Unexpectedly, when I was in the Sprint store this evening to get my phone fixed, I was offered an upgrade to the new HTC EVO 3D smartphone. Huh?!? Right, that is exactly what I said too! I could either wait two hours for a tech to look at my phone, and figure out why Gingerbread made my phone suck (decreased battery life, restarting itself by itself, always opening Footprints whenever I unlock my phone, etc.), or I could use my upgrade which expired today, and get the phone for $50 if I sold back my current EVO 4G. How could anyone turn that offer down? So, I now have the new HTC EVO 3D.
So far, I don't really care for the 3D photos/video. How good is it if you have to have an EVO 3D to see the video or photos in 3D? But, it came with the Green Hornet movie in 3D, and I think there may actually be an Angry Birds 3D version, so for entertainment purposes, I guess it would be Ok. I already miss my 8mp camera, and the fact that all the apps fit the screen - a lot of things don't seem to fill the screen. It's the same size screen (4.3"), the phone itself is just a tad bit narrower than my previous phone, so not quite sure what the deal is. The graphics are superb, but kills the battery. Still have a lot to get used to with my new phone.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Spoils of the fair - 2011
Today, we went to the Del Mar, er, San Diego County Fair. One of the only things I really wanted to see at the fair this year was the flash mob that was going to dance to "Thriller". Two performances were scheduled, one around 2pm, the other around 8pm. Since I didn't plan on staying at the fair the entire day, I was hoping to see the 2pm performance. I kinda knew the area where it was supposed to happen (the area along the food vendors heading to the funzone), so I hurried through lunch so I see it. But I completely missed it! ARGH! Oh well.
We did hit most of the vendor exhibit halls. I picked up different spoils this year. I got some Flea Treats for Angelo (Advantix doesn't seem to be working for him, so hopefully this does), I got my mom to 'pick a pearl' - a 6 1/2 mm gray pearl!, Ovation cell therapy for my dad (so he'll stop asking about 'Men's hair club' and 'Bosely'), and some cool kitchen slicers for me!
And what about all the new fried and/or unhealthy food choices at the fair this year? Well, I was hoping to be good this year, we even brought a fruit salad to eat before taking on some of the bad stuff, but it didn't happen as planned. First of all, we were supposed to eat the fruit salad first. Not quite. We got some chicken and beef kabob combos with fries and half a pita. At least I had a diet pepsi to wash it down. But I really should've nixed the fries and pita. Of the new fried goodies available this year, I wanted to try the Totally Fried Kool-Aid and the chocolate dipped corn-dog. I couldn't find the chocolate corn-dog thing, so I settled with the fried Kool-Aid. Not bad. Not too much sugar, on the outside, at least. It kinda tasted like a dough nut.
I was hoping to get a run in this evening after eating all of that stuff, but by the time we left, my body was worn out from walking around the whole day. We didn't even make it to the Arts & Crafts exhibits, how could I be so exhausted? I think it could have been because I was not as caffineated as I usually am during the work week, so it was a good thing I didn't fall asleep driving home.
We did hit most of the vendor exhibit halls. I picked up different spoils this year. I got some Flea Treats for Angelo (Advantix doesn't seem to be working for him, so hopefully this does), I got my mom to 'pick a pearl' - a 6 1/2 mm gray pearl!, Ovation cell therapy for my dad (so he'll stop asking about 'Men's hair club' and 'Bosely'), and some cool kitchen slicers for me!
I was hoping to get a run in this evening after eating all of that stuff, but by the time we left, my body was worn out from walking around the whole day. We didn't even make it to the Arts & Crafts exhibits, how could I be so exhausted? I think it could have been because I was not as caffineated as I usually am during the work week, so it was a good thing I didn't fall asleep driving home.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
How does my neck look? 6/21/11
It is still sinking in, I am still getting used to saying "I am a thyroid cancer survivor." I am a thyroid cancer survivor.
So what is next? I have a follow up ultrasound, blood work, and an appt with my ENDO next month. Since my Tg and TgAB are undetectable, I assume the mystery tissue that was found on the right side of my thyroid bed last December will be categorized as scar tissue, but I think it will still be reassuring to know that it did not change over the last six months. Then there is my meds. I think they still need to be tweaked a bit since I have been having problems with my energy level in the afternoons for the past two months. I even feel tired driving to work some mornings. Today, my 'mental issues', as my ENDO likes to call them, were plentiful. I guess I'll have to see what my blood work reveals.
At my last ENDO appt, he said if my WBS was clean and my Tg/TgAB was undetectable, then my follow up would be annual blood work to insure my TSH and FT4 (and Total T3, if I stay on Cytomel) are at the appropriate levels, no need for another stimulated Tg/TgAB blood draw, no ultrasound. To me it sounds like not enough is going to be done to monitor me. I don't really know what the proper follow up protocol should be for HCC, but I want to make sure that my ENDO's follow up plan is similar if not the same.
I know, I need to balance out the fear at the back of my head that it can come back, at any time, with my goal of not letting cancer dictate my life. So, while I am trying to figure that all out, let me know how the neck of a thyroid cancer survivor looks.
So what is next? I have a follow up ultrasound, blood work, and an appt with my ENDO next month. Since my Tg and TgAB are undetectable, I assume the mystery tissue that was found on the right side of my thyroid bed last December will be categorized as scar tissue, but I think it will still be reassuring to know that it did not change over the last six months. Then there is my meds. I think they still need to be tweaked a bit since I have been having problems with my energy level in the afternoons for the past two months. I even feel tired driving to work some mornings. Today, my 'mental issues', as my ENDO likes to call them, were plentiful. I guess I'll have to see what my blood work reveals.
At my last ENDO appt, he said if my WBS was clean and my Tg/TgAB was undetectable, then my follow up would be annual blood work to insure my TSH and FT4 (and Total T3, if I stay on Cytomel) are at the appropriate levels, no need for another stimulated Tg/TgAB blood draw, no ultrasound. To me it sounds like not enough is going to be done to monitor me. I don't really know what the proper follow up protocol should be for HCC, but I want to make sure that my ENDO's follow up plan is similar if not the same.
I know, I need to balance out the fear at the back of my head that it can come back, at any time, with my goal of not letting cancer dictate my life. So, while I am trying to figure that all out, let me know how the neck of a thyroid cancer survivor looks.
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Niko
At that session, we learned that she was deaf in one ear. I think she grew to be completely deaf since then. She could hear a whistle and feel the vibrations when someone banged on a door or a nearby object. I also found out why on earth she always had to get one lick in, even if it was the tip of my pinky finger. Oh that annoyed me so much, until I learned why - she was just checking in, to see how we were doing, to let us know she missed us the whole day, so the pet communicator told us. Now I can't remember the last time she did that.
Sometimes I think it would be best if your beloved pet passed in its sleep. But I also think we need to be able to say goodbye and send them off, just like we do for our friends and family if we have the opportunity to do so. We sent her on her way, me and my mom. As the vet gave her the second shot, we petted her and told her we loved her, that she was a good dog, that we would miss her, and the last thing I said to her was 'guard the house'. She always did. Oh, the life of a dog.....
Friday, June 17, 2011
Tg/TgAB results: Holy crap! I wasn't expecting to hear anything until next week. Relieved it wasn't my ENDO who called because he only delivers bad news. Both are undetectable! Yay!
My ENDO says this is a good sign of remission. I don't know if this also means I am now in the 'no evidence of disease' (NED) category or not, but I will ask at my appt next month.
I think now I can safely say that I have survived thyroid cancer. I rejoice, but I still wonder if this is something I really want to say, that "I survived it" when I know it can come back. You survive car accidents or horrible disasters, but you don't expect the same exact accident or disaster to happen to you again. All cancers can come back, and they normally come back with a vengeance. For now, I feel good knowing that a year later, I made the right decision to have my left thyroid lobe removed and that the subsequent treatments were successful. Yay!!!
My ENDO says this is a good sign of remission. I don't know if this also means I am now in the 'no evidence of disease' (NED) category or not, but I will ask at my appt next month.
I think now I can safely say that I have survived thyroid cancer. I rejoice, but I still wonder if this is something I really want to say, that "I survived it" when I know it can come back. You survive car accidents or horrible disasters, but you don't expect the same exact accident or disaster to happen to you again. All cancers can come back, and they normally come back with a vengeance. For now, I feel good knowing that a year later, I made the right decision to have my left thyroid lobe removed and that the subsequent treatments were successful. Yay!!!
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Half way there...
WBS results: Negative for thyroid cancer. But, still waiting on results from my stimulated Tg/TgAB test, which may take a few days. They need to be undetectable.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
1-yr WBs
WBS completed. Waiting to have my Thyroglobulin (Tg/TgAB) blood draw. The NucMed tech let me see what was taken on the last of the 3 scans. Clear thyroid bed!
The scan:
I wasn't as late this morning as I was Monday morning, thank goodness! They had me empty my bladder 'real good' before I was taken into the room with the machine. I was slightly swaddled on the moveable bed of the machine so that my clothing and body parts would not interfere with and stop the machine during the first scan (the one, like last year, where it felt like little people were carrying me through the machine). Then I was told to hold still for the entire scan.
I was told the first scan would last about 25mins, the bed would slowly place me in position for both 'pictures' that needed to be taken for the WBS. That would be followed by two 10min scans that would focus on my thyroid bed.
I drifted in and out of sleep for the first scan, but somewhere during the second picture, I had a tickle at the back of my throat. How was I supposed to deal with that if I am supposed to remain as still as possible? Well, luckily my torso was scanned first, so I coughed as carefully as possible. Before the second set of pictures, the tech placed a marker on my neck so he could properly focus on my thyroid bed. Both of these scans went very quickly.
After the scan, I asked if I could see the scans. He could only show me the last one that was taken. I saw uptake (black dots) in my salivary glands, which he said was normal. There were some other random black spots in what looked like my chest area. He said everything looked clear. Sounds good, but I know that the NucMed doc and my ENDO both have to review and confer on the scan results, so even if it sounds like my scans are clean, I need to hear it from my ENDO.
The scan:
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| "Gamma machine" - used for my 1-yr WBS |
I was told the first scan would last about 25mins, the bed would slowly place me in position for both 'pictures' that needed to be taken for the WBS. That would be followed by two 10min scans that would focus on my thyroid bed.
I drifted in and out of sleep for the first scan, but somewhere during the second picture, I had a tickle at the back of my throat. How was I supposed to deal with that if I am supposed to remain as still as possible? Well, luckily my torso was scanned first, so I coughed as carefully as possible. Before the second set of pictures, the tech placed a marker on my neck so he could properly focus on my thyroid bed. Both of these scans went very quickly.
After the scan, I asked if I could see the scans. He could only show me the last one that was taken. I saw uptake (black dots) in my salivary glands, which he said was normal. There were some other random black spots in what looked like my chest area. He said everything looked clear. Sounds good, but I know that the NucMed doc and my ENDO both have to review and confer on the scan results, so even if it sounds like my scans are clean, I need to hear it from my ENDO.
Monday, June 13, 2011
RAI diagnostic dose - 6/13/2011
Interesting. I think I just saw my RAI scan dose being delivered to the docs. On the delivery guys' dolly was a nice little "radioactive warning" sticker.
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Around 9:45am, the Nuclear Medicine doctor finally called me from the waiting room (so I guess I am not pregnant!) and I was lead back into a small office. I didn't get her name, but she had a slight Russian accent. In the tiny back room, she told me I was getting a diagnostic scan dose, I have to come back Wednesday morning at 7am for my WBS, and that I had to remember to get my Tg/TgAB blood draw right after my scan because the insurance companies will not pay for a second round of Thyrogen shots since they are so expensive. Ok, good to know.
I asked about isolation - Ok to be around pregnant women, small children, or small pets? Wait a couple of days to be around pregnant women, but no worries being around small pets or kids. I still want to avoid any kind of unintentional radiation exposure to anyone, so I took a sick day from work, and tried to keep my distance from Angelo and Misty. I also asked about working out - Ok to go to the gym? She said some radiation will come out with my perspiration, but it is minimal. I still have no control over whether or not pregnant women could be anywhere close to me at the gym or even at the store, so I decided to skip yoga this evening and climbing tomorrow. For the climbing, I am more worried about my radiated sweat getting on all the holds or ropes that I touch.
When I was ready, she placed the 5mCi pill in my left hand. It was a pretty dark teal color, same color as last year, just not as sparkly as I remember the two pills I had last year. This one was perfectly formed too. Then it was down the hatch, and I was sent on my way, radioactive and all.
The rest of the day I spent taking little naps here and there. More than ever I was wanting to eat a burger or pizza, maybe some grilled fish, but no, not just yet. All I know is that I'm heading to Chipotle after work tomorrow evening!
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Around 9:45am, the Nuclear Medicine doctor finally called me from the waiting room (so I guess I am not pregnant!) and I was lead back into a small office. I didn't get her name, but she had a slight Russian accent. In the tiny back room, she told me I was getting a diagnostic scan dose, I have to come back Wednesday morning at 7am for my WBS, and that I had to remember to get my Tg/TgAB blood draw right after my scan because the insurance companies will not pay for a second round of Thyrogen shots since they are so expensive. Ok, good to know.I asked about isolation - Ok to be around pregnant women, small children, or small pets? Wait a couple of days to be around pregnant women, but no worries being around small pets or kids. I still want to avoid any kind of unintentional radiation exposure to anyone, so I took a sick day from work, and tried to keep my distance from Angelo and Misty. I also asked about working out - Ok to go to the gym? She said some radiation will come out with my perspiration, but it is minimal. I still have no control over whether or not pregnant women could be anywhere close to me at the gym or even at the store, so I decided to skip yoga this evening and climbing tomorrow. For the climbing, I am more worried about my radiated sweat getting on all the holds or ropes that I touch.
When I was ready, she placed the 5mCi pill in my left hand. It was a pretty dark teal color, same color as last year, just not as sparkly as I remember the two pills I had last year. This one was perfectly formed too. Then it was down the hatch, and I was sent on my way, radioactive and all.
The rest of the day I spent taking little naps here and there. More than ever I was wanting to eat a burger or pizza, maybe some grilled fish, but no, not just yet. All I know is that I'm heading to Chipotle after work tomorrow evening!
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Thyrogen shot #2
But the shot nurse was very knowledgeable. She has been administering Thyrogen shots for 10yrs, since they changed the procedure so it was only done at one location for the medical group. She also told me each vial is worth $1000.00 and they keep a supply on hand, noting that I was the second person she heard mention the global Thyrogen shortage, which they obviously were not affected by. Then she went on to say that they normally have two Thyrogen patients each weekend, but I was the first one since February. That means there were many thyroid cancer patients before me, at least at my medical group.
Before she gave me the shot, I asked if I could take a picture of the syringe. She did better than that - she let me keep the empty Thyrogen vial, and let me have the paperwork for the orders for my shot.
She administered the shot a little differently. I was standing this time, she said she would pinch the skin before administering the shot, so it would be less painful. She was right - didn't feel it at all. I didn't have to wait for 15mins this time since I didn't have any adverse reactions to the first shot yesterday. Weird thing is about 30mins later the injection site felt a little sore.
I am still feeling Ok, just a little tired. So, RAI diagnostic scan dose tomorrow morning, at 8am.
Before she gave me the shot, I asked if I could take a picture of the syringe. She did better than that - she let me keep the empty Thyrogen vial, and let me have the paperwork for the orders for my shot.
She administered the shot a little differently. I was standing this time, she said she would pinch the skin before administering the shot, so it would be less painful. She was right - didn't feel it at all. I didn't have to wait for 15mins this time since I didn't have any adverse reactions to the first shot yesterday. Weird thing is about 30mins later the injection site felt a little sore.
I am still feeling Ok, just a little tired. So, RAI diagnostic scan dose tomorrow morning, at 8am.
Yeah, I am alone in this. From speaking to the doctor that came in, no one here really has any idea what the protocol is for ThyCa or treatment. At least I do.
He wanted to know if I had any questions, so I asked him if I would have any hypo symptoms from the two shots; if so, should I even be driving?Although, I guess can't exactly expect an UrgentCare doc to know a whole lot about ThyCa management and treatments. But I'm thinking that if he is going to see patients that are getting Thyrogen shots on his watch, shouldn't he know something about it? That is what I get for asking questions.
He wanted to know if I had any questions, so I asked him if I would have any hypo symptoms from the two shots; if so, should I even be driving?Although, I guess can't exactly expect an UrgentCare doc to know a whole lot about ThyCa management and treatments. But I'm thinking that if he is going to see patients that are getting Thyrogen shots on his watch, shouldn't he know something about it? That is what I get for asking questions.
Am I hypo yet?
My first Thyrogen shot was pretty uneventful - slight stick at the top of my right cheek, no allergic reactions, and thank goodness no weird side effects! I don't even remember feeling hypo at all during the day. Somewhere in there I started to wonder if I should even be driving around. Maybe after my shot tomorrow I might feel it?
Good thing I was not feeling hypo because it was a pretty full day for me. I got my haircut (a little too short, but I'll live). Then I went to the SPCA to check out some puppies to replace my mom's dog. I took Angelo to his appt (his ears are clear of infection, and he got his rabbies shot). I made my lunch, and some polenta. Did more puppy research online. I did a test run in my replacement running shoes. Got some LID supplies from Trader Joe's. Picked up a refill of my T4/T3 prescription. Picked up some stuff from Target (including a container for almond milk). Made my own almond milk (water, almonds, pitted dates, all whirled together in the VitaMix). And last but not least, I made dinner and ate it. I am tired now, but only, I am thinking, because it is already 1am.
Not sure what I will do after my shot in the morning. I'll be downtown with anywhere from an hour and a half to two hours before my pilates class. I have not taken photos with my DSLR in awhile, so that would be something to fill the time. But, then what do I do with my camera when I am in pilates and working out? I am not too crazy about leaving my camera in my car, especially if it turns out to be a hot day. Something I'll figure out when I get there, I guess.
So anyway, Thyrogen shot #2 in a few hours....24 hours later, my RAI scan dose.
Good thing I was not feeling hypo because it was a pretty full day for me. I got my haircut (a little too short, but I'll live). Then I went to the SPCA to check out some puppies to replace my mom's dog. I took Angelo to his appt (his ears are clear of infection, and he got his rabbies shot). I made my lunch, and some polenta. Did more puppy research online. I did a test run in my replacement running shoes. Got some LID supplies from Trader Joe's. Picked up a refill of my T4/T3 prescription. Picked up some stuff from Target (including a container for almond milk). Made my own almond milk (water, almonds, pitted dates, all whirled together in the VitaMix). And last but not least, I made dinner and ate it. I am tired now, but only, I am thinking, because it is already 1am.
Not sure what I will do after my shot in the morning. I'll be downtown with anywhere from an hour and a half to two hours before my pilates class. I have not taken photos with my DSLR in awhile, so that would be something to fill the time. But, then what do I do with my camera when I am in pilates and working out? I am not too crazy about leaving my camera in my car, especially if it turns out to be a hot day. Something I'll figure out when I get there, I guess.
So anyway, Thyrogen shot #2 in a few hours....24 hours later, my RAI scan dose.
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Thyrogen shot #1
The nurse said it is fine so long as the #2 shot isn't at 12pm tomorrow, then she said the shot nurse should be in shortly. Do I get to choose which butt cheek the shot goes in?!?
I ended up choosing the right side. The nurse said I could choose the other one tomorrow, if I wanted. The shot was placed high on my right butt cheek as I lay on my left side. I had to wait for 15 mins so they could make sure I didn't have an allergic reaction to the Thyrogen. Not bad.
I guess I am always just worried something isn't going to work, like my TSH not going up high enough for the scan dose to work, or, the worst situation is that my LID was not effective, and the scan is useless. I worry, so what else is new?
I ended up choosing the right side. The nurse said I could choose the other one tomorrow, if I wanted. The shot was placed high on my right butt cheek as I lay on my left side. I had to wait for 15 mins so they could make sure I didn't have an allergic reaction to the Thyrogen. Not bad.
I guess I am always just worried something isn't going to work, like my TSH not going up high enough for the scan dose to work, or, the worst situation is that my LID was not effective, and the scan is useless. I worry, so what else is new?
Friday, June 10, 2011
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
ThyCa group meeting - June 7, 2011
We had a few new people last night. That's a good 'Yay!' but also a bad 'Yay!' because that means that more people in San Diego are being diagnosed with thyroid cancer and getting thyroidectomies. Two of the three ladies recently had their TTs done, the other had hers done a couple of years ago. Also, the two new members from last month's meeting (the one I missed since I was on vacation) were also in attendance. One of those ladies also had HCC. It is just so amazing to me how we all have one form or another of thyroid cancer, but for everything that we experience in common, there are just as many that some of us experience that is very uncommon.
It was another long meeting - 2 hours! Our meetings are only supposed to be an hour long, but we always manage to go over by at least 30mins each meeting. I think I was considered to be the main facilitator this time, which I don't mind, but I have a hard time keeping the meeting moving so everyone has a chance to speak. How do you effectively cut someone off when they've been talking for over 10 minutes, and they don't seem to be winding things down?!? So, I am trying to figure out a better way to run the meetings when we have new members. I think a good idea is to have one of the facilitators tell their ThyCa story first, then have the new members tell theirs. That way, they are able to introduce themselves to the group, tell their story, and then ask about any questions or concerns they may have. In addition to the sign-in sheet, we should also have a sheet where members/guests can write down any questions or concerns they may have. Hopefully we can cover everyone's questions before the end of the meeting.
Now the big question is how should I deal with members who go way off topic? There was one person that was all over the place - she started talking about her other health issues, then what happened before she had ThyCa, where she used to work, what else she is attributing her current symptoms to.....I was lost just trying to follow what she was saying. I kept on thinking to myself, "what is a nice thing to say to her so she'll stick to her ThyCa issues, or how do I effectively let her know that we need to move on to the next person without sounding bitchy?"
So, I have a few things to work on before the next meeting. Hopefully I can put something together and share it with the other facilitators, see what they think. Anyway, despite the meeting feeling like it was getting out of hand, it was still nice to be able to meet with others on the ThyCa journey with me.
It was another long meeting - 2 hours! Our meetings are only supposed to be an hour long, but we always manage to go over by at least 30mins each meeting. I think I was considered to be the main facilitator this time, which I don't mind, but I have a hard time keeping the meeting moving so everyone has a chance to speak. How do you effectively cut someone off when they've been talking for over 10 minutes, and they don't seem to be winding things down?!? So, I am trying to figure out a better way to run the meetings when we have new members. I think a good idea is to have one of the facilitators tell their ThyCa story first, then have the new members tell theirs. That way, they are able to introduce themselves to the group, tell their story, and then ask about any questions or concerns they may have. In addition to the sign-in sheet, we should also have a sheet where members/guests can write down any questions or concerns they may have. Hopefully we can cover everyone's questions before the end of the meeting.
Now the big question is how should I deal with members who go way off topic? There was one person that was all over the place - she started talking about her other health issues, then what happened before she had ThyCa, where she used to work, what else she is attributing her current symptoms to.....I was lost just trying to follow what she was saying. I kept on thinking to myself, "what is a nice thing to say to her so she'll stick to her ThyCa issues, or how do I effectively let her know that we need to move on to the next person without sounding bitchy?"
So, I have a few things to work on before the next meeting. Hopefully I can put something together and share it with the other facilitators, see what they think. Anyway, despite the meeting feeling like it was getting out of hand, it was still nice to be able to meet with others on the ThyCa journey with me.
Sunday, June 5, 2011
GPS what?!? - Nike+ SportWatch review
Now, I have had the Nike+ SportWatch GPS for three weeks now. What do I think about it? Well, it has definitely motivated me to run more days during the week. The whole idea behind the watch itself is really cool. I have not run using the 'interval' option yet, tapping the screen to mark laps, or setting alarms to remind me to run.
There are a few things that are not so great about the SportWatch. The watch screen - thing that bugs me about it is that tapping the screen doesn't always turn on the back screen light, but other things tapping it does. Weird. The GPS mapping feature - this is a real disappointment, and is the one thing that really bugs the crap out of me. WTF, Nike! Or maybe it should be WTF, TomTom. Of all the GPS runs I have done in the past three weeks, only two have been mapped properly on the Nike+ Maps Beta website. I generally end my runs where I start them, but on the Nike+ Maps website, most of the time, the location of my start is 50-100 feet away from my end location. In addition to that, instead of running on streets or trails, the GPS has tracked me running through front yards, houses, a lake...and in most cases not anywhere close to where I was actually running. Apparently I am not the only user with this issue. Some users' GPS tracking is right on, but there are many others, like myself, that are having problems with it. There was a hardware update last weekend, but that did not fix GPS/mapping issue. Supposedly, Nike is working on this problem. But until they do, my pace, splits, and distance will be off.
Sadly, the GPS function was the main reason why I decided to upgrade from my Nike+ Sportband to the SportWatch, so among other things, I could see a map of where I ran, the pace, and the correct distance. Right now, I feel like I should have stuck to my sportband since the GPS on my SportWatch is seriously lacking. What I do not know is if any other GPS running watches have or have had the same issues - could this be the best that all GPS running watches do when tracking ones' runs?!? Anyway, I'm not completely giving up on my SportWatch, not yet. But if Nike doesn't fix this problem soon enough, I may have to return it.
There are a few things that are not so great about the SportWatch. The watch screen - thing that bugs me about it is that tapping the screen doesn't always turn on the back screen light, but other things tapping it does. Weird. The GPS mapping feature - this is a real disappointment, and is the one thing that really bugs the crap out of me. WTF, Nike! Or maybe it should be WTF, TomTom. Of all the GPS runs I have done in the past three weeks, only two have been mapped properly on the Nike+ Maps Beta website. I generally end my runs where I start them, but on the Nike+ Maps website, most of the time, the location of my start is 50-100 feet away from my end location. In addition to that, instead of running on streets or trails, the GPS has tracked me running through front yards, houses, a lake...and in most cases not anywhere close to where I was actually running. Apparently I am not the only user with this issue. Some users' GPS tracking is right on, but there are many others, like myself, that are having problems with it. There was a hardware update last weekend, but that did not fix GPS/mapping issue. Supposedly, Nike is working on this problem. But until they do, my pace, splits, and distance will be off.
Sadly, the GPS function was the main reason why I decided to upgrade from my Nike+ Sportband to the SportWatch, so among other things, I could see a map of where I ran, the pace, and the correct distance. Right now, I feel like I should have stuck to my sportband since the GPS on my SportWatch is seriously lacking. What I do not know is if any other GPS running watches have or have had the same issues - could this be the best that all GPS running watches do when tracking ones' runs?!? Anyway, I'm not completely giving up on my SportWatch, not yet. But if Nike doesn't fix this problem soon enough, I may have to return it.
Saturday, June 4, 2011
How does my neck look? 6/4/11
How did all of this come about? Well, last night when I was frying some Trader Joe's organic polenta, I looked at the ingredients and noticed that salt is one of the ingredients. Salt! I can't have salt in any of my food on the LID because there is no way to guarantee that it is neither sea salt or non-iodized salt. How on earth did I miss the ingredient salt when I was looking at the label Monday when I bought it?!? So, I decided to fry the rest of it and eat all of it. Then I remembered that the chocolate and peanut butter Luna & Larry's coconut 'ice cream' I got the other night also had salt in it. So, while I was chatting with Viv, I decided that I should also eat that (whole pint) as well. Good plan, right? So I had a salad, about half the roll of polenta, fruit salad, and 3/4 of a pint of chocolate and peanut butter Luna & Larry's, all washed down with diet coke. At 11:59pm, I could not put anymore of the Luna & Larry's in my mouth. I gave the rest of it to my dad to finish. But two hours later, I had the worst stomach ache ever! I wasn't sure if it was from the polenta, the Luna & Larry's, or if I was just feeling bad about deciding to eat stuff that was not LID safe. Argh!
Anyway, despite my LID miscues, how does my neck look?
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
What is in those cookies?
I thought I was doing Ok on the LID, then I hear the words 'I baked cookies', and everything goes out the door. I completely forgot I was on the LID after my run this evening, and ended up eating about six of AnnMarie's snickerdoodle cookies. It wasn't until she started to describe what she put in the cookies that I remembered that I have a few food restrictions. I decided not to ask her if there was salt in them, or about any of the other restricted ingredients. I am just going to be happy that the first week is there in case I mess up; it is the second week that really counts. That doesn't mean I'm planning on messing up a lot this week. I have to be really good next week.
I am still worried about the contrast dye thing, so I tried to call the radiology department. I have to call back before 3:30pm tomorrow, and ask to speak with a tech. My ENDO's office said I don't have to worry about isolation since I'm getting a much smaller dose than my ablation dose last year. Thank goodness! But I still want to hear that from the Nuc Med doc, or someone over there. I hope they can also tell me more about this contrast dye thing.
Otherwise, I'm sore and tired. My back is still a little sore from yoga on Monday. The insides of my elbows (not quite my biceps and not quite my forearms) are a bit sore from climbing last night. And then there is my left foot - it doesn't hurt when I run, but every now and then while walking, regardless of whether or not I am wearing shoes or the style, it starts to hurt. This foot pain worries me because it has been going on for a while now - at least a month, I think. It feels like I am getting a foot spasm, around the metatarsal for my big toe. Maybe I should see a podiatrist. And if that doesn't work, then I have until Friday to eat cookies to take my mind off the foot pain.
I am still worried about the contrast dye thing, so I tried to call the radiology department. I have to call back before 3:30pm tomorrow, and ask to speak with a tech. My ENDO's office said I don't have to worry about isolation since I'm getting a much smaller dose than my ablation dose last year. Thank goodness! But I still want to hear that from the Nuc Med doc, or someone over there. I hope they can also tell me more about this contrast dye thing.
Otherwise, I'm sore and tired. My back is still a little sore from yoga on Monday. The insides of my elbows (not quite my biceps and not quite my forearms) are a bit sore from climbing last night. And then there is my left foot - it doesn't hurt when I run, but every now and then while walking, regardless of whether or not I am wearing shoes or the style, it starts to hurt. This foot pain worries me because it has been going on for a while now - at least a month, I think. It feels like I am getting a foot spasm, around the metatarsal for my big toe. Maybe I should see a podiatrist. And if that doesn't work, then I have until Friday to eat cookies to take my mind off the foot pain.
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