" I implore you, my child; observe heaven and earth, consider all that is in them, and acknowledge that God made them out of nothing (ex nihilo), and that mankind comes into being in the same way..." 2 Maccabees 7:28

Sunday, July 6, 2008

Good news and bad news...


The good news is that I am definitely getting the fuzz of a peach all over my head ( it sounds like I translated that from Italian or something), which is the first stage of re-growth.

The bad news is that I am down to my last six eyelashes. I had seven yesterday when I went to sleep, and then first thing this morning I noticed that Jerome was missing. I should never have named them; you get too attached that way.

Also the lack of eyelashes makes my eyes water even more and contributes to my random acts of spontaneous and inappropriate weeping.

Also, on the recommendation of the Eastern medicine specialist I had a test taken to measure my VItamin D levels. VIt D, as mentioned in previous posts, is now known to be a tumor suppressor, as well as helping your body to absorb calcium. It is extremely rare for someone my age to have a deficiency as my oncologist pointed out, however as statistics have already failed me once I was still inclined to take the test. Optimum level of Vit D is 50, below 30 they will put you on prescription strength supplements. My level was 19, so I guess that means I have a severe deficiency. I know, I know , it's not exactly good news if what you mean by good news is something that makes you happy and makes the future look rosy and bright, but it is at least treatable and may give a hint as to why my body couldn't fight off cancer. Of course, it also indicates a number of other likely problems, such as poor bone density and other mineral deficiencies. But hey, the suns out and I'm feeling lucky to be alive, so it feels like good news to me.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

eyelashes are highly overrated... it's the iris of the eyes that are the windows to our souls. :)

i love when you teach of us eastern medicine findings... i bought morton's idionized salt yesterday. now i want to get my vit d testing done.

you should be happy because today is a great day... well just because it is.

i told my mom all about you. i'm going to visit you next time i'm in the bay area. (just so you know!) c and j will bring me i'm certain of it!

hopeyg said...

I miss Jerome too. :(

Love ya,
Hoper

Unknown said...

I suppose it's also good news that, if you're getting fuzzies on the top, you'll eventually get lashes on your eyes again. It could be a wonderful Christmas present!

For your birthday, you can get a haircut!

In the meantime, don't fear "inappropriate" weeping. Your tears are precious to our Lord and to your friends. Let them flow when they must, and trust in the good they are doing for you and for us.

I love you and am praying for you.

Trisha Q said...

I agree with Sheshe overrated. What's there job anyways? Eyelashes or no lashes, you are a one sentimental woman.

Anonymous said...

What are the other six named? -Trinka

Anonymous said...

Think of all the money you'll save, NOT using mascara!

Faith, you are dear! Thank you for the chaplet and thank you for your understanding my low moments (yes, all those side effects!).

Its not enough to handle the diagnosis, then the treatment, adjust to having to give myself shots, accept the side effects. Then I have to deal with depression, which by the way, is also a side effect.

Your vitamin story is interested. Vitamin D deficiency is thought to be a factor in getting MS too. Amazing how so many things are connected...