Biker Babes...

We tried something new...we went for a bike ride and out for dinner. The Ladies from church gathered at 14 mile road and road to 10 mile rd. Some had newly purchased bikes, some had just gotten them down from the rafters....and some had gotten back from a little bike trip...San Francisco to Kentucky!!! I was one of the ones that had not ridden all season...but I thought I could push myself 4 miles if there was food at the end!

Here we are getting ready to take off....(this was not the whole group)

We got to our destination...Arnie's in Rockford..it's a beautiful town...very quaint! We had a bit of time before our reservation so we walked the boardwalk next to the river....

We snagged a innocent bystander to take our picture, here is about half of the group....

22 of us ate at Arnies....We had a great time laughing and getting to know some of the ladies I didn't know so well! Then we had to ride back to 14 mile road! Ummmmm...it was a slow incline upward! Which I realized as we were riding on our way there, that I was coasting a lot....Hmmmm....something tells me we are going to have to petal up hill to our cars! We did have to petal.....I'm proud to tell you that I made it without getting off! I wanted to..but I didn't.

I'm inherently lazy! I don't like to exercise, I don't like to run, jog or walk...I like to eat ice cream and visit around a picnic table. That's me~

Doing Great!

I had my Endometrial Ablation done today at 10am. Things went extremely well. My Doctor was pleased with how things went! YEAH! I was 'under' for less time this surgery so I seemed to have woke up sooner. They did test my Hemoglobin before surgery and it was down to 8.2. Best part, I don't have to take Provera anymore...super yeah! Super yeah for my family!

I was tired but did stop at Target on the way home to get a script filled. Still looking to save, even in my post-anesthesia condition. I had a coupon to get a new script filled at Target and they give you a $10 gift card. The script was on the generic list for $4....way to go Target! Ran into Dad there too!

Thanks for all your prayers and support. Hoping I'm done seeing Doctors for awhile...

Black Friday Experiences....

Unfortunately I don't have any pictures of my day to share with you, just my good old fashioned memory......

First, I got up at 4am to head to Meijers in Cedar Springs...it was a great ...virtually a ghost town at that time of the morning! Got my goods and headed out.....was in and out in about 1/2 hour....amazing! I really think they should make a reality show about my amazing shopping skills!

Next stop, Best Buys on Alpine....SCORE....got what I was after there too (and then some!) I'm thoroughly impressed with their abilities to move people through the check out! They had their appliances set up in a maze and had arrows on the floor to mark the line (kind of like a mouse maze). They even had a security guard at the beginning of the line..so no fights would ensue. Then they had a worker (a this particular moment it was a girl....which impressed me..men don't always understand the importance of getting through the line quickly!) directing you to the lane that opened up next. They did an awesome job and I made sure to tell them!

Next, Target...TOTAL bust....left there with nothing....lines were to incredible long. There is a limit to frugalness and insanity!

Next, ABC Warehouse....waited outside for 1 1/2 hours in the cold...with no gloves...did I mention outside? No Go! BUMS! Did get a new phone system for a good deal but that wasn't my objective! Any good shopper knows you always have to be on the alert for another good deal! Almost witnessed a fight between a police officer and a kid. He was trying to 'sneak' in when the doors opened after we all stood in line for, some up to 3+ hours! Police officer said it ain't gonna happen...good for him..I'm thinking we (the shoppers) would have all assisted him in taking him down! Don't mess with people that get up at the crack of dawn to get a good deal!!!

Let see....where to next....Menards. They had a few things that I wanted...lines were okay. A real Score when someone held up the item I wanted and yelled..."does anyone wants this..it's the last one!" Well of course...duh, it's the last one. Over here... over here...SCORE! Hold on, what is it? LOL! Snatched out of the hands of all the other shoppers....BAM...take that!

Then off to Rivertown Mall. There I meet Renee, Lynette, Danielle & Darica. Lets just say they didn't have enough parking spots to accommodate all of us! You would never know the economy was suffering if you were there that day! I had to resort to stalking shoppers that appeared to be leaving. I loved the mouthed words...."just heading to put this in my trunk!"...I wanted to say..."well, I'm sorry you must give up your spot!" In the mall I only shopped in Younkers and Sears. Oh and then the war that began up by the food court....it was not pretty! The mall had a promotion...spend $100 get a $10 gift card to the mall. You had to bring your receipts to a table near the food court before noon..and receive your gift card. Well, the mall 'supposedly' ran out of gift cards to give out...the fine print read 'while supplies last'. Okay, again...don't mess with shopper that have been up since 3 or 4 in the morning...just hand over the gift card and no one will get hurt! Long story short to my shame I left the mall with out a gift card...I think I let the whole Rexford clan down! To my glee, I got an e-mail yesterday from the mall that there is a gift card waiting for me in the mall office....I've been redeemed!

One of my favorite parts...we went out to lunch at Cracker Barrell. I still am confused why they closed the one on Alpine..I know I did my part to keep it open! Mmmmm...Grilled Chicken Tenderloins, Mashed Potatoes, Carrots and Grilled Sourdough bread with blackberry jam...a slice of heaven, here on earth!!

I hit a few more stores..MC Sporting Goods, Target, Family Christian, Radio Shack..and even stopped in Goodwill. I think I made it home by 2ish. After a restful nap I went to join my family for dinner at G&G's.

For all of you that are following my health saga.....

I went and had my Hemoglobin tested this morning and the results are in...drum roll please...quiet everyone....10.2!

Wow..that's pretty amazing. I guess my body need a jump start! It's still not in the 'normal' range but pretty darn close! Normal is 12-14. I'm thoroughly impressed with myself! I was thinking I would be somewhere in the 8 range.

I have something extra special to be thankful this Thanksgiving! You forget how thankful you are for your health, till it's stolen from you for a short time!!!!

better

Feeling much better after the Transfusion. Monday I go to have my Hemoglobin checked to see where I'm at! Slept like a rock....was so tired, I don't even think I was breathing! We were there for 7+ hours....long process!

I'm still probably not in the 'normal' range but much higher than 5.8! They said each unit you get raises it one level....so technically I should be at 7.8. It will be interesting to see where I'm at on Monday!

Maybe the Wendy's Steve brought me while I was tethered to an IV pole helped! Thanks honey for enduring with me....it was quite boring!

Craziness...

Today I got a call back from my family doctor, well actually the nurse, I needed to come in for a CBC blood test. They wanted to see where my Hemoglobin levels were.

So after being up last night till 5am....yes, 5 am......I was up all night long!! I now had to drag my weary body in to the Dr's office to have a lab draw. So, at 3pm I finally got out of my pj's and robe and drove myself to Sparta. They quickly did my draw and I was off the Family Fare for a few groceries.

At about 7:30pm I received a phone call from my Doctor. Ummmmm...how are you feeling..she asked? I've been better I relayed to her. Well, we got your blood work back.....your Hemoglobin is 5.8!!!! Which is extremely low!! Like really really low! Normal is 12-14 they like it to be 10 to do surgery. As you might remember, mine was 8.5 pre-surgery. So it has taken a nose dive. All that Iron I've been pop'n for no avail!

Apparently, when it gets that low your body just can't keep up. This is all new to me..so I don't really understand it all.

Soooooo the real reason for the post, to let you know.....I'm going to have a blood transfusion tomorrow. I've heard that this is a lengthy procedure...like to the tune of 6+ hours. Geeee, It's sounds like a fun time. The whole thought of someone else's blood in my veins seems kind of weird to me! I know I have to have it....but it's just kinda freaky!

So pray that all goes well.....and smoothly. I hope to be feeling like a new woman by tomorrow night!

Having Trouble...

Every night it's the same story...can't sleep! Grrrrr. I love my sleep! I hate being awake while everyone else is sleeping.

Someone suggested I take Melatonin....which has helped. I think there is an 'optimum' time to fall asleep and if I miss that....it's seems....I'm awake.

My other issue is leg cramps...I'm not sure if I have Restless Leg Syndrome or I'm deficient in some vitamin...or what. But It is all driving me NUTS! I have started taking Calcium...and at first that seem to be working...but know I'm back to leg cramps! Another Grrrr!

Last night I didn't fall asleep till 1:30am...and then I slept in till 11am....talk about screwed up!

Am I getting old or what? I'm so hoping after my surgery I can get everything back to normal..I don't want this to be my new normal!

On The Books..

My ablation is scheduled for Tuesday Dec. 8 in the morning. I'm having it done at Spectrum Hospital because they have to do some other procedures in conjunction with it. And so they can make sure my Hemoglobin is okay before I go home. It will be outpatient.

I hope to not have a recovery like my GB surgery! Man, for a girl that's never had surgery, I'm trying hard to squeak some in '09!

Results....

I got the biopsy results back today....everything looks good. So what does that mean? I will have the Ablation procedure done. It will probably be done the beginning of December...waiting to set up the appt.

Thanks you for all your prayers on my behalf. Monday I actually started feeling more 'normal'. What ever normal is!

Thanks again!

Sick Ward.....

I know, I know...here I go again writing about personal issues! If you can take it...read on.....

Last Wednesday , as most of you know, I had my Gallbladder removed. I have not been real well since then. Really struggling to recover. I have barely left the house (only yesterday for a Dr appt.) so let me explain why my recovery has been so slow.... If you can take it...read on....

Way back in August I had my period...and it never left! That's right, I have been bleeding for 60+ days! So that had brought my Hemoglobin down to 8.5 (normal being 12-14) 2 weeks before surgery. They really questioned whether they would do surgery or not...but they opted to go forward with it..so here I am. Very Anemic, popping Iron pills...trying to boost my levels.

Basically, I can hardly accomplish any task with out resting/napping. No Laundry has been done since last Wednesday...I hate to even open my laundry shoot! When your levels are that low, you just have a general inability to keep up...you just feel run down all the time. For example, today I took a shower and that was about all I could do..I had to blow dry my hair 3 hours later after I took a nap.

So yesterday, I went to a GYN and she did a biopsy to determine if the cells are normal or pre-cancerous. After she gets the results..we will determine the course of action. The two most likely options are, an ablation or removal of my uterus. I had to muster all the strength I had to get there because I knew this was my only hope of recovery! As it turned out the Dr was out on a delivery of a baby and she couldn't see us till 1:30 (my appt was 11:00) so we hung around the area and returned. It was like torture for me...to have 2 hours to shop at the mall and I didn't have enough strength....torture!!! You know I was sickly!

So in the near future, I am looking at another surgery. I'm assuming around the end of November! WOW..hope I can do it!

Also, one of my incisions, from the GB surgery, broke open, so we are dealing with changing dressings and trying to heal that up....fun fun fun!

I do have to say Steve has been a real trooper through this all! He has been juggling work and home! He has been making lunches, taking Trent to school, picking up Trent, kids to church, dinners, lunches..... The kids have been helping out too! Today he had to take Troy and Trent to the eye doctor...I wasn't sure he even knew where the Dr office was!...Apparently, he did and then he called and said he was going to help Troy pick out frames...WHAT?! I wasn't thinking he was going to do that! As it turns out, they are going to wait till I can go with Troy..WHEW!

So, that is what is going on at the Buckner's house....sorry it has to be so gruesome! Please pray for the Doctor to have wisdom as to the best choice of treatment. Strength for me. Strength for Steve and the boys. Thanks......

Crummy!

Well, I got my surgery done on Wednesday. I have felt pretty crummy since then! I'm minus one Gallbladder. The surgery was suppose to take 1 hour but my surgeon came out after 2 hours and talked to Steve and said it was probably worse than I had complained of? He stated it was "sticky" what ever that means???

The nurse also told Steve I had said I was in pain in recovery so they gave me a fair amount of Morphine! I got out of surgery at 11am and we didn't leave the hospital till 5! I just wasn't able to stand up and had uncontrollable chattering teeth.

I had a slight cough when I went it for the surgery...so I think this, coupled with a surgery, is just taking me a little longer to get back on my feet.

I think I will be fine come Sunday or Monday. Hoping to be back to myself soon! Still a wreck!

Oops!

So, I have had some embarrassing moments but this takes the cake or shall I say pie!!!

I was at a ladies house, that wanted me to clean for her. We were talking and discussing cleaning details. We were looking at her new vacuum and she knelt down to show me something and I sat down on her couch. That's were the oops comes in!


Unbeknownst to me, her husband had set his peach pie down on the couch...you guessed it..bulls eye..right on the pie! Stuck all over my fanny! NICE...real nice! Crust, sticky peach pie goo, peaches....


Nice impression....huh! And to make matters worse, Steve graduated with the lady! Well, we had a good laugh....I couldn't cry at that point!


It's a good thing, to have a good belly laugh a day! I found this on the internet...."Laughing 100 to 200 times per day is the cardiovascular equivalent of rowing for 10 minutes," ...I guess I'd rather laugh!

Laugh at yourself today!

Another First!....

Well, I went to see the surgeon today. Surprise, he said I needed my Gall bladder out!

I scheduled my outpatient Surgery for October 28th. I'm gonna see if I can get a video of the procedure for Tod's viewing. Maybe, they will let me bring home my Gall bladder or at least the stones??

I've never had a surgery..but they assured me I would be in good hands. It will most likely be Laparoscopic Surgery. And the best news is...the Doctor is not 22!

My largest stone is 1.7cm, just in case anyone wants to know!

And this is just because I thought it was funny! It says....Now I know why they call it ICU!

Adios...

They Found Them....

I had an ultrasound!



And they found Gallstones. To be exact....free moving Gallstones and sludge! That sounds nice doesn't it! I have appt on Oct.6 to see a Surgeon about getting my Gallbladder removed. I'm assuming that's what he will tell me.

I have never had a surgery....I've never been 'put-under'....never had anesthesia.

Hopefully, I don't respond like Dad did after they took out his Gallbladder....the words they used were....combative.

I've had problems for about 8-9 months on and off. I would have an 'attack' about every 1-2 months. They seem to be getting closer....so they recommended a ultrasound. The 'attack' lasts about 20 min.-1 hour...then I'm fine. Recently, I have felt a 'full' feeling and my chest slightly hurts.

I'll keep you posted, after my appointment.

Doesn't It Just Tick Ya Off!....

I mean really, doesn't it just tick you off when you try to go buy your favorite underwear...and they quit making it. I mean like, done....like no more...like factory shut down! Seriously, doesn't it just make ya mad! When you find some you like, they should have to honor your faithfulness by continuing to sell it. What am I gonna do now???

Now, this is what I call a crisis....who cares if the world is going down, I need new underwear!

On top of all that..I tried on some swimming suits....just to torture myself....how come they all make me look fat?..okay, don't answer that!? I immediately ran...I mean sprinted....to the "makes you look 10 pounds slimmer in 2 seconds" rack...btw it's not true!