The Year of the Mutant
I gave my son cancer. Not a lot of mothers can say that and I’m sure none would want to. I also advocated for him and ensured that his cancer was taken away before it could spread.
Read More... Generic B.S.: Generic Drug Drama
To anyone and everyone who may someday take prescription medication: generic drugs and brand-name drugs are not equal. They may have the same active ingredients, but there is no regulation as to the types and amounts of inactive ingredients which are added to the drug. And inactive ingredients can interfere with absorption or cause a multitude of side effects. I have two recent examples for you.
Read More...Tip #6 for AI Patients: If It’s Broke, Fix It!
Do not settle for a crappy quality of life because you’re afraid to speak up. I am a “pleaser” by nature and it works against me sometimes. Clear communication with your physician is always beneficial to your care plan.
Read More...Tip #5 for AI Patients: Learn…Carefully
Learn as much as you can about your condition from reputable sources. You live with it every day, so it is important to read the manual!
Read More...Tip #4 for AI Patients: Stay Medicated
Bring your meds and water with you whenever possible. Keep track of taking meds using these strategies.
Read More...Tip #3 for AI Patients: Create a Safety Net
Make sure you can get help if you ever need it. Find out what the local protocols are in your area for paramedics.
Read More...Tip #2 for AI Patients: Carry an Emergency Injection Kit
Always be sure to carry an emergency injection kit with you at all times. You never know when you may need it.
Read More...Tip #1 for AI Patients: Wear a Medical Alert Bracelet
There are lots of options for medical alert identification. Here are the most important things to think about.
Read More...Manual Transmission: The Cortisol Pump Game-Changer
It’s been five years since I lost my adrenal glands. For the first few of those, I was on a roller coaster…until the electronic adrenal gland machine landed on my arm.
Read More...Taking Shots: 4 Things I Want People Without AI to Know
“The medullary thyroid cancer isn’t going to kill you. Your adrenal insufficiency, on the other hand…” These were my surgeon’s words at my first post-op appointment in May of 2015.
Read More...I Heart Houston: My First Trip to MD Anderson
Here’s the short version: the amazing and very knowledgeable doctors at MD Anderson Cancer Center’s Endocrine Center don’t recommend surgery right now. They said to go home, live my life, and “learn to dance with my disease instead of battling it.”
Read More...Round Four: Medullary Thyroid Cancer Spread
I long to be normal. Just normal. Oblivious. Like I was for 34 years (well, kinda). Some days it’s exhausting to be a mutant.
Read More...The Talk: Telling My Kid
Most parents worry about having “the Talk” with their children. “The Talk” I worry about is different.
Read More...The Good Cancer: Medullary Thyroid Cancer
Ah, thyroid cancer. That beautiful thing that people assume is curable and “no big deal.” The truth is there is no good type of cancer. Anyone who says there is hasn’t had it or watched a loved one go through it. Actually, people who say that are just relieved because when you say thyroid cancer they don’t think they have to feel sorry for you because they assume you’re cured or will be soon. They don’t have to get emotional or know what to say. Be sensitive. Don’t say that shit. (Excuse the language.)
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