"Though no one can go back and make a brand new start,
anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending." ~ Anonymous

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Diabetic Victory

I've asked my mom for her permission to share this good news and she said okay...obviously. :)
*****

Last March I told everyone about how my mom got inspired to start losing weight. At that point she had already lost 45 pounds. Shortly thereafter she was diagnosed with Type II Diabetes.

The numbers were so high the doctor put her on medication right away. As you can imagine, it was very unsettling to someone who has made great strides in her weight loss to find out she has an issue that can be directly related to being overweight. I reminded her that at least she was in the mindset to lose the weight and so learning how to keep working on her health as a diabetic wouldn't be as hard as if she weren't.

So, she starts reading about it, seeing what needs to be done, taking her medication, etc. etc. Then she finds out in April that she has breast cancer, will need a mastectomy and possibly chemotherapy and radiation after that.

When you're faced with something like that you don't care as much about doing anything but surviving the current situation. She took her diabetes medication and kept doing what she was doing to lose weight, but didn't worry too much about it while she was going through surgery, starting chemo, etc.

In July she went for her first three-month checkup and her numbers were looking good. So, the doctor cut her diabetes medication in half. This was awesome for her and great news to hear that something was going right while she was getting through the breast cancer situation.

Last week she went for another three-month visit and her numbers were so good that the doctor has taken her off ALL of her diabetes medication. The doctor also noticed that she'd lost 19 pounds since her July visit and told her to keep doing what she's doing because it's working. It's been six months since she was diagnosed with Type II Diabetes and she is back to normal.

To date my mom has lost about 70 pounds this last year. She has been through so much and I'm so proud of her. I also couldn't help but think...isn't this what every doctor wants?

They want to warn us of health issues, tell us what we need to do and then see us actually do it. I know her doctor had to be so happy to see a woman take care of her diabetic issue, and while going through chemotherapy at the same time.

So, today I just have to say:
I'm so proud of you, Mom! You're such a good testimony to me. I can't wait to take your picture in November and show my blogfriends just how good you're doing! Love always, Leah

9 comments:

  1. Your Mother is a true inspiration. Kind of shows me that despite all I went through this year I could have done better myself, but at least I haven't given up! Give your Mom a hug from me when you get to see her!

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  2. What a great story Leah! Such an inspiration.

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  3. Take it from a doctor who dose LOVE to see this happy ending. Her doctor was ecstatic. It is not often enough that patients will do what she has done. And in the light of her breast cancer it is a wonder! Now none of us have any excuse. Thanks for sharing her story with us.

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  4. This is so amazing, and such hard work from your ma! I'm deeply impressed- and I hope she cherishes you for recognizing how hard she's worked and how much you support her!

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  5. I am so proud of your mom too. It is great to see people not taking this lying down. Be sure she knows there are others out here that think she is incredible!

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  6. Thanks for the update Leah! Praise God!! I will pass the news to my mom who will be so happy for her as well :)

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  7. Aw shucks, guys! Me thinks you think too much of me. I know that God has been my shelter and strength through all this and am sooooo grateful to Him for His overshadowing of my life. To Him belongs all Praise.

    Thanks for your input. Leah's MOMa

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  8. This seriously gave me both chills and teary eyes! I find your mother so inspiring--I can't imagine going through all that at one time and she is winning! Congrats to your mother.

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