Thursday, October 29, 2009

The craziness continues

Yesterday I was finally starting feel better. Went to my personal trainer and tried a bunch of new stuff.
I like learning new things. This cold has created some breathing problems and asthma related issues but we managed to get a good workout and I was walking so well.

I tried to get caught up on a few things around the house without wearing myself out.
I got some laundry done ( so I could be ready for the massive load Mark will be bringing home tonight from France)
Got some orders out so I was caught up with the business. I still have to make a bracelet though.

The sweatshirts will be here next week. yeah !

I was feeding the dogs their dinner when I dropped the tub of dog food. So where did it land?
On my foot or my toes to be exact.
Instant bruising and swelling and I could hardly stand. My strong leg of course.
I struggled thru feeding the furballs and it dawned on me that my toes had indeed broken.

I grabbed an ice pack and made use of my walker by elevating my foot.
I sat there as my foot swelled bigger and became different shades of blue and purple.

By morning I could hardly walk on it but you know I didn't have a choice. They are broken and there is nothing anybody can do.

Shoes should be fun in the next few days. At least I won't be walking at Lambeau Field on Sunday.
I'm almost afraid to leave the desk. Who knows what will happen?
I think now that I am feeling better I will hit the halloween candy. Nothing like a kit kat to make you feel better. LOl

Have a great day everybody

Cathy
www.TheMSShoppe.com

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Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Cold be gone

So I am finally starting to feel better.

This cold really knocked me off my feet and flat on my back in bed.

It has been a very long time since I have had a cold but as all you MS ers know it doesn't take much to throw your MS into a tizzy.

On bad days my legs feel like they weigh 100 pounds. With a cold they felt like they weighed 1000 pounds each.
I am seeing the light at the end of the tunnnel.

Thank you all for the emails offering encouragment and "cold tips".
some were very funny and I am sure that was the intention to make me laugh.

The dogs have been attached to me. It is awfully cute how a dog knows when you are not feeling well.
I would lay down for a nap and wake up with two fur balls cuddled up with me.

Thanks kiddo's. I wish Mark was home but maybe it is a good thing he is not. No risk of him getting sick also.

I had an appetite yesterday but not so much today. Oh well, I needed to lose a few pounds anyway. LOL

Have a great day everybody. If you don't feel well, please stay home.

Cathy
www.TheMSShoppe.com

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Thursday, October 22, 2009

I'm so sick

I have the worst cold ever. My head hurts all over, even my hair.

I bought a new pillow yesterday( a tempurpedic) I have been saving for and slept about 10 hours.
Worth every penny.

I am hoping this cold will end tomorrow and I can get some stuff done.

It's really throwing my MS into a tizzy. Thank God for Nyquil. I'm walking like Frankenstein.

I just needed to vent, whine, whatever.

If I am not around for a few days its because I am sleeping this thing off.

Cathy
www.TheMSShoppe.com

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Tuesday, October 20, 2009

a Cane free day

Today I am challenging myself to go Cane Free.
Of course, I have to use it on the stairs but so far so good.

I have done alot of housework this morning so I'm not sure how much longer I can go before I am completely exhausted.

Just enjoyed a nice cappuccino so I have my energy boost or caffeine punch.

This past weekend inspired me to do the cane free day. See what Biogen Idec and Tysabri do for me.

What a woman can do when she sets her mind to it.

Have a great day eerybody.

Cathy
www.TheMSShoppe.com

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Monday, October 19, 2009

Tysabri conference

This past weekend I attended the Biogen Idec Patient Advocates conference in Chicago.

To say it was an experience would be an understatement. It was the MOST amazing MS event I have ever attended. To be surrounded by so many positive people and recieve so much support was a thrill.

We had training in perfecting our speeches and presentation skills. Everything was put on video so we could play it back and learn from it. And boy did we learn. Thanks Jeff, you are spectacular.
When someone professional is critiquing your presentation it is so nice to be among people who are equally supportive.
I learned so much and my presentation will be better than ever now.

This was the frst time I gave my speech by memory, no script just a few notes scribbled on a paper. I spoke from the heart and it was amazing.
My confidence level soared thru the roof and I can't wait to give another speech.

We learned how to stand, where to put our arms and what to do with our hands and voices to get our message across.

Thank You Biogen Idec for this amazing event. for your patience and support. For me personally, Sunday morning when I wasn't feeling well and you were all so concerned.
And for everybody trying to fix my cane, which developed MS, while I was there. haha !
The cane lost a foot and nobody in Chicago could find one so we fixed how every man would fix it. Duct Tape !


Made alot of new friends and can't wait til next year.

I am so proud to be affiliated with such a magnificent company, Biogen Idec and especially blessed to be taking Tysabri.

Have an amazing day everybody !

Cathy
www.TheMSShoppe.com

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Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Multiple Sclerosis Foundation ( MSF)

Saturday I gave my speech at a program sponsored by the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation.

Also at the event was John Kramer, PA for Dr. Khatri.

Although it was an extremely small turnout the event was really nice. Personally I would rather share my story with people who are there to hear it and not for the free lunch.

I met some great people. We got to participate in an event that made me smile all day.

One of the attendees who drove in from Illinois surprised mer mom who has MS with the arrival of her other daughter.
I had to fight back tears. It was an incredible moment. I often forget that some families know how to support each other and this was a great reminder. Just because my family doesn't care doesn't mean that all families are like that.

I put together a powerpoint presentation and really just had notes, no script. I think it went well and the few people who were there thanked me for sharing it. I think it was wonderful we got to all talk. It was almost like an impromtu support group.

John Kramer, of course, was wonderful to listen to and very entertaining.

I got to meet Kasey from MSF. She has been just a voice up to this point so it was nice to meet her in person. I hope I will be forgiven for the snow flurries she had to encounter. She is from Florida, ya know. LOL

A huge thank you goes out to Teva , the mfg of copaxone, who sponsored the event.

I am planning a next event in my role as an Ambassador for the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation.
Stay tuned. I am only in the beginning stages.

Have a great day everybody.

Cathy
www.TheMSShoppe.com

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Thursday, October 8, 2009

Bike to fiinsh MS

This weekend is the Bike to finish MS event.

My friend will be participating in the bike to bay event on the west coast.
3 different lengths to choose from but for those of us with MS, we all say thank you.

It looks like the longest route is from the Newport Beach area ( my old stomping ground) to the
beautiful town of Carlsbad ( near San Diego).
It weaves thru San Clemente ( say hi to my old home ) and continues thru Camp Pendleton ( the marine base)
Hopefully it won't be over 100 degrees and nobody gets hurt.

Good luck to you all and have fun. But most of all Thanks.

Cathy
www.TheMSShoppe.com

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Marine injured in Aghanistan

A marine was injured over the weekend from a roadside bombing.
He had been in Afghanistan for only a few months.

Both of his feet had to be amputated 6-8 inches below his knees.
He is being moved to a hospital in Germany.
Josh is only 19 years old and the cousin of a friend of ours.

My heart and prayers go out to the Wege family. And to Sarah and Erik. I
can't imagine going thru this. Be Brave, Josh. you don't know us but there
is an entire community here praying for you.

Please support our men and woman in the military. Regardless of your
opinions of the war, these kids are giving up alot for our freedom.

When I first heard about this on Facebook yesterday I was wearing my
sweatshirt that reads : "Home of the Free, because of the Brave"
as many of you know our military holds a special place in my heart.

Cathy
www.TheMSShoppe.com

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my ER visit

Yesterday afternoon I ended up in the ER.

I was making a lasagna for dinner. After removing it from the oven and checking on it I realized it needed more time so I started to put it back in the oven when I hit my arm on the inside of the oven and proceeded to drop my lasagna all over.

I think, as most MSer's do, I had a delayed reaction to my skin burning.

OMG what a mess. Lasagna everywhere. 1 minute after it happened the phone rang. I picked it up screaming in pain. Thankfully it was my husband.

I couldn't see the burn on my arm but I knew it was because the skin was blistering and hanging there. I really don't remember what I said to him other than I was in soooo much pain.

My pain tolerance most be changing because I couldn't even think with the pain I was experiencing.

He got home a few minutes later. I had attempted to clean up whatever I could because I knew we would end up in the ER.

He cleaned up the remaining stuff so the dogs wouldn't getto it. I put my shoes on and we were off.
Suddenly my MS was affecting my legs because I couldn't walk and of course, I was wearing makeup so I looked like a raccoon with my mascara running.

We were seen be a doctor right away. They determined it was 2nd degrees burn but a rather large one. It is just below my elbow so I can't bend my arm without causing it to hurt.

They cleaned it up,wrapped it and sent me home with all the stuff to do it myself.

I wasn't even in the mood to watch the game last night. Yikes I need to go shower and clean it up but I am really dreading it.

P.S. The lasagna was somewhat salvagable

Have a great day everybody

Cathy
www.TheMSShoppe.com

Monday, October 5, 2009

Tysabri day

Just got home from the hospital from my Tysabri treatment. I think it is number 34. whatever and who cares.

I feel good. Didn't sleep well last night and I am seriously thinking about taking a nap. Have to be awake for the big game tonight.

Every TV station has a pre game show on already and it is only noon.
Good grief. I'll be glad when it is over. Hopefully they will take Favre out in the 1st qtr and then we can all just watch good football without the whining.

I making a lasagna for dinner. Yummy. Mark is picking up a salad.

All the orders went out this morning so I now I can concentrate on getting back to the paperwork nightmare of running a business. LOL

I have a bunch of new product I wanted to add to the website but I'm not sure today is the best day. Maybe tomorrow.

Sweatshirts are selling well. Than kyou for your support. I opened the box and couldn't get over how soft they were. I wanted to find the biggest size and put it on like a snuggie. Today is the perfect day for a sweatshirt. Icky and cold and feels like it is going to rain, again.

Have a great day everybody.

Cathy
www.TheMSShoppe.com

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Friday, October 2, 2009

Our visit to the vet

Well once again Noelle has a bladder infection and possible stones.

She has been going back and forth on this issue for about a month and I have been feeding her antibiotics when I think she needs them.

Last night it was apparent this was serious. She is so prone to problems like this. She has been since the day we got her.
Honestly, a result of bad breeding by "backyard breeders".
The vets put her on a different food and antibiotics. The food is soooo fattening. More than the one she is currently on. It is a canned food and Mark just about threw up prepping her breakfast and then we had to hide a pill in to. sheesh !

This afternoon I spent some one on one time with her and she ended up falling asleep in my arms. I could have cried. It was so cute.

She has to be on this combo for 3 plus weeks. I am going to have to make sure she gets alot of exercise or she will gain so much weight.

Almost finished with the 3rd qtr sales stuff.


Have a great day everybody.

Cathy
www.TheMSShoppe.com

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Thursday, October 1, 2009

3rd Qtr Taxes Grrr

Have been working on 3rd Qtr taxes all morning. My mind feels like it is going to explode.

Too many numbers. I guess that is a good thing but I am exhausted.

Made Mark lunch for an short break and I am going to back the taxes shortly.

The dogs both are going to the vet tonight. Ripley is due for his regular shots. And I would like them to figure out if Noelle has another bladder infection.
They both need their nails trimmed so maybe they can do that for me. Two dogs with nails in a home with all wood floors is getting on my nerves.
I also had to order a bag of food for Noelle. That dog goes thru so much food. Just kidding. She is on a diet. LOL
I figure I will leave a chunk of change at the vet tonight with all the stuff they need.
I still think the least they could have done was name a wing of their new building after us.

I went to my personal trainer yesterday and all my limbs are intact. No falls. Good session.

Gotta go crunch some numbers. Did I really want to be accountant at one time? Sheesh!

Have a great day everybody

Cathy
www.TheMSShoppe.com

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