Thursday, April 17, 2008

On Eating Less Sugar

So, I've been contemplating eating less sugar. You might have noticed that I'm all about the baked goods and treats normally, but I would love to be released from the clutches of the daily treat (or twice daily, as the case may be). So, this week I decided that since there's no good time to start, why not now. I'm on day four now of only fruit for dessert and cutting out all treat items (you know, cookies, cakes, candies, etc.) during the week. I'll have something over the weekend for sure. That sounds perfectly reasonable, doesn't it? And it might bring me more into line with how "normal" people handle sweets in their daily lives. I would like that. What spurred me on was that Angry Chicken has blogged about cutting back on sugar and said that it has really been a real positive change for her. She mentioned making a fruit salad like this one (oranges, pineapple, cashews and a little coconut) which really inspired me with its yumminess. I've been having one every night this week. Another thing I've been aware of lately is how much my body has been misbehaving since Rainer has been sick--bad back, hurt knees . . . so maybe healthy-ing up my diet will be a positive step in taking care of myself. I really need to stay strong and healthy for my littles.

Rainer did great yesterday, but oh is it hard to hand him over each time. Since he is a "slow early responder" he's getting a lot of chemo, including these spinal taps on Wednesdays to put chemo into his spinal fluid. It only takes a few minutes and they put him under anesthesia each time, but it's still hard. He's tough, though. And thank goodness I can nurse him as soon as he wakes up. All the staff at outpatient surgery is great. One nurse in particular is excellent and is also his home health nurse on some of the days that he gets chemo at home, so there's a nice continuity there.

Yesterday in the afternoon Rainer had his first visit from the physical therapist. It was late in the day after a big chemo day, so he was pretty tired, but I really liked the therapist and she worked well with us. She let him nurse while he worked with his legs awhile. After that he was willing to latch off and lie on his tummy and do some other things. She showed me how to push on his legs to make him "bear weight" and squeeze his feet to give him sensory input, since he doesn't stand anymore. Also, when I put him on his tummy I should tuck his knees up under him, which is another way to get him to bear weight. She's coming again on Saturday.

Today the home nurse has already come and delivered his chemo. He's kind of worn out and is taking an early nap. Better go get some sewing done.

11 comments:

Carrie said...

I'm glad to hear they will do the PT at home. That's terrific. On eating less sugar, I'm trying to do that and eat less salt. I don't have any good suggestions except to keep the health outcome at the front of your thoughts. The sugar and salt habits are hard to break. I'm not even a salter but I've started reading labels of everything and as far as I can tell, raw food is the only thing that cuts out all salt and sugar. I'm eating a lot of unsalted trail mix from the Merc.

Gift of Green said...

Everyone is working so hard at your house! I am trying to go "au natural" (no...not that way) and it is ALOT harder than I thought! Those sneaky artificial chemicals seem to creep in ever which way.

Megan @ Megity's Handmade said...

Eating too much sugar is definately a vice for me. You are very inspiring and so is Angry Chicken. I just might jump on this bandwagon as soon as I feel that I can let the treats go.
Very cute sewing you have been doing. And sweet little Rainer. What can I say but wishing him well. There is a little boy that lives down the street that just went through something similar to this. He had to stay at the hospital most of the time, but is doing wonderful now. I think he was about the same age when he was diagnosed. Wishing you all well!

melissa s. said...

Glad to hear Rainer's doing well and that you're taking good care of yourself!

Meg said...

Good for you for trying to improve your diet! I'm not ready to give up sugar just yet...

I bet you're sore because you've been carrying Rainer more that you've been used to. I'm glad to hear about the PT at home and I'm glad you like the nurse who comes to your house. God bless your little man--he's so much stronger than he knows!

Christy said...

You know, I'm studying to be a nurse (I know, a little knowlege is a dangerous thing!), and Rainer's epiphysisial (spelling?) plates in his femurs are a major site where blood cells are formed.

I wonder if that doesn't hurt him, for awhile?

Not a permanent thing, just until he gets cleared up.....

Just a thought.

Hope all is well...

tess said...

you take care of yourself xx

Anonymous said...

i was also inspired to cut out sugar and so far it has been a great decision, especially since it's getting warmer. i love having cold fruit salad on a hot day.
-lindsay
lindsaybee.typepad.com

Tava said...

What an angel he is. I have just found your blog and I am really touched by how strong you are. I will keep reading, keep you all in my thoughts and wish you peace and comfort every day. Thank you for such a lovely blog.

amanda said...

It's nice to know that you and Rainer are having such good health care workers as you are going through this. I wish he were feeling better.

I admire you for reigning in the sugar. I guess I'll be the only one left out here in blogland with my hand in the cookie jar :P

mom go green said...

that salad looks really good! like a trip to hawaii. . .

i recently read "sugar shock" and am cutting out sugar as well. i think your plan for moderation sounds really good. we like making ice cream on friday nights for game night with the kids and i don't plan on stopping that!

glad rainer is doing well. he is in good hands.