10.23.08

Where to Start???

Posted in Beauty, Life, Personal, travel tagged , , , , , , at 11:57 pm by pdxfirefly

Hello readers!   In this weblog, I’ll be sharing some thoughts on personal growth as well as some interesting tidbits.   Welcome Aboard!!!

  The way my blog is set up, with the exception of this post,  the most recent entries are at the top .   One way to access the older entries is to click on a particular month in the Archives section.  There are some interesting stories in there, so be sure to take a look!  You may click on a category in the box to your right and it will bring up all posts in that category — for example- recipes or swifts.  Or… you may type a topic in the search box and that will bring up any post related to that topic — such as skin care. 

   For those of you who have been directed here because you or someone you know has cancer, there is an easy way to read only the articles relating to cancer.  Simply type ‘cancer’ in the search box and it will bring up all of my posts that have the word cancer in them.  You then just roll the cursor over the title of the article (which should highlight the title) and then click to read the entire article.  You then click the back button to return to the other articles.   My personal odyssey with cancer began in my 3/14/2009 article “Under the Weather”.  You can also access it by clicking on March 2009 in the archives section and reading back from there.  You may also click on ‘Health’ under the categories heading to the right.

 And so, readers, I welcome you to Portland Firefly and I look forward to your comments.  If you do write a comment, be sure that you click on “submit” to send it to me.  I must approve all comments before they appear on the blog, so it is possible for you to send me a personal note stating that you don’t wish it to be made public.

Now, “Buckle your seatbelts for takeoff!!!”

11.26.09

Happy Thanksgiving to All

Posted in History, Life, Personal, community tagged , , , at 12:11 am by pdxfirefly

    I want to wish all of you a very Happy Thanksgiving.

     This has been an amazing year for me and I have so much to be thankful for.

     First of all, I am thankful for my Family, for they were the driving force in getting me through these last 8 months.  Next I want to thank my Doctors and their medical staff for their excellent and compassionate care.    I want to thank all my friends who have supported me prayerfully and emotionally during this time of treatment.  Each of you has been a wonderful help to me and I thank God for all of you.  It has been the cumulative effect of everyone working together that has helped me to achieve the wonderful results that I have so far.  I still have a long year ahead of me and I know that you will continue to be there for me. 

“Now thank we all our God, with hearts and hands and voices.

What wonderous things He has done, in whom our heart rejoices.”

11.25.09

Space Shuttle Sighting

Posted in Fun, History, Life, Portland, community tagged , , at 10:25 am by pdxfirefly

  I was walking to my car on Monday evening and I spotted the International Space Station orbiting overhead the Portland skies!

People in the Portland area will be able to see the ISS and Space Shuttle tonight (Wednesday) and  Thanksgiving  (Thursday).

  These are the times:    

                                         length of time     degrees         enter view 

Wed Nov 25/06:23 PM 2 21 21 above SW 14 above S
Thu Nov 26/05:08 PM 5 61 10 above WNW 12 above SE

Please note that on Thanksgiving, you will be able to see the ISS for 5 minutes at 5:08 pm which is a very long time.  so after you take the turkey out of the oven, reset the timer or the alarm to remind you to go outside and take a look at 5:08 pm.  What a cool thing to do with the family!!!

http://spaceflight1.nasa.gov/realdata/sightings/cities/view.cgi?country=United_States®ion=Oregon&city=Portland

Winter Wonderettes

Posted in Fun, Life, Personal, Portland, community tagged , , at 12:16 am by pdxfirefly

  

   Winter Wonderettes is the new produciton at the Broadway Rose Theatre for this Holiday Season.     Portland Firefly is going to attend this musical later on, but I thought that I’d let you know about what sounds like a cute holiday production!  

   For more information and ticket purchase go to this website: http://www.broadwayrose.com/currentproductions.asp  

 or call (503) – 620-5262.

Don’t forget your plastic white poinsetta!!!!

 

11.24.09

Cookie Exchange

Posted in Fun, Life, Personal, Recipes tagged , , , , , at 12:30 am by pdxfirefly

  This is a reprint  of my very popular post about how to have a cookie exchange.

  How do you have a cookie exchange?   Invite 6 or more friends to bring 2-4 dozen Christmas cookies each for an evening of conversation, cider and carols.  Put all cookie plates on a table or kitchen island.   O-o-o and A-w-e-e over all the cookies.   Sit and visit for a while enjoying your cider or other beverage and just before it is time to go home, each guest chooses her cookies to take home.   In the interest of fairness, each person takes home as many cookies as she brought.  As the hostess, I usually make extras so everyone goes home with some cookies even if they don’t have time to bake.   The event is as much about sharing our lives as it is about taking home cookies so I encourage my non-bakers to attend!

11.22.09

Green Tea Uses

Posted in Beauty, Fun, Personal, Recipes tagged , , , , at 12:26 am by pdxfirefly

 For many years, green tea has been a drink that I enjoy, especially in the mornings. 

 But over the years the recycler in me became  unsettled over throwing out all of those tea leaves.   I figured that there has to be a use for them.  Then I remembered something that my parents used to have me do as a child.   

    Living in the near perfect climate of Southern California, we had a beautifully landscaped yard consisting of my Father’s favorite plants and flowers.  I came to love those same flowers and to learn their names.  One day, my Mother told me to take the tea bags and to  put them in the garden around a specific plant.  My Dad instructed me to gently incorporate the tea leaves into the top of the soil for these acid loving plants.  It is something that I have always remembered because it was so unusual.

   This came back into my consciousness while I was pondering my used tea bags.  Then I remembered that green tea is now a popular ingredient in some cosmetics.  Hum-m-m-m, I thought.  I now have three uses for these tea bags.   And that sounded like a bargain to me!

   So after I make my green tea, I remove the bag.  I then like to ‘wash’ my face with it as a toner.  Then I let the tea bag dry.  When the tea bag is dried out, I put the tea leaves into a little container and then I sprinkle them around my beautiful roses.   I had the most fantastic long-stemmed roses this summer —they were over four feet tall!!!  

    And the recycler in me was satisfied that I was actually helping something in the environment instead of adding to the landfill problem.

11.21.09

My New Appliance

Posted in Fun, Health, Personal tagged , at 12:59 am by pdxfirefly

Electric Tea Kettle by PDXFirefly

Electric Tea Kettle by PDXFirefly

 

   On my recent trip to Spain an electric water kettle was provided at most places we stayed.  I had never used one before and became totally addicted to it.  What a practical appliance;   it boils water before you can get your cup and tea bag out of the cupoard!   Evidently they are used extensively in the UK (Britain) and Canada, but they have never made it to the US.  That is about to end.

       I did some internet searching for this item upon my return and found several.  Then the other night, I wanted some tea and my tired little stove-top kettle was begging for retirement.  I ran to my local grocery store and what do you know!   They had a huge stock ( for Christmas already!) of the style of electric kettle I was searching for right there!   No waiting!  I checked  it out to be sure it was what I wanted and brought it right home and started using it!    I love it!  I am sure that this will be an item that I will not want to ever be without again!

11.19.09

Broken Fingernail?

Posted in Beauty, Life, Personal, story, travel tagged , at 12:50 am by pdxfirefly

  My recent post about green tea reminded me of something that we would do as Flight Attendants. 

     Appearance is an important part of being a Flight Attendant because, lets face it, we are what I like to refer to as the ‘In-Flight Entertainment’.  Passengers watch everything we do and this is most evident when we are serving beverages or meals.   That means that you are watching our hands; so having  nicely manicured nails was part of our appearance standards.

   But what do you do when you are on a flight and you catch a nail on a galley carrier and your nail starts to rip off?  One enterprising Flight Attendant came up with the solution that was always readily available to every flight attendant.

   She took a tea bag and tore off a small part of the bag and applied it over the torn part of her nail.  If no one had any nail glue, then we would use nail polish to secure the tea bag patch to help hold our nail in place until it could grow out or we could get to the nail salon.

   This is a solution that I was most thankful for on many occasions and perhaps it might come in handy for someone else out there some day!

11.18.09

Puerta del Sol

Posted in Fun, History, Life, travel tagged , , at 12:37 am by pdxfirefly

The Governor's Building, Madrid by PDXFirefly

The Governor's Building, Madrid by PDXFirefly

    Here is a picture of the bustling Puerta del Sol, a busy pedestrian square in the heart of Madrid.   This picture was taken on International Red Cross day and Spain’s Princess was in the tent accepting donations from citizens who then were able to have a photo taken with her.

11.17.09

Zero Kilometer

Posted in Fun, History, travel tagged , , at 12:11 am by pdxfirefly

Zero Kilometer by PDXFirefly

Zero Kilometer, Madrid by PDXFirefly

   The country of Spain is roughly shaped like a circle with its capitol of Madrid geographically positioned in the center.  In the heart of the old city is the Governors Building which is situated on the Puerta del Sol, a busy square akin to New York City’s Times Square on New Years Eve.  On the sidewalk in front of this building is an emblem from which all distances in Spain and the Spanish Colonies are measured and for this reason it is called Zero Kilometer.

11.16.09

Restarting Chemotherapy

Posted in Health, Life, Personal tagged , , , , at 12:53 am by pdxfirefly

   On Monday, 11/16, Portland Firefly will have another Doctor’s appointment.  I have had a nice long respite from Chemotherapy and I am feeling very well and have a lot of energy and my hair is starting to grow back.  In fact, my hair is almost to the point that I might feel comfortable going out in public without a scarf but now it is so cold here in Northwest that everyone needs to wear a hat when venturing out, especially me.

  The reason I am telling you all of this is because, my Doctor is recommending that I have another year of Chemotherapy.   It is called Maintenance Chemo and I will find out more about this at the appointment.  But just thinking of starting up a year  more of Chemo is very depressing for me.  I have had eight months of it and have felt ‘unwell’ for most of that time.  Now to think of another year is really disheartening. 

   I know that this is a deadly cancer that I have.  I know that the prognosis is very grim.  I know that I have had a remarkable response to the Chemotherapy.   I also know that it is probably my only chance to even have the thought that I can have the life expectancy that I want to have (5 -7 years more). 

   But I still don’t want to be sick all the time and I really do not want to lose my hair again (especially now that it has just started to grow back in).  But at the same time … I do not see where I have any other choice but to do it.

    My friend from California that has the same cancer I have (Primary Peritoneal Carcinoma) called me unexpectedly on Saturday and cheered me up.  She is an inspiration to me and I value her kindness and caring.

11.15.09

I Met the “Hat Lady”

Posted in Beauty, Health, Life, Personal, story tagged , at 12:34 am by pdxfirefly

    When I was at the Cancer Center before my trip to Spain, I was waiting to be taken to the lab for my blood draw.  I had an unusally long wait because there was a mix-up regarding my appointment day.

   While waiting, a lady struck up a brief conversation with me and we continued talking for some time.   At one point I sat in the chair next to hers in order to present her with my business card and it was then that I noticed a large bag on the chair on the other side of her.  The bag was bulging over the top with items that were somehow familiar to me.    My immediate sense was that they look exactly like something that belongs to me and is in my house.  How can that be?  I looked more carefully and then I recognized the items in the bag.   The bag was over-filled with the soft Chemo hats that someone had made for the cancer patients at this center.

   It became very clear to me who this lovely woman was.  She is the “Hat Lady”.  She is the one who selflessly makes and donates hundreds of hats each year so that we can have some sense of dignity in the baldness that accompanies our killing Chemotherapy treatments.  

     I have two of them and I wear them all the time.   They travel with me,  even on a short overnight stay at my Son’s house.   I love these hats.  They are so soft and so comfortable and they keep your head warm, which is sometimes the primary reason for wearing one.   Now I was able to thank her personally and to give her a very heartfelt hug for providing these hats for us. 

   She told me her name, but since she wishes to remain anonymous, I will not reveal it here.   She has been making these Chemo hats and donating them for over 8 years.  What a wonderful thing to do and  I hope she realizes how appreciated her efforts are by all of us who are the lucky recipients of her generosity!   Thank you so very much, A…….

11.14.09

Neuropathy

Posted in Health, Life, Personal tagged , , , , , , , at 12:04 am by pdxfirefly

   There are many different side-effects associated with Chemotherapy treatments.  Neuropathy is one that plagues Portland Firefly most continually.   Even after many weeks without Chemo, I still experience the numbness and tingling in my feet that is typical of Neuropathy.   

   My Doctor has suggested that I take L-Glutamine powder to help relieve the symptoms.  After 8 months of trial and error, I have developed a little system for taking my L-Glutiamine.  I put the 10 mgs into a glass and add a tiny bit of warm water and stir to help dissolve this powder.   Then I add some juice (I use that refrigerated lemon juice ) since juice is needed to help my body absorb the L-Glutamine.  Then I add several  ounces of water, stirring until the powder is dissolved and drink it down on an empty stomach.   I should do this three times a day, but it is difficult to do and especially so when traveling.

   I have found the L-Glutamine at GNC to be the best value.   I obtained a GNC gold card and only purchase during the ‘gold card days’ so I can get my discount; plus it is usually ‘buy one get one half off.’

11.13.09

My Favorite Spanish Meal

Posted in Fun, Life, Personal, story, travel tagged , at 12:43 am by pdxfirefly

Sunset at El Faro by PDXFirefly

Sunset Dinner at El Faro by PDXFirefly

  While in Spain, My girlfriend and I ate many wonderful meals. In fact , I don’t think that we had a bad meal while there.   But the one that keeps showing up as my favorite is the Paella that we enjoyed at our local restaurant on the Spanish Mediterranean Costa del Sol.  The restaurant sits atop a rocky point and serves local fare.  We ate there three evenings and each meal was better than the previous one.  

   The first time we ate there, I chose my Dorado fish out of the cooler.  It was so tender and flaky and cooked to perfection.   The second evening we ate there we both ordered the same thing – a wonderful kabob with salad and potatoes. 

Paella by PDXFirefly

Paella by Portland Firefly

  But we saved the best for the last visit there.  We ordered their Paella.   I think that our owner/waiter  made our meal himself and outdid his creation.  It was incredible;  there were large muscles, tiny little clams, scallops, langostinos, shrimp, and tuna all swimming in the delicious creamy saffron rice.

11.12.09

The Flight Over

Posted in Fun, Life, Personal, story, travel tagged , , at 12:18 am by pdxfirefly

   For my recent trip to Spain,  I left Portland early on a Tuesday morning and was given a seat in First Class.  It was nice to have the extra leg room and the hot breakfast was delicious.   The smooth 4 hour flight to Dallas was just the precursor of my fabulous flight to Madrid.  I was able to get 2 good naps on that first short leg out of Portland.

Business Class Media Center by PDXFIrefly

Business Class Media Center by PDXFirefly

  Out of Dallas, again I was able to sit in Business Class on the new wide-bodied aircraft.    OK… Have you ever seen those seats?      They have about 15 different positions to which they can be adjusted.  The seat adjustment controls are the little fan shaped blue buttons in the center armrest.  Then each passenger gets their own TV monitor and you can choose the movies you want to watch on the 9 hour flight.  It had been many years since I had flown internationally in First Class and I was like a kid in a candy shop.  I had no idea how to operate any of these wonderful gadgets but I had a delightful seat-mate and he kindly showed me how to operate everything. 

   The fun of flying Business Class is all the amenities that are part of the service.   Waiting for me at my seat  was my warm duvet and fluffy pillow.  Not the little ones the airlines used to have in coach, no this pillow was just smaller than a bed pillow and very comfy.  They actually made me look forward to my nap-time later on in the flight. 

   The Flight Attendants start out with “May I hang your coat?” and continue with the welcome-aboard champagne, juice or water.  I took the champagne!  (Did you have any doubt which one I’d choose?)   The airlines have a reputation for serving extremely high quality ‘beverages’  on board and I was not going to pass up this opportunity to try what was available.  I was not disappointed in the least.

   Just as I started sipping my champagne, the Captain came on the intercom and said that due to a mechanical problem, everyone would need to gather all of their belongings and deplane while the mechanics ran a few tests.  So… that is what we all did.   I missed my glass of amber bubbly while waiting on the hard seats in the terminal.

    Soon the problem was fixed and everyone re-boarded the aircraft.   Waiting for the Business Class passengers at our high-tech seats were the special Bose ear-phones ( on tray table in photo) for our use during the flight.  Also there was a small navy blue amenities kit (also on tray table) that contained a toothbrush, toothpaste,  Burt’s Bees hand lotion and chapstick, eye shades and in-flight socks along with a few other items.  I was feeling fairly pampered and the charming Flight Attendants didn’t let up on the pampering!   That was just fine by me!

     Next the In-Flight Menu was handed to us so we could make our entree choice.  After the safety demo, seat belts were checked and it was time for take off and we were on our way to sunny Madrid just 9 hours away.

   I’m not going to go into all the details of the wonderful service, but just say that from the appetizers to the salad to the entree to the ice cream sundae for desert, it was all delicious, well-prepared and beautifully served.  Portland Firefly did her best to sample some of the bountiful array of  ’beverages’  that are served on board.  She couldn’t consume alcohol while  undergoing Chemo these last eight months and didn’t really miss it at all, but this was a very special trip and the Spanish Sherry and Spanish wine were perfect compliments to my appetizers and meal.

   My seat mate was a real pro at flying and had it figured out to where he could watch three movies and get a decent nights sleep as well.  I was a little bit slower on my learning curve and only watched 2  1/2 movies and really couldn’t quite figure out the seats well-enough to get really comfortable, but I did sleep a little bit. 

Sleeping Firefly by PDXFirefly

Sleeping Firefly by PDXFirefly

 Here is a picture of me sleeping on the flight.   Well, feigning sleep for the picture is actually more accurate.  But notice that the airline seat is so reclined with the footrest up that it is almost like a bed.  I am wearing the soft sleep cap that my neighbor knit for me along with my AA eyeshades. 

My flights were wonderful ! I still can’t believe it.  I guess I’ll just have to take another international flight soon to make sure that it really is a wonderful as I remember it to be!

11.11.09

A Big Thank You to AA Flight Attendants

Posted in Fun, Life, Personal, travel tagged , , , at 12:49 am by pdxfirefly

     Now it can be told… Portland Firefly has not been writing recently for several reasons…   The best of which is that she has been traveling for the last two weeks.  Yes, I have felt well enough to take a well-planned, wonderful trip to Spain.   Soon you will have the opportunity to read of some of the beautiful places we visited, but this post has a more current message to convey.

  As most of you know, I am a retired Flight  Attendant.  And  part of my benefits is that I am able to fly for a very low-cost.  I took advantage of this benefit and flew in the equivalent of first class for all four legs of my recent trip to Spain and back home again.  Wow, what a wonderful experience! 

    I took the opportunity to speak to the lovely, professional Flight Attendants of American Airlines  who were working the flights I traveled.  You may recall that part of my ‘mission’  is to educate women about the subtle symptoms  of the type of cancer that I have — primary peritoneal carcinoma , the deadly step-sister to ovarian cancer.  I carried cards that list the symptoms and passed them out to the Flight Attendants after they had completed their service requirements.  There were two who had friends with these symptoms and even though we hope that they have something else, at least they have a direction to check out the unexplained symptoms that their friends are having. 

   And talk about a fabulous service!   These veteran Flight Attendants knew what they are doing and did it very well.  As one who has walked in their shoes, I was especially appreciative of the excellent service provided on my flights from Portland to Dallas and Dallas to Madrid and back to Dallas and Portland again. 

   And so…. to all of my Flight Attendants, Portland Firefly sends a great big THANK YOU for four very memorable flights.  You do make the difference and, of  course, you know it.   Keep up the good work and fly safe. 

    If you are interested in reading my post about the 9/11 terrorists that I had on board two of my flights prior to the terrorist attacks,  just put 9/11 into the search box. 

   Thanks again from Portland Firefly.

11.10.09

Veterans Day is November 11th!

Posted in History, Life, community tagged , , , at 2:33 pm by pdxfirefly

   This is to remind all of my faithful readers that tomorrow, November 11th is Veteran’s Day.  Earlier today, President Obama spoke at Fort Hood, Texas at the memorial service for our soldiers who were gunned down by one of their own last week.  

   I normally fly my American Flag on special holidays and tomorrow will be no exception.   However, after the Memorial Service, I decided that I would honor those fallen heros from Ft. Hood by putting my flag out a day early.   And so, that is where I am headed – to fly my American Flag for all of our Veteran’s and to honor those killed in the Ft. Hood terrorist attacks.

   Another ‘tradition’ that Portland Firefly started last year is to call one or two veterans that I know personally and to thank them for their service to our country.   I intend to make those calls this evening.  Won’t you call one or two of our valiant service men or women and just say “Thank You”?

   By the way, on my way through the Dallas airport last week, I took the opportunity to say ‘thank you’ to several of the uniformed service men that I saw while I was in the process of changing gates.  I noticed that there was another who did the same thing.  Please take the time to honor those who make our everyday freedoms possible.

11.05.09

Things to know about Ovarian/Peritoneal Cancer

Posted in Health, Life, Personal, Portland, community tagged , , , at 12:31 am by pdxfirefly

Here are some things that every woman should know about Ovarian and Primary Peritoneal Cancer.

Signs and Symptoms of Ovarian/Peritoneal Cancer

  • Vague but persistent and unexplained gastrointestinal complaints such as gas, nausea,and indigestion.
  • Abdominal bloating, pelvic and/or abdominal pain, and/or feeling of fullness.
  • Unexplained change in bowel habits such as constipation or diarrhea.
  • Unexplained weight gain or loss.
  • Frequency and/or urgency of urination.
  • Unusual fatigue.
  • Shortness of breath.
  • New and unexplained abnormal postmenopausal vaginal bleeding

 

  • Risk Factors for Ovarian/Peritoneal Cancer
  • Increasing age, with highest occurrence in women over 50.
  • Family or personal history of ovarian, breast, endometrial, or colon cancer. However only 10% of cases are linked to family history.
  • Uninterrupted ovulation such as having no pregnancies; infertility, or low parity.
  • Presence of BRCA1 or BRCA 2 gene mutations.

 

  • Prevention and Risk Reduction
  • Use of oral contraceptives for more than five years can reduce your risk by approximately 50%.
  • Multiple pregnancies and having first full-term pregnancy before the age of 25.
  • Breast feeding.
  • Hysterectomy/Tubal ligation substantially reduces risk.
  • Removal of the ovaries and fallopian tubes (oopherectomy) dramatically reduces, but does not completely eliminate, risk of developing ovarian/peritoneal cancer.

11.04.09

Hello Readers!

Posted in Uncategorized at 9:15 am by pdxfirefly

   Hello to all of my faithful readers.   Portland Firefly has been on a little writing hiatus which I shall explain in greater detail hopefully next week.   Suffice it to say that my sweet Daughter-in-Law has been unable to care for my Grandson for the last many weeks and Nonni has been called into caring service.   There are no complaints from me here and I’ll let you know more as I am able. 

    In the meantime, please take this opportunity to get caught up on my past writings.   “Talk” to you soon.

10.30.09

Personal Message to Dallas…

Posted in Uncategorized at 12:33 pm by pdxfirefly

To my friends from Dallas that I keep running into ….  Please email me so I can give you some more info…  See you soon!!!!  ~~~~ Portland Firefly

10.26.09

Kindness

Posted in Health, Life, Personal tagged at 12:53 am by pdxfirefly

Be kinder than necessary.  Everyone is fighting some kind of battle..”  Unknown

10.24.09

Fall Colors

Posted in Fun, Life, Portland, community at 12:53 am by pdxfirefly

  It’s a leaf peeping week-end here in Portland — well at least Saturday will be.  With no rain in the forecast, it’s a good day to pack up Mamma , Grandma and the kids and take a little picnic lunch (sandwiches) and go for a little drive.

   Murray Blvd is always spectacular at this time of year.  And Boone’s Ferry Road between Terwilliger and Kruse Way is a beautiful ‘rural’ drive in the city.  Also Barnes Road up and over the hills is pretty delightful.  Then there are many ways to drive near one of our beautiful tree-lined rivers.   Don’t forget to stop and visit one of our many beautiful parks…. a good place to eat those sandwiches you brought along!

  I hope you enjoy this dry Saturday and don’t have so many errands to do that you can’t take time to enjoy the beauty of this season.  Rain is scheduled for Sunday!

10.23.09

Self-Defense for Women

Posted in Beauty, Life, Personal, Portland, community tagged , at 12:06 am by pdxfirefly

Every woman needs to have the emotional and  physical resources to protect herself.  Portland Firefly came across this web site  for a school that teaches several different classes on self-defense.  A class such as this will give one the tools to help fend off an attacker. 

 As a disclaimer, I have never been to this school, nor attended any of their classes, but for $45.00 for a 3 hour class it certainly sounds reasonable.

“Real strength is having the confidence to be who you are in the world. Tulen self-defense builds strength from the inside out. You learn to set boundaries and to respond to any situation with calmness and confidence. You gain a sense of power and competence that will benefit all aspects of your life.

Tulen self-defense is simple to learn and highly effective. Inspirational and experienced martial arts instructors teach how to live strong, assertive lives and prepare participants to respond to real life situations. We offer dynamic, practical skills for all ages and abilities. Our courses affirm the limitless power and potential of each individual.”

http://www.onewithheart.com/

10.21.09

Symptoms of Ovarian & Peritoneal Cancer

Posted in Health, Life, Personal, Portland, community, story tagged , , , at 12:01 am by pdxfirefly

    Many of you have asked me to devote one post to the symptoms of ovarian cancer and primary peritoneal cancer.  This is the answer to that request.

   First of all I want to stress that it is possible to get ovarian cancer even if you have had a total hysterectomy (including removal of ovaries) as I did.  As women, we MUST learn to listen to our bodies and to be able to describe the changes we are feeling in them. WE must be pro-active and assertive in seeking medical care.  Portland Firefly was very fortunate that her inital doctor (at the urgent care center) immediately suspected the possibility of a cancer diagnosis and he ordered many of the tests that led to that eventual diagnosis by my primary care physician after a hospital stay for many more tests.

    I was very ill and I knew it.  I was sick in a way that I have never been sick before.    I had been experiencing more and more fatigue over the previous two months.  My waist and abdomen were getting larger (bloating,  but I didn’t ‘feel’ bloated) but my jeans were still loose around the hips and thighs.  I started feeling a little queasy, then the diarrhea started.  I noticed that my skin color was very bad ~~  I was ashen grey.   It was only after staying in bed for three days that I drug myself to the Urgent Care Center three blocks away where I was sent to the hospital for admission.   I was too sick to be home alone and I knew it.

 The  following is copied from the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition website: http://www.ovarian.org/ 

“Ovarian cancer is difficult to detect, especially, in the early stages. This is partly due to the fact that these two small, almond shaped organs are deep within the abdominal cavity, one on each side of the uterus. These are some of the potential signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer:

  • Bloating
  • Pelvic or abdominal pain
  • Trouble eating or feeling full quickly
  • Feeling the need to urinate urgently or often
  • Fatigue
  • Upset stomach or heartburn
  • Back pain
  • Pain during sex
  • Constipation
  • Menstrual changes

If symptoms persist for more than 2 weeks, consult your physician.

 
Persistence of Symptoms

When the symptoms are persistent, when they do not resolve with normal interventions (like diet change, exercise, laxatives, rest) it is imperative for a woman to see her doctor. Persistence of symptoms is key. Because these signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer have been described as vague or silent, only around 19% of ovarian cancer is found in the early stages. Symptoms typically occur in advanced stages when tumor growth creates pressure on the bladder and rectum, and fluid begins to form and accumulate in the abdomen (bloating).”

     Portland Firefly wants to add that these symptoms may also include:

 An unexplained weight loss or gain of 10 pounds.     

Constipation or diahrrea

Pelvic, back or leg pain

Initially, I thought that I had the flu, and so with the flu season upon us, please do not mistake ovarian cancer symptoms for the flu.  Remember run, do not walk, to your doctors if you have a few of these symptoms. Do not wait.  Insist on a complete pelvic exam, a transvaginal ultrasound and a CA-125 blood test.

This is the website of The Ovarian Cancer Alliance of Oregon and Southwest Washington:   http://www.ovariancancerosw.org/

The National Ovarian Cancer Coalition web site: http://www.ovarian.org/

10.19.09

Mount Hood

Posted in Life, Portland, community tagged , at 12:23 am by pdxfirefly

  Did anyone else notice how extremely beautiful Mt. Hood looked on Friday morning?   I have seen this mountain looking very beautiful on many occasions, but this one was the best. 

   Earlier in the week, Portland was very cold and we had some rain…. that means snow on the mountains!   Prior to that time Mt. Hood had been almost totally brown due to the void of snow, so it was a dramatic change to see it snow covered.

   But it was not just the snow that created the magical effect I noticed.  It was the fact that there was a huge cloud shrouding just the top fourth of this majestic peak.  But then the sun was shining brightly on it.  It was truly as though someone had painted an ethereal scene for us to view.  And I guess God did do just that!!!

10.17.09

Hanna Anderson Outlet Sale

Posted in Fun, Life, Portland, community tagged at 5:11 pm by pdxfirefly

Portland’s local Hanna Anderson Outlet store in Lake Oswego is having their special sale now through Sunday, November 1st.  If you have a little one, this is the place for high end clothes.

This doting Nonni (Grandma) was there along with young Mother’s and other Grandma’s and even a few tag-along Grandpa’s when the sale started on Friday morning.   It was crowded, but not too bad, it was probably much worse on Saturday.  

http://www.hannaandersson.com  for more information.

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