It’s been a hot minute since I’ve posted on here. I haven’t been able to shake off this cough or congestion that started two weeks ago. It’s that cough that hurts your chest, lungs, ribs and everything else. Kae and my dad were able to get over it in a week. Doc says it sounds like a viral infection. I’ve been off of work this whole time and it’s driving me crazy. Doc extended my note and I’m praying I’ll be better by next week.
Thank you to everyone who reached out to me to see how dad’s doing. I’ll post an update on his prostate cancer journey tomorrow.
I don’t think prostate cancer is talked about enough. Since my dad’s diagnosis, I’ve been researching, researching, researching. I’ll be sharing info the next few days. For now, here’s some info from the American Cancer Society:
💙 Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men (after skin cancer), but it can often be treated successfully. It is rare in men younger than 40, but the chance of having prostate cancer rises rapidly after age 50. About 6 in 10 cases of prostate cancer are found in men older than 65.
💙 Prostate cancer develops more often in African American men and in Caribbean men of African ancestry than in men of other races. Prostate cancer occurs less often in Asian American and Hispanic/Latino men than in non-Hispanic whites.
💙 Prostate cancer is most common in North America, northwestern Europe, Australia, and on Caribbean islands. It is less common in Asia, Africa, Central America, and South America.
💙 Most prostate cancers occur in men without a family history of it. Having a father or brother with prostate cancer more than doubles a man’s risk of developing this disease. The risk is much higher for men with several affected relatives, particularly if their relatives were young when the cancer was found.
Men … please talk with your primary physician and see if you are high risk. Request for the test and see what your PSA is. Early detection is always important!
Thank you to everyone who has reached out to me asking how my dad’s doing since his Prostate Cancer diagnosis. First off, he just celebrated his 85th birthday a couple of weeks ago! Thank God for another year. We pray for many more.
So far, he’s been ok. He’s been in pain the last few months, mainly in his legs and upper arms. His oncologist said it could be caused by the cancer. He’s had some scans done and they saw a suspicious node on his right pelvic area. Because it’s close to his prostate, his oncologist is thinking it has spread to that area and has ordered a PET scan to be done. Dad’s had a number of scans done (brain MRI, CT ABD/PEL, spine MRI, bone scan, etc.) and has been patient through the whole process. He doesn’t talk about it which kind of worries me. Yet, I don’t want to push the conversation if he doesn’t want to talk about it. Thankfully, he hasn’t shown any signs of depression or anxiety. We did talk about the treatment his oncologist discussed with us … hormone shots, medication and radiation. I have to remind him that it’s treatable and he has many years still ahead of him.
So my friends, we’re just taking things one day at a time. I’ll keep everyone updated as the journey continues. Please continue to keep my dad in your prayers.
Sorry for the long post and I hope it makes sense. There’s so much info running through my mind.
As many of you know, late last year and earlier this year, we had brought my dad back and forth to Queens due to a number of things. During one of the visits, they found something with his prostate. Dad’s PSA levels had been slowing climbing but went up significantly the last few months so his urologist scheduled for a biopsy. A majority of the samples taken came back positive for cancer cells that fall under “aggressive” on the Gleason scale … it’s scored as an 8. He had a bone scan done but they didn’t get a definitive answer on whether it had spread to his bones. So they put it down as Stage 2. He’s had more scans done and they saw something in his right pelvic area with high probability the cancer has spread and upgraded it to Stage 4. Dad’s been in pain in his arms and legs the last few months which could be caused by the cancer, but it’s unclear as of right now. They also saw something questionable on his thyroid and lower spine so we’re waiting for an ultrasound and MRI to be done.
Dad has also been seeing a neurologist due to headaches he’s been having since last year. An MRI was done in his brain. His neurologist told me that there are small bleeds happening in certain areas most likely caused by high blood pressure. Good news is he’s not a candidate for strokes. IF he ever does have one we have to make sure he doesn’t receive certain clot busting meds due to the bleeds in his brain. It’s unknown why he’s still having headaches so we’re working with his neurologist to figure out what’s going on. There’s good days and bad days. I’ve convinced him to take Curcuma Plus and it’s slowly helping.
Dad was admitted last weekend due to chest pains. Thankfully he’s home now. They did an ECHO and stress test. No signs of a heart attack. According to dad’s PCP the Lexiscan did show that there’s narrowing in one of his vessels. To be safe, he’s being referred to a cardiologist to see if something needs or can be done to fix it … possibly a stent.
With every scan that’s done I dread getting the results because something new pops up. From having only two doctors, dad now has six. It’s been overwhelming for all of us. Right now, we’re putting everything in God’s hands and taking things one day at a time.
Thank you for your continued prayers as we navigate through this season.
Reminder: It ain’t about the bunny, egg hunts, or those cute little baskets. It’s about the One who conquered sin and death so that we may have life. We, as believers, have been granted eternal salvation through His sacrifice and resurrection. 💯 #GodWins
Happy Resurrection Sunday everyone! Hallelujah! He is risen! 🙏🏼🙌🏼❤️
One of mom’s roses bloomed. When my mom was still with us, she had the hardest time getting her roses to bloom. No matter what she did or what product she used, they barely bloomed. You would see a spud here and there, but they never bloomed.
Today I saw this beautiful rose in front of our home. I believe she stopped by to say hello. 🥰
Oooooh I’ve been wanting to try these shadows from Thrive Causemetics for the longest time. It’s been two years since I’ve worn any makeup (thanks to the pandemic). I’ve been feeling blah 😕 lately. Time to feel good about myself again. 💁🏻♀️ And how’s that makeup bag? 🙌🏼
From their website:
“Thrive Causemetics is Bigger Than Beauty™️: For every product you purchase, we donate to help a woman thrive. We believe changing the world starts with a single ingredient, and that’s why we create vegan, 100% cruelty-free formulas containing proven ingredients without the use of parabens or sulfates. All of our high-performance cosmetics are developed at Thrive Causemetics Lab—we control every step of the product development process, and a large part of it involves you. From selecting shades for our Glossy Lip Hydrating Serum™ to testing our new formulations, your voice is heard in every step of our product creation process.
With over a decade of experience as a makeup artist, beauty product designer, and formulator, Karissa has traveled the world sourcing powerful ingredients to create clean formulas with skin-loving properties. Her passion for empowering women of all walks of life through the gift of beauty has taken her from backstage at Fashion Week to working with an impressive roster of high-profile clients.”
First and foremost … I am in no way affiliated with Vive Organic. Just a consumer who has fallen in love with this!
I’ve been on BP meds since my heart scare back in 2018. Yahhhh they’ve been controlling my BP somewhat. When taking my BP everyday, my numbers always fall in the hypertension 1 stage. But THIS right here. I’ve been taking it for about a month and my BP is at the lowest ever … I’m talking low 100 for systolic and mid to low 70 diastolic. You don’t now how awesome it feels to see the green light with “normal” pop up on my BP machine. LOVE it! 🙌🏼
You can get this at The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf in the Kapolei Foodland, Target, and I believe Down to Earth Hawaii has it too. Grab some while you can! Fair warning though, it’s a bit spicy due to the ginger and black pepper … gives a good kick to your throat.🤣
*The statements made are from my own personal use and have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Please consult your physician before implementing any new diet, exercise, and dietary supplement programs, especially if you have preexisting medical conditions or are taking prescribed medications.
Good morning! It’s Sunday and it’s the first day of Spring. As a new season begins, I pray that you find time to refresh and renew your mind, body and spirit. Find time daily to be still and spend time with God, reading and learning His word. Be still and listen as He guides you through the mountains and valleys of life. 🙏🏼❤️
I’m so excited to start this blog! I look forward to sharing my ramblings on faith, beauty, health and everyday things with all of you. Thank you for joining me on this journey called life! ❤️
Hey, Grace Marie 