Uncategorized – Page 7 – smile each and every day

Well I’ve Done It: I’m 50 :)

August 6, 2016 by Lizbeth, posted in Nets/carcinoid Syndrome, Uncategorized

Well today its my birthday. I am half a century – the big 50. Many folk hide their age, dread being fifty and pretend their younger than they are. Me, I’m happy to be here. I feel privileged to say I have hit such a milestone. My fortieth decade was a mixed one. There was many happy events, lots of love and laughter which keeps me going. However, I also had to face a few difficult life challenging times which were so difficult.

I had many occasions to have cause for celebration. Both my sons attended university in this decade furthered their education. Our delightful labradors, Buddy and Bella came into our lives; the unconditional love they give is amazing, I really can’t imagine my life without the hairy beasties. We delivered a litter of puppies from them, and have kept in touch with puppies and owners. Now made some lovely friends. Some wonderful children have been born in the last ten years who are really close to my heart. There have been a few very happy weddings. I have mad many new friends. Need I go on. Life is precious and for living, it is all too easy to get bogged down with our problems. On a personal level Steve and I are as much in love as we were when we were teenagers. I believe this is my weapon – Love.

The one thing I am certain is in the last ten years I felt loved. The first five years were very difficult, I suddenly lost 3 stone in weight, felt very ill, and no-one seemed to know why was wrong with me. It took a while to get my health situation sorted out, but with the love of Steve, the boys and my parents I felt secure. I’ve had a few hairy moments been in hospital with septicaemia for 7 weeks, and boy was that scary. Now got my gastrostomy tube fitted. Life isn’t always easy with a stoma. Ive been admitted with several infections. However, its much better than it was, I have a fantastic medical team and nurses that come to the house which is fantastic. And I’m still here to tell the tale and thats whats important.

The second half of my forties were slightly more challenging than the first emotionally. Amongst other things: A very close uncle died, my youngest son had extensive brain surgery, my Mum died, my eldest son had meningitis, hubby had eye surgery for detached retina. But you know what we got through it all. The boys are doing well. Steve still has problems, and only had surgery last week again, but the brave bugger is dealing with it the only way he knows – full of courage – like a lion. It will be three years on the 9th August that Mum passed. I miss her every day. We had one of those relationships that we spoke or text every day. Mum wouldn’t want me moping around. She was a great character, a beautiful woman that I looked up to and admired.

One day in the consulting room at the hospital my professor handed me a card. It was for the NET Tumour Support Group that I now meet regularly with. . We have all became great friends. Sadly, one of the friends that I was very fond of passed away last year. However, I would rather have spent time with her, laughed, cried, etc, even for one year and then felt the pain of her loss than not have met her at all. we all meet regularly every month and have a great time. Its not doom and gloom, we meet at each others house or in the pub. Partners, friends, carers go too. You can have a look at the charity’s website to see what work they do: www.taect.scot I’m looking forward to helping organise the tea party in Pencaitland in November for NET Cancer Day.

I’ve had cards delivered for my 50th birthday. Including cards from friends in the Net group which is lovely. One of my friends in the group, Barbara was very thoughtful, because my eating is restricted, she made me a flower birthday cake. I could have cried, its so beautiful.

Looking forward to spending my 50’s with Steve. Doing what I enjoy. Taking photos, writing, cuddling my labs, crafting, etc. My big aim is to get back into baking and cooking, just because I’m not eating as I did doesn’t mean I should stop what I love. I got a beautiful mixer last year and boy is it going to get its ass worked off now that I have got over that hurdle. Have a great weekend guys. After Ive finished my treatment today My hubby is taking me to The Edinburgh Festival tonight and tomorrow night. Tonight its Craig Hill, tomorrow its Nina Conti

A Week In and I’m having a break

July 24, 2016 by Lizbeth, posted in Nets/carcinoid Syndrome, Uncategorized

Its been an eventful week. My phototherapy machine was ever so kindly delivered by the courier. Brought down from the photobiology department in Ninewells Hospital, Dundee. We get it set up in the end bedroom. Carefully I put the folder with the paperwork on the desk thats in the room. make sure I have everything, creams, lip protection, goggles for my eyes. The machine has an engraved plate on the front: Hope 18. To me this instantly makes me feel that the machine has some sort of entity and I have it in my head that the machine is of the female gender. For me it makes its easier when I’m setting up, getting myself changed, typing in the keypad – the time to warm myself in front of the lights.

My treatment gets done in quarters, I’m a piece of meat; getting carefully timed under the grill and turned over precisely as the timer says. The bright lights shine up the whole room, when the beeper makes the familiar noise I safely take off the protective goggles. My eyes take a few seconds to adjust to normality.

The first treatment over. We have a quiet evening. Next morning, I wake up do my usual routine, my skin is a little drier than usual, but nothing to write home about.

Treatment two is fine.

Treatment three, approximately six hours after my treatment I feel my skin very tight. There is a distinct redness to my skin. Ouch. Plenty of cream. 12 hours later and the redness has subsided. 24 Hours later a patch has developed on my throat. And I can tell you its sore. Both inside and out. Its red and angry. Evelyn my nurse came to do my peg care and my octreotide treatment injection. Boy, was I glad to see her. When she walked in, she first asked about my throat. I told her how things were going. She thought the best thing was to phone the photobiology unit at the hospital and ask what to do. In the meantime she did my peg care, octreotide injection and checked over my throat.

I phoned the photobiology unit. As ever the staff were fantastic. Gently talked me through everything. They asked me to send photos. Its been decided I have to stay off treatment till this Monday. Take another photograph and send it to them, we will then decide when to restart the treatment and what dose. The hospital staff have been in touch with me, my nurse and my GP – all on that morning – I have had my hydrocortisone replacement therapy medication increased and been prescribed hydrocortisone cream to apply on the affected area. I feel very warm, like I’ve been cooked from the inside out – microwave fashion. If i was cooked inside out, can you imagine my parathyroid glands if my skin on my throat looks and feels like this.

Fingers crossed it heals quickly and I can get back to my treatment soon.

Farewell to a courageous brave friend

June 13, 2016June 13, 2016 by Lizbeth, posted in Nets/carcinoid Syndrome, Uncategorized

When Pamela Ter Gast and I made friends on Facebook four years ago. Little did I know such a strong friendship would develop. And just how much we have in common. Our friendship began with a shared interest of neuroendocrine tumours. Our chatting very soon veered to a personal level.lkkkkk Pam, Dutch born now living in USA with her beloved Boo, has two kids – like me. Only I have two lads, Pam has one of each; a girl and a boy. We hooked up with two other Dutch zebras: Beth and Didi. The four of us formed a close bond; sharing stories, we laughed and cried together. We call ourselves the musketeers. Of course we are alternative musketeers – Pam: Winnie The Pooh, Beth: Piglet, Didi: Eyore and little old me:Tigger.

Pam was a very gutsy lady who I admired greatly. You could always rely on Pammy to make you feel better. When times were tough for any of us we would take a virtual travel together. We posted our travels on social media and many people actually thought we were actually away to beautiful sandy beaches, climbing mountains, visiting castles and distant shores. Now that would have been a treat 😉.
This beautiful lady showered her kindness and picked me up on days I felt pdown. She always had an uncanny knack of knowing without asking……and offering that shoulder. Pam did not stop at friending me. She would drop messages to the men in my life. When my mum passed away she was fab and sent messages to the boys, when Tony had meningitis she sent him a few messages asking how he was. And on one ocassion when I hadn’t posted on Facebook for a few days she sent Steve a message saying she was worried she hadn’t heard from me and asking if everything was ok. As friends we sent each other photos, pictures, etc. some would be funny cartoons to make us laugh others would be photos of landscapes or flowers.
This is a photo Beth took in Holland and sent to Pam. She loved it.

Beautiful Pam with the infectious smile. Always looking on the bright side of life. Sharing a conversation brightened my day.

Pam wanted to raise awareness of neuroendocrine cancer. And whilst she bravely fought her own battle, she took time out to educate the public. Giving talks, posting on you tube, etc. Ever so proud of you Pam. 💕.

Pam posted a video on YouTube:

A beautiful obituary in The Telegram

http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/telegram/obituary.aspx?n=pamela-ter-gast&pid=180298509&eid=sp_shareobit
I will miss my conversations with Pam. Her friendship was so valuable to me. She will always hold a special place in my heart. When Pam said to me she knew how I was feeling, yes I knew she really did know how i was feeling. There was no bullshit from this lady. I feel priveliged to say she was my friend. Pammy you touched so many people: your loss is being felt world wide tonight.

We exchanged many pictures, photos, etc. This is one that Pam posted on my Facebook page. Rather apt, don’t you think?

Our Support Group Has A New Website

May 27, 2016May 27, 2016 by Lizbeth, posted in Nets/carcinoid Syndrome, Uncategorized

When a patient with carcinoid syndrome, Ann Edgar and Endocrine Consultant, Professor Park Strachan, got their heads together a very much needed charity was set up in Scotland: The Ann Edgar Charitable Trust.

The Ann Edgar Charitable Trust (TAECT) is Scotland’s only dedicated charity to help and support those affected with neuroendocrine cancer and tumours and carcinoid syndrome. It’s other main aims are to educate and promote awareness.

The South east of Scotland already has a wonderful support network set up. We regularly meet on the 10th of each month. We try to have a variety of meetings to cater for all walks of life and age. Sometimes it’s lunch at Lauriston Farm, or a quiet drink at a bar in Edinburgh. We have all met at a fellow patients house for afternoon tea and enjoyed lovely sandwiches and cakes. June is a craft fair with home baking to which general public can attend, and July we are going to a garden party at Barbara and Alister’s house. Looking forward to the home baking and beautiful gardens as well as seeing the lovely friends I have made. It’s certainly not doom and gloom, the room is always filled with laughter.

Steve and I attend the meetings regularly and look forward to going to them. We have genuinely made some lovely friends. It’s good to be able to say you actually enjoy the company of the others, I have missed some due to being in hospital with this damn infection. I can honestly say there isn’t anyone that wallows in self pity or looks for sympathy. We are a mixed bunch with lots of stories to tell. There is always someone willing to offer some advice without being pretentious.

Yesterday 26 May 2016 a brand new website was launched. And I think it looks pretty cool. All comments are welcome.
You can see the website at http://www.taect.scot

Please have a surf, the site has useful information and I would love to know what you think of it.

The Pups Birthday

March 5, 2016 by Lizbeth, posted in Emotions, Uncategorized

bellaandpups — Bella feeding the contented puppies

The 1st of March 2015 was a rather eventful day in our house. Our loving Labrador, Bella gave birth to eight puppies. Ever faithful Buddy looked on as she delivered each individual pup. One year on and we are still in contact with five of the owners. We hear how they are progressing. It is a wonderful feeling to know that you helped delivered these little guys into the world and now they are part of another family. We get to know what joy they are bringing to others and what their role is now they have left the nest.

buddyandgunner — Buddy looking after Gunner before he leaves the nest

March 1st 2016 celebrated their 1st birthday. I sent a message to the families to say happy birthday to the dogs and hope that they were well. I got messages and pictures back. It makes me feel good to know that the dogs are loved and well cared for. And I am more than happy to be in touch and have made new friends through our dogs having a litter of puppies.

kaiwithcake — Kai eager to get to his birthday cake

Kai had a birthday party, with dog friends invited. Kai got presents, cards and cake. A lot for a one year old dog. ‘a couple of the pics from Kai’s party. He had a great time, ran rings around everybody. Was hard to get some pics with the bedlam going on. He had 3 doggy friends in all going bonkers lol Wee Millie the cocker spaniel is knackered. He’s totally spoilt but we love him to bits.’ Kai lives with a lovely couple who keeps up updated on his progress. He is a lucky boy to be in this family; well loved and will always come first. You can tell by just looking at them that they were meant to be. Kai fits into his home so well. He sits on the sofa, looking around like lord of the manor.

sandyspider sandy

Sandy went to live with a couple with a little girl. He is loved to bits by the family. I got a message that said ‘Hi Elizabeth we are all doing well. Nobody can believe that Sandy isn’t one yet because of his height. He has the square nose like his Daddy. We will have to bring him to see you all, but will ring first. This photo was taken at Halloween, he loved his spider, it only lasted a day. Sandy loves cuddles and up at the school he barks if people don’t come over and pat him. He’s a case, he patrols the back garden and barks if he sees something he is not happy with. He loves the trampoline, you should see him and Aimme jumping on it, they are great pals’

Jake is a lovely Labrador that lives with his human parents (who love him very much) and two pussy cats. He is a cuddly dog, who loves to be pampered and snuggled in. He is like his parents and is quick of the mark in running around and playing with toys, but equally likes to lie in and if you didn’t know them better you would think they were lazy and thought they were lying there all day. Jake likes to tell you what he wants. His folks sent me a message with a photo of him sitting up straight and it said ‘that is the baby telling you he wants this’ and then a photo of him outside. Clever dog.

jake1 — Jake standing ready for the off…..

gunnerandbrandy — Gunner and Brandy playing at the Beach

Gunner, is the only fox red Labrador exactly like his daddy, some of the others have similarities, but Gunner is a dead ringer for Buddy. Gunner has gone to live with Louis & Keith, they have a boxer bitch, Brandy and a couple of cats. Gunner has fitted in perfectly. Louis and Keith have become our friends. They pop down to see us, with and without Gunner. Louise and Keith came to see me in hospital, they couldn’t bring Gunner so brought a beautiful framed photo, this fair cheered me up and let the staff see one of the beautiful dogs Bella has given birth too. Its been a win win situation. Louis and Keith take Gunner and Brandy on lots of outings, the dogs enjoy lots of walks . Gunner is also getting trained to the Gun with Keith. Merely as a hobby, both man and dog appear to love it. Gunner is very protective like his Dad and follows Louise around the house and sits and waits whilst she has a bath, etc.

Harley, had a lovely birthday. He got a cake and presents, as you can see in the photographs. Harley left us at 6 weeks old. He gets well cared for by Sally. He has another Labrador as a companion, his name is Cooper. Sally has taught Harley well, he does what he is told, gives paws on command, rolls over, does all sorts of wonderful tricks. Harley loves long walks and running around with some of his other furry friends, but I think most of all he likes to get very wet and muddy: just to keep Sally on her toes. We have kept in close contact and I get kept up to date with all his progress. Sally has brought Harley back to ours for a visit. They have visited to meet up with Gunner and had lots of fun with their parents, Buddy and Bella. And they have visited for a quieter visit, just Harley & Sally. Where Harley has had a cuddle and played with Buddy and Bella for a while.

harley harley1

harley2

It was a big decision for us to breed Buddy and Bella last year. Would we manage with the pups with the way my health is the way it is? How busy Steve can be for work? We talked about it at great length. Then decided to let nature take its course. They mated on 1st January 2015 and Bella gave birth on 1st March 2015. I’m not going to say it was easy. Once the puppies got to the three week stage and they were needing weaned onto porridge, it began to get a bit of hard work. But the first three weeks, Bella kept them clean, fed them and to be honest you hardly heard a peep out of them. When they started eating the porridge they were like little gremlins – yum yum yum. Got to say though, all well behaved, and kept to their own bowls. The key was organisation. Steve’s cousin, Anna, from Suffolk, came to stay with us for one week, she was a great help, washing floors, feeding pups, etc. Steve and I had most of the feeding and cleaning down to a routine, Steve did all the manual heavy work. I will admit it was hard work, however it was worth every minute of it. The cuddles from the little puppies, the joy and warmth we get from both Buddy and Bella. When the day came for the new owners to pick up their pup and take it home, you could see how excited they were, the looked at the puppy all doe eyed and eagerly told us of the items they had purchased for their new addition and how they could not wait to get home and show them their new bed.

When my phone texts or I get an email to say how well one of Bella and Buddy’s pups are doing I feel a sense of warmth and a big grin comes across my face. My dogs are special to me and I’m so pleased their children are have a special place in the hearts of the people they live with. I’m so happy we had a litter of puppies. The company of my own dogs, the new friends and hearing how the pups are getting on and developing into fully grown dogs is great for me. There are days I don’t feel well enough to go across the door. The contact with others, communicating, happy stories – it all makes the world a better place.

For Reflection & Fun

September 25, 2015 by Lizbeth, posted in Uncategorized

Alongside this blog, I have another site. It will have daily postings of quotes, photographs & music. The posts are lighthearted and fun.

Please feel free to look at the site; comment, share or follow. It can all be seen at http://www.aquotesmileandphoto.com

I hope you enjoy the site.

The photo taken above was taken in Ibiza in May 2015. You can great hotel deals by clicking on the Hotels Combined link below.

Taking care of each other: as always

September 20, 2015 by Lizbeth, posted in Uncategorized

Source: Taking care of each other: as always

Discussion on tube feeding

July 2, 2015 by Lizbeth, posted in Uncategorized

Over the last year I have struggled maintaining my weight and keeping up my blood sugar levels. Despite waking up from sleep throughout the night to eat as well as eating as much as possible throughout the day on top of taking extra supplements in the form of the delightful fortisip and ensure drinks. Getting as many as 7 down my neck a day. My hubby tells friends I’ve got every woman’s dream – I can eat what I want and never put on a pound or an inch on my waist line. The truth is he knows how much I struggle and the difficulty I face everyday. The old saying what goes in has to come out; in my body it’s accelerated. The food is no sooner in and either up it comes or within hours my bowels are moving. The loose movements leave me exhausted and drained. Hubby, Steve, said the other day ‘all your energy leaves you from your backside’ – this summary is spot on.

Steve comes with me to my consultations. We all agree- how things are going can’t go in like this…… I’m exhausted; especially with waking up through the night. But if I don’t eat through the night I will have a hypo. Mealtimes are a chore. Fitting a tube feed and giving me some food when I’m sleeping looks like the best solution. Initially it’s discussed that I get a peg feed fitted. The tube feed will be in my tummy and unless I told anyone or had no clothes on, no one would no I had it fitted. I could hook up through the night, get valued nutrients and get some sleep. We get an appointment to see the nutrician specialist consultant. In Steve and I go, to be greeted by a team of four. They were very informative. The consultant starts by explaining about the peg. Then he tells us why it’s not such a good idea to go ahead immediately. He explains, inserting the tube into my tummy could hit a tumour and make things worse. And even if he get the device fitted without colliding with any tumour, the foreign objects in my body could cause problems, it could accelerate growth or encourage new growth on or near the tube. Steve stopped him and said that’s lots of negatives……

The team do think I need to give tube feeding a try to see if I have any improvement in quality of life. So we are going to try a ng tube for a month. One of the team will come to our home and train us on how to use the pump, all about the tubes, feeds, etc. then in the next couple of weeks I will go to the ward and get a tube fitted. This means I will have a tube up my nose – the thing I’m not looking forward to is getting the tube fed up my nose and it going down the back of my throat. Hopefully once it’s up and running I will have a bit more control over my blood sugar levels and I will get a more peaceful sleep. It’s worth a try.

Is The NET Natter support groups right for me?

June 27, 2015August 13, 2015 by Lizbeth, posted in Uncategorized

The Ann Edgar Charitable Trust (aect) charity offers a support network to people with nets, carcinoid syndrome and their families and friends in Scotland. The charity works independently as well as working in association with UK charity – Net Patient Foundation.

As part of the support services. Folk affected by nets & carcinoid syndrome get together – informally and socially. We chat, share experiences and very often laugh loudly. Gives a chance to air our views, meet new people and strike up friendships.

Yesterday was my hubby’s 49th birthday. There was a meeting arranged for the same day. I asked Steve if he wanted to go to meeting or give it a miss since it was his birthday. Not everyone’s idea of a perfect birthday night – spending time with people talking about injections, bowel habits, surgery etc. Steve being Steve wanted us to go. So we went out for dinner one our own and then headed to meet the others.

When we arrived at the pub the others were sitting at a large table in the bustling pub blethering away. As usual a warm hello from everyone. The pub setting is and ideal location. Far away from hospitals; this non clinical setting Allows you to drop your guard and open up. You find yourself sharing and telling of what has gone on since we last met up. While friends and family can be a lifeline offering support and help sometimes I find myself halting and not actually saying how I really feel or how things have been. The group has a very relaxed atmosphere and when you share an experience you do know others know how it really is. Nothing helps better to lift the weight when someone says to you, yes I understand or I know how you feel.

Last night was the first meeting since Anne passed away. I was feeling apprehensive. It was anne that would tuck a label in whenever it was showing, grab my cheek softly with her index finger and thumb and ask how I am. Anne was such a loving friendly lady who had time for everyone. Her smile, kind words and sense of humour is what I will miss most.

Five minutes in and the knot in my tummy had subsided. Sitting on the table was a large cake box. Barbara, one of the members had baked a cake for Steve’s birthday. Everyone was chatting away, talking about all sorts. While we do share health experiences, we do actually talk about our everyday lives, our families, etc. as well as football, golf, TV, holidays, and much more. We had a newbie and her husband last night. I’m sure she got a lot out of it and will be back.

An hour and a half in and we all shared Steve’s cake. Barbara is a wonderful baker and the cake was delicious. Conversations were flowing and everyone appeared to be relaxed and at ease in chatting. The great benefit of the group is there is no cliquieness. I’m sure even though it was a first social meeting for two of the people there they felt welcome with no awkwardness and able to talk freely. As a group there are never hard and fast rules. There is no fixed agenda or timings. You can stay for as long as you want or have the time. No one would take offence if you came for half an hour and left or if you stayed for the duration of the evening.

We arrived at the pub at 7.40pm and left at 10.30pm. On the way home in the car, Steve and I chatted about our personal feelings of the evening. The half hour journey home flew in : probably due to the pair of us nattering. Usually I am tucked up in bed by this time. I guess going out and meeting the others had me wrapped up in conversation and even gave me positive energy.

To think I was sceptical of going to meetings. Worried they would be unwelcoming and regimental with rules and a set schedule. I shouldn’t have been doubtful in the least. I’m looking forward to our next hook up.

Third day in my pjs and my faithful labradors

June 22, 2015 by Lizbeth, posted in Uncategorized

Thursday afternoon, was feeling very very tired. To that point that you feel your legs just can’t carry you. Teatime – dire need to put my pyjamas on. The whole afternoon I slept on the sofa, with the exception of the times my Labrador, Buddy, would wake me. He would look at me and if he could speak he would say mother just try something to eat or drink a fortisip.

Buddy is a wonderful golden Labrador. He follows me around everywhere I go. Sits patiently in the bathroom, always at my feet or by my side when I’m sitting down. Accompanies me to kitchen, stands and looks at the fridge – I know he is wondering if perhaps he can have something to eat. When I’m in

bed, his duvet bed is in our bedroom. I’m up at night – Buddy is up at night. He carries clothes through to the washing machine. Most importantly he knows when my blood sugars are dropping too low. I can be in a sound sleep, I will suddenly feel a paw on my shoulder; tap tap. I open my eyes to see his big square head looking over me. On checking my blood sugar levels after buddy has woken me – they are always around the 2.5 mark. He has an instinct that i need to drink one of my fortisip Drinks.

As well as Buddy we have Bella, she is also a golden lab, 2 years younger than Buddy. She doesn’t quite keep as close as Buddy. However, if I am home alone. Or on a sofa on my own, I will have a Labrador on either side of me. Bella is protective of me, keeps her ears open for anything out of the ordinary happening. Bella is just as faithful, and is learning the household duties and definetly likes to carry things for you. The softness of the labs mouth, they will carry something for you for a considerable time or distance and will not damage or mark it. however she is a Daddy’s girl and knows what side her bread is buttered on – she very much looks forward to Steve’s cuddles, playing football, letting them run free outside with him.

Friday, I was violently sick. While shouting hughie down the loo I had both Labradors in the family bathroom with me. I was sweating and Bella was gently licking my feet, I know to many that sounds yuk, but for me it was comforting and when your heart is pounding in your ears it’s good to know someone or something is looking out for you. Buddy takes charge and sits upright by my side as I grip the pan. If he could hold my hand he would. At last I’m sure nothing more can come out. After composing myself to get back to the sofa, we three walk along the long hallway together. Bella taking the lead and Buddy walking by my side. Bella only one step ahead, normally she would run along the hallway. This day she walks slowly at my pace. Her ears pinned back listening to my every move. I get to the sofa, fall asleep and wake up an hour or so later: both dogs faithfully down at my feet.

Saturday felt like a nothing day. Disappeared so quickly.

Sunday – today. The first day I feel up to making a cuppa. Brian and Margaret popped in for a visit. I’m not very good with visitors when I’m feeling rubbish, but there are some people that you don’t mind calling on you at any time. My brother Brian and sister in law Margaret are in that class. They don’t mind if they don’t get a cuppa, or the dogs hairs need vacuumed. And I don’t mind what I’m like when they come. They want to visit regardless – which is lovely. They brought me a beautiful present. A zebra picture. I love it. Buddy loved the cuddles from Margaret too 🙂

I thought I would bath and get some slacks and a t shirt on. Alas, it’s 4.45pm – I’m washed and in fresh pyjamas. My labs don’t mind as long as they get a hug. It’s a slow evening snuggled up on the sofa. And I think after the busy week my hubby has had he is benefiting from chilling on the couch.

Too much ‘happy clappy’ chemicals

June 15, 2015 by Lizbeth, posted in Uncategorized

One of the tests to confirm carcinoid syndrome is a 24 hour urine collection. The test is called 5hiaa. the level of serotonin excreted into the urine is measured. From day one my levels have always been elevated. As my doctor would say results are on the high side. Serotonin is a feel good chemical. A doctor was once described it to me as your happy clappy chemicals are very high. I believe this is why I do not get down in the mouth and my glass is half full and not half empty. I try my best to keep upbeat and positive. With a wonderful husband and beautiful family such as mine it makes wanting to be happy relatively easy.

The test is simple enough and can be done at home. As long as you remember to pee in a urine pot and then pour it in the designated container. The container has acid in it the last thing you want to do is put your ****** over the containers and have the acid vapours direct themselves at you – most of us have enough problems without adding to them. My main issue is trying to pee and not poo at the same time. As well as reducing the flushing the lanreotide injection has cut down the diahrea from 9 times a day to loose bowels 3 or 4 times per day. I’ve perfected a stance that allows me just to collect the urine. I certainly wouldn’t win any prizes for looking cool but it gets the job done 🙂

I start my next 24 hour collection for 5hiaa in 7 hours time. I’ve been practising my pee positioning all week.

Some happy news

June 15, 2015 by Lizbeth, posted in Uncategorized

This week was a tiring mixed emotional one. My hospital admission. Death of a friend. Body and brain in overdrive.

Sunday brought happiness and celebration. Our youngest son, Stuart, arrived at the house on Sunday lunchtime with Christine and Grace. After the usual blethering and noise for the first five minutes. Stuart announces he asked Christine to marry him and she said yes. As parents Steve and I are so pleased that things are going on the right track for the youngsters. We always worry about our children and I think more so the older they get. There is something frightening for a parent when a child reaches that independent age and starts heading off in their own direction. Our philosophy is not to interfere or tell them what to do. We would rather support our boys and let them know they are loved and we are there for them 24 hours a day. I can still hear my mother say I worry more about you now you are an adult than when you were in nappies; my boys are 25 & 27 and I can definitely relate to this comment.

Stuart, Christine & Grace

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