asking for prayers for my friend Amy

My friend Amy is an amazing person to helps other people. Now she needs our help through prayer. Next Wednesday June 22 at 7am (California time), she will be having surgery to see if her cyst is cancerous. 

When 2 or more come together in prayer, miracles happen. So I'm asking everyone to join me in prayer when Amy goes in. Please, either the night before or the morning of when you  wake up, please pray for good news and safe/speedy healing.

Thank you.

TIP OF THE DAY

5-31-2016

My daughter Chloe has multiple issues including Autism and Episodic Ataxia (neuromuscular). Chloe is my heart, and the love of my life. Since my accident in August 2014, I've had to rely on her a lot...too much. I tend to use jokes to hide how I'm really feeling, and I've been feeling useless. This has put a horrible strain on our relationship. Someone close to us said I need to praise her more, so I'm working on it. Lately, I've been able to do more for myself and our home. Next week, we have apartment inspections...so I need to rely on her more. So at night, I write out a list of chores we have to do for the next day. Yesterday, Chloe found the list before I got up and just started on them. When I woke, I started doing as much as I can. Since pain causes me to take many breaks, I allowed her to as well. Together, we got a lot accomplished as well as watch all of the "Back to the Future" movies. By late afternoon, we were starting to get on each other's nerves and started arguing. So I decided to quit for the day and let us both relax. After dinner, Chloe rinsed and stacked the dishes for me. I gave her a big hug and kiss and told her I appreciated all of her help. I also said that I wasn't happy with our arguing but tomorrow's another day. I woke up this morning shortly after 9 to half of the chore list is done. I told Chloe how grateful I was for her. She is starting to show great responsibility and pride in our home and is a great help to me. I told her she could go play video games for a while, she deserved to download a couple more. I also told her that this kind of responsibility she's showing me means that she's becoming ready for a pet. When she turns 14 in about a month, Chloe is going to start looking for her cat. I told her the main condition is that's the only grandbaby she's allowed to give me until she's at least 21. She promised. 

Yesterday was a big deal for our family. First of all, it was Memorial Day. We're a Naval family, so I know and appreciate the sacrifice our warriors take for our freedom. I was rejected immediately from joining, but I will still always have much love and gratefulness to all of our sexy @$$ heroes. THANK YOU!

(USS Brenner, the ship my daddy served)

Another reason yesterday was so important to our family...on May 30, 1984, my little sister and I were adopted on our big sister's birthday. HAPPY "SPECIAL" DAY!

I want to give a shout out to my friend Amy. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

5-25-16

Been heat sick for a few days, finally starting to feel better. Earlier, I drank a Herbalife healthy meal shake (with water instead of milk) since I'm still not quite ready to eat. 

I've used a walker for so long, it's weird getting around without it. Feel like a newborn foal getting up on unsteady legs. lol

Gonna brag for a minute. My girl Chloe finished up the 8th grade today with 2 awards, second honors and "most unique". I am one proud mama. 

5-23-16

Hello, my friends. How is everyone dealing with this heat? I'm not. LOL!

Been trying to make better choices in my eating habits. Lately, I try to eat more fresh vegetables. Did you know fresh spinach only has 20 calories? I started eating it, because the iron was helping my Hypothyroidism. Now I realize I can eat a ton of it, get filled up, and still remain in my calorie budget.  One of my recent meals was a garlic-herb boneless skinless chicken breast on a huge bowl of spinach. Loved it. 

(amount difference between foods)

(garlic-herb boneless chicken breast on spinach)

Went to Iowa City today to check in with my Orthopedic doctor. The new hardware holding my femur together is doing great, and I am now at full weight bearing. No longer do I need my walker/cane around the house. Since the hill I live on is unlevel ground, I will use one of them whenever I venture out for extra stability.

(today's x-ray)

Today, I am asking for prayers for my friend Amy. She is a really good person who helps many people, but now she needs some help herself. Amy has a cyst and will be having surgery soon to see if it's cancer. Please keep her in your prayers.

Here are some quotes and humor for the day.

5-17-16

It was an eventful day. My new bedding came, my helper was here and put it on for me. In a couple weeks, I'll be getting a frame for it. Right now my mattress and box spring are on the floor, so it's too low for me with my leg injury. Been sleeping in my chair. Soon I'll be sleeping in my queen size bed.

My nurse came by, she needed a urine sample. She brought the cup, wish she brought the hat thing too. Women, you know how frustrating it is to pee in a cup. So I go to the bathroom, and I'm going in the cup...then I drop the cup in the toilet. LOL!!!! Luckily, we had another cup to use. But I didn't have anything left to give before she left. So I'm 0 for 2. The nurse will bring one tomorrow...with a hat thing.

Got some great news. I have a brand new great niece born today. Her name is Haley Rae 6.5 LBs 19.5".

5-15-16

Chloe is officially back home for good!!! :D

One main thing that has been causing me more pain in my leg was getting in my chair and putting my leg up on the ottoman (and pulling it close). I accidentally broke the lever that made my chair recline. This morning, my new OT lady came. She showed me a trick to help, and it's easy and pain-free. 

I'm a little sore from PT this afternoon, but it's tolerable. Not using the meds unless I absolutely have too. Since the accident, I was starting to become a little too reliant on the pain pills, I don't want that too be an issue. I've come too far.

Chloe and I just finished up some chores, now we're going to grill up some boneless-skinless chicken breast with some spinach. Yummy! Hope you all have a good night. 

5-15-16

Chloe came to visit this weekend. I've really missed having her around. She helped me get some chores done around the house that I can't do by myself right now. 

We cooked dinner together. It was a baked garlic herded salmon with Jasmine rice and corn. In a little bit, we're going to split a blueberry muffin.

Chloe got her 8th grade school pictures, here's one.

Chloe is growing up too fast, it's making me grow old. Love spending time with her.

5-11-16

Not much is going on. Doing my exercises while watching TV or playing video games. Nurse came to check on me. Finally got some pain meds... finally pain-free. Swelling's going down. Clothes are becoming looser. Chloe came to visit after school and watched Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire with me. Now, I'm just going to play games til I fall asleep. I'm on Twitter @Fat2PHATinIA if anyone wants to chat. 

my girl

5-9-16

Chloe came home for Mother's Day weekend. Really enjoyed spending time with her. Got visits from my new visiting nurse and physical therapist. Got exercise "homework" to do, but it's easy stuff I can do while watching TV or playing video games. Staying in the nursing home has thrown me off. I'm eating very little and filling full. And now it's just after 8 pm, and I am extremely tired. SMH! Will be meeting my visiting occupational therapist soon. Being home is a bit of a challenge. With this leg injury, I have to relearn how to do stuff in a new way. That's OK, I love a challenge. Good night, my friends.

5-5-16

I'M HOME! *screaming* I'M HOOOOOOMMME! That will be all.

5-4-16

Chloe came today for my cooking test, she loved the mac & cheese. Afterwards, she helped me pack. I am ready to go first thing in the morning.

Even though I'm going home tomorrow, Chloe will stay with our friends until the end of the school year. This way, I can focus on me and getting better.

It's after 10pm, and I am tired. Going to try and get some sleep. Later.

5-3-16

Today was uneventful. Kicked butt in both therapies again. Right when I got on the NuStep machine, EYE OF THE TIGER came on the radio. I found it very appropriate. Had them both in the morning, so I spent the afternoon napping. Just finished having dinner. Ate a polish sausage (no bread), sauerkraut, mashed potatoes with gravy, and a side salad. I grabbed a couple bananas for my snack later. Going to just spend the evening playing Wizard101 and listening to music. 

I'm looking forward to tomorrow. They've been giving me tests to see if I'm really ready to go home and take care of myself. Tomorrow afternoon, I need to prepare some kind of meal. Chloe's coming for her visit, so I'm making her favorite...macaroni and cheese. I love seeing my girl. Can't wait.

Good night, my friends and family.

5-2-16

It's been an interesting day. I originally asked to be put on a low sodium diet until my swelling and blood pressure went down. It took forever, so I was careful with what I ate. Now that my swelling's gone and my B/P is just about in my normal range, they want to enforce it. The dietitian said, "This is what you asked for." They're having bacon tomorrow with breakfast :( . Luckily, Thursday's coming.

PT gave me a balance test, I passed. Then I kicked butt on the foot bike thingy. In OT, I did the hand bike thingy. Since my arms were sore from using my walker, I lowered the resistance on the bike when the lady wasn't looking. Yes, I cheated. Later, I went back for more PT. After my "electro-shock therapy", I did my exercises and walked up and down the stairs a couple times. 

I'll be able to do pretty much everything at home. I have my Icy Hot Smart Relief that works like the electrical stimulates. There are stairs in the building I can walk up and down. Plus, I can do the exercises while watching TV. I pretty much do that anyways...even when laying here in the bed.

Wednesday, I have to cook something to prove I'm capable of preparing myself something to eat. Since Chloe comes for her visit then, I'm making her favorite...macaroni and cheese. She's excited. 

My friend and I agreed that Chloe should stay with her the next few weeks of school til my parents come get her for their visit. But she'll come home this weekend for  asleep over. 

Can't wait to go home...THURSDAY'S COMING!

4-31-16 & 5-1-16

I got up yesterday went out for a bit. Got a cab and paid the rent. Wanna make sure I have a home to go home to when I leave here on Thursday. Climbing in and out of the van really took it's toll on me. I'm still sore. 

Chloe came to have lunch and hang out with me. She drew me a winged-wolf to hang up in my room.

We finished up on our knitting and crocheting project. We made pot holders as a thank you gift for some special friends. It was fun working on them together.

Gonna chill the rest of the day watching movies, playing music, and playing video games. Back to physical and occupational therapies tomorrow. Later.

4-29-16

Had PT and OT this morning. One of the therapy girls brought in her therapy dog. Claire is a cream colored lab, beautiful. I was covered in dog hair, but I don't care. Wish I had my cell phone to make a video. Claire went crazy after the tennis balls on my walker. She was dragging my walker all over the room trying to get the balls off. It was hilarious. 

After lunch, I started unknotting my yarn. When it felt like 5 minutes went by, I looked at the clock only to realize I was late for dinner. In the words of Jim Carey, "ALRIGHTY THEN!"

Just had my first shower since before the surgery. Que the angelic choir. I feel human again. I am so relaxed right now.

Got some great news, I'm going home next Thursday. Can't wait.

My aid just took my vitals, my blood pressure is back to normal.

4-28-16

Today started off pretty good. Had OT & PT early. I worked on the NuStep machine (similar to a bike) and a hand bike, plus other exercises. I did the stairs with no problem at all. After lunch, I got a new roommate...a screamer. I also wasn't thrilled to find out she watches the wrong local news. Luckily, she decided this isn't the place for her. She left by dinner. As soon as she left, I put on WHBF...that I'm now happily watching in peace.

4-27-16

It was a pretty good day. I walked to the dining room for breakfast, then took a nap after. One of the occupational therapy girls woke me up to tell me it was time to come down for my appointment. Just as she left, I started to reach for the bed adjuster remote so I could get up. Didn't realize the CNA brought me a new large cup of ice water while I was asleep...spilled it all over me. Go ahead and laugh, I sure did. LOL! Wonder if it counts as the ice bucket challenge. I was late to OT cuz I had to wait for someone to get me towels and new clothes. When I finally got there, I kicked butt on the hand bike. Then I went straight to physical therapy. Started with the electrical stimulates they stick to my legs to encourage my muscles to strengthen. I jokingly refer to it as my "electro-shock therapy". I got to try the stairs, it was easy. Walked to lunch then played video games til Chloe came for her Wednesday visit. She stayed til dinner. Love spending time with my girl. Now, I'm going to play more video games and listen to music. Before I go, I have some good news. I've been driving the dietitian and kitchen staff crazy with what I can and can't eat, because I am determined to eat healthier. Well, it paid off. In the past 21 days, I lost 21 pounds. Talked to staff and therapy ladies, I'm going home next week. Can't wait. Good night, my friends.

I'M QUEEN OF THE WORLD!

THERE'S MY PRINCESS!

4-26-16

Went to Iowa City today for a follow up with my Ortho surgeon. I am healing a lot faster than predicted. All of the staples are out, and I am able to be weight bearing. The countdown has started. Tomorrow, PT will be starting me on stairs. Once that's mastered, I'll be going home. (doing a happy dance)

4-25-16

Chloe came for a visit yesterday. We had a nice lunch together. Afterwards we got a little creative. I taught her how to make friendship bracelets. Then she taught me how to use the knitting loom. 

Today, I was so off. Hopefully, the Thyroid meds will kick in soon. All I want to do today is sleep, but I have too much work to do to get up outta here.

They still haven't corrected my diet yet, but I'm still trying to be careful of what I eat. My B/P is still a little high (for me), but I think it's just from being here. These people stress me out.

Today, my BFF's sis had cancer surgery and my nephew went into the Navy. Please pray for both. Tomorrow, I'm going to Iowa City to see my Ortho doc. Please pray for good news. If my staples get removed and he OKs me to stand with full weight baring, then it's on like Donkey Kong. 

I am so blessed to have all of you in my corner, thanks. Here are some pics of my girl's visit.

CORRECTION

I need to make a correction to Saturday's blog post. My BFF's sister's surgery is today, and my nephew is going into the Navy today. Sorry about that. Please pray for them both.

Later, I'll post today's blog.

4-23-16

Today, I'm asking for special prayers:

Tomorrow, my best friend's sister is having breast cancer surgery. 

Also, my nephew Christian is taking his place among the Toll men by going into the Navy tomorrow. I am both proud and scared.

Tuesday, I'm going back to see my Ortho doc in Iowa City. Right now, I'm not allowed to put more than 20 pounds of pressure on my right leg. I am so hoping doc will allow me full weight baring. Also hoping I'll get my staples out. When they are out, I can get an actual shower (que the heavenly choir). As soon as I am able to use full baring weight, I can work on walking on up outta here.

                                     

4-22-16

Today was a happy/sad day.

Last night, I was finally starting to get used to my new Cpap machine. Listened to my music til I fell asleep.

I kicked butt in both physical and occupational therapies. 

My roomie moved out :( . I get a room to myself possibly the weekend. :)

Got bathed, got comfies on, got nummy healthy snacks, gonna watch movies tonight. 

Happy Earth Day!

4-21-16

Today was blah. My BP & pulse have been running high, and I'm still swollen. They started me on meds. My Hypothyroidism is acting up again, so I'm going to have to get that taken care of too. I told the dietitian that I want to be put on a low-sodium diet until some of this is taken care of. I also asked that bacon will be OKed, she vetoed that. :( 

Some things are better. My roomie & I watched "Step Dogs" last night (on Netflix). We were up real late having a good time, but then we got really tired at 9:00 and went to bed...man, I feel so old. Today, we switched beds. This works out for both of us. She can move around the room easier in her wheelchair. I mainly use my walker in here and keep my wheelchair parked in the hall. Now that I'm by the window, I can finally get a little bit of cell signal. Then I got the 20 voice mail messages from my mother after I told her I didn't have a signal (LOL). 

Just finished having a pretty good chili dinner...nothing like my Aunt Phyllies' chili. They usually have the bland old people food, but every once in a while they have something decent. 

Have a good night everybody. hugs & kisses

4-20-16

Sorry I didn't post anything yesterday, I had some tummy troubles (let's just leave it at that).

Today was a lot better. Watched "Be Healed" with Pat Roberson from "The 700 Club". Great healing stories. They sent me this DVD at the right time.

Watching "Be Healed"

Ms Suzanne (my roommate from last time) moved into my room today. :) Got my partner in crime back. Sadly, it's not for long. She's going home soon. :(

Ms Suzanne & I

My girl Chloe came for our Wednesday visit. She came when I was in physical therapy. She cheered me on before we went to arts & crafts and made some Spring fridge magnets. Then we had snacks and played video games.

Chloe & I

Our awesome church family at First Christian in Davenport, IA, sent me a card. I was so surprised and happy tor receive it.

card from church family

After that, I got my new Cpap (apnea) machine. This is a nice, brand new, automatic one. So, I'm going to sleep well tonight.

This time at the nursing home is going so much better than last time. I have amazing family, friends, and church that got my back. I am so blessed and grateful for all of you, thank you. You guys are the reason why I am healing so much better this time around. I'm going back to Iowa City on Tuesday to see my Ortho doc. Hopefully, I'll get these 80 staples out of my leg and get the OK to put more than 20LBs pressure on my right foot. I am ready to walk up outta here. Please pray doc gives me some good news. Also, please pray that I get some patience. I so want to get back home, I'm starting to push myself too hard in PT & OT. I'm not supposed to more than the doctor says, I could end up doing more harm than good. 

OK, I need to get ready for dinner now. Thank you all so much for helping me on my health journey.

4-18-16

Today began with a miracle. I woke up from sleeping 8 hours straight. I haven't done that since the accident without medication. Then I kicked butt in both occupational and physical therapies. At the end of the day, I got a surprise visit from my girl Chloe. I was so happy to see her.

4-17-16

Just had a great visit with my girl Chloe. We had lunch and did some crocheting. She did awesome for her first try. Just gonna bum the rest of the day. Tomorrow, it's back to work on the leg. Prayers and cheerleaders are appreciated.

4-16-16

Feeling much better than yesterday. Gave myself a bed bath today, getting myself to the bathroom. WOO HOO! One of the CNA's will try to wash my hair this afternoon or tomorrow morning. My girl Chloe is coming after church tomorrow to have lunch with me. We also have games and beading planned. 

Yesterday, the PT lady said I had to get used to my wheelchair. I said, "I don't want to get used to my wheelchair, I want to walk up outta here." LOL

Decided to working on knitting and crocheting this afternoon. What will I be making? Who will I make it for? 

If anyone has any advice on what to watch on Netflix or Hulu, please tell me. Right now, I'm pretty much in the mood for fantasy/sci-fi. 

OK, got to get myself ready for lunch. Still need help getting into the wheelchair, but I can wheel myself.

Later, my friends

By the way, here's the new info for my room. I can't always reach the phone. Can be reached on Twitter @Fat2PHATinIA.

4-5-16

Even though I didn't feel well this morning, I still pushed myself to get cleaned up and dressed on my own. Been feeling crappy all day. Didn't feel like eating, the whole staff got on my case. "You have to go down to the dining room." "You need to eat." Why would I go eat pancakes or pizza with an upset stomach? Of course they wouldn't listen. "You have to eat to get better." I know that. I've been eating as healthy as possible so I can heal and lose weight. I know the more weight I lose, the less pressure will be on my broken leg. But that's not why I didn't want to eat, I didn't want to eat because I was queasy. Luckily, tomorrow's Saturday. There'll be less people on my backs.

4-14-16

Yesterday afternoon, I got a surprise visit from my girl Chloe, Rev Linda, and Hannah. It was nice, enjoyed seeing them. 

Now that I'm no longer sharing a room with the creepy lady, I got a much better night's sleep. Saw the house doctor, turns out the tubey thingy between my right ear and nose/throat is kinda sucked in. So grateful someone finally checked it out, it can easily be fixed. Been having a hard time getting around in my new wheelchair. The best chair for my weight is kind of a wide one. Makes it difficult to reach the wheels. I feel like a disabled T-Rex in it.

In order to keep losing my weight, I've been mostly eating large salads.

The last time I was here, I have the bestest roommate. Mz Suzanne and I had a blast together. We kept each other's spirits up, and made each other laughed. Before I came this time, I said I hoped to get another roommate like her. I didn't, but I got the next best thing...she has also returned and is a couple doors down. We had therapy together today, it was a blast.

The other day, I tweeted suggestions for stuff to watch on Netflix or Hulu. Since I'm in the nursing home recovering from surgery, I was asking for something that could help me "escape" if even for a moment (i.e. fantasy/sci-fi). I got a tweet from Hulu themselves suggesting "Firefly". So I'm giving it a chance. Not bad, but I'll be needing some more suggestions soon. Please let me know if you have any. I'll continue keeping y'all updated. Thanks for the prayers.

4-13-16

A lot of good and bad things have happened since yesterday's blog post. During occupational therapy, I did 7K on the hand bike in 20 minutes. I was sweating. Afterwards, I was sitting in my room half naked on the commode (sorry for the image). A man walks in, pulls back the curtain, and says he's looking for my roommate. I yanked the curtain out of his hand and tried to cover myself. In shock, I said she was in the TV room. He yanks the curtain back again and talks about how he's related to her. I yanked the curtained back yelling, "Excuse me but I'm on the commode." He finally left. I told the CNA, she laughed. I told the nurse, she said she'll talk to the social worker. Got up this morning to a new wheelchair. Had trouble with the footrests, but I tried to deal. By the time breakfast was over, my legs were more swollen they have ever been. Went to physical therapy right after, but was unbearable. If they swelled anymore, they felt like they were going to explode. When PT was finally finished, I went right to the social worker who conveniently was in a meeting with the administrator but had no problem giving me a minute. I asked if she heard what happened yesterday, she said no. So I told her. I said this wasn't the only problem. All of her visitors walk right in without knocking or anything...once while I was getting dressed. As more my roommate herself, she was a sweetheart during the day. Although, she took off her bra in the dining room. We had "Girls Gone Wild--Granny Addition". At night, she reminded me of the creepy grandmother from "The Visit". Not even 5 minutes talking to the social worker, I was being moved into another room. My new roomie's name is Cindy. That's my baby sister's name. So this kinda brings me back. While I was waiting for my stuff to be moved. The nurse was at a loss for what was going on with my leg, she was trying to get a hold of my doctor in Iowa City (considered sending me). That's when the maintenance manager walked by and said "that's supposed to click". I was confused. He walked over, clicked my foot rests up a bit...all of a sudden, the swelling started going down. SMH! Right now, I'm resting in my new room with my feet up and waiting for my lunch in bed til occupational therapy this afternoon. This is to give the swelling more of a chance to go down. As always, I will keep y'all posted.

Liz

4-12-16

I WANT TO GIVE A HUGE SHOUT OUT TO MY NEPHEW CHRISTIAN! HE IS TAKING HIS PLACE AMONG THE TOLL MEN AND IS LEAVING FOR NAVAL BOOT CAMP APRIL 25! ANCHORS AWAY!

brother Buzz & nephew Christian