Vitamin D Issues

I got a call from my doctor Friday, a week after I had 6 vials of blood drawn - mostly because I hadn't had any bloodwork in three years, but these headaches/backaches/constant fatigue just weren't going away.

Turns out my vitamin D level is low. Not just low, but 'severely deficient'.

The NIH has a page on vitamin D here, where you can see the normal levels for adults should range from 30.0 to 74.0 ng/mL.

Mine was 6.

I'm on 50,000IU of vitamin D (prescription) M/W/F for six weeks. Four weeks after my last pill I have to have a redraw to see if my levels have improved. If not, we have to start trying to figure out why.

I've never had a vitamin D blood draw done before, but looking at the symptoms it's very likely I've been deficient for a long time.

If you haven't had a D test done, you definitely should. The statistics vary from 8 percent to 55 percent in estimates of people with a D deficiency... but your risk is higher if you're inside a lot, don't eat a diet high in vitamin D or have certain health problems (check here and here). It causes some major problems with your bones (makes them soft and easy to break, osteomalacia/rickets), headaches, energy levels, weight gain... and much more.

Moving is Exhausting

Even JT thinks so!

Seriously, though... We've been moving and grooving... Down to about 15 boxes. It's amazing how much STUFF you accumulate!

I got awesome news today - JT is probably going to be in the full-day program here. It is very structured, and is for autistic children. They use the TEACCH approach - which is different from our preferred ABA.. But we've never tried TEACCH. It sounds great at least :)

The bad news is my gallbladder is apparently pissed off. I have been having pain in the upper part of my right abdomen for over a week, and I finally went to the doctor. He pushed on my belly, and it hurt like hell. I think it's called Murphy's Sign. I am off for an ultrasound Friday to see if I have gallstones or gallbladder problems. If so, he is referring me to a surgeon, and he said he wants me to have the surgery (if there are problems on the ultrasound). As I was flipping out (I believe I was a little overzealous in asking him why my body is falling apart, when would it stop, etc) he was very reassuring, and said there's still a small chance it could just resolve itself. Hanging on that thread right there...

So, I'm all over the place (and not just because I'm bipolar!). I'm happy - JT is going into a great program, they're really excited about him, and excited about helping me. Big difference from what I was thinking this would be like. Turns out meetings were causing the slowness, not lack of caring. Phew! Audrey's first day of Kindergarten is next Thursday, and we go for a meet and greet that morning. We got her teacher assignment and everything. School stuff is all taken care of - YAY!

So, maybe heading for surgery #4 in a year. Fun stuff. I told The Hubs if so, he's just gonna drop me off and pick me up. I'm a freaking pro. Take care of my kids, and get me when it's over. Blah!

Happy Birthday America!

I hope everyone has a safe and happy 4th of July!

We're celebrating with hamburgers and fireworks... BBQ and explosions... Can't get any better than that.

As a side note, our nephew is in the hospital after getting a pretty bad staph infection. Apparently he had to have surgery and has to have IV antibiotics for a few days. He's only 4... If you get a chance, pray for the little cutie.

Stay safe, and have fun!

BENIGN!

The pathology came back, and Bob was a "well-differentiated schwannoma" - which is BENIGN!!!!

Greatest news ever.

I celebrated by going for a run last night... After 8 months and 3 surgeries, I am taking my body back. If they want to take anything else out, they're going to have to catch me!

Ah, the beautiful pain of running. How I have missed it.

Love to all!

Healing

The incision is healing beautifully :)

I'm on a new medicine to treat the nerve problems. I got way too hypersensitive, it feels like my hand is on fire. Cold water helps, but it immediately returns when I take my hand out of the water :(

Doc says that happens when they manipulate a nerve... The trauma from surgery makes the nerve freak. It should heal over time... Hopefully soon, since my writing is at a standstill waiting on being able to use the computer keyboard (I use my Palm phone to do everything online - crazy, right?! No internet at home!).

Hoping it heals as well as the cut!

No pathology (I know, I'm going to have to call the lab myself to see wtf is going on)...

Kids doing fantastic. Audrey will be 5 (what!?!?) on 7/11... Oh my... I'm sure there will be a sappy blog post that day... I am so proud of that little lady ;)

The Hubs's still working like crazy. One day off a week and one half day off... He's next in line to get his store... Hopefully before August, since we don't want to move the kids once school starts.

I still can't believe I'm going to be a Kindergartner's mommy next year... My baby girl is growing up!

That's all for now - love to all!

Bob is No More!

I'll post a longer update later, but here's the proof!

New Bob Photo

Here's a new pic of my neurofibroma/schwannoma (aka Bob).
Taken 6/6/2009.

The Week From Hell

This week has been a rough one. I am so glad its over and I can try again.

It all started Monday, when The Hubs and I realized I really lost our only set of keys to our car. We moved furniture, scoured the house... No luck. I didn't even remember getting home the day before - literally had no memory of it - so I couldn't backtrack.

The Hubs managed to use our (free) Roadside Assistance to get our car towed to the dealership, and they made him a (free) key. Still, we had to reschedule JT's appointment to get his tooth capped and Audrey's teeth cleaned for Wednesday.

Wednesday comes. JT has NEVER spit out medicine. So when the hygenist asked if I needed the dentist to administer the conscious sedation (liquid meds) I refused.

Yep, he spit it out - the first 1/2 of it. I managed to get the rest in. They can't redose since they don't know how much *exactly* he swallowed.

So he was only partly sedated. It took 5 people holding him down to get it done... But it is done...We all survived!

Fast forward to Friday. I get a call from surgery scheduling that my insurance company rejected the pre-authorization, and said I wasn't covered until 1/1/2010. They said I had to wait until the start of the next calendar year AFTER my year anniversary (6/1/2009).

I lost it. The Hubs called the insurance company and then HR at Dillard's. Dillard's took over and told us they were sure I did have coverage. After a FULL DAY of going over the contract with the insurance company, they apologized and said it was a mistake. That some person manually sets you back up, and that person has been on vacation.

Riiiiiiiight. So a giant company like Great-West/Cigna has manual updates? And that person that talked to the billing dept knew *exactly* what they were looking at.

Thank God Dillard's went to bat for us. I am sure it would not have had a happy ending otherwise.

Again, thank God its over.

Praying that next week is better!

Here's our schedule:
JT has summer school M-Th 8-11
Tues - Neurology 3pm
Thurs - Cardiology 1:30pm
Fri - preop - 9am

JT = AWESOME

Okay... So, this is totally a proud momma post.

JT walked up to The Hubs last night, and said 'Howee dada!' (his -ello words come out owee... Very cute). Anyway, so we were so excited... And he keeps coming up to us and waving saying 'Howee! Howee!'

Today, when we got to school, he didn't cry (!) - and as I was putting on his shoes, he was saying, "Soo, soo". SO great!

He got a little upset when I left, but didn't seem crazy sad... Yay for that, too (for both of us!).

I am going to upload a pic of JT at school yesterday... They had a hedgehog visit, and the teacher is holding it out for JT to touch, the aide is sitting behind him... And he's got this HUGE grin on his face... Kinda like 'you guys are nuts, I am not touching that thing... But it's hilarious that you will...'

Audrey has been such a MAJOR help in all of this... She is what calms me down when he cries as we're leaving... We wait for him together :-)

I'm going to the doctor today. I can't take the flippin headache much longer. I'll update ASAP when I know what she's going to do with this. Ugh...

That's all for the Duzan family update... Looking up!

JT, School and Lots of Driving

Yep, that's all that's really new around here.

JT started school last Monday. He seems to be okay with it... He goes Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 8:25 - 11:30am. He cried Thursday and Friday, which not only crushed me, but upset his big sister a LOT. She was so upset we had to leave him there crying...

Which leads to the funny school story of the week... JT fell asleep on his desk Friday. 3 years old and already falling asleep at school, LOL! He had also just gotten a (black) stamp on his hand, and so he looked all polka-dotted when we picked him up. He was so exhausted Miss Maggie (his teacher) had to carry him out. See, JT has been sleeping in this baby crib in his room that we just had in there to put stuffed toys in... He stays up and 'makes his bed' by pulling all his blankets and pillows off his REAL bed - then sleeping there. He does NOT want us doing it - so this is the new routine, I suppose.

We drive SO much now... We leave our house at 7am, drive The Hubs to work (about a 35-40 min drive), turn around, drive JT to school (45 min drive to an hour). Then I pick JT up at 11:30, we go home (about 25 min drive), then we pick daddy up at 6:15pm. It pretty much sucks, but I don't want JT on the bus - he's only 3!!! - and I don't think he's secure enough with the transition to school to successfully deal with the bus. Plus - mommy isn't ready to give that up yet... Another hour or more my baby would be gone... Nosiree.

I'm still dealing with the dang headache from hell. Have no clue what is going on, but we're coming up on about 6 weeks straight of it... And I can't handle much more. I have 2 months and some change until my insurance will pay for anything... But I may end up at the doc's office before then. My head is not doing so hot! Bob, on the other hand, has pretty much settled himself down and stopped growing (praise God!), so I'm feeling pretty good about the surgery having to wait - it wasn't the best case scenario, but at least Bob is behaving!

Audrey has a birthday party today at Chuck E Cheese (Happy Birthday Emily!), so we're all heading that way in just a bit.

That's all for now... Hope everyone else is doing well!

Love to all!

Wow!

Sorry for the delay in posts... We got rid of our internet connection at home (dial up was costing us $50 a month!!! and that's just rediculous... In the podunks, there is no DSL, and the phone company rips you knowing that dial up is your only option...), so coming to the library is my only chance to update... I will be more consistent now!

Latest news...
I found out I've met my first year max on my insurance. Because we had a 5 month lapse in coverage (between when I resigned and the next 'open enrollment' - insurance costs $260 A WEEK at hubby's job - it's through Great West - which is now Cigna - if anyone wants to barrage them with the rediculousness of the price), my personal max for year 1 was $25,000. Because of my two surgeries and multiple ER and doctor visits, I'm SOL until June 1. So, me and 'Bob' (yes, I gave my tumor a name...) are going to be thisclose. My doctor is working on finding something to help me, since she thinks it needs to be removed before then due to its rapid growth (duh) and nerve involvement. Not only is it growing (which means that something is going on that is not totally benign - although not necessarily cancerous yet), but the bigger it is the more they have to screw with my nerve - and that means more problems both short and long term with function.

I do have an appointment at the Vanderbilt Ingram Cancer Center with Dr. Kyle Weaver on February 24. I am looking forward to meeting him - hopefully he will have the experience necessary to do the surgery (even if it is in June, we can set it up and have everything ready to go... I'm paying out of pocket, but c'est la vie...). He might have other resources to help me get the surgery done if he believes it has to be done... Or, I would feel a lot better if he said it could wait in his medical opinion, and he would just set it up for June... Either way, I need to do this appointment. I almost peed my pants when I opened up a letter welcoming me to the Cancer Center, but I'm over it now... Mostly ;-)

JT is talking like CRAZY! I'm about to update his page too (see top right corner), so check it out to see his latest progress. Amazing!

The Hubs is off for the week, but due to the insurance issue (I maxxed the last week of December... So EVERYTHING I've had done with Bob is out of pocket... 3 GP appts, 2 ortho appts, 1 gen surgeon appt, 1 neurosurgeon appt, ultrasound, MRI and blood work) we are staying put... We can't really afford to go anywhere right now.

We found a church we really love. It's fairly close to our house (closer than most things... We don't really live 'close' to anything). I love the pastor, the people, and how informal it is. The people there are wonderful... And for the first time, going to church isn't about making me feel guilty about what I have done... But learning how to be a better person from now on. It's a wonderful experience. Never thought I'd look forward to church, but I honestly do!

That's about it for now.. Audrey is doing fantastic (as usual). Such a sweet little girl. She had a hearing test, and she passed with flying colors. The tech noted that 'when she pays attention' she was awesome. How my daughter got distracted in a soundproof booth is beyond me... But, have I mentioned I have ADD? Yeah, she's probably going to come by that one naturally... At least it's easy to manage - she'll just have to find her own 'The Hubs' to marry later in life to balance her out!

Love to all!

Found One!

Dr. Howell called, and he had 3 doctors for me... One here in Nashville (yay!!!), one in Memphis, and one in New Orleans.

They're making the referral for me to the one here, and we'll go to the next ones if this one doesn't work out... I'm hoping it does work out!

Anyway, good news!

The Sun'll Come Out... Tomorrow!

After calling for an update, I got word that Dr. Howell is calling me tomorrow with the names/information about the neurosurgeon I need. The nurse made it sound as if there are two neurosurgeons he's got left.

So, hopefully tomorrow I'll get some news... Because no news is NOT good news - at least to me!

Check out the kiddos' blogs - they're listed on the right sidebar.

Love to all, and hopefully I'll actually have something to post about tomorrow!!!

News on the 'Tumor'

The MRI identified the previously labeled 'lymph node' as a 'soft tissue tumor' that is 'most likely of neural origin'. If you're like me, you have no idea what that means.

It is a nerve tumor. It is not just in my nerve sheath, it is actually inside the medial nerve fibers.

So, in order to get it removed, I have to see a neurosurgeon.

If they have to cut the nerve section out to get the tumor out, I will have to have a nerve graft from elsewhere in my body (usually the leg) implanted into the spot where it's removed.

Regardless, I will have some loss of function of my right arm - we're just hopeful it will be minimal.

It has grown from 3.9 x 2.9 x 2.0 cm to 4.0 x 3.0 x 2.8 cm in 2 weeks, which is NOT a good sign.

The radiologist identified it as a 'possible neurofibroma', which is usually a benign condition, but the benign tumors BECOME malignant - and when this happens they usually grow rapidly. The good news is that they don't metatasticize to other areas - it is self-contained. So, it will only be in my armpit *if* it just so happens it's not benign.

Better than the lymphoma option, no matter what way you look at it!

I ended up at the doctor's office yesterday due to another freaky health issue. Sunday my face had a (hot) rash on it. Then Monday, the face rash faded and I had a crazy rash on my upper arms. It then spread to the full length of my arms and my trunk (mostly my back). Apparently I have Parvovirus, or Fifths Disease. My kids have it too, but all they have is the 'slapped cheeks' (seriously, that's a medical term!) and a runny nose. They got off easy!

The Hubs has inventory this weekend, which means that he'll be getting home REALLY late Saturday and Sunday nights - like 2am late! Inventory is stressful for managers, and although The Hubs is 'only' the Assistant (or Operations) Manager, I know it's very important their numbers come out well. So, here's to hoping that store 0425 has an AWESOME inventory! (As an aside: everyone go out and shop at Dillard's!!!)

Last night, Audrey and I got our hair cut. Here's a few pics:

Giving Thanks

Because tomorrow is Thanksgiving, I thought I'd share my list of things I am thankful for.

My kids. Up until I got pregnant with Audrey I had docs telling me I might not be able to have kids, my body wasn't meant to carry children, etc. Not only did I have one miracle baby, but two! My poor uterus has given up, so it has to go. But I am thankful for it sticking around and proving everyone wrong - twice!

My husband. He is awesome. Sometimes he drives me batty, but I know the feeling is mutual. He is seriously the nicest, funniest, sweetest, cutest, best daddy ever.

My family. All of em. Yep. Lotsa people. They are all so very important to me.

The Hubs's family. Lots of them, too! I love his family, they remind me of my own (haha)!

Friends. Old friends, new friends, best friends, friends that help with JT, friends that I talk to daily, friends that I only talk to once a month... I love them all.

Jobs. The Hubs and I both have work. In our economy, I know that we are really lucky.

Sometimes it's so easy to forget everything you have going for you. I definitely know - lately I've been so stressed about this surgery... But really, that's a minor detail in an otherwise blessed life. The surgery will be over and I'll be recovered quickly, and that will be another thing I can add to my list next year.

I hope that everyone has plenty to be thankful for this year.

Love, KD

Pre-Op DONE!

I forgot to post after Thursday's insanity...

I am pre-admitted to the hospital for my surgery. They used my EKG from last time (heck, it WAS only 3 weeks ago!), and just had to do a blood draw. I got 'counsel' concerning the chain of events from check-in to post-op.

I am really getting nervous now... The Hubs's mom is coming in town, but she's not getting here until well after I go into surgery. I have to be at the hospital 12/4 at 7am, but her plane doesn't land until 10:45am (my surgery is scheduled to begin at 9:30am, so I probably won't even be out when she lands...). I am dealing with nerves and trying to figure out what's going to happen that morning. The Hubs has worked out a deal for someone to pick his mom up, but we don't know anyone crazy enough to be up and coherent enough to watch our children at 6am so we can head to the hospital... It's looking like he will be dropping me off alone. While that's scary, I just can't imagine my kids having to go through watching me in pre-op and being at the hospital through all of that... It's not reasonable. So, I'm terrified and will be alone. I keep telling myself 'That which does not kill me, only makes me stronger...' - as my life is a testament to that! - but being alone and going under with no one to get updates or even be at the hospital... It's kind of depressing and scary.

Anyway, that's what we get for moving away from our family and friends. How I miss having help, even if we didn't get it often. It was there when we needed it. :(

I hope everyone is doing well, and hopefully time will pass quickly. These are just pre-op nerves, and the surgery needs to get here and get over with so I can get on with my life.

Broken Hearted

My grandmother's oncologist meeting exactly as she had expected. There are no treatment options to cure her cancer. The treatment they offered was a surgery to install a port, and chemo treatments for her entire life just to try to keep the cancer in check and only in her lungs.

Also as expected, she chose to forego treatment. While I am really sad, I know that my grandmother has been through so much, and decided a long time ago what she would do in a situation such as this. She is a very strong woman, and I respect her decision. Sadly, the doctor gave her 6 months because of the aggressiveness of this cancer.

Growing up, my grandmother had a huge influence on me and my brother. She and my grandfather (who passed away in 2004) were the epitome of a happy marriage and truly good people. Neither one of them ever passed judgement on anyone, even when they personally didn't agree with the situation. Their grandchildren have all benefitted from their open hearts and minds. She taught me what is really important in life (and is still teaching me). Her faith in both God and her fellow humans is truly admirable. I can only pray that I have the dignity, respect and love for others and myself that she has. She handles tough times with a smile and love, and can make your day better in an instant.

The Hubs's grandmother's cancer has spread dramatically, too. Her latest scan shows cancer in her brain again, in her kidney, and in the bones of her legs. While I don't have an update on the type or severity, I know three months ago it was only in her kidney. However, Nana is still making her trips to Atlantic City, and feels great. I hope this continues.

I understand death is a part of life, but it is not an easy part of life, especially when it's someone you care for and love so deeply.

1 Down, 1 To Go

My first pre-op appointment was yesterday, and we came out fine... Although every time she said something about cutting, Audrey would look at me, terrified, and say "Mom, is she joking? She's joking?" I had to lie...

Thursday is our busy day. First, JT goes to school from 9-11a. It is his last day at WAVES, and Miss Lisa is doing his (last) speech therapy while he's there. Katrina and some other Williamson County Schools staff are going to 'observe' JT in his classroom setting while he's there. Then, at 11:30am, we have JT's 6 month TEIS evaluation... Which is mainly for their purposes, since there's nothing they could change at this point... THEN - (!) - we'll pick daddy up from work about 1:45pm, and I have my pre-op testing at the hospital at 2:30pm. Hopefully it won't take too long, since it's bloodwork and EKG stuff (I don't *think* there's anything else... At least there wasn't before my last surgery 2.5 weeks ago!). Then Walmart (oh yes, seriously - Thursday is pay day and therefore WalMart day since we're out of everything). Then we'll come home and collapse from exhaustion!

JT helped me get the pot roast ready in the crockpot this morning :) I showed him how to add things, and he started throwing stuff in, too! Of course, Audrey helped, too, she's the best helper in the world!

I hope everyone else is having a wonderful week... Love the cooler weather!

Lazy Days

Today our whole family slept... A lot! We all took a nap from 1-6pm. Yikes! Needless to say, we're all still awake...

I've been writing a lot more. To see some of my stuff, go to eHow or Livestrong, and search for 'Kate Duzan'. Also, I've got my own producer page on Associated Content - definitely check that out :-) - I get paid for page hits!

Anyway, this week is all pre-op appointments and tests for me, and pretty much JT's last week of therapy. Next week is Thanksgiving, and then the week after is his birthday. My baby will be 3!!! Wow, it's so hard to believe that he's already 3 years old...

Audrey and JT are doing beautifully. They play together all the time.

We love you all!

Thank You, Nana Banana!

Nana Banana (aka The Hubs's mom) is flying here the day of my surgery, and flying back to Delaware a week later.

I am so thankful to have someone here to help, and she is SO much fun. We all love having her around, and it's so sweet of her to come help out.

So, thank you Nana Banana/Mom/Denise!!!