My mom was diagnosed with breast cancer about 2 or 3 years ago.  She is a SURVIVOR!  She had double mastectomies and is almost completely done with reconstructive surgery.  With my mom having had breast cancer, that makes me higher risk.  I don't have the money just lying around to pay for one, I can't afford insurance for myself, yet my husband makes too much money for us to qualify for help.  Well, I saw on the local news last week that the breast cancer institute in the city was giving free mammograms and there was no income limits.  So I called.  They got me in today.  Susan G. Komen paid for it, plus, when I got there, I got a $10 bill to pay for my gas that the Susan G. Komen foundation provided too!

The reason that I am writing this post is for those of you who have not decided to get a mammogram because you think you can't afford it, or, most importantly because you're scared it will hurt.  I have heard so many mammogram jokes and stories that I was quite scared.  I had heard that they smash your breasts so flat like a pancake and that you have to hold your breath forever.  I heard that it hurts really bad.  Well, it didn't hurt at all.  They did kind of flatten them but it wasn't painful or uncomfortable in the least.  You do have to hold your breath while they take the picture, but only for a couple of seconds.  I was in and out of there in 10 minutes.  If you can't afford a mammogram, or don't have insurance, call a breast cancer center, or contact the Susan G. Komen foundation.  If they'll pay for mine, I don't see why they wouldn't pay for anyone elses.  I will get my results next week.

So ladies, if fear is keeping you from getting a mammogram, don't let it keep you from it any longer.  It doesn't hurt.

Country Blessings,
Jamie

I'm really quite excited!  I have had psoriasis now for a couple of years.  This last spring and summer, it started getting bad enough that people were asking me if I had burned my arms, or if I had poison ivy.  I have to wear long sleeve shirts or jackets to my sons baseball games in the hot summer sun because I'm so embarrased.  About a year ago, I went to a dermatologist who gave me some samples (which started working then stopped, just like all the other meds I've used).  A few weeks ago, I got a letter from a research study inviting me to join.  I'll get free treatment, medication, and I'll be paid for my time and mileage!  And I pray to God that we can get this under control for my peace of mind.

Pray for me!

Country Blessings
Jamie

I was so excited to have gotten on the scale this morning to see that I had lost 3.2 lbs this last week!  That makes a total loss of 18# since I first weighed in on January 7th!

Blood pressure and birth control pills.... I have taken the depo shot for years and years, love it.  But, it does cause some weight gain.  So, I decided to get off of it and go on the pill again.  I'm 38, a Grandma to one, with another Grandbaby on the way, I don't want to ever be a pregnant Grandma.  I don't have health insurance and my husband makes too much money for us to qualify for any kind of help (now he has insurance through his employer, but he won't get a vaz).  Well, a couple months ago at walmart, I used the blood pressure machine, my bp was pretty high.  I assumed the machine was messed up and thought no more of it.  Because it was my first time back on pills, the health dept. only gave me a 4 month supply and I had to go in week before last to get more.  When they took my bp, it was 160/90.  They wouldn't give me new pills, said to go ahead and take what I have left each evening, but to come back next week when the practitioner was in.  So I soaked a cotton ball in lavender eo and sniffed it while in the waiting room (in hopes that my bp would be nice and low).  It didn't work, it was still 160/90.  The practitioner told me to get off the pills, they may be what's causing it.  I went to a doctor friday, and it was 160/98.  He said it was the birth control pills and that hubby needs a vaz (not happening, but I wish it would).  I will probably try Mirena.  I'm on bp pills for a month, when I'm off of them, I have to have my bp checked again.

Well, my son and I are packing for a ski trip!!  We'll be leaving this evening.  Pray for us!!

Country Blessings,
Jamie

My son was kind enough to share his flu with me.  I was sick all week, and still am a little, but am doing better, thank the Lord.

Country Blessings,
Jamie

It's been wild around here the last two weeks.  My son was diagnosed with the flu.  Had to take him to his pediatrician 3 times during the last two weeks (the trip is 1 hour away).  The last time we went was tuesday the 5th, he was finally over the flu and able to go back to school.  He did have a mild ear infection though.  He's doing well and it's great to have him back in school.

The year before last, my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer.  She had 2 mastectomies, at different times.  She went through chemo last year and was declared a SURVIVOR!!  Last wednesday, the 6th, she had the first part of her reconstructive surgery.  Took 4 hours, and before we could see her, we were informed she had to be taken back in because there was excessive bleeding.  That surgery took 1.5 hours.  I brought her home from the hospital (to her moms) saturday.  She's doing well, but is hurting (as to be expected).  Say a prayer for her if you would.

Country Blessings,
Jamie