Four Years Later

Four years ago today I was given a second chance to live my life. I had surgery on this day. It all started with a diagnosis of cancer, test after test, every inch of my body scanned, poked, biopsies, trips back and forth to Mason City Iowa and Iowa City Iowa trying to find out what kind of cancer it was, not knowing at the time and no doctor could figure out how to treat what they saw. I went to Iowa City because I was not happy with the first report and wanted a second opinion. I am so glad I did, Iowa City doctors saved my life.
I literally was given a very slim chance of surviving and at one point no option for surgery to remove it. I at the time was ready for what could happen, if I didn't live then I knew it was meant to be. I had everything in order. I on the other hand was going to fight like crazy to survive. I had no doubt in my head that I wasn't going to make it.
Finally the call came after more doctors looked at all my scans and said they would do exploratory surgery. Five long hours of surgery and every inch of my insides were checked for cancer. I had 19 lymph nodes removed that were affected, 2 sections of my small intestines, my right ovary, one large tumor on the outside of my stomach, part of my liver because it had spread to that also, 3/4 my stomach and a large tumor which was the primary was removed from inside my stomach. Truthfully I don't know how I am alive today if I hadn't had faith and believed I would be okay.
I had tubes coming out of my nose, mouth, IV's, catheter, drainage tubes and more. If I could have seen myself I don't know if I could of handled it. I was kept drugged most of the time because of the pain and I was cut open from top of my chest to below my belly button. Day six they started to remove some of the tubes, the doctors still did not know for sure what kind of cancer it was. I was asked if I would donate the tumors to the University of Iowa to study, signed papers and agreed to it. If I could be helped and others that is what I wanted. Finally a diagnosis, Carcinoid Cancer. I had never heard of it before. My only treatment would be an injection called Sandostatin. I will have to have this the rest of my life. It helps with the symptoms I would experience and stops new cancer cells from growing. It will not kill any old ones that are so small that might be left behind. Dr Howe, which I give all the credit for saving my life, told me he felt they got everything. He is a hero to me.
I was in Iowa City for 9 days. Finally able to go home. It was the best words I could have heard.
Little was told to me though how to deal with this kind of cancer because it is so rare. I had to learn most of it by myself online. I found many others on Twitter and Facebook who had this also, although the statistics are only 1 in 100,000 get this kind of cancer. We talk daily, we have formed communities and support groups on Facebook and Twitter. I have learned so much from others who have this. I don't feel alone like I did when I came home.
My oncologist in Iowa City is Dr O'Dorisio. He is one of the main Carcinoid specialists in the United States. I could not be in better hands. I can get my injections in Mason City Iowa every 4 weeks but go to Iowa City 2 times a year to meet with both doctors and to have CT scans and special labs done. So far so good, am I cancer free. I was given a second chance to relive my life. I have learned to love more, play more, feel more and enjoy more of my life. There will always be problems but I know that I can trust God to help me. There is always the chance Carcinoid could come back, but in my mind I don't feel that will happen. Every day I wake I up I am thankful that I have another day on this planet to make a difference.
The ribbon for Carcinoid Cancer is zebra. Zebras are hard to train, carcinoid is hard to diagnose and treat. We are a rare bunch.
If you want to learn more about Carcinoid you can visit the website www.carcinoid.org.

What Are You Grateful For Today?

It takes practice to be grateful for something every day. It is much easier to complain or be unhappy about something than it is to be grateful for even the smallest things on some days.
I watched Oprah one day and she talked about her Gratitude Journal that she kept. I thought it was a great idea, just write down 5 things you were grateful for each day. As I attempted to write down something each day it took practice, especially when I was having a bad day or nothing seemed to pop into my head that I should be grateful for it. I started out thinking I only had to write down something big that happened that day, well not every day something big is going to happen I found out. So I started writing down little things that made me smile. Someone would tell me I looked great that day...1. I am grateful someone told me I looked great today. Then along came a person who picked up something I dropped...2. Grateful for that young man who picked up my piece of paper that I needed not to blow away in the wind. Today I didn't hurt all over with arthritis...3. I am so grateful I can walk today without hurting. This is awesome. Gas prices dropped again today...4. Wow, I am so grateful that gas prices are coming down. Took less money to fill my car today. Everyone at work was in a good mood today...5. Very grateful for a happy environment to work in today. I have a job to go to and friends to be with.
There that wasn't hard. Five things that made me smile today and I was grateful for them all. The more I write the more I find to be grateful for in a day. I could write down 10 some days. I find myself looking each day for the smallest things that bring joy to me. I feel more good is coming my way the more grateful I am.
What have you got to be grateful for today?

My Crazy Mixed Up Body

Since my last post I had just been put on insulin, 2 kinds to be exact. I fought it tooth and nail. I was determined that there must be a mistake because I was not going to give myself shots and admit that my pancreas just wasn't doing its job anymore, therefore throwing me into a full blown case of Type 2 Diabetes.

I went to the diabetic education and to be truthful I wasn't one of their best students. I knew how to eat right, who were they to tell me I had to eat a certain way, this amount of carbs each meal, when to test my blood sugars, when to give myself insulin and blah blah blah. Sure I was feeling really rotten. Was getting used to feeling like crap all the time, but the doctor informed me I would start to feel better, guaranteed it. So with much kicking and screaming I have gone into this adventure full force.

I am happy to report I am feeling 100% better, I look into the mirror and see a face I recognize again. I was starting to look real bad, puffy eyes, dull skin, very exhausted and tired looking eyes and a multitude of other things. I wasn't sure who that was in the mirror but it sure didn't look like Denise. Well all that bad stuff has left and the real me has appeared again in the mirror. Who knew insulin would make me feel and look good again. My attitude is better and I look forward to eating all the right things. Food tastes so good now. I am satisfied and blood sugars are looking real good.

I asked if I had to be on insulin for the rest of my life, yes said the doctor. She had done a certain type of blood test to measure my peptide levels which is a hormone the body makes to help make insulin. Since I had cancer surgery 4 years ago 3/4 of my stomach had been removed so the part that makes peptide was basically gone. My pancreas just couldn't take the stress anymore and was crying for help. So I have resolved to the fact that I will be taking insulin forever, but you know what? I am grateful for insulin. It has changed my life. I now know why diabetes is called the silent killer because I truthfully felt like I was ready to expire.

So onward and upward. I have conquered this dragon!

Where Have You Been Denise?

Ok I have to admit I have taken a break from writing, been dealing with lots of health issues but am now on the right track. When a person feels rotten all over and don't have answers it is time to take action. I am not giving myself permission to feel like crap all the time so onto a new plan of action.
I have been feeling very run down, fatigued, pain all over and just don't care attitude for several months. Lots of pain in my feet have kept me from walking like I like to do.

It was time for my 3 month A1C diabetes check up so went to the doctor for that. Well low and behold my blood sugar had taken a big jump in a 3 month period. Enough to make my doctor tell me we had to take a different approach to this. She set me up with a diabetic specialist right away and am I so grateful. I was headed in the wrong direction fast. Not that I eat wrong or don't take care of myself, I do all of that. I am on a monthly injection called Sandostatin for Carcinoid Cancer syndrome and the side effects of it can cause a person to become diabetic if you aren't or make things worse if you are. I have been taking pills since 2007 and they have been working, but suddenly they weren't. My pancreas has decided it no longer wants to produce insulin and a person needs insulin, just like a car needs fuel to operate, our bodies need it for fuel. The diabetic doctor was so very helpful and put me on insulin 4 times a day. She said it would take awhile to bring down my blood sugars and said I would start to feel better. I test myself before meals and bedtime, give myself my insulin which does not hurt at all. The insulin pens are a breeze. I have steadily brought down my blood sugars and am feeling better overall. I am not where I want to be yet but I am on my way and I will accomplish this goal. I am eating better than ever and even starting to walk some even though I am in pain yet. That is another story so will get to that tomorrow.
I call in my blood sugar readings every day so she can make adjustments to my dosage. Once my blood sugars get where they are supposed to be I won't have to call in all the time. I really am so grateful that I have doctors that can give me answers and work with me. I have more problems but we are taking one thing at a time so that I don't get overwhelmed with everything. Problem is I want to do it all NOW, not later! So onward and upward I go. Watch for some big changes to come. One day at a time.

Let's Talk Food!

If you like banana bread, chocolate and pecans you are going to love these muffins. Wish I had a scratch and sniff screen for you. I made these to take to work tomorrow for the girls, hope they like them. They are very easy to make and you don't need a mixer. The recipe is as follows:

Banana Bread or Muffins

1 box yellow cake mix
1/3 c oil
3 eggs
3-4 medium bananas

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees

Mash the bananas and then add the rest of the ingredients. Stir with a large spoon until mixed well. At this point you can make plain banana bread or muffins but I like to dress it up a bit so added a 12 oz package chocolate chips and 1/2 c chopped pecans. You can use walnuts if you don't like pecans or you don't have to put nuts in if you don't like them. I then put cupcake papers in my muffin tins, this made 24. Baked them for 30 minutes or until lightly browned on top and inserted a tooth pick in the middle, if it comes out clean they are done.

Remove them from the pans and placed them on a cooling rack. Of course who wants to wait until they are cool! The chocolate chips melted in the middle right from the oven is the best. Enjoy!



http://DenisePassehl.norwex.biz
http://denisepassehl.jamberrynails.net
https://www.mythirtyone.com/DenisePassehl/

Roller Coaster of a Ride!

Oh man does this road look like fun to me! I am ready for a good hill hoppin' ride so this just looks divine. Kinda makes your stomach jump up into your throat just looking at it. Think we should get our dune buggy out and go hill hoppin' there. Weeeeeeeee!

Photo courtesy of Amazing Photos in the World
Roller Coaster highway, Tulsa, Oklahoma

http://DenisePassehl.norwex.biz
http://denisepassehl.jamberrynails.net
https://www.mythirtyone.com/DenisePassehl/

Believe

Being a cancer survivor this has become my motto. My life has changed in so many ways. Sometimes it takes a major thing in your life to make you see things in a new way.


http://DenisePassehl.norwex.biz
http://denisepassehl.jamberrynails.net
https://www.mythirtyone.com/DenisePassehl/

Country Roads

When I look at this picture the thought that comes to my mind is this song 'Country Roads' by John Denver. It has always been one of my favorites. I love nothing better than getting in my car and just drive. Most times I have a destination but sometimes I love seeing the unknown and take a different path. This song takes me back to another lifetime, good memories.

Do you have a song like that? Would love to have you share that with me.



John Denver Country Roads Lyrics

Songwriters: DENVER, JOHN / DANOFF, BILL / NIVERT, TAFFY
Almost heaven, West Virginia
Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah River
Life is old there, older than the trees
Younger than the mountains, blowing like a breeze

Chorus:
Country roads, take me home
To the place I belong
West Virginia, Mountain Mama
Take me home, country roads

All my memories, gathered 'round her
Miners' Lady, stranger to blue water
Dark and dusty, painted on the sky
Misty taste of moonshine, teardrop in my eye

Chorus

I hear her voice, in the morning hour she calls me
The radio reminds me of my home far away
And drivin' down the road I get the feeling
That I should have been home yesterday, yesterday

Chorus x 2 (modulates)

http://DenisePassehl.norwex.biz
http://denisepassehl.jamberrynails.net
https://www.mythirtyone.com/DenisePassehl/

Boston

Why Do I Like What I Do?

Yesterday I got asked why I started with my new business adventures that I am doing now. Yes I do belong to several and I will try to explain why I do like Direct Sales business.

My parents owned a grocery store so I was brought up to learn about all the different products a store has, even then there was lots out there. I learned to love helping in the store and seeing all the groceries come in on delivery day. I would help unload the truck and stock shelves. I also enjoyed meeting the people that came in to our Mom & Pop store. When I was old enough to get a drivers license I started delivering groceries to the older people who didn't drive any more. I liked that, I got to see many different people.

As I grew up and my parents are no longer alive and their store was closed many years ago I have missed that connection. I research all the companies out there and have found the ones that work for me and each one offers me something different and I believe in their products and standards. There are some that I have ran across that I don't even have an interest in and that is what makes us all different in a good way.

What I like about being involved with my home based businesses is the people contact and sharing what I love and what might be of interest to just the right person. If there is something that can help another person I want to be able to offer that. I remember my grandmother having the Fuller Brush man come to her door and I would love to see all the products they had. I was drawn to their passion for what they liked about the products and the company they were with.

Yes I do get excited about what I do and what I love. I love seeing how what I have to offer can make someones life a little easier or more fun. Of course not everything is of interest to others but there might be that one thing that is.

Since I was diagnosed with cancer in 2009 and have been blessed to me free of cancer I made a promise that I was never going to take life for granted. I want to experience all there is and what life has to offer me. I am learning new thing every day. The day I quit learning things is the day I am no longer alive. I have a passion for life and living it to the fullest.

So my question to you is, "Why do you do the things you do and why do you like what you do?"

http://DenisePassehl.norwex.biz
http://denisepassehl.jamberrynails.net
https://www.mythirtyone.com/DenisePassehl/

Art on a Whim (Whimsie)

Today I had the pleasure of taking a painting class at the Greater Franklin County Chamber. It was taught by Pamela Warwick and the name of the class was Art on a Whim (Whimsie). I have never done this before but I enjoyed learning this and ended up going to Hobby Lobby to buy supplies so I can teach it to my grandchildren as well. I am so excited to see what their creation is going to be.

Pam teaches with patience and guidance. Starting with a plain canvas on a 6"x6" canvas and left with our own imagination. There are no mistakes she said. My creative juices started to flow and away I went. I got so involved and loved every minute of it. Hope you like it as much as I did creating it.

I Am Going To School Today!

I am so excited, today my husband and I will be eating lunch with the grandchildren at their school. This is so important for them, they love to have their families see what they do all day and get to show us off. We get to see the class room and see their projects that they have done.
Going to be a FANTABULOUS day! I am going to school, maybe I will get to color also!


http://DenisePassehl.norwex.biz
http://denisepassehl.jamberrynails.net
https://www.mythirtyone.com/DenisePassehl/

I'll Be Watching

Vitamins

Vitamins for me are very important in my life. Some people don't take vitamins and that is their choice, for me I do and I have to.
In 2009 I had surgery for cancer removing 3/4 my stomach and part of my small intestines. I was told by my doctors to take high quality supplements to prevent issues that I would be prone to such as malabsorption of nutrients. I tried several other brands with no luck. I started taking supplements from a company I believe in that has helped me to keep me healthy.
I will have treatments for the rest of my life, which means I have blood tests done every month to monitor my levels. Since taking these supplements my malabsorption problems have improved. I seem to have more energy too.
This is only my opinion and my results, not intended to prevent any health issues. It only reflects what has helped me to keep me healthier.

denisepassehl@wedeliverwellness.com

Denise's Seal of Approval

Norwex Oven & Grill Cleaner has to be one of the best products I have ever used. Today I noticed how my toaster over had started to get a build up of sticky stuff on the glass on the inside and the tray on the bottom from normal use. I heated it up like the bottle said to, turned off the oven, waited a few minutes and sprayed it with the Oven & Grill Cleaner. I waited 10 minutes, opened the oven and wiped down the inside and removed the tray. Washed the tray and everything came off the glass, inside and tray. Looks like a new toaster over again. I am impressed. This is a must have for my kitchen.
So today I am giving this product Denise's Seal of Approval!


Home
www.norwex.biz
Norwex Consultants are committed to helping you save time and money by providing you with a complete line of products that are better for your health and better for the environment. With Norwex, not only are you improving quality of life, you hav
http://DenisePassehl.norwex.biz

Zebra Stripes Here & There!

My first Jamberry Nail wraps came today. Of course being a carcinoid cancer survivor I chose the zebra pattern. The ribbon for Carcinoid cancer is zebra stripe. I am so excited about having over 300 nail wraps to choose from. I wanted to share this with you, I can't wait to try the others. On your fingers they last 2 weeks on toes they last 6 weeks. No nail polish can do that!

http://denisepassehl.jamberynails.net

I Love To Clean!

Honest I really do like to clean and Norwex has made my cleaning experiences less of a chore. The cleaning products are so safe and nothing is harmful to use.
I have done research and this company has met my expectations. I look forward to sharing this with you. Let's schedule a time so that I can give you a demonstration. I know you will be happy that you did.
I have tried other companies that are very good as well, using less has been my goal. I believe these are the products I have been looking for.
I am looking for others who want to share this business. If you are interested and would love to have extra income please contact me right away.
http://DenisePassehl.norwex.biz

One More Adventure!

One more adventure in my life-YES! Being a cancer survivor I have vowed to never let life pass me by. I want to do and experience all that I can. I am on a roll and I am happy to announce that I am now a Thirty-One Gifts Consultant. I love these products and how much they have helped me to organize my life in a fashionable and economic way. Using the Thirty-One Gifts products is so much fun.
My starter kit came with so many neat items, when you join this great company you have all the tools you need to show others how great they are. I am anxious to show you also. Please help me to accomplish my goal in life.
I would love for you to check out my website https://www.mythirtyone.com/DenisePassehl/ . I also have catalogs if that is easier for you to view.
Thank you for taking a moment to see what I have to offer.

Grandkids!

Spending the weekend with the grandkids is one of the greatest joys a grandparent could ever ask for. My husband and I came down Friday and will go home on Sunday. Too short of a time for us since we only see them once a month. They live 4 hours from us, I wish it was closer.
We try to pack alot in when we get together. This weekend it was their 7th birthday, they are twins. Plus it is Easter. With twins you get twice the hugs and twice the energy it takes to keep up with them. They are really good children (what grandma wouldn't say that?) so rarely is there a spat. Today we went to town to spend their birthday money, ate lunch, then went to the movie The Croods. It was very funny and we all enjoyed it.
I wish I lived closer so I could attend more of the activities they will be doing once they get a little older. I also think that spending the time we do and doing different things each time we are together are very rewarding. It is hard to believe they are 7 years old now. Seems like yesterday when I held them in my arms and rocked them to sleep. I thank God for them every day.

New Chapter in My Life

Today was an exciting day for me. I have been making some big changes in my life, feeling really good and wanted to get out of my comfort zone. I have decided to start up a home based business called Jamberry Nails. This is my start up consultant kit. Just like Christmas in March! What a fun and exciting business this is!
I was invited to a party, went not knowing what this was all about. I saw pictures, thought they were cute but didn't have a clue how it all worked. I thought it was fake nails, not at all, it is on your own nails. Long or short doesn't matter. Well within in minutes of the demonstration I was excited and hooked. I loved what the consultant was showing us and all the neat nail wraps, over 250. No more painting, removing paint, waiting for paint to dry etc. The perfect nail in minutes and so easy. Fingers will last 2 weeks and toenails will last 6 weeks.
So I decided I wanted to share this with everyone who loves their nails to look good and have fun. I am asking you all a favor. LIKE my Facebook page Denise Bonewitz Passehl's - Jamberry Nails. Let me know what date works for you and lets get together so I can show you the demonstration. You will earn hostess gifts also for hosting a party. The party is very casual, nothing fancy. Have a few snacks and see the smiles on the faces as they get to see what Jamberry Nails is all about.
Please take a moment to visit my website also http://denisepassehl.jamberrynails.net/

Maundy Thursday and The Agape Meal

maun·dy thurs·day
/ˈmôndē/
Noun
The Thursday before Easter, observed in the Christian Church as a commemoration of the Last Supper.

Tonight at our church we had Maundy Thursday service in a different setting and I was so moved by it. We started our evening with an Agape Meal similar to how they would have ate then. We had mostly finger foods like vegetables, fruit, cheese curds, nuts, flatbread, pulled chicken and Charoset. We had beautiful tables set up with purple table clothes and enjoyed the meal with others at our tables. Then communion was also served at our tables by each other to each other, we were to serve and be served. I thought it was a very meaningful version of communion. I came away from the evening feeling very in touch with how the Last Supper must have been like.

Recipe for Charoset curtesy Bon Appétit

yield: Makes about 4 cups
This is a standard Ashkenazi (Eastern European) recipe, with a little brown sugar added for depth.
(substituted wine for grapejuice)
ingredients

3 medium Gala or Fuji apples, peeled, cored, and finely diced
1 1/2 cups walnut halves, lightly toasted, cooled, and coarsely chopped
1/2 cup sweet red wine such as Manischewitz Extra Heavy Malaga
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon packed brown sugar
print a shopping list for this recipe

preparation

In large bowl, stir together all ingredients. Store, covered, at room temperature until ready to serve.
Notes:
·l;For the most even texture, we recommend dicing the apples by hand. However, to save time, they can be chopped in the food processor — just be careful not to overprocess.

Pay It Forward

Today was no better or worse than any other day. Went to work then stopped by a store on the way home. When I went to pay for my purchase the cashier showed me a $20.00 bill and said that the person who came through before me said to put that towards the next persons purchase. I was touched by the random act of kindness and so grateful that there are people that do that.
I have always been one to give to others without expecting anything in return. Recently I have been on a scarf knitting frenzy. It doesn't take me long to make one, it is therapeutic for me. I spend time unplugged from the electronic world and get lost in my own thoughts. I love to give someone a scarf if they are admiring the one I am wearing or I see they need something to make them smile. It always makes them smile. I keep a supply in my car so I always have one on hand.
My prayers are that I see God's miracles, today was one of them.