Stroke Recovery Update

I have been working hard and it is paying off.  I am now wwalking  without the walker or the cane .  I washed a load of clothes and folded them.  I am using both hands to type this so I may have a few typos, but the more I type the better the left hand will get.  It just shows that determination and believing that you can will go a     long waytoward reaching a goal.   It takes hard work and keep thinking  

I think I can.Ithink I can. I will!!!!”        “Being strong-willed is not enough, however. You also have to be hard on yourself. Someone who was strong-willed but self-indulgent would not be called determined. Determination implies your willfulness is balanced by discipline.”
― Paul Graham        

Armor for Survival

Let me love

       though love

             may go unrequited,

An empty heart

       is much heavier

             than a stone.

Let me have faith,

           though faith

                be often blighted,

Without it

       we are not

             strong enough

                    to walk alone.

The Detective’s Power of Persistence

“When you come to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on.” ~ Franklin D. Roosevelt

What a busy week this has been.  Two times to the doctor's office, worked three days, had a staff training meeting to get ready for the Summer classes that begin on Monday and working on a book trailer for Dr. Kay.  However, let me first tell you how I was able to do all this. 

  

Being diligent and proactive as well as pursuing the role of a detective, I actually discovered a couple of things that was messing with my body!  I will tell you what happened, and by deduction I learned a couple of things that have made a difference in how I feel.

I was having really bad dizzy, weak, shaky spells.  I decided to stop one of the blood pressure medications.  It helped some, but I was still having problems.  (I did call my doctor to let her know.)  I kept check on my blood pressure, and it was fine; however, my heart rate was very fast.  So, I stopped the second one.  Blood pressure fine, not quite as dizzy and shaky but heart rate was still fast.  I began researching my other medicines, and I found that was a severe symptom of one of the allergy medicines.  So, yesterday, I didn’t take it in the morning.  I had just a tiny bit of vertigo, but it was a great day and my blood pressure was fine as well as my heart rate.

  

I felt so much better that I had a young lady come in to help me try to get the house back to some sort of order.  I actually felt well enough to do some sorting, cleaning a pitching of things myself.  I did things I had not been able to do in more than a couple of months.  It felt so good that by the time the day was finished, I was so tired I hurt.  However, a good hot shower and tucking myself in bed took care of all that.

I almost forgot to tell you that, the Doppler ultrasound imaging, which uses sound waves to check blood flow and measure the thickness of my carotid arteries turned out well. No problems there.  Check - that is good. 

  

This morning all systems are pretty much go.  I am not a 100 %, but I have been up getting more things accomplished.  I washed a load of clothes, gave myself a haircut and fixed my hair.  I have a list of things to try to get done before bedtime.  It always amazes me that if you just hang in there, be proactive just how much of a difference it can make.  If things are rough for you right now, I hope you tie a knot in that rope, hang on and climb out of the hole when opportunity knocks! 

 “It isn't the things that happen to us in our lives that cause us to suffer, it's how we relate to the things that happen to us that causes us to suffer.” ~ Pema Chodron

That is all for today.  I have lots I want to do, so I will update you sometime next week.  Leave a comment if you can and let me know how it is going with you!

Life is a Like a Roller Coaster Ride!

What a week it has been.  There have been so many ups and downs that my head is spinning.  It began when I got home last Friday.  I wasn't feeling well and I started having chills.  I checked my temperature and I was running a low-grade fever.  This continued all weekend, and by Monday I was ready to go see my doctor.  She sent me to the lab to get some blood tests run to check what was going on.  On Tuesday, her nurse called saying that my  C-Reactive Protein was very high and so was my erythrocyte sedimentation rate which indicate inflammation in my body. 

So on Wednesday, I went to see my doctor again.  She wanted to rule out some things, so I had a chest x-ray, some more blood work, tested for the flu (even though I had had the vaccine), and nothing was discovered.  She recommended that I check into the hospital for a CT scan of both the upper and lower body, and have extensive blood labs run.  I agreed because I was tired of feeling so bad, and I wanted to get back to feeling like myself again. She prepared the admissions paperwork, and sent them to the hospital.  I went by my house on the way to pick-up some toiletries and other things I needed for a hospital stay.  Then we proceeded to the hospital to check-in.

As soon I was in my room and the nurses found out that I had an Indiana Pouch, they all wanted to know about it and to see the stoma opening in my navel.  I ended up explaining how it was created, and educating them about bladder cancer and the different types of pouches. 

 

As soon as I went through the initial checking in with the nurses, the poking and prodding began.  No water, no food until after the CT scan with and without contrast. In the meantime, they took plenty of blood.  I think that first time was about six test tubes, that evening two more, and this morning about four more.  I was hooked up to an IV with potassium.  The next thing was the wires on the chest so they could monitor my heart and blood pressure.  Finally, about six that evening, I went to radiology for the CT scan.  When I returned to my room, I was allowed to eat and drink. 

This morning when the doctor on call came by, he said that everything looked okay in the CT scan.  The blood labs this morning showed that everything seemed to be correcting itself on its own, but he was putting me on an antibiotic to try to make sure that whatever it was cleared completely.  They had no idea what is going on with my body, and where I am picking up a bacteria that is causing my problem.  At least I was able to educate a few more people in the medical field about bladder cancer and cystectomies.  "The fact that I can plant a seed and it becomes a flower, share a bit of knowledge and it becomes another's, smile at someone and receive a smile in return, are to me continual spiritual exercises." ~ Leo Buscaglia

When I arrived home, there was a letter from the Midwest Book Review telling me that my book had been reviewed and could be found in The Reviewer's Bookwatch in the May issue on Burroughs' Bookshelf.  This is what Mr. Burroughs' wrote, "When life throws everything at you at once, you just have to keep trucking. "Traveling a Rocky Road with Love, Faith, and Guts: Bladder Cancer, COPD, Caregiving, Polio, and More" is a memoir from Sylvia L. Ramsey as she shares her journey to facing cancer and many other ailments, and how she found the strength to overcome them all even stronger. "Traveling a Rocky Road with Love, Faith, and Guts" is a fine addition to any health-related memoir collection."  What a nice homecoming from the hospital!



What this roller coaster of life will bring next, we will have to wait and see!  Stay tuned.

Good News and Not so Good News on the Rocky Road

This week had its ups and downs.  There were some very good things that happened, some that were not.  Monday, I went back to work for half-a-day.  I was a little shaky, but I felt better as the day progressed.  When I got home, I felt good enough to create another video using one of my poems from Pulse Points of a Woman's World.

I received an email telling me that Verge Magazine is going to publish an article about me and my book, Traveling a Rocky Road with Love, Faith and Guts, in their May issue.  How very nice of them to do this. They have both a print magazine as well as an online version.  I am really looking forward to see how it turns out

Tuesday, I worked until noon.  I had to go check on my lab results.  The kidney function was fine, and so were some of the other test. However, I have been told that I have my first urinary tract infections in the seventeen plus years that I have had my Indiana Pouch. I am now taking CYPRO to clear up that.  

The next thing on my agenda was to attend the launching of a cystectomy support group at the Cancer Center at Georgia Health Sciences University. I had the honor of being invited to be the guest speaker at this first meeting.  I was thrilled to do it because we are going to have a local support group, and I know how important that is to bladder cancer survivors.  I took a copy of my book to give to the attendees.  I hope my story will serve of some value there.

I finally made it home on Tuesday, and just got relaxed when I received a call from MO telling me that someone had broken into the house and the storage shed.  That really upset me because I had no way of knowing what they had taken.  Would you believe that my blood pressure shot up!  It did, and I decided that I needed to chill out.  There wasn't anything that could be done but call and report it to the local sheriff.  My eldest son took care of all that, and found someone to go secure the house.  My granddaughter is going to drive up there from AR to take inventory to see what is missing.

This morning my blood pressure was down some, but not enough.  I decided that I had better stay home today.  Tomorrow I will go back to work.  I really do not want to be taken out on a stretcher again. It stresses everyone there out too much. 

I think at this point I should end this entry with a quote that was a favorite of my grandmothers: "You've got to take the good with the bad, smile with the sad, love what you've got, and remember what you had. Always forgive, but never forget. Learn from mistakes, but never regret."

Stay tuned, there is always more to come.  Please feel free to leave a comment, contact me or provide feedback.  I am on Linkedin, Twitter and Facebook.

Book Launch for Traveling a Rocky Road with Love, Faith and Guts Yesterday Update!

The book launch party was quite an experience.  I had no idea what to expect since I had never done this before.  I sent out a lot of invitations, advertised it, had goodies, and even had a give-away.  I was really appreciative of the people who attended.  I had hoped there would be more of my colleagues attend, but I know this is a busy time for them.  They often show their support in many other ways.  So, if you didn't make it, you know my book, Traveling a Rocky Road with Love, Faith and Guts is listed on Amazon, and if you want it signed...just let me know.  I wish there were more pictures but it was busy once people began to arrive. 

Talking to attendees and signing books

I think the people who attended enjoyed it, and they got to meet new people as there was time allowed to mingle and get to know each other.  They were interested in my presentation on bladder cancer, and wanted to know more about it.  Many of them volunteered to help get the word out to others by making them aware of the American Bladder Cancer and their website. 



Welcoming guest as they arrive.

Today there was an interview posted on Kris Wampler's blog, at:  http://kriswampler.wordpress.com/2012/03/25/sylvia-ramsey/
Kris Wampler, is the author of Love Train, http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005X3G3PK

A few goodies for the guests.

I had a phone call from a lady who wants me to do a presentation on bladder cancer from the viewpoint of a survivor for a conference via teleconference since I can't be there in person.  We are working out the logistics. 

I will keep you updated as news occurs.

Sharing Wonderful Things Happening on the Rocky Road this Week

Tomorrow is the big day for the book launch reception.  I have been busy all week getting ready for it outside of my day job.  I will let you know all about how it went.  Plans are to video tape some of it, and my presentation.  If it turns out, I will share that as well.  I still have a lot of things to do before 2 p.m. tomorrow. 

So many nice things have happened this week, I will share a few.

Lilian Gafney posted a lovely review of the book on Amazon.  This is a portion of what she wrote; the rest is where she posted it on the books page at: http://www.amazon.com/Traveling-Rocky-Road-Love-Faith/dp/1463554672/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpt_1

“This amazing book has it all, from terrible news to lighter humor. It all happened when a large raccoon was found on their exercycle in the morning room. He was sitting on the bike with his hands on the handle trying to figure out how to work it. This book is a valuable addition to those suffering from cancer and at the same time for those who have their health. Many times in life we agonize over the small dramas and forget the most important thing: that we’re here on earth to enjoy life as best as we can and to forgo the insignificant events in our lives. This book teaches just that.”~ Lilian Gafney

Then I receive an email from a former student who wrote to tell me she had purchased the book and had read it.  I can’t even explain how I felt when I read it, but I can tell you I was teary eyed.  This is what she wrote:

“I purchased your book Traveling a Rocky Road With Love, Faith, and Guts...and I read it! It was a good read. I don't know exactly what to say about your story but I do admire your heart and strength, your "GUTS". I wanted to let you know that I'm glad I read your book and I feel blessed to have been taught by & crossed paths with such a woman and what an amazing woman you are!”

I, also, stopped by WJBF to see my friend Jennie Montgomery.  She has been so supportive in my quest to bring about bladder cancer awareness, and to help the American Bladder Cancer Society. Later, I discovered that she had posted a message about the book and a story on the station’s website.  How fantastic.  Thank you, Jennie. Here is the link to that news item:  http://www2.wjbf.com/news/2012/mar/21/sylvia-l-ramsey-reception-and-booksigning-ar-3455046/ .

The book is selling even though it hasn’t been enough time to get it listed in the book distributors’ catalogs.  I have had emails wanting to know where it can be purchased.  For now, it is Amazon.  However, by the middle of next month, it should be available for bookstores, and libraries to order.

Look for an update on the book launch reception as soon as I catch my breath. 

Looking back on a Busy Week for Traveling a Rocky Road with Love, Faith and Guts

Bladder cancer and my book has received a lot of attention this week.  I hope that it leads the readers to American Bladder Cancer website so they will become more informed because catching this cancer early is very important.  They can find this information on the website at the bladder cancer information portal page at: http://bladdercancersupport.org/  .

This morning I receive an email from Morgen Bailey to let me know that she had posted her interview, Author Spotlight no.66 – Sylvia Ramsey, on her blog Morgen Bailey's Writing Blog at: http://morgenbailey.wordpress.com/2012/03/10/author-spotlight-no-66-sylvia-ramsay .

This has been a busy week for the book as well, and I am amazed when I look back on all the things that have happened.  On March 8th, there was the interview posted online on Raychelle Writes blog, The Writer's Block Interviews at http://raychelle-writes.blogspot.com/2012/03/writers-block-interviews-sylvia-l.html.

The announcement that was posted on SEMO Times, a print and online newspaper that is in my hometown. "Poplar Bluff author’s memoir to benefit American Bladder Cancer Society" http://semotimes.com/7813.

Then later in the week there was the message I received from a lady who purchased the book. This is what she wrote: 

"Your new book arrived while we were in FL, and I read the whole book yesterday. It was wonderful!!! Thanks for sharing your story You have been such a gift from God in my life. Thank you. I'm looking forward to your signing at the Elks."   

I also received a phone call was from a report, Sarabeth Waller, who works for the Daily American Republic newspaper. She did an interview over the phone for a newspaper article. Once we began talking, I discovered that she lived where I once taught high school at East Carter County High School. She had moved there a few years after I had moved to Georgia and began teaching at the college level. Thank you Sarabeth for the interview. 

Later in the day, I was in contact with Susan Robinson who is setting up an article on the book for the March/April issue of the Focus on Women Magazine. That was exciting, at least to me, and it is and honor to have this article written.  

Who knows what this coming week will bring.  Stay in the loop to find out.   

BTW, if you would like to purchase the book, or like my Amazon page, the link is:

http://www.amazon.com/Sylvia-L-Ramsey/e/B002BMJ5NI/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1326569308&sr=1-1 .  All the proceeds earned from the sales of my books are given to the American Bladder Cancer Society. 

Back to Work on the Rocky Road and Another Interview

It was back to work today. There was a workshop for the staff who work in the Academic Resource Center/Library. After the workshop, we went for lunch. It was nice to have everyone together. Because of the hours the center is open, there are different shifts, and they rarely get a chance to even see each other. They are a wonderful group of young people who are dedicated to what they do, and when I have had to be out because of illness, they have carried on just as if I were there . They deserve lots of Kudos!  

After lunch, I stopped by the pharmacy to pick up some of my prescriptions...can you believe it...one small bottle of pills and two inhalers over $200.00 with the co-pay. The inhalers would have been close to $500.00 without the insurance. It just doesn't sound right.  

I have an interview online today on Raychelle Writes blog, The Writer's Block Interviews. It was very nice and I appreciate the interview. If you want to check it out, here is a direct link to it:

http://raychelle-writes.blogspot.com/2012/03/writers-block-interviews-sylvia-l.html. 

Talking about interviews, I still have several that I need to set-up and schedule on my other blog, Thoughtful Reflections. I started it about a year-ago because so many people had been kind enough to help me that I wanted to pass it forward.  

Who know what will happen between now and tomorrow? Tune back in to find out!



Hope is the ability to hear the music of the future. Faith is having the courage to dance to it today.- Dr. Peter Kuzmic, theologian

Announcing the Birth of Traveling a Rocky Road With Love, Faith and Guts!

I just found out that my book, Traveling a Rocky Road with Love, Faith and Guts, is now available on line at Amazon.  Wow!  I have had requests from several people to let them know when and where they can buy the book.  It won't be showing up on my Author Central Page for a few days, but it is online.  Here is the link if you want to go ahead and purchase a copy. 

http://www.amazon.com/Traveling-Rocky-Road-Love-Faith/dp/1463554672/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1330268019&sr=1-1

I will still be updating on what happens next.  If any of you know or have a book store anywhere within 5 or 6 hours of Georgia that may want to host me for a book signing, please let me know!  Thank you all for your support.  Don't forget that I do not keep a penny of the money earned on any of my books, I give it all to the American Bladder Cancer Society. 

There are a lot of things to do, stay tuned, I will keep you updated.

Book Launch for Traveling a Rocky Road with Love, Faith and Guts in Full Preparation Mode

I have been a busy lady.  The book will be available on Amazon sometime next week, other channels later on.  I guess all of that takes time, but not the time is growing near, I am scrambling to get ready for the launch.  I have a press release ready, and will soon have another professional review. 

It is getting more difficult to find bookstores any more other than Barnes & Noble.  I saw today where one that is downtown Atlanta closed their doors today.  It is sad. 

I am going to have an author reception/presentation and book signing at the Elks Lodge here in Augusta, on March 24th.  I have been working on my invitations and poster for that event.  I have put together a power point presentation and recorded a sound file to possibly use for a video.  I have been working on a mailing list for invitations.  If you live close enough and want to come, just drop me an email, or post in the comment section so I know how many goodies to buy.

In addition to all of that, I haven't forgotten about passing it on to others in the field.  I set-up and scheduled a few interview posts for my other blog.  I still have a lot to do before the day is over.  My youngest son will be flying in tomorrow for a couple of days, and I want to spend time with him. 

Whew!  It has been a day, a week and a couple of months!  When writing, getting a book ready for publishing, promoting and finally preparation for its launch is somewhat like riding a roller coaster, but who would miss out on the experience...especially when it is all for such a good cause. 

A News Update on the Birth of Traveling a Rocky Road with Love, Faith and Guts

I am happy to announce that Traveling a Rocky Road with Love, Faith and Guts will be available within five to seven days on Amazon. It will also be available soon to bookstores and other online channels very soon. 

For those of you who are new visitors, and to my wonderful followers I want to say thank you for your support.  I decided on this blog entry to take a look back on the journey and bring the journey up-to-date.  I have been given an additional opportunity to advance on my quest to make bladder cancer a common word rather than one that is unheard and/or unknown. 

As I have traveled along life’s highway, I keep running into people who have let the rocks that have been thrown in their life’s road giving up on themselves, or life in general. The truth is that life is harsh, and it is not like the movies that give a false impression that it is smooth sailing. Being the hero who toughs it out and keeps on regardless of the situation is difficult, but with faith, a few guts, and the ability to laugh, it can be accomplished. It often takes a backbone, humor and a wishbone to survive it all.

Because of life’s journey can get very rough at times, I decided to write a book to share my life’s experiences so that it may inspire someone to come back fighting when life knocks them down. The book is a journey though time from childhood to mature adulthood. The stories and poems in this book reflect the lows and highs of life. The loving memories, the hardships and the things we learn as we travel the road of life. It covers an abusive mother who had mental problems because of being abused as a child, childhood polio, a rocky marriage with a husband who was often abusive, the role of caregiving, death and grief, coping with bladder cancer, asthma, losing a home and more. Therefore, to not to scare you off with gloom and doom, there are funny stories along the way and an ending that I never dreamed would happen.  The reaction of the first person other than Dr. Kay who read the book was, “I just read your manuscript of the book. “Wow!”  What higher compliment could an author get on anything she/he had written.

My hope is that the book will bring about understanding to others, and be inspiring to even more. Our journey in life has a purpose, finding it is often the most difficult task of all.

I have been so fortunate to have the guardian angels in my life. They have always been there in my darkest hour, and when I needed one the most. They have walked beside me, helped me to maintain faith and belief in myself as well as in others. I have learned that giving is much more rewarding than receiving.

My life reminds me of Robert Frost’s poem, The Road Not Taken, in the line: “Two roads diverged into a wood, and I took the one less traveled, and that has made all the difference.” I will always remember what my elementary teacher wrote in my scrapbook, “Laugh and the world laughs with you, cry and you cry alone.” This book is not about crying, it is about getting knocked down by boulders, and standing back up in spite of them to go forward.  It’s about facing your fears and laughing at

Dr. Aman Kay, who is an internationally published author, has been helping me with this book by reviewing it. He is the one who is responsible for my poetry that has been sprinkled throughout the book. This poetry has all been published either in my book, Pulse Points of a Woman’s World, or in various literary magazines. It is poetry that is written from the heart and soul, and was the only way I could express my feelings. I once had an instructor who asked me to explain poetry. I told him that it was much the same as an artist who paints what he or she sees and feels. The difference is that the poet uses words to paint the minds pictures rather than oil paints, watercolor or some other medium.

When I began a draft for the book, I crossed my fingers and asked Dr. Kay if he would mind reading it to see if I was spinning my wheels, or should I write the book.  He encouraged me to complete it.  Now that it is finished, his review of the book is:

“Taking the rocky road with Sylvia is a joyful challenge.  It takes the reader through the most common and uncommon hardships, but at the conclusion of this delightful journey, the reader feels more joy and satisfaction: Love, faith, and incredible guts turn the rocky road into an assuring path that all of us so humanly desire.  This book is so uniquely universal in every essential aspect that I enthusiastically recommend it to all readers regardless of their age, gender, and race.” ~ Dr. Aman B. Kay

Some wonderful things have happened on this journey.  I have met new friends who have supported me in this venture.  I owe a lot to them.  One of these friends is Julie Weishaar and she has volunteered to help me with marketing.  We discovered that we have a lot in common.  Her mother is a bladder cancer survivor.  The other person is Christy who is a freelance writer, and has a blog on poetry called the Poetic Parfait.  She is a cancer survivor as well.  One of the instructors at the college where I work came to me yesterday, and she wants to have a launch party for my book when it is released.  Healthy Women is going to publish a follow-up article on my book release.  So many other people are re-tweeting my blog and supporting me and my quest in many other ways.  The next thing I found out was that I had been nominated and selected for Today's Honoree.  I can never thank you all enough for your support and help. 

Where the next part of my journey will lead, I do not know, but stay tuned for updates.

Others Who Have Traveled the Rocky Road of Bladder Cancer

Here is why I want to help others, the victims of an underserved cancer in spite of its prevalence for being ranked #5 in the United States. 

In 2012, about 56,000 men and 18,000 women will be diagnosed with bladder cancer in the United States. There are approximately 600,000 survivors of this cancer in the United States.  There should be more, and could be if it was diagnosed early enough. 

You may think that you do not know anyone who has had bladder cancer.  Let us see if you know any of these people:

·       Frank Sinatra

·       Telly Savalas

·        Dominick Donne

·        Andy Williams

·        Jack Lemmon

·        Herbert Humphrey

·        Ray Bolger

·        Mary Lou Williams

·        Ronald Edward Santo

·        Aaron Russo

·        Allen Ludden

·        George Tobias

·        William Rosenberg

·        Jimmy Martin

·        Nick Charles

·        Bob Schieffer

·        Patti Hansen

·       Eric McCormack's mother

·       Tommy Newsom.

 Do you know of more?

There are definite risk factors for developing bladder cancer.  There are even occupations that are high-risk for this cancer.  Learn more about these on the American Bladder Cancer's Website at: http://www.bladdercancersupport.org./ 

If you do not buy my book, if you do not donate directly...pass this along..post on your facebook, tweet it, whatever site and wherever you interact with others. please share this information, post a link to the blog or to the ABLCS' webpage.  You never know who you may help...and please become informed yourself.

My sites:

Authors Den: http://www.authorsden.com/sylvialramsey1 

Original webpage:  www.sylvialramsey.com

My blogs: 

Traveling a Rocky Road with Love, Faith, and Guts,

 http://love-faith-and-guts.blogspot.com/

Thoughtful Reflections Blogspot

http://wwwthouhtfulreflections.blogspot.com/

My Amazon Author Central Page:

http://www.amazon.com/Sylvia-L-Ramsey/e/B002BMJ5NI/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0