We talked and ate. The kid's played and visited. We also ended the evening playing pinochle. We played boys vs. girls. Unfortunately the girls lost, but we are looking forward to a rematch sometime soon. Yesterday was President's Day so a day off for both Brax and Branden. We mostly just hung out together. Branden did go and do flags with the Young Men. Today I got Brax signed up for t-ball and luckily the soccer and t-ball seasons don't conflict except maybe practices. He is looking forward to playing both. We are also going to attempt piano lessons. I guess we'll see how it goes. We are having a lot of fun. I love my new found friends here and am loving the 60 degree temperatures.
Enough about me though. The weekend was a typical just hang out and have fun weekend. Honestly, I couldn't really tell you what we did except Sunday. Friday I got Brax signed up for soccer after he got home from school. We also put new racks in our garage because Branden loves having organization. Although I do have to admit, they look really nice and I like the extra space. Saturday we mostly just relaxed and cleaned a little. Branden's cousin, Gayleen and her family were in town to visit her in-laws so they stopped by. The kids played Wii while I took the parents on a tour. It was fun to see them. Sunday was church and fun with the family. After church, my visiting teacher came over and we visited for a while. At 5:30 we went over to the neighbor's for a Valentine's Dinner. It was a lot of fun. We talked and ate. The kid's played and visited. We also ended the evening playing pinochle. We played boys vs. girls. Unfortunately the girls lost, but we are looking forward to a rematch sometime soon. Yesterday was President's Day so a day off for both Brax and Branden. We mostly just hung out together. Branden did go and do flags with the Young Men. Today I got Brax signed up for t-ball and luckily the soccer and t-ball seasons don't conflict except maybe practices. He is looking forward to playing both. We are also going to attempt piano lessons. I guess we'll see how it goes. We are having a lot of fun. I love my new found friends here and am loving the 60 degree temperatures.
Monday, February 8, 2010
A Little Behind
I'm usually so good to post on Sundays, but I was so tired I slept after church, made dinner, and went to bed. This past week was a lot of fun and very informative. Brax and I were sick Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday. We are not meant to be locked in the house together for that long. We were both ready for a break by Wednesday. Although, he woke up with a fever of 102 today and after medication is still at 101. I don't know what's going on with him. Branden ended up getting sick again Thursday and is finally sounding better again today. I hope it all ends soon. I'm not feeling that great again today. I think it was all the partying on the weekend.
I went to the doctor on Thursday and was given a lot more information that I needed. For those of you who don't know I was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) in September 2006 which helps explain the trouble getting pregnant. It took 2.5 years to finally figure out what was going on. I've gone through treatment and things, but nothing was helping. I was having a few health issues so I went into the doctor. They are currently checking ovarian and uterine cancer just to eliminate them. After my appointment this coming Thursday I will return to Clomid and my other previous medications. The one medication I will be on for the rest of my life because PCOS isn't curable, but treatable. It just helped me understand things a little better. I think the timing is great because I'm at a stage I can finally accept what is going and learn more about it. I don't think I was ready emotionally in the past. I'm glad to have things working out now.
The weekend was a lot of fun. There was 15 of us in our house on Friday and 18 on Saturday. I love this house and especially enjoyed the weekend because it didn't seem like that many of us were here. My sister-in-law, Christal, and her family came down to do pictures of my family and also some for my sister. We did pictures together and it was a lot of fun on Friday. That night my brother and his family also got into town and we played the Wii, had dinner, and the girls went with me to girls' night out. I got to know a few different sisters from my ward and it was fun to go out with Katie and Christal (2 sister-in-laws). Saturday was a little chaotic but fun. We were all kind of in and out as time allowed. I went shopping with Katie and actually bought myself some nice shorts, yeah me! My parents and youngest sister, Shanelle came into town Saturday as well. I actually had my whole entire family in my home and it was great! My family went to a baby sealing, blessing, and dinner that evening. It was fun to be together and share tender moments. Christal took Sydney to a Cinderella pageant and they headed home while we were still out. It was a very fun weekend and I'm so glad everyone came. I have included a few photos just because it's better to see them than read my rambling.
I also keep forgetting to include and tell people that Branden drew out for the turkey hunt in the Southern region. The hunt will take place between April 10th and 29th. I can't tell if he's excited or not, but it's one hunt I enjoy going on with him.
I went to the doctor on Thursday and was given a lot more information that I needed. For those of you who don't know I was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) in September 2006 which helps explain the trouble getting pregnant. It took 2.5 years to finally figure out what was going on. I've gone through treatment and things, but nothing was helping. I was having a few health issues so I went into the doctor. They are currently checking ovarian and uterine cancer just to eliminate them. After my appointment this coming Thursday I will return to Clomid and my other previous medications. The one medication I will be on for the rest of my life because PCOS isn't curable, but treatable. It just helped me understand things a little better. I think the timing is great because I'm at a stage I can finally accept what is going and learn more about it. I don't think I was ready emotionally in the past. I'm glad to have things working out now.
The weekend was a lot of fun. There was 15 of us in our house on Friday and 18 on Saturday. I love this house and especially enjoyed the weekend because it didn't seem like that many of us were here. My sister-in-law, Christal, and her family came down to do pictures of my family and also some for my sister. We did pictures together and it was a lot of fun on Friday. That night my brother and his family also got into town and we played the Wii, had dinner, and the girls went with me to girls' night out. I got to know a few different sisters from my ward and it was fun to go out with Katie and Christal (2 sister-in-laws). Saturday was a little chaotic but fun. We were all kind of in and out as time allowed. I went shopping with Katie and actually bought myself some nice shorts, yeah me! My parents and youngest sister, Shanelle came into town Saturday as well. I actually had my whole entire family in my home and it was great! My family went to a baby sealing, blessing, and dinner that evening. It was fun to be together and share tender moments. Christal took Sydney to a Cinderella pageant and they headed home while we were still out. It was a very fun weekend and I'm so glad everyone came. I have included a few photos just because it's better to see them than read my rambling.
I also keep forgetting to include and tell people that Branden drew out for the turkey hunt in the Southern region. The hunt will take place between April 10th and 29th. I can't tell if he's excited or not, but it's one hunt I enjoy going on with him.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Getting Ready for Valentine's
I'm trying to change the background of our blog every month just to have something different to look at, although it's hard to decide which one. Lots more fun has been going on this week. I'm just kidding, it's kind of been a slow week.
Branden was still sick on Monday, so he stayed home from work. I didn't do much other than try to take care of him. He is still coughing, but has returned to mostly normal. Tuesday, I don't really remember. Branden had YM/Scouts Tuesday night after he got home from work and they worked on building a sled for The Klondike. Wednesday, Branden went and helped coach the YM in basketball. He hasn't been playing himself due to illness. He watched Braxten on Thursday and Saturday so I could go do a few things, but Friday we spent together as a family.
We have had kids in and out of our house all week, which is a lot of fun and I enjoy it. I just love our two neighbor's kids. They are so much fun. Their names are Madison and Ethan. They are here at least 5 days a week and am very grateful that they can be. It is always fun to have them over. They are really good kids. There were a few days that we had some photo shoots, but not sure I'm going to post many of those pics on here. We also got our State tax refund on Saturday, that was a celebration, now all we need is federal and we're good to go!
Ethan and Braxten
The Moon and clouds
We sang karaoke and shot each other with dart guns on Friday night. It was a lot of fun.
As for me this past week, Brax and I went to Dairy Queen with some friends and their children. It was a lot of fun. There was six of us all together. I also went shopping Thursday morning to find a brown long-sleeve onesie for my sister, Cara. I forget that I live where they're already putting out summer clothes. Needless to say, I never found one, but ended up buying myself three new shirts for $9 with tax. Thursday was discount shopping day for me. Brax and I also went to the library and rented movies to relax and watch. It was a nice day. I played basketball that night and we won with only 5 of us. It was a good workout, but am really feeling my shin splints. Friday was another busy day. My grandpa Cowley was in St. George to see the doctor. My aunt Rosalyn, her daughter Alisha, and her grandson JJ all came along as well. They came over for lunch following the appointment and we had a good visit. We also had an appointment while they were here. We have applied to become Foster parents. We were approved and are now ready to start training. It takes 32 hours of classes to get certified. Now we only need to find a babysitter 8 hours a week for 4 weeks. We'll see how it goes. Other than that, I went and helped at a Relief Society service project on Saturday from 9 am - 2:30 pm. It was a lot of fun and am glad I went. I spent the rest of the weekend watching movies and sleeping. I caught something and can't get rid of it. I'm looking forward to a fun new week and hope I get better soon.
Branden was still sick on Monday, so he stayed home from work. I didn't do much other than try to take care of him. He is still coughing, but has returned to mostly normal. Tuesday, I don't really remember. Branden had YM/Scouts Tuesday night after he got home from work and they worked on building a sled for The Klondike. Wednesday, Branden went and helped coach the YM in basketball. He hasn't been playing himself due to illness. He watched Braxten on Thursday and Saturday so I could go do a few things, but Friday we spent together as a family.
We have had kids in and out of our house all week, which is a lot of fun and I enjoy it. I just love our two neighbor's kids. They are so much fun. Their names are Madison and Ethan. They are here at least 5 days a week and am very grateful that they can be. It is always fun to have them over. They are really good kids. There were a few days that we had some photo shoots, but not sure I'm going to post many of those pics on here. We also got our State tax refund on Saturday, that was a celebration, now all we need is federal and we're good to go!
Ethan and Braxten
The Moon and clouds
We sang karaoke and shot each other with dart guns on Friday night. It was a lot of fun.Sunday, January 24, 2010
Fun Times
The past week has been a little crazy at our house due to the holiday on Monday. Branden and Braxten both had the day off so we spent the day together. We cleaned a little and just had fun spending time together. We went out to Dairy Queen for lunch and then went bowling at the Hurricane Lanes. Following bowling, we went into St. George. We drove around the temple and did some shopping. Brax and I got our picture taken in the pouring rain outside the temple. It was a good day.
The rest of the week was pretty normal. School, homework, work, and cleaning constituted the rest until the weekend. It did rain all week and I have to include a picture of the side yard. It filled up with water in a couple days. It was kind of gloomy all cloudy, but I know we needed the rain. We did our bi-weekly shopping trip on Friday. Branden ended up getting sick that day. He was really bad that night and Saturday so he hung out by himself. I lost another pound this week so grand total weight loss in two weeks is 4.5 lbs. My goal is 15 lbs. by my birthday, it should be easy but we'll see!
Brax and I rode with Errol and MaeBeth to Las Vegas for Aunt VerDeana's (Branden's aunt) surprise birthday party. It was a lot of fun to see everyone. There were some we hadn't seen in 3 years. Braxten didn't want to come home. There were so many kids to play with. We had a great time though and were there for almost 6 hours. We found out that Branden's cousins come to Hurricane quite a bit, so we're looking forward to seeing them again soon. On the way home from the party we stopped at In-N-Out Burger. It was the first time for all of us. Errol and MaeBeth then spent the night. It was a lot of fun although we stayed up too late.
Mike and Bonnie
Duane
Christine
Jake
Charlene, Ryan, Britney
Kirt, Genie, Ina
Davin
Kasen
Darius and Beckam
Casden
Calissa
Kristin
Xan and Kamra
Today was church and lunch with Errol and MaeBeth. Errol didn't feel well either so him and Branden stayed home. It was nice for Branden to spend some time with his dad. I know they don't get a chance to do it that much. It was sunny today too which made the day even better. I do have to say that between the car ride and the help MaeBeth gave me in Primary today, I have learned a greater love and respect for her. I know that she appreciates me and we learned more about each other. I just want to tell my family and friends how much I truly love and appreciate all that they do for me. Life would be no fun without any of you in it!
The rest of the week was pretty normal. School, homework, work, and cleaning constituted the rest until the weekend. It did rain all week and I have to include a picture of the side yard. It filled up with water in a couple days. It was kind of gloomy all cloudy, but I know we needed the rain. We did our bi-weekly shopping trip on Friday. Branden ended up getting sick that day. He was really bad that night and Saturday so he hung out by himself. I lost another pound this week so grand total weight loss in two weeks is 4.5 lbs. My goal is 15 lbs. by my birthday, it should be easy but we'll see!
Brax and I rode with Errol and MaeBeth to Las Vegas for Aunt VerDeana's (Branden's aunt) surprise birthday party. It was a lot of fun to see everyone. There were some we hadn't seen in 3 years. Braxten didn't want to come home. There were so many kids to play with. We had a great time though and were there for almost 6 hours. We found out that Branden's cousins come to Hurricane quite a bit, so we're looking forward to seeing them again soon. On the way home from the party we stopped at In-N-Out Burger. It was the first time for all of us. Errol and MaeBeth then spent the night. It was a lot of fun although we stayed up too late.
For some reason, a lot of people had their eyes closed in pictures.
Mike and Bonnie
Duane
Christine
Jake
Charlene, Ryan, Britney
Kirt, Genie, Ina
Davin
Kasen
Darius and Beckam
Casden
Calissa
Kristin
Xan and Kamra
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)