Won't Give Up...

When nothing is sure, everything is possible..

To say I am tired would be putting it mildly.  All of a sudden it seems everything is

catching up on me.  After the first surgery I thought I was so very lucky to be healing so fast.

And I am, but I guess I did not give it much time either before doing more than I should have.

Came the second surgery and even better yet, I was out of the hospital with only two and a half

hours into recovery,  I say I am one of those rare creatures that heals in minutes.  At least that's

what I thought.  Once again, I started doing more than I should and I guess I am now paying for it.

The last two day I have not been feeling so great.  Can't say I am in excruciating pain because

I'm not.  I ache all over that's true, but on the other hand that's to be expected.  I try to talk more

 than I should and that ends up hurting my throat, again my own fault.  No one but me to blame.

The neck is an irritating reminder that not all is yet good with me.  Bummer.  Also the discomfort

to my stomach is still there.  I sometimes forget about the stomach and focus on taking care of the

neck then something happens, not always pleasant that reminds me I still need to take it easy.

What is really stressing me out though is Brutus.  He is NOT doing good and this time it's more 

than just the paw.  He does not eat.  He sleeps all the time.  He does not play.  He does not

want to be brushed and he does not drink much.  We are trying everything we can think of

but so far we still are not getting the results we want. 

Yesterday at the vet they took more blood.  This time to check his liver function.  They

also took urine samples to check his kidney function and to see if he has additional 

issues going on there as well.  Seeing Brutus this way has really gotten me down.  I thought

we were doing all we could to make him better, but since the treatment he has developed so many 

more complaints.  I am just beside myself with worries.  I have no idea anymore what's going on.

Woke up later than usual today.  Decided to skip the morning medicines for Brutus and wait
to see what the doctor has to say today.  Also the day has not had the best of starts.
Right now it's raining and looks pretty dreary.  For sure it will get better.

Remember friends, everything is possible if you want it bad enough.
Have a good day.

There is power within great sacrifice, within noble deeds. 
There are moments... brief, shining moments when
the impossible becomes possible..

~Nadiya~

Here's To Better Days....

No matter how good or bad you think  life is,

wake up each day and be thankful for life.

Someone somewhere else is fighting to survive....

Yesterday I woke up not feeling that great.  I was just tired of being "sick" I was

 tired of not being able to get around the way I am used to.  I was just tired of everything

 and I was tired of hurting and having to be so careful of my every move.  I just wanted to

 get up, go in my car and drive.  Just anywhere the place did not matter.  We were asked to 

go out and have drinks Friday night with Victoria, unfortunately could not make it.  Sounds like

not a big deal, but trust me, if you had to be "stuck" at home for over a month without being

able to do your usual stuff, you will also feel like lashing out and every so often get irritable.

Not being one to allow too much negativity, I focused on better days coming.

Just little things like being able to move without hurting, or just driving myself

to the grocery store, the things I took for granted are the things I miss right now.

It sure does not help with Brutus still not doing good.  It has become a big battle

to give him medicines every day.  He froths it all over his face.  Hardly anything

stays in.  Makes me even more stressed that he is not getting the dosage he needs.

Today is a new day.  Neck is stiff but it will get "better" as the day progresses.
Usually Brutus gets out of the bedroom when I do, but it has been days now that he
just lays in bed with his dada.  Guess he got wise to that being medicine time.

He came out a few minutes ago and I snagged him.  Today had to do the meds twice
because most was frothed out.  Soon it's time again for his oxygen treatment.  Tomorrow
is his last treatment and if one were to ask, "how does he look?"  I would have to say,
"to me the same."  At least the morning is looking beautiful/  I'm already enjoying my cafe
so I know it has to be a better day than yesterday.  Yeah, little things make one happy.

Good day to all of you and never forget to give thanks for what you have
and to appreciate the little things in life that most times are the big things...

Having a rough day?  Place your hand over your heart.
Feel that?  That's called purpose.
You're alive for a reason.   
Don't give up!!!!......

~Nadiya~

Sunday...

 Experiencing deep sadness can, sometimes, heighten your ability to feel joy...

With every passing day I am getting stronger.  At least I can now swallow without 

too much pain and I can finally have some other foods rather than only soft food.

Oh yeah! this is going to be good.  I'm just happy right now for the little things.

Yesterday was a very good day for us.  We took Brutus for his treatment, came 

home took care of some business and had a nice lunch together.  Quiet but good.

Arvid to me, "today I think I will get drunk.  I can finally relax because you are now 

done with hospitals and you are on your way to getting better."  I love him!

The days do not start to easily.  I wake up with the worst stiff neck.

Takes a while to be "OK" then it's time to give Brutus his fist dose of medicine

for the day.  This is a struggle and he spits most of it out.  Most is either on my clothing 

or on the counter top.  That I can deal with, but sometimes I have to give it to him a second time.

The paw is still not looking good, but we continue doing everything possible.

A few things to do today and some relaxing times at home is our Sunday.

Wishing you all pleasant time today and everyday.

Remember, everyone is trying to accomplish something big, 

not realizing that life is made up of little things.

Think of all the beauty still left around you and be happy...

~Nadiya~

To A Better day...

I've always believed in savoring the moments. 

In the end, they are the only things we'll have...

To me nothing can be worse than not being able to eat!  I do enjoy food but have had

to stick to a liquid-soft diet until this sore throat clear up, but I think that today

will definitely be the day that I will be having real food again... Boy just thinking

of it is making me hungry.  The last two days were not that bad, but I want food now.

Aside from blended soups, I also made me lots of milkshakes.  Well someone has to

spoil me and who better than myself!  My favorite, Strawberry-Banana.  

Kept me happy for a bit.  Especially if you have more than you should!

Well it's Saturday.  Brutus is having another treatment today.  His 8th.  Tomorrow

is his day off and our day off.  Hopefully will be able to go put for a nice lunch.

Nothing soft for me!  I know have to take it slowly, but i have been so good for so long!

Don't know what we are doing today.  Maybe just relaxing at home.  Arvid insists

that I need to get stronger and better.  I insist that I am stronger and better already!

Just have to wait and see how it goes.  I feel like I want to do something, but 

I know it's too soon so I guess we will just have to stay in and get cozy at home.  Nice also!

No place like home...
Remember, life is not made up of minutes, hours, days, weeks, months, or years, 
but of moments. You must experience each one before you can appreciate it

In a person's lifetime there may be not more than half a dozen occasions

 that he can look back to in the certain knowledge that right then, 

at that moment, there was room for nothing but happiness in his heart...

~Nadiya~

Getting Better every Day...

Start everyday with new hope,

leave bad memories behind

and have faith for a better tomorrow...

It's another Friday that I am still not doing so good.  Not it is starting to get to be a 

little too much for my liking.  Surgery was on Wednesday.  Fastest in and out surgery

I have ever had.  My total time at the hospital was 8 hours and 3 of those was the duration

 of surgery. It felt great to be able to go home the same day.  I mean within less than 3 hours.

Like many with Thyroid problems, I will also be on medication for life.  Pretty

easy exchange for having my cancerous glands remove if you ask me.  I will also be

taking a calcium supplement.  Not sure if permanently, though I think so.  The pills are HUGE!

I have not been able to take them as of yet because I am still having a problem swallowing.

I thought that after my abdominal surgery this one would be a breeze.  It is and in many ways

it isn't.  I have the worst sore throat ever and just swallowing water hurts like crazy.  Also,

it is an effort to keep the neck up.  It feels as if it weighs a ton.  Turning is restricted as is 

talking.  It hurts to talk and sometimes I forget and do it then find myself croaking instead.

I am not complaining but truth is that I am bored and tired with all of this.   Going to bed is

an ordeal.  Last night as I was about to lay down it almost felt as if my neck was being 

ripped out of my body.  Trust I won't make that mistake again.  I have to go to bed and

settle in on my side.  Nothing I can't do, it's just that one forgets to take the necessary

precautions and one just takes for granted that everything is OK.

Aside for a little swelling around the neck, expected of course; I feel good.

I am a little hungry for regular foodies, but that can wait.  Today will f course

be better than yesterday.  Hopefully I will be back to my usual self in a few days!

Brutus still doing his oxygen treatment inn the chamber.  He still fluctuates

from low to high temperatures so is still taking tons of medicines, but on the good side

he is eating better, drink some more and using his litter.  Every little improvement is an

accomplishment.  When you think of it it does not take much to make one happy.

Will be a quiet Friday spent at home for us today.  Brutus going to the vet

in a few hours.  I have already given him medicines.  Arvid still sleeping and I 

am slowly drinking my cafe.  It take me now a very long time to finish my cup of cafe

these days, but on the bright side... I have that much more time to savor and enjoy it!
I'll just think of the Pina Colada I had the other day and pretend to be having one today.

Wishing you all a good day and a great start of the weekend.
Remember, whining does not solve problems.

One of the most important things I have learned in 
my so many years, is that life is all about choices.
On every journey you take, you face choices.  At every fork
of the road, you make a choices.  And it is those decisions that shape your life.

~Nadiya~

Day After....

When I count my blessings,

I count you twice...

The morning after.  A little sore, but happy.  Happy to be done with hospitals

for a while.  Hope for a long, long while.  I can't wait to be back to my usual self.

I woke up to a beautiful morning.  Just what I needed right now.  Yesterday Brutus

had a day off from treatment, but today he goes again for therapy.  I have not been driving

since my first surgery and now with this new one it will be another two weeks.  Will try to 

cut it down to maybe 7 days.  Arvid drives us all around and at times I think he needs a driver.

It's a good day and wish you all the same.
Counting my blessings!

Blessings sometimes show up in unrecognizable disguises...

~Nadiya~

Surgery #2... I'm READY!!!!

I watched Titanic when I got back home from the hospital, and cried. 

I knew that my IQ had been damaged....

Today I go in for another surgery.  Oh yeah!  Really getting the hang of this. 

Today I get my thyroid surgery.  I have been also been diagnosed with 

Thyroid Cancer, and I will be having a total thyroidectomy.  A thyroidectomy is an 

operation that involves the surgical removal of all or part of the thyroid gland. Surgeons 

often perform a thyroidectomy when a patient has thyroid cancer or some other condition 

of the thyroid gland (such as hyperthyroidism ) or goiter.  Since I have now become a 

pro at having surgeries, this one does not make me nervous.

That is of course until I have to leave Arvid and get rolled away, once again.  

Seems like for the first surgery I was pretty emotional once the anesthesia kicked in.

Arvid said I was in tears and I was begging him to bring Brutus to visit me.  Hmmmm...

Like many I have done my share of googling to see what is involved.  I will say one

thing, don't believe everything you read online.  More often than not it is all lots of hype,

total exaggeration and can scare a person to death even before going into the hospital.

I read up quite a bit on my previous surgery.  I believed I would be incapacitated 

and with extreme pain for the longest of times.  Well I freaked everyone by 

healing almost immediately.  Of course I had pain, but it was manageable.

As I head out again into surgery, I feel OK.  There is always that

tiny fear of what if...but I also know I have one of the most qualified doctors

in that field and at sometime one has to trust that they do know what they are doing.  

They have only been doing it like forever! I hope to not have to stay overnight this time. 

 Hospitals are boring and I can do without all the checking at every half hour. 

 Like I said before, this is not the place to get any rest, but one thing is for sure they 

will take great care of you every half hour!!!!

Last night just before bedtime, Kimsy, one of my nieces sent me a beautiful text with a

 beautiful ribbon.  It said, “hi auntie Nad, guess what? Every year in school we have this 

annual cancer awareness fundraiser and this year they sold ribbons.  I bought one for 

thyroid cancer.  See how pretty it is?” It is beautiful Kimsy… If I ever forget

 how lucky I am, one of my nieces or nephews  is always there to remind me.  

Today I battle thyroid cancer.  Surgery in a few hours, and all I can think 

of is I am very very lucky in so many ways….

I lay in the bed at the hospital and said, 'let's see what I have left.' 

And I could see, I could speak, I could think, I could read. 

I simply tabulated my blessings, and that gave me a start...

~Nadiya~

Better Today?....

You have to learn the rules of the game.

 And then you have to play better than anyone else...

Sunday and Monday were very stressful days for us.  Yes, Brutus again.

He had not eaten for an entire day and a half, nor did he want to drink and use the litter.

When we took him for his treatment yesterday the doctor said he had a temperature 

(not good), he was dehydrated and all of this was causing him to not eat and drink.  Possibility 

he said that if this continues it will lead to liver damage.  Yeah another thing to deal with.

For days now all Brutus has done was lay in a corner and not move at all.

He would just look at us as if asking us why?  Why is this happening?

It breaks my heart to see him like this.  Has both Arvid and I very concerned for him.

This morning we woke up to what appears to be the start of another beautiful day.

To my delight Brutus was also moving around a bit.  He followed me around like usual.

He ate a few nibbles, not much but better than nothing.  Our day is already good.  Soon we

take him for his oxygen treatment in the chamber.  He does well in it and the paw is a little 

less swollen.  Yes, I think he is looking much better.  Now just hope it continues this way.

A bright spot on on day was spending time with family.

Good morning everyone.  Hope your day is also looking up. 

Remember, positive thinking will let you do everything better than negative thinking will.

In one moment I was feeling everything and I was feeling nothing...

~Nadiya~

Simple Truth...

He - and if there is a God, I am convinced he is a he, 

because no woman could or would ever mess things up this badly..

There is one thing you sure can't deny and the below "story" sure

proves it.  Yes as you can guess another friend sent this to me and the fact that

it is absolutely true made me have to share it.  Also it made me laugh for a long time.

When God created

Adam and Eve, He said:

I only have two gifts:

One is the art of peeing standing ...

And then Adam stepped forward and shouted:

ME!, ME!, ME!,

I would love it please ... Lord, please, please!

Look, it will make my life substantially easier.

Eve nodded, and said those things did not matter to her.

Then God gave Adam the gift and he began to shout for joy.

He ran through the garden of Eden and used it to wet all the trees and

bushes, ran down the beach making drawings with his pee in the sand ...

Well, he would not stop showing off.

God and Eve watched the man crazy with happiness and Eve asked God:

What is the other gift? '

God answered:

Eve,..... a brain ... and it is for you ...!


For now, let us agree to disagree.
Someone once said,  The female mind is certainly a devious one, my lord." 
The answer to that was, "Well, of course it is. It has to deal with the male one.”

She's a woman, you're a dude. You're not supposed to understand her. 
That's not what she's after.... She doesn't want you to understand her. 
She knows that's impossible. She just wants you to understand yourself. 
Everything else is negotiable...

~Nadiya~

Sunday...

If the problem can be solved why worry?

 If the problem cannot be solved worrying will do you no good...

For some reason I'm not feeling so great today.  Maybe because I hurt a little more

than usual, not sure. The last two days were busy and we did quite a little running 

around.  Some work and some just good times spent with friends.  While we were busy,

everything was just fine, but by the end of the day I was sure tired.  Guess I still need some rest.

You feel fine, and then, when your body can't keep fighting, you don't.

Could also be that I am a little stressed because of Brutus.  Since he started his treatment,

he has been extremely quiet.  Hardly eats anymore.  Does not drink water either.  I have to give

 him water with a syringe.  Just seeing him so lifeless makes me worried and stresses me.

The doctor told us that this oxygen therapy would increase his appetite.  Has not happened.

You must understand also that I worry more than usual.  Brutus is after all our baby and if

he is not doing good, trust I'm not happy and I sure don't want to do much either.

Being Sunday Arvid and I usually take the day for ourselves.  Today we will be enjoying 

it in the company of good friends.  Looking forward to that and hopefully will de-stress

a little.  Quite a few places to pick from so that's always good. Today for the first time 

since my surgery I drove a little on my own.  It felt good.

Looking forward to Skype with our grand-daughter in a little.  Just seeing that smile

on her face is going to sure help a lot to change my mood.  Aleah is precious and

can't wait to chat with her.  All day long she is smiling and smiling.  I need some of that.

Enjoy the day everyone.  It is a beautiful day here.

Your mind will answer most questions 

if you learn to relax and wait for the answer...

~Nadiya~

Saturday...

Courage is being scared to death, but standing up anyway.

If you don't  learn how to be scared, 

you'll never really learn how to be brave...

Today will be Brutus' third day with the oxygen treatment.  Can't tell much so soon, but

I want to say that I think it is helping him.  The paw is still bloody but it is looking a little

less swollen.  I don't think he will ever enjoy taking his medicines but who does.
In all of this he is scared but being very brave.

As far as the treatment goes he has been handling it pretty OK.  He just sits in the chamber
without too much of a fuss.  He looks kinda concerned at being locked up, but handling
it like the champ he is.  Yesterday we watched the first 20 minutes then heft him alone with
nurse.  They prefer that so that we don't talk while they are observing him and taking notes.

Arvid and I just waited in the car.  We wanted to be close by in case we were needed.

When we went back in, Brutus still had about 10 more minutes in the chamber so
but we wanted to be there to take him out and comfort him.  The nurse told
us that every so often Brutus would nod off but as soon as he (Brutus) saw him (nurse)
looking he would "wake" up.  Guess Brutus did not want to seem like he was slacking off.

Once home Brutus is very tired, and he has been sleeping most of the time.  Not too
happy about this, but I guess it's normal under the circumstances.

Promises to be a pleasant day.  Third treatment today and already I think it looking
better.  Getting myself also ready for the second surgery which is right around the corner.

All of this waiting is just driving me nuts.  Just wish it were all over with so that Arvid

and I can resume a semblance of "normal" living again.  I'm getting tired of not being able to
 drive and move around on my own. Arvid has been extremely patient in this process.

Yesterday we had a treat.  We went to a car show with some friends, and
we also met some others we had not seen in a long time.  Both outings were good.

Today we just got a new washer and dryer today (much needed), installation included. 
 Within 10 minutes everything was in the apartment and the men were gone.  Arvid says to me, 
"I'm now going to not connect everything together."  Me to him, "but I thought they were going to
 install  and do everything?"  Arvid, "I sent them away.  The did not look too confident and I
 did not like the way their eyes moved around the place."  Well that's Arvid for you... :)  

Have a good day everyone.  Remember, create rituals of things
 you look forward to doing on a regular basis.

Wishing you a happy Saturday.
Every moment is a new beginning...

~Nadiya~

Friday...

Yes, I like Pina Coladas and getting caught in the rain
I'm not much into health food, I am into champagne...

Friday already and the good thing about it is that we will be meeting up with

friends and enjoying a cozy meal together.  Have not seen them in a while so looking 

forward very much to this afternoon.  Best thing is that will get to see little Madeline again.

This was taken almost two years ago, but it is one of my very favorite with Madeline.

When we met she hardly spoke much English.  Today she is completely fluent and 

almost no trace of an accent.  Ahhh.. the advantages that the young have.  

Usually our Fridays were times for music and a little evening outing.

Recently, we have been doing more outing in the day time and spending the 

evenings at home mainly because almost all of last year Arvid was not feeling that

great.  Finally he begins to feel better and it's my turn to not feel so good.

Even so, this has not stopped me from enjoying my Pina Coladas.

Nothing comes between me and my Pina Coladas, and who says you can 

only have one on a Friday.  Rules are meant to be broken and if I want a 

Pina Colada on a Thursday or any other day well so be it.  You only live once!

CHEERS to all and have a great weekend!!!

If you like Pina Coladas, getting caught in the rain
If you're not into yoga, if you have half a brain
If you like making love at midnight in the dunes on the cape
I'm the love that you've looked for write to me and escape...

~Nadiya~

Brutus Again...

Being patient is one of the hardest things we've learned to do,

 we can't rush things over here...

Finally Brutus' medicines arrive from New Jersey!  So excited.  This 

means that as of today we will start his hyperbaric treatment.  Both Arvid and 

I have high hopes that this combined with his medicines will be that miracle cure we need.

This is what the chamber looks like.  Brutus will be in it for one hour.

At that time he will be give a high dosage of pure oxygen. 

This is one of the kitties being treated in the chamber.  Supposedly,

Brutus will be all relaxed and should even doze off.  I hope so because

I worry that he might try to claw his way out and hurt himself even more.

We have our hope riding that this treatment will be the one that 

will finally make him better.  I have read all about it, have spoken to a good friend 

whose doggies life was saved by it, and at the same place.  Our Brutus needs this badly.

We have tried just about everything we can think of.  Not going to call it our last hope,

just hope it is the treatment that will make him all better again.  He is not even 8 years old as yet.

Yesterday he had his first dosage.  This medicine has a side effect that if Brutus does
not ear or drink something right away, his throat and stomach lining could be damaged
by being burnt.  Guess it's very strong.  So as soon as medicine is over, Arvid takes him to foodies
I take him to the water and if this does not work he gets moist food via a syringe or water by syringe.

In all of this Brutus is not the happiest of campers.  Can you blame the little guy?
We are patient because we have to be and, always hopeful and positive otherwise...

Wishing you all a good day.  Be kind and gentle to each other.

Sometimes being patient is worth it and sometimes it's not. 

I guess only time will tell...

~Nadiya~

Halfway There...

Hey, guys today is Wednesday!! Hump day! 

We get through today and tomorrow and next thing 

you know it's the WEEKEND! YEAH!...

Already halfway through the work week!  Yeah!  Soon it's the weekend.

Well almost soon.  Still lots to do and customers to take care of so

for now busy, but we would not have it any other way.

Fast update on Brutus.  He is still not doing great, but if you saw him all you 

would see is a little kitty that looks happy all the time.  The paw looks horrible.  It's 

been a few days now since he has had no medicines.  Still waiting for his to come from 

New Jersey, via FedEx.  My mom thought this was funny, his medicine coming FedEx.

Time to get going.  We have some busy days ahead of us.  Hopefully it also means

we will be picking up on some additional business.  The week is looking good here.

Have a great day all.  Remember tomorrow is THIRSTY THURSDAY!

Happy Hump Day would be so much more entertaining if people

 greeted each other with a hip thrust instead of a hello...

~Nadiya~

Hello New Day...

As the years pass, I am coming more and more to understand that it is the common,

 everyday blessings of our common everyday lives for which we should be particularly

 grateful. They are the things that fill our lives with comfort and our hearts with 

gladness -- just the pure air to breathe and the strength to breath it; just warmth

 and shelter and home folks; just plain food that gives us strength; the bright 

sunshine on a cold day; and a cool breeze when the day is warm...

From where I am the day is looking to be a true winner.  The weather is warm.  

The sun is shining and I am already enjoying it's warmth.

Though it is still fairly early in the day, the boats are already out.
Living in Florida it seems like everyone should have a boat.  No we do
not have one as of now and hopefully will not ever again.  Fun but lots of work!

Arvid, Brutus and I do enjoy looking at them and admiring them.
As far as I am concerned that's enough.  Always good to have a boat trip,
but not to own the boat.  All I remember was cleaning and cleaning the boat.

Wishing you all days filled with happiness.  Never underestimate
the power you have to make yourself feel good.

Hope is the sunshine and sprinklers of your life. 
It's what makes you grow and thrive...

~Nadiya~

Eat Your Vegetables...

Vegetables are a must on a diet.

I suggest carrot cake, zucchini bread, and pumpkin pie...

Want to feel better? Well eat those vegetables.  It not like we don't

know it, but sometimes a good steak sounds so much better than boring vegetables.

Vegetables and fruits are carbohydrates that provide a storehouse of vitamins, minerals, 
and other substances to protect against disease. Fruits and veggies are also valuable no-fat,
 no cholesterol sources of fiber and fluid.

Generally the more vivid the fruit or vegetable’s color, the more essential nutrients it holds. 
That deep orange or red coloring in carrots, sweet potatoes, cantaloupes, apricots,
 peaches, and strawberries signals their vitamin A content. Dark green leafy vegetables
 such as greens, spinach, romaine lettuce, Brussels sprouts, and broccoli are loaded 
with vitamin A as well as folic acid (a B vitamin that is essential for cell growth
 and reproduction). Vitamin C is found in more than just citrus fruits, it is also 

power-packed into strawberries, cantaloupes, tomatoes, green peppers, and broccoli. 
When fruits and veggies are loaded with color, they’re loaded with nutrition!

Eating a diet rich in vegetables and fruits as part of an overall healthy diet may 
reduce risk for heart disease, including heart attack and stroke.

May protect against certain types of cancers
May reduce the risk of heart disease, obesity, and type 2 diabetes.

May lower blood pressure, and may also reduce the risk of developing
 kidney stones and help to decrease bone loss.

 So let's all have a healthy day and let's pack in some of those
vegetables and fruits into our diet.  Only to our advantage.

A vegetable garden in the beginning looks so promising and then after all
 little by little it grows nothing but vegetables, nothing, nothing but vegetables...

~Nadiya~