Keeping Track of Medications

Before I was diagnosed with cancer I took one prescription medication daily.  I also had an inhaler and few over the counter medications that I took as needed.

After my diagnosis, I found I needed one of these.

The one in the photo is similar to mine.  You can pull out each day's meds to take it with you if needed.

I now understand how difficult it is for older people to keep track of all of their medications.  I had multiple pills that I took each day.  During chemo weeks I had specific pills to take on specific days.  Most pills were taken in the mornings but during chemo weeks I also had evening pills.  During non-chemo weeks I had different pills to take.  In all cases, many pills were "as needed" so I didn't put them in the pill case but instead kept the bottles beside the pill case.  At first I tried using a black marker to label the lid of each pill bottle but that just didn't work as well as the pill case.

I also carried a bag of all my medications to each doctor's appointment.  They always want to know which medications you are taking.  There was no way I could remember them all so I just took the bag with me.  I also kept all of my over the counter medicines in the same plastic box as my pill box so they were easy to find when needed and easy to throw into the bag that went to the doctor's visit.

I am down to only 3 daily pills but I am being weaned off one of those.  I'm hoping to eventually get down to no daily pills.  I am not anti-pill but I prefer to take care of medical issues naturally if possible.  By eating healthier, exercising, and losing weight I hope to no longer need pills.  I will, however, discuss the situation with my doctor before making any changes.

Creative Vegetables

I am working on eating more fresh vegetables.  I've seen many recipes for zoodles (zucchini noodles) as well as other vegetables cut into thin ribbons or noodle shapes.  I'm seriously thinking I should get a spiral slicer contraption so I can get more creative with my veggies.

I saw the one in the photo below on Amazon this week. Maybe it's something I can add to my birthday or Christmas list this year.

If you have a contraption that slices and/or spirals, please leave a comment about your experience--bonus points for recipes!

Eating at McDonald's While on Weight Watchers

I have been following Weight Watchers for 2 months now.  My vacation set me back a few pounds but I've lost 10 pound in the 2 month period.  I was glad to see that the Healthy Points Recipes website has created a list of Weight Watchers SmartPoints for McDonalds.  I prefer to cook at home with my own fresh ingredients but sometimes a single parent needs a quick meal.

You can find the list of SmartPoints on the website at New McDonald's Menu Updated with Smart Points 2016

Exercise

I believe we all know exercise is good for us.  The thought doesn't always get us working out, though.  All of my doctors stressed exercise once I finished my treatments. Because I am determined to survive and thrive, I started walking as much as I could once I no longer needed a cane. I joined the local gym with my 3-month free pass and plan to continue my membership when the free months are over.

I can tell that exercise helps me feel better.  It helps my depression. I sleep better. I have more energy the day after I exercise.  Exercise really does help fatigue.  So, I'm not surprised that this article suggests exercise improves memory.

My memory problems started while I was on chemo.  My memory seems to have improved in the past 6 months but I still struggle with remembering names and remembering recent conversations.  Hopefully exercise along with better nutrition will help me remember a little better.

Exercise linked to fewer memory problems in breast cancer survivors

Loss

At the retreat for families dealing with cancer the first weekend in June we met a family where the mother was battling a brain tumor.  My 14-year-old daughter has been texting her 15-year-old son daily since the retreat.  Today his mother lost her battle with brain cancer.  Part of surviving and thriving is being there for the families who need us.  Surviving and thriving is not just for those with cancer--caregivers need to survive and thrive, too.

Today

No time to catch up on blogging yet.  But, the laundry is getting done.

Vacations

It has been 6 years since my last real vacation.  This year taking a vacation was a priority.  Life is too short to not visit relatives and take some family time.  My daughter and I just returned from visiting relatives in Chicago.  We had a great time.  It was good to have some fun mother-daughter time considering that in the past year, a lot of our mother-daughter time involved drains, chemo, and not so fun stuff.

The problem with vacations is that they end and then we have to return to normal life again...until the next time! :)

July 4

Time to celebrate!

Last year on July 4 my daughter returned from visiting her father. Before we headed out to celebrate the 4th with my extended family, I told her about my cancer diagnosis.  It was difficult but I had my biopsy results and had talked with my general surgeon and plastic surgeon so my game plan was in place. She took it well and we had a good time watching fireworks that night.

This year I am healthy, getting healthier, and have a lot to celebrate.

Happy Independence Day!