The Glycemic Index

Today I had my follow-up with primary care doctor and we reviewed
my lab reports. (see last post).

I was told about the Glycemic Index and how I would have to
learn to use it and start walking/exercising on a regular basis.

He showed me my chart and how I was able to get the numbers
down a few years ago through diet and excercise and we agreed
that I should be able to do it again.

Regarding the vitamin D deficiency, I'll be starting on 1,000 i.u.
of vitamin D on a daily basis for three months or whenever I'm
tested next (he suggested late January or early February).

So, he's diagnosed me as 'Glucose Intolerant' which is very
similiar, if not the same thing, as pre-diabetes.

I've got to work on cutting out sugars, carbs and all the good
stuff that I've been eating since my chemo treatments ended.

Next month is more testing/screening with my oncologist and
we're still not sure what we'll have for healthcare come the
first of the year.

Annual Checkup - Physical

I got my lab reports back from the hospital and my blood cell counts are good, along with a few other things (good blood pressure, cholesterols, etc) but it shows some vitamin D deficency (chemo might have been a cause?) and an A1C Blood Sugar level that was off the charts. I got a 7.0 and the normal range is 4.7 to 6.1. So I've got to eleminate sugars and some of the things that I've been eating along with getting a little more excercise.

Hemoglobin indicates high risk for cardiac problems and they also reported a *trace* of protein in urinalysis which was circled as abnormal. I've already started on my new lifestyle changes (diet and exercise) and I have a follow up appt next week to review with my primary care doctor.

Next month starts the series of cancer screening again and I suppose I'll get a flu shot while I'm there. Stay tuned!

September & Hurricane Earl

Here we are on September 3rd. The heat and humidity are still with us but the rain and winds from a now downsized Hurricane Earl should cool things off soon.

I had my annual checkup and exam with my primary care doctor and it went well. I'm awaiting the results of the bloodtests and labwork. He suggested a pain management program for my arthritis since chiro manipulations are not helping, but with our
health coverage and provider changing soon, I've decided to hold off until we see what will be covered.

My next series of oncology visits are next month and I'm hoping for good results but you always have that feeling about if this is going to be the test that shows recurrence at all. Still, I remain positive in my thoughts and thank God that I've made it this far after the diagnosis. It's hard to believe that just two years ago I was into my 3rd month of chemo (folfox) treatments.

The Heat Goes On

Here we are with the day after tomorrow being September 1st and the heat, haze and humidity is still with us. I think we've had 3 rainy days all summer since early June.

Tomorrow I go for annual checkup and bloodwork and start my next series of tests with my oncology group in October. Some days are better than others, but I can't complain, although sometimes I do.

The weather people are predicting a close enough call with the next storm (Earl) that it's already causing severe rip currents along the east coast. It depends on which way the jet stream moves as to how, when and where it comes by the end of this week.

They say that foliage will be early this year. I can already see some of the trees starting to change due to the hot, dry summer heat.

The Dog Days of August

Well, this has certainly been one of the hottest and muggiest summers that I can remember. Here we go into August and after a short few days of cool dry weather, we're back in the hot, hazy and humid stuff for another stretch.

I'll be seeing my primary care doc this month for annual checkup and bloodwork and next month will be my next CEA blood test with my oncology group.

My only complaint is some numbness (neuropathy?) in right foot/toes and the arthritis in my back has spread to the thoracic spine joints. I'm also starting to notice some arthritis in knee and fingers. A day at a time and don't sweat the small things!