tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43009055715606936672024-03-13T09:25:19.481-07:00Silver Rose SewingKelseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07679844664166206387noreply@blogger.comBlogger159125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4300905571560693667.post-19008366713135439322014-07-29T21:46:00.001-07:002014-07-29T21:46:41.385-07:00Busy Bean Bags<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8auIi6bXwCYXwGvbFkZFZv34IWeom6Kdy3yoIJ5dVv0GIy2maXJOaMqQysui5ri3YCd43dGQaPKKMSYqvrGJou9PmFhwTB6fMay13q6Qh5aLFFxMv99rxRjhgZ7Ts0Ql3hRQ9kRaGEUKt/s1600/kelsey1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8auIi6bXwCYXwGvbFkZFZv34IWeom6Kdy3yoIJ5dVv0GIy2maXJOaMqQysui5ri3YCd43dGQaPKKMSYqvrGJou9PmFhwTB6fMay13q6Qh5aLFFxMv99rxRjhgZ7Ts0Ql3hRQ9kRaGEUKt/s1600/kelsey1.jpeg" height="478" width="640" /></a></div>
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Check out my latest sewing creation over at my educational blog, <a href="http://www.roseblossomconsulting.com/blog/busy-bean-bags" target="_blank">Rose Blossom Consulting</a>! They're called Busy Bean Bags, and they are perfect for toddlers and preschoolers who are learning self care and developing fine motor skills. </div>
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Stay tuned for a pattern and tutorial for these lovely lavender scented bean bags!</div>
Kelseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07679844664166206387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4300905571560693667.post-3944414193445829982014-04-25T22:49:00.000-07:002014-04-25T23:28:45.527-07:00Response to Dr. Drew's dismissal of Endometriosis and Interstitial Cystitis pain as "garbage bag" diagnoses<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Ironically, just a few short weeks after the Endo March and Endometriosis Awareness Month, an incident happened today that only perpetuated the ignorance and misinformation about a common, painful disease. Endometriosis is a debilitating disease wherein endometrial-like glands and stroma cause painful inflammation and adhesions, which can distort or constrict organs. Endometriosis affects 1 in 10 women, or 176 million women worldwide, with an average delay in diagnosis ranging from 6-10 years. Years of misdiagnosis and ineffective treatment negatively impacts the patient's quality of life. The physical, emotional, and social effects of endometriosis are often devastating, but can be avoided with early detection and complete surgical excision. </div>
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Unfortunately, misinformation runs rampant, even within the medical community. It is not uncommon for women to experience delay in diagnosis because their doctors are uneducated in current research, and believe outdated theories that have been disproven. Many are told their pain is "in their heads," caused by hysteria, anxiety, or even that they "research their disease too much." Until my surgical excision of endometriosis from my rectum, vagina, and in my cul de sac, I experienced excruciating pain with pelvic exams. Almost every doctor and nurse to "just relax. It can't hurt that much." One particular nurse looked at me with disgust, saying, "You know a speculum is smaller than a penis, right?!"<br />
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Before my surgical diagnosis, a psychiatrist told me my pain was psychosomatic (all in my head), and that I should not be given pain relief, but rather, I should come back and start therapy. </div>
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Yeah. </div>
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That's when I stopped asking for pain medication and just dealt with my pain. I have a sneaking suspicion that I could swallow a porcupine and just keep right on living life. </div>
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Since then, I've been diagnosed (confirmed by pathology) with stage IV endometriosis, which affected my bladder, uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, appendix, bowel, rectum, vagina, ureters, uterosacral ligaments, broad ligament, cul de sac, and peritoneum. I have lost my appendix, am scheduled to lose a fallopian tube and undergo a presacral neurectomy, and face possibility of hysterectomy if I continue to show symptoms of adenomyosis. I've been speaking out about my disease for the better part of this year, and have <a href="http://www.facebook.com/AskMeAboutMyEndo">founded an organization</a> that is dedicated to support, awareness, and advocacy.<br />
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In any case, we fought the whole month of March to advocate accurate information and effective treatment...and then this happens. </div>
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<a href="http://www.lovelineshow.com/b/Loveline-Live-w/-Alan-Thicke-04/24/2014/820367087189488288.html">Dr. Drew dismisses Endometriosis and IC as "garbage bag diseases"</a></div>
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<b>Transcript:</b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Thanks Emily Page for typing this up!</span></b></div>
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<b>Caller</b>: My fiancé has a multitude of diagnoses. She has IC, endometriosis, lactose intolerance. She has no stomach lining. I mean, a bunch of things going on.</div>
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<b>Mike</b>: No stomach lining? Is that real, Drew? Can that happen? </div>
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<b>Dr. Drew</b>: No. And by the way, IC is, I assume, interstitial cystitis?</div>
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<b>Caller</b>: Yes</div>
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<b>Dr. Drew</b>: These are all, these are all sort of what we call functional disorders. Everything you mentioned, everything you mentioned, are things that actually aren’t discernibly pathological. They’re, they’re just sort of what we call “garbage bag” diagnoses. When you can’t think of anything else, you just go, “oh it’s that.” So it then makes me question why is she so somatically preoccupied that she’s visiting doctors all the time with pain and urinary symptoms and health symptoms and all this stuff. And that makes me wonder was she sexually abused growing up.</div>
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<b>Caller</b>: Well she..and it’s funny you say that. She actually almost refused to go to a doctor until I begged her to because she was in so much pain. In the 3 years we’ve been together, she’s only seen a doctor maybe twice.</div>
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<b>Dr. Drew</b>: And she has 4 different diagnoses in 2 visits? Pretty hard to get that.</div>
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<b>Caller</b>: Well, a lot of them happened before she and I were together, but yes she was-</div>
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<b>Dr. Drew</b>: She went to see lots of doctors before you. </div>
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<b>Caller</b>: She-</div>
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<b>Dr. Drew</b>: Trust me, she saw lots of doctors before you were together to get those diagnoses. Was she sexually abused growing up?</div>
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<b>Caller</b>: Yes. Not growing up, no-</div>
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<b>Dr. Drew</b>: Okay, magically, magically, wait, hold on! Wait a minute!</div>
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<b>Emily</b>: That took, like, 16 minutes to say yes.</div>
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<b>Dr. Drew</b>: When people have unexplained pain, particularly pelvic pain, it’s called somatoform dissociation, and the only way her body, which was suffering during those early experiences can tell its tale of woe is with pain. And she really needs to see a trauma specialist not a urologist. You know what I’m saying?</div>
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<b>Caller</b>: Okay.</div>
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<b>Dr. Drew</b>: So really work on that. It’s a real thing.</div>
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Dr. Drew, it is exactly this kind of ignorant dismissal of a woman's pain (and your caller, by the way...did you even let him ask his question?) that leads to endometriosis patients giving up on the medical community, believing that no one can help them. Because Endometriosis IS a pathologically diagnosable disease (I'd love to send along my 15 pages of surgical photos, 3 page pathology report, and 30 minute discussion of my surgery, but I doubt very much that you'll even bother replying to this post), <b>going through therapy will not help her pain caused by damaging inflammation and anatomical distortion from endometriosis</b>. If she were to listen to your advice and see a trauma specialist, NOT a urologist, well...there's a little something called learned helplessness, which I'm sure you're aware of. </div>
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Should this woman go through all this additional therapy (as if the decades most of us spend searching for an official diagnosis wasn't enough), and still not experience relief, what would you tell her then? That it is all her fault? That she can't let the past go and move on? What would you do when she begins peeing blood, or passing black stool, or worse...attempt to end her pain and suffering for good? Would you make her the butt of one of your sexist, misogynist jokes? </div>
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<b>Mike</b>: Also, Dr. Drew, another way that someone can develop unexplainable pelvic pain is by having sex with Alan Thicke. </div>
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<b>Dr. Drew</b>: That's not unexplainable, that's a direct result. It's obvious what's going on!</div>
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<b>Mike</b>: There must be some level of camaraderie between you, Dr. Drew, and Mr. Thicke because you have both just torn women in half!</div>
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<b>Dr. Drew</b>: We've crushed. </div>
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<b>Mike</b>: Yeah, I don't know if you know this, Alan, but all over Pacadena, California just corpses of females just absolutely split in half! People -</div>
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<b>Alan</b>: Yeah, I think I heard that. </div>
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<b>Mike</b>: Yeah, they call it the Pinske! When they see women like that, the forensics-</div>
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<b>Alan</b>: They've been Pinsked?</div>
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<b>Mike</b>: Yeah, the forensic pathologist comes over, "Yep, she got Pinsked. Poor lady." </div>
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Dr. Drew, not only have you<b> dismissed a patient </b>based on your ignorance (who HAS a diagnosis, by the way), you have <b>dismissed millions of women, dedicated surgeons and scientists researching the disease, a slew of coordinating specialists</b>, such as pelvic floor physical therapists, urologists, colorectal surgeons, nurses, etc by telling her partner that these aren't real diagnoses, that they are <b>"garbage bag diagnoses"</b> used when there's nothing else to explain the pain (completely false, since we undergo biopsies and have pathology reports to prove it). </div>
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How dare you. </div>
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And how dare you follow up a segment wherein you emphasized the possible physical and psychological impacts of sexual abuse with a <b>crass joke about murdering women due to your sexual prowess, and leaving their corpses behind.</b> Mike, you disgust me. I have never heard such a revolting ploy to gain a couple of cheap laughs at the expense of victims of rape and incurable diseases.<br />
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Not only that, but by your dismissal of pelvic pain, whether related to endometriosis, IC, or pelvic floor dysfunction, completely undermines and invalidates the individual suffering many of us endure with little to no support. In all honesty, <b>it doesn't matter where her pain comes from...she's in pain! </b>Her partner called you for help, and you cut him off, dismissed her pain, and made a crass joke.</div>
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Many dedicated professionals, patients, advocates, and supporters have responded on this incident. Thank goodness for dedicated professionals, like Dr. Ken Sinervo, Heather Guidone, Dr. Andrew Cook, Dr. Camren Nezhat, and Dr. Cindy Mosbrucker who shared their knowledge and support to our community, championing a cause that you so callously trashed.<br />
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Some have asked for a retraction. Most have asked for an apology. Some have even offered educational discourse to ensure accurate information be available to both you and your listeners. </div>
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What do I want? </div>
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<b>Nothing. </b></div>
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You're not worth my time. Your obvious backpedaling, where you claimed you "said nothing of the kind," and your lack of remorse or response today has proven one thing in my mind. </div>
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<b>You are not worth us spending another moment worrying about the damage you have done to our community</b>. Instead, I'm going to get back on track spending my time speaking with the members of my support groups, working on my awareness projects, and doing every possible thing I can to promote awareness in spite of ignorant people like you. <br />
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Kelseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07679844664166206387noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4300905571560693667.post-47559218513936781462014-04-07T23:24:00.002-07:002014-04-07T23:55:29.956-07:00Is It Really JUST Pain?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'm going to be honest with you: <b>I'm angry</b>. </div>
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Some people might say that's just negativity, bad energy that has no place in this world. Some might say that I am in pain today because of that anger. But anger, like pain, has it's place in the world. It tells us when something isn't right. When your body is in pain, it is trying to tell you something. That's the function of pain. Our bodies respond to this pain by sending out naturally occurring endogenous opioids. Without pain, how else would we know when to seek help? </div>
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Pain exists to let us know that <b>something isn't right</b>. When I speak with anyone who is having new or worsening pain, it scares me to hear them say that they will just ignore it. <b>Pain is just pain, right?</b> </div>
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<b>Wrong.</b></div>
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If there's one thing that I've learned over the last 15 years living with chronic pelvic pain, it is to trust my body. There are people out there who are trying to sell the idea that we can rise above our pain; that the pain we feel arises from some kind of negative energy, or personality fault. They want you to believe that you can completely think your way out of your pain; that it is somehow healthier to get in touch with that pain; that living with and getting in touch with your pain will somehow heal you. </div>
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Now, as someone who has dabbled with alternative methods of pain management, like acupuncture, meditation, and yoga, I can tell you that those methods absolutely help me <b>handle</b> my pain, especially when combined with other forms of pain management. There are ways of focusing on your breath that can help you get into a calm, relaxed state of mind, and it can become easier to live through the pain. </div>
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<b>But severe pain should never be ignored.</b> </div>
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Last week, after two months of just dealing with my kidney pain, I peed blood. Not just trace amounts of blood...I'm talking real, red blood. As soon as I saw that blood, I knew it was time to stop pushing through my pain and go to the emergency room. It's a damn good thing I did. </div>
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I had a kidney stone in my ureter, and my right kidney was swollen. With a history of retroperitoneal fibrosis, there is a concern that my stone might not pass by itself, and might cause a blockage. The past two days have been some of the most painful days I have ever experienced. On Saturday night, I took a pain pill before collapsing on the floor on the way to the bathroom, screeching in pain. My pain pitched, and pitched, and pitched, rather than getting better. Barely able to breathe, I sat in child's pose and just screamed. </div>
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And then I stopped. My breathing calmed. My pain began to get just a little duller. My pain medication finally kicked in.</div>
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I've been peeing blood ever since. </div>
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<b>Pain is not something to be ignored.</b> Pain does not reach a certain point and go no higher (which is why a 1-10 pain scale is all relative). <a href="http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/pain-management/understanding-the-physiological-effects-of-unrelieved-pain/205262.article">Experiencing severe pain without relief can bring about harmful affects on many systems of the body.</a> Vomiting, increased heart rate and blood pressure, urinary retention, muscle spasm, fatigue, anxiety, and disorientation can all result from unrelieved severe pain. On top of that, ignoring severe pain can ultimately lead to chronic pain. </div>
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Pain is there to tell you something is wrong. <b>It is OK to seek relief for your pain in whatever way works best for you.</b> You do not, and <i>should not, </i>need to suffer through this. And you most certainly should not be told that your pain originates from some emotional imbalance, or that your pain will go away if you just love yourself more, or get in touch with your womanhood.</div>
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Anyone who tells you otherwise is selling something.</div>
Kelseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07679844664166206387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4300905571560693667.post-66071455019988871012014-03-08T20:19:00.000-08:002014-03-08T20:24:12.297-08:00Bloggers Unite for EndoMarch: Week 9 - Last Minute Thoughts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The <a href="http://www.millionwomenmarch2014.org/">Million Women March</a> is just a few days away! I'm a bit late to the party for the last couple of weeks worth of blog posts, and I'll just say that it is challenging to work, intern, go to grad school, and do all the things I want to do! I'm doing my best to keep up, but unfortunately, the blogging fell behind. In any case, we had a great time last week at our Yellow Flash Mob for Endometriosis to raise awareness for the EndoMarch! We received a generous donation from family and friends that allowed us to purchase a camcorder to bring along on our trip to D.C. and I am grateful that we will also now be able to make videos for Ask Me About My Endo. You can find the first two here: </div>
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Yellow Flash Mob in Boston: Singing and Dancing to Let It Go from Frozen, and a speech from yours truly!</div>
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Our first video update on Ask Me About My Endo! Thanks to this camcorder, we will be able to cover the March for those who might not be able to make it to the event! We will be taking photos and posting them on our <a href="http://www.facebook.com/AskMeAboutMyEndo">Ask Me About My Endo facebook page</a>, and will upload videos once we are able to upload them. I'm so excited to be able to share our experience with you all!</div>
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I went out and bought some yellow accessories for the big day, but I must admit...I haven't had the time to start packing. I am kind of nervous, but I know this is going to be an amazing experience! I'll be attending a Girls Night Out with my fellow Endo Warriors the night before, which I think is going to be awesome. It is always an uplifting experience to speak with other people who have endured the same trials and tribulations, and I know that I'll be meeting some very dedicated people. </div>
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On a sadder note, today marks what would have been 20 weeks into my pregnancy that I lost this past November. It seems no matter how many days, weeks, or months pass, when I realize where I should be, it never ceases to take my breath away. Today, we were walking through a furniture store, and I couldn't pull myself away from the crib I had picked out so many months ago that we never purchased. I just stood there, stroking the smooth grey-painted wood, and had to tell myself that I needed to purchase my airline tickets, not an empty crib for the baby that I couldn't carry. My heart aches every time I think about the belly I should have, and the moments I should be cherishing in a few short months.</div>
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March is endometriosis awareness month. Awareness is not just about wearing yellow. Awareness is not always pretty and pleasant and easy to talk about. No, awareness is sharing what we might otherwise keep to ourselves about how endometriosis affects our lives. Besides pain, endo has affected my ability to have a child. It has been a year and a half that I have been trying for a child. Today, I should be 20 weeks pregnant, but instead, I am planning for another surgery, my third in two years. This time, we may remove my left Fallopian tube. Endometriosis has taken many things from me, but today, I am thinking of my baby that was, and those that may have been without this disease.</div>
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<a href="http://www.millionwomenmarch2014.org/">www.millionwomenmarch2014.org</a></div>
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<a href="http://silverrosesewing.blogspot.com/2014/01/bloggers-unite-for-endomarch-2014-week.html">Week 1: Why I'm EndoMarching</a></div>
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<a href="http://silverrosesewing.blogspot.com/2014/01/bloggers-unite-for-endomarch-week-2.html">Week 2: My Endometriosis Story</a></div>
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<a href="http://silverrosesewing.blogspot.com/2014/02/bloggers-unite-for-endomarch2014-week-3.html">Week 3: Letter to Congresswoman Tsongas</a></div>
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<a href="http://silverrosesewing.blogspot.com/2014/02/bloggers-unite-for-endomarch2014week-4.html"></a><a href="http://silverrosesewing.blogspot.com/2014/02/bloggers-unite-for-endomarch2014week-4.html">Week 4: Interview with Heather Guidone</a></div>
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<a href="http://silverrosesewing.blogspot.com/2014/02/bloggers-unite-for-endomarch2014-weeks.html">Weeks 5 & 6: Raising Awareness</a></div>
Kelseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07679844664166206387noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4300905571560693667.post-22224200261586332072014-02-18T15:18:00.001-08:002014-02-19T13:28:41.290-08:00Bloggers Unite for #EndoMarch2014 Weeks 5 and 6: Raising Awareness<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This has been quite a busy couple of weeks! I missed last week's blog post about what my favorite goal would be. Well, this week, I would like to talk about why it is so important to raise awareness and educate as many people as possible about endometriosis, inspired by the reason I missed last week's post: a bad ER visit. I went to a local hospital and was absolutely appalled by the care I received. After explaining that I had a history of severe endometriosis, kidney disease, and retroperitoneal fibrosis, I told them I was having terrible right sided pelvic pain, and pain in my right kidney. I was given only a "warm blanket" as pain relief until an ultrasound revealed two complex ovarian cysts on the right ovary, measuring a total of 5cm. I also had a 6mm kidney stone in the left kidney. When I tried explaining the nature of endometriosis, and mentioned advocating and going to the EndoMarch, the nurse asked why we were marching. I said that one reason was to get government funding for Endometriosis health organizations, and the nurse responded with, "And who would take that on? Planned Parenthood?!"</div>
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<a href="http://heckyeahreactiongifs.tumblr.com/post/59581847940" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Courtesy of Heck Yeah Reaction Gifs</span></a></div>
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In light of that disgusting display of ignorance, I'm proud to announce that I have founded <a href="http://www.facebook.com/AskMeAboutMyEndo" target="_blank">Ask Me About My Endo</a>. I wanted to created a T-shirt I could wear when I visit the ER to encourage them to talk to me about my disease, and hopefully learn a little bit about it. </div>
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Out of that tiny idea, a much farther-reaching project was born. Ask Me About My Endo (AMAME) is spreading endometriosis awareness and advocacy by getting people talking! Endometriosis affects 1 in 10 women, or 176 million women worldwide, with an average delay in diagnosis ranging from 6-10 years. Years of misdiagnosis and ineffective treatment negatively impacts the patient's quality of life. The physical, emotional, and social effects of endometriosis can be lessened with early diagnosis and complete surgical excision in many cases, particularly in coordination with a multidisciplinary approach to treating pain holistically. AMAME strives to get patients talking about their endometriosis instead of hiding it. Let's clarify the misunderstandings, dispel the myths, share effective treatment options, and refer to the best specialists possible! A three-fold program, AMAME incorporates online resources (website coming soon!), awareness merchandise, and non-profit efforts, such as the Endometriosis Awareness Music Project for teen outreach. To find out more and get involved, check out our Facebook page, <a href="http://www.facebook.com/AskMeAboutMyEndo" target="_blank">Ask Me About My Endo</a>, Twitter: @AskAboutEndo, or email: <a href="mailto:askmeaboutmyendo@gmail.com" target="_blank">askmeaboutmyendo@gmail.com</a>. </div>
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I am so excited so start this project, and I can't wait to see what we can do! So...who will YOU talk to today?</div>
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Check out some of our first designs, which are perfect for wearing to the EndoMarch! I've already ordered my husband and myself lots of gear, and I can't wait to show it off! All merchandise can be found at the <a href="http://www.cafepress.com/askmeaboutmyendo" target="_blank">Ask Me About My Endo store</a></div>
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Can't wait to see everyone at the EndoMarch! </div>
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<a href="http://www.millionwomenmarch2014.org/" target="_blank">www.millionwomenmarch2014.org</a></div>
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<a href="http://silverrosesewing.blogspot.com/2014/01/bloggers-unite-for-endomarch-2014-week.html" target="_blank">Week 1: Why I'm EndoMarching</a></div>
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<a href="http://silverrosesewing.blogspot.com/2014/01/bloggers-unite-for-endomarch-week-2.html" target="_blank">Week 2: My Endometriosis Story</a></div>
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<a href="http://silverrosesewing.blogspot.com/2014/02/bloggers-unite-for-endomarch2014-week-3.html" target="_blank">Week 3: Letter to Congresswoman Tsongas</a></div>
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<a href="http://silverrosesewing.blogspot.com/2014/02/bloggers-unite-for-endomarch2014week-4.html" target="_blank">Week 4: Interview with Heather Guidone</a></div>
Kelseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07679844664166206387noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4300905571560693667.post-27313264900509516392014-02-10T19:23:00.002-08:002014-02-19T13:25:09.481-08:00Bloggers Unite for #EndoMarch2014:Week 4 - Interview with Heather Guidone<div style="text-align: center;">
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Over the past year, I have been so incredibly lucky to get to know Heather Guidone, Surgical Program Director at the <a href="http://www.centerforendometriosiscare.com/">Center for Endometriosis Care</a> and member of the executive board of the <a href="http://www.endocenter.org/">Endometriosis Research Center</a>. Heather is a <a href="http://www.centerforendo.com/guidone.htm">tireless advocate</a> for Endometriosis education and awareness, and a fierce friend! She is one of the most supportive, knowledgeable, and dedicated women I have had the privilege to meet along my journey toward healing, and I am so thrilled to share this interview with you for this week's assignment. Heather serves on the advisory board for the Million Women March for Endometriosis, and offers us her unique perspective as a professional in the field, as well as an Endo Warrior herself. </div>
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1. Why did you become involved in the Million Women March?</div>
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I was absolutely honored to be invited to join the MWME Advisory Board. It is a real privilege to be part of this monumental effort to make advances in such a broad, public way and effect positive change towards government-funded research initiatives, legislative awareness, medical and nursing school educational imperatives and early intervention. If not detected early and treated properly, endometriosis can absolutely be a serious and debilitating disease with severe, far-reaching consequences, impacting every aspect of a woman or girl’s life – and the lives of those who care for her. The March is designed to make real strides on behalf of the 176 million women, girls, and even some men struggling with the disease, so that they can receive proper diagnoses, better care - and one day, a cure.</div>
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2. What is the biggest misconception about Endometriosis, and why is it so important to distinguish between the myth and the fact?</div>
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Unfortunately, endometriosis remains mired in myths, outdated beliefs and a culture of menstrual misinformation. The idea that pelvic pain is a normal part of ‘being a woman’ and particularly, that periods are a female’s ‘lot in life’ are such archaic taboos. Yet sadly, these misconceptions still continue to result in the ten-year average delay in diagnosis and wholly ineffective treatments that surround the disease. To be certain: pain associated with menstruation – or at any time in the cycle – which interrupts a woman or girl’s normal routine and productivity is never normal. Bowel, bladder and other organ dysfunction with or without menses is not normal. Painful sex is not normal. Infertility is not normal…and so on. These symptoms do not need to be accepted in silence. There are quality treatments that can, in many cases, alleviate or at least significantly reduce the effects of endometriosis.</div>
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3. If you could advocate for one goal of the Million Women March, which would it be and why?</div>
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Just one?! Ok, then early intervention. Meaning – we need to educate our adolescents as to what is normal and what is not. Minor cramping during a period is to be expected; period pain – or pain at any time - that makes a woman or girl miss school or work or otherwise impacts her ability to function isn't the least bit okay or ordinary. If we can drive that message home to the teens and adolescents who may have been ill-informed about ‘what is normal’ or are otherwise suffering in silence, so that they seek care with a specialist early in life, it may save - literally - years of needless suffering, failed interventions, possibly preserve future fertility, and protect quality of life in long-term for so many.</div>
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4. What do you wish everyone knew about Endometriosis?</div>
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Lots! That pelvic pain and sexual dysfunction is not a normal way of life because someone is female. That endometriosis is not simply the presence of ‘normal endometrium’ outside the uterus, caused by retrograde periods and easily cured by hysterectomy. On the contrary, endometriosis and normal endometrium differ vastly in terms of invasive, adhesive and proliferative behaviors, and we are probably born with the disease. That pregnancy, menopause and hysterectomy are not the mythical cures they have continually been touted as. Same for drug therapy; there has never been a drug to cure or otherwise treat endometriosis long-term. Drug suppression can help relieve symptoms for some, but only on a temporary basis. That ineffective surgery will likely not help and may even harm. Removing the surface of the disease from some areas is not sufficient; endometriosis must be removed ‘root to tip’ from all affected regions (excision surgery). That alternative therapies, such as diet and nutrition, acupuncture, physical therapy, and other complementary treatments can be extremely helpful at effectively managing symptoms on a non-invasive basis, particularly when combined with quality excisional surgery as the cornerstone of any effective management plan. That those affected by the disease aren't whiners, lazy or ‘making it up’ – their pain and debilitating effects of the disease are real. Above all else – that endometriosis is NOT a hopeless disease, and no one with endometriosis should ever feel alone or isolated.</div>
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5. Why is the Million Women March for Endometriosis important to you?</div>
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Having been at the first two Marches on DC almost 15 years ago, it is encouraging to see how the advocacy movement has grown by leaps and bounds since then. With social media, so much more networking has become possible, whereas historically over the past 20 years that I’ve been working in endometriosis, we had very limited options for outreach. Now, we can share data instantly across our collaboratives, patients can become educated – and empowered – through access to the latest, most accurate information, we are able to connect with so many others in the profession to train and increase education among providers, and awareness opportunities like the Nezhat Family Foundation March can take place on a global scale. It’s been very exciting to watch the groundswell of involvement literally explode on a worldwide level over the past years. The March gives the world an opportunity to hear our collective voices. Moreover, it is the first time an outreach effort has been backed by more than just a patient base; we have some of the most respected names in women’s health supporting the effort ranging from ACOG to AAGL.</div>
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6. After the Million Women March, how can we continue to advocate for and support Endometriosis awareness?</div>
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All women and girls with endometriosis can make a difference in the disease, anytime – there is no need to wait for a March or event. By sharing their story, they can be heard – and make the path easier for someone else behind them. Share legitimate, accurate educational information. Reach a hand out to someone who needs a lift up. Correct misinformation as you see it. Stop accepting subpar care as the status quo. The more we unify as one voice and insist on elevating this disease to the priority public health platform it deserves, the sooner we will achieve better treatment of those affected - and again, one day hopefully, a cure. Tell your story, share your voice, speak up. Anytime – anywhere. There is always awareness to be raised.</div>
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7. What message would you like to convey most about the Million Women March and Endometriosis? </div>
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The Nezhat Family Foundation Million Women March for Endometriosis is the first internationally-coordinated campaign that will empower and unite those who are struggling with endometriosis - and their supporters - to take a real stand against the disease; it will educate society and raise awareness, promote early detection and improved treatments, and ultimately, effect real changes. The success of the March depends on YOU, so please consider joining these worthy efforts in any way you can! See you there!</div>
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Big thanks to Heather for sharing with us this week. Heather's work in the endometriosis community has inspired me to become an advocate, and I hope some day to be able to effect change and touch as many lives as she does every day. See you at the March!</div>
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<a href="http://www.millionwomenmarch2014.org/">www.millionwomenmarch2014.org</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://silverrosesewing.blogspot.com/2014/01/bloggers-unite-for-endomarch-2014-week.html">Week 1: Why I'm EndoMarching</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://silverrosesewing.blogspot.com/2014/01/bloggers-unite-for-endomarch-week-2.html">Week 2: My Endometriosis Story</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://silverrosesewing.blogspot.com/2014/02/bloggers-unite-for-endomarch2014-week-3.html">Week 3: Letter to Congresswoman Tsongas</a></div>
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<a href="http://silverrosesewing.blogspot.com/2014/02/bloggers-unite-for-endomarch2014-weeks.html">Week 5 & 6: Raising Awareness</a></div>
<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.millionwomenmarch2014.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2013%2F11%2FEndo-Time-to-End-the-Silence.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEgfuaP4AsFKTW8zZplr2mvtGfBUq2EZujbnhRJ9y5T2irKkxieO7_50Ld2K7dz8WAyUqB9cYQO-V5gm7Jqo9ZQcmRgR9kCxuhAglFimnBfJ3jEcmj6fsEGyyNoXQn_rvO_cKDlvVtXCBMp728YqrUfzO-ky93IiKVww_9PcO_hf7Uh4hm9_1o9f3cJDeCeSiGAc4aN2bHLHXdmpsGTEcedf=" -->Kelseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07679844664166206387noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4300905571560693667.post-7913791440325292352014-02-05T21:20:00.000-08:002014-02-19T13:27:02.741-08:00Bloggers Unite for #EndoMarch2014: Week 3 - Letter to your Congressional Representative<div class="MsoNormal">
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I'm a little late to week 3 because I have been busy working on two projects: the support group <a href="http://www.facebook.com/groups/EndoSistersHealingTogether">Endo Sisters Healing Together</a>, and an Endometriosis Awareness Music Project, that will combine original songs with awareness videos aimed at teen outreach and education. I've been a busy bee, also organizing a Boston FlashMob...but here it is! Week 3's assignment...letter to my Congresswoman!</div>
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I hope this inspires you to write your own letter to your representative! To find yours, head over <a href="http://beta.congress.gov/members">here</a>!</div>
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February 6<sup>th</sup>, 2014</div>
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Congresswoman Niki Tsongas<o:p></o:p></div>
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1607 <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Longworth</st1:placename>
<st1:placename w:st="on">House</st1:placename> <st1:placename w:st="on">Office</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype w:st="on">Building</st1:placetype></st1:place><o:p></o:p></div>
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<st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Washington</st1:city>,
<st1:state w:st="on">DC</st1:state></st1:place> </div>
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20515</div>
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Dear Congresswoman Tsongas,</div>
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My name is Kelsey, and I have stage IV endometriosis. In
the last year, I have spent the majority of my free time researching
endometriosis, and becoming active in the endometriosis community. I have volunteered
for various awareness projects, including a video documentary. I also recently
co-founded Endo Sisters Healing Together, an online and in-person support group
for New England-based women with endometriosis. I am writing to you today to
tell you my story, and invite you to an amazing event happening in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Washington</st1:city>, <st1:state w:st="on">D.C.</st1:state></st1:place>
on March 13<sup>th</sup>, 2014. The Million Women March for Endometriosis is
going to be a monumental event where women all over the world will be gathering
in their nation’s capitals to advocate for endometriosis awareness, education
for medical professionals, early screenings, and allocated funding for
endometriosis. I want to share my story with you to tell you why this day is so
important to hundreds of millions of Endo Sisters around the world. </div>
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Endometriosis is a very common, misunderstood, and
under-diagnosed disease that affects 1 in 10 women, or roughly 176 million
women worldwide. In women with endometriosis, cells similar to the lining of
the uterus, the endometrium, are displaced during fetal development and grow in
other places in the body. These displaced cells, or lesions, can create their
own estrogen supply, essentially feeding themselves. As the disease grows and
matures, it develops nerve and blood supply. These complex glands and stroma
react to cyclical hormone changes, causing inflammation, sticky bands of scar
tissue called adhesions, which can cause anatomical distortion and organ
dysfunction, and debilitating pain daily, with periods, and with intercourse.
Endometriomas, cysts formed from endometriosis, can grow on ovaries, damaging
the tissue around it. These do not resolve on their own, can cause extreme pain
and bleeding if they rupture, and require surgical excision. On average, it
takes a woman with endo eight years to get diagnosed. </div>
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One of the biggest problems with endometriosis is the delay
in diagnosis. On average, a woman with endometriosis suffers eight years of
being told her pain is all in her head, that pain with periods is normal, and
that there is nothing wrong with her. In reality, endometriosis can cause real
damage to not only reproductive organs, but every other organ in the pelvis.
Endometriosis lesions and adhesions are commonly found on the uterus, ovaries,
bladder, bowel, peritoneum (lining of the pelvis), and are also found on the
ureters, kidneys, and rarely in the heart, lungs, and brain. Endometriosis
causes debilitating pain, but can also lead to life-threatening complications
such as bowel obstructions, kidney failure due to retroperitoneal fibrosis
(scar tissue growing on the ureters), as well as impacting her ability to
function daily. </div>
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The wonderful news is that with early diagnosis and complete
excision, young women need not suffer for years in pain, and endure hormonal
suppressive treatments that come with their own damaging side effects. There
are only 100 excision surgeons in the US skilled enough to remove disease
effectively. With excision, the chance of recurrence is very small, because
they cut out the disease like a cancer, rather than burning the surface of the
disease. The common technique used by the remaining 52,000 gynecologists is
called ablation, which leaves disease beneath the burned surface that can
continue to grow and come back. Endometriosis is not treated through hormonal
suppression, hysterectomy, menopause, or pregnancy. The only effective way to
remove disease is through excision surgery. </div>
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It took me nearly 15 years, countless doctors and years of
hormonal suppressive therapies to begin on the path to true healing. Birth
control pills, progesterone therapy to shut down my ovaries, and Lupron caused
symptoms including medical menopause, hot flashes, night sweats, extreme weight
gain, increased blood pressure and higher cholesterol, and depression. The
worst symptoms came with Lupron, a drug developed for prostate cancer, which
caused hair loss, ovarian dysfunction, and bone density loss in my spine. This
could have been avoided if my doctors had been more educated in the origins and
effective treatment options for my disease. I continue to experience some long
term side effects from these drugs, years later. </div>
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After 15 years, at the age of 28, a seven centimeter complex
cyst finally convinced my doctors to perform a laparoscopic surgery. I had been
begging for surgery since they first suspected endometriosis when I was 22. The
surgeon assured me that she would use excision, but in reality, she merely
burned the surface of the disease. Just six months later, my pain was back, and
I was struggling to get pregnant. After discovering that I was not ovulating, a
fertility specialist prescribed Clomid, and my life changed. I developed a five
centimeter endometrioma on my right ovary, which ruptured. From that day on, my
life changed dramatically. I was in extreme, daily pain, causing me to drop out
of graduate school and spend the majority of my time in bed in agonizing pain. It
felt like steel rods were in my body, and I could barely move. However, my
doctor in <st1:state w:st="on">Massachusetts</st1:state>
refused to refer me for another surgery, saying it was too soon for my
endometriosis to return. She threw her hands up and told me to try in-vetro
fertilization. How could I be a mother when I could barely function from day to
day? I needed help.</div>
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Finally, in June 2013, I traveled to <st1:city w:st="on">St. Louis</st1:city> to have my second laparoscopic
surgery. This excision surgery with Dr. Patrick Yeung, Jr., occurred just 11
months after my first surgery in <st1:city w:st="on">Boston</st1:city>.
Dr. Yeung found my pelvic organs completely adhered by endometriosis and
adhesions. During a six hour surgery, 18 separate tissue samples, confirmed by
pathology to be endometriosis, were found on my bladder, uterus, both ovaries,
peritoneum, appendix, ureters, fallopian tube, left round ligament, cul-de-sac,
pelvic brim, bilateral ovarian fossa, bilateral utero-sacral ligament, and
recto-cervical space. I also had endometriosis on my bowel, and significant
retroperitoneal fibrosis on my ureters. If left untreated, these conditions
could have led to life threatening bowel obstructions or kidney failure. </div>
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Endometriosis is truly an epidemic. It is more common than
AIDS and cancer. It is estimated to cost $119 billion annually in healthcare
and loss of productivity in the workplace. Endometriosis causes severe damage
to internal organs, and yet takes an average of eight years to diagnose. The
majority of surgeons can not effectively remove the disease, and so women are
put on band aid pain solutions, like hormonal suppression and narcotic pain
medications. They struggle to function daily, miss work, drop out of school,
and feel hopeless. You can help us make a change. </div>
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I hope you will join me in telling the world that it is time
to end the silence! </div>
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I have also enclosed a copy of my full story of living with
endometriosis. </div>
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For more information, please visit:</div>
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www.millionwomenmarch2014.org</div>
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www.endocenter.org </div>
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www.endofound.org</div>
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www.centerforendometriosiscare.com </div>
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endometriosisfoundation.org</div>
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Thank you for your consideration, and I hope to see you on
March 13<sup>th</sup>! </div>
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Sincerely,<br />
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Kelsey<br />
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://silverrosesewing.blogspot.com/2014/01/bloggers-unite-for-endomarch-2014-week.html">Week 1: Why I'm EndoMarching</a></div>
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<a href="http://silverrosesewing.blogspot.com/2014/01/bloggers-unite-for-endomarch-week-2.html">Week 2: My Endometriosis Story</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://silverrosesewing.blogspot.com/2014/02/bloggers-unite-for-endomarch2014week-4.html">Week 4: Interview with Heather Guidone</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://silverrosesewing.blogspot.com/2014/02/bloggers-unite-for-endomarch2014-weeks.html">Week 5 & 6: Raising Awareness</a></div>
</div>
Kelseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07679844664166206387noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4300905571560693667.post-81763045301609690682014-01-20T18:50:00.000-08:002014-02-19T13:27:54.616-08:00Bloggers Unite for #EndoMarch2014: Week 2 - What the EndoMarch Means to Me<div class="separator" sab="4815" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The Million Woman March for Endometriosis is coming up on March 13th, 2014. This will be the first worldwide effort to raise awareness for endometriosis, and it's going to be an empowering, emotional day for me. Not just because Endo has put me through years of severe cramps, bowel disturbances, acute abdominal pain, ovarian cysts, medical menopause, serious damage to my pelvic organs, and 2 surgeries, but also because of my battle with infertility. </div>
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On November 30th, 2013, I lost my first pregnancy at 6 weeks. I had been struggling to conceive for a year, and I was overjoyed when I got my first positive pregnancy test. I thought my battle with endometriosis was finally over, that I had finally conquered the most heartbreaking side effect of my disease. But my joy quickly turned to fear as it became clear that my baby was not growing as she should. Despite close care from the doctor who finally helped us get pregnant naturally, without IVF, my dreams of holding my child slipped through my fingers and disappeared. </div>
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To understand how devastating this loss was, it is important that you hear how endometriosis has stolen so many other joys from my life. </div>
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(I apologize in advance for the novel...it's pretty difficult to squeeze 16 years of suffering into a small space)</div>
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<span sab="4839" style="font-size: x-small;">Me at 16, before any diagnosis, major complications, or treatments</span> </div>
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I have been living with endometriosis for about 16 years, although research suggests that endometriosis is laid down during embryonic development, meaning we are likely born with this disease. When I think back on my childhood, it's possible that my bowel endometriosis symptoms existed even back then, but it's very difficult to say for sure. Most likely, my endometriosis began with my period in 1998, when I was 13 years old. For 4 years, I lived with cramps that lasted around 14 days per month, which got worse during my period. I could often be found in bed with my heating pad, and thinking back, I was already dealing with chronic fatigue. My family didn't understand why I needed so much sleep. When I was about 17, my mother took me to the clinic where she worked to get me treated for what she thought was PMDD. I began taking conventional birth control pills that were supposed to balance my hormones and relieve my symptoms. </div>
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<span sab="4850" style="font-size: x-small;">At 17, shortly before I began birth control for my cramps that lasted 2 weeks per month</span></div>
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For 2.5 years, I stayed on BCP, but eventually had to stop taking them due to severe migraines that would last up to 3 weeks, and brought sensitivity to light and sound, nausea, and even aura. My doctor said this signaled risk of a stroke, and I was told not to take BCP containing estrogen again. Just a few months after quitting the pills, during the summer of 2005, I landed in the emergency room. I had been having severe pelvic pain for a few days, accompanied with nausea, dizzy spells, and diarrhea (get used to talking about poo if you have bowel endo...it's going to be a big part of your life!). To this day, that pain is some of the worst pain I have felt. I thought I might be dying. I could barely move, and had to crawl to my phone and call 911. </div>
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<div sab="4858">
The ER doctors found 2 kidney stones and an ovarian cyst. Although this cyst was complex (not part of ovulation, but a cyst containing blood, and possibly endometriosis; cysts containing endo are called endometriomas), the doctors did not tell me of what that meant, nor did they treat me for it. They sent me home with a urine strainer, instructing me to try to catch the stones. That was that. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN_wUJWsgCvsD8dp08L7Lvob89osWydC_G1iIQHuk9zR1BU1PkoFut_Y_KfMzlG5hHS2h9qHQ3aFDoW7IDwveeeNELlrnS8dB3re7KEiFyElKXdks1aFU0ZX2KjLqNU-u6xH0fobeykLJ1/s1600/72_515743049640_6569_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" sab="4862" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN_wUJWsgCvsD8dp08L7Lvob89osWydC_G1iIQHuk9zR1BU1PkoFut_Y_KfMzlG5hHS2h9qHQ3aFDoW7IDwveeeNELlrnS8dB3re7KEiFyElKXdks1aFU0ZX2KjLqNU-u6xH0fobeykLJ1/s1600/72_515743049640_6569_n.jpg" height="640" sab="4863" width="480" /></a></div>
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<div sab="4865" style="text-align: center;">
<div sab="4866">
<span sab="4867" style="font-size: x-small;">Me during my senior year of college, when I had chronic ovarian cysts and no treatment or diagnosis</span></div>
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Over the next couple of years, my junior and senior years of college, I struggled with recurring ovarian cysts, some of which ruptured. I began missing school and social events. My professors told me to take care of myself, as if I were bringing this all on by partying and eating poorly. On the contrary, I spent quite a bit of time sleeping from the exhaustion and pain. Because I was on student health insurance, I was being treated by doctors at the student health clinic. Without a primary care doctor, each visit was like starting fresh, and I was told over and over and over that cysts were a normal part of being a woman. I felt alone, responsible for my pain, and inadequate as I struggled more and more to keep up with coursework. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5bAwrc9D0oq7ojgXns9d2D4oETzC4ndt0lbSe9kvHyEGesCl_lhQjvvubw0eqcy-uFfI14i-SMFKTtw2AaSyePI9Cd08s8m56NTsLcSLsylV_iWpgdrPgnC2oRN9C2CN3aMfymo85WpQq/s1600/74_515743024690_2467_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" sab="4877" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5bAwrc9D0oq7ojgXns9d2D4oETzC4ndt0lbSe9kvHyEGesCl_lhQjvvubw0eqcy-uFfI14i-SMFKTtw2AaSyePI9Cd08s8m56NTsLcSLsylV_iWpgdrPgnC2oRN9C2CN3aMfymo85WpQq/s1600/74_515743024690_2467_n.jpg" height="640" sab="4878" width="436" /></a></div>
<div sab="4879">
<span sab="4880" style="font-size: x-small;">Graduating from college in 2007, shortly before I was unofficially diagnosed with endometriosis</span></div>
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<div sab="4884">
In 2007, after I graduated from college, I went to the ER again with pelvic pain and dehydration. A cyst found a week prior had ruptured, and the doctors (unable to find a source for my pain) ordered test after test, all of which were invasive and painful, for a girl with endometriosis. Endometriosis can make pelvic exams and ultrasounds extremely painful. When I experienced excruciating pain and refused a pelvic exam, I was accused of being a rape victim, and eventually released with inconclusive tests. They referred me to a gynecologist and sent me on my way. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH9SJpyahfVOv72gUJv2TIaZ0GbNl1VlrMWlL9NcTZkv_DkBT4gH99uSg80C-5zFv4hgi_t3buhHdNx1Btu2TsidhHTccNtpfYn1MfA71jU7n_6k4zKkSZOfi61qj1f6QYKaM52FgYB0lL/s1600/108_513130110990_4610_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" sab="4888" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH9SJpyahfVOv72gUJv2TIaZ0GbNl1VlrMWlL9NcTZkv_DkBT4gH99uSg80C-5zFv4hgi_t3buhHdNx1Btu2TsidhHTccNtpfYn1MfA71jU7n_6k4zKkSZOfi61qj1f6QYKaM52FgYB0lL/s1600/108_513130110990_4610_n.jpg" height="512" sab="4889" width="640" /></a></div>
<div sab="4890">
<span sab="4891" style="font-size: x-small;">This ER visit was not covered by my insurance because I had reached my limit after so many ultrasounds for cysts. It cost me $6,000.</span></div>
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<div sab="4894">
The gynecologist I met with told me I might have endometriosis, and gave me several options. I could go on progesterone therapy (much like BCP, but with no estrogen), shut down my ovaries with Lupron, have a baby, or have surgery. She told me, however, that it was too soon for surgery, and that we needed to see how I responded to hormonal suppression first to diagnose my endometriosis. <b sab="4895">This is actually false.</b> Surgery is the only way to officially diagnose and effectively treat endometriosis by removing it completely. Excision surgery gives women with endo the best chance at ridding their bodies of endo. It involves cutting the endometriosis out like a cancer, as opposed to burning the surface of the disease and leaving the rest behind (called ablation). </div>
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<div sab="4899">
I began taking Norethindrone, a progesterone therapy. However, the first dosage amount did not help me. I continued to get painful cysts, which were so bad I couldn't lay on my side, and I often vomited from the pain. I struggled with my attendance at work, but without a diagnosis, I had no way to advocate for myself. I began to believe those who told me I was lazy, undependable, flaky, and weak. I began to internalize my disease and blame myself for not being strong enough to deal with my symptoms. My doctor increased my dosage, and after about 6 months, my periods stopped. I had been put into medical menopause, something I had not wanted, and was not prepared to deal with. But I figured it was my lot in life, that I had no other choice.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbODPn-bPjO0nMvUVaVlPtu2wvJ1Hxun86rBlHbd5hN-OckQzOZ61ZS9EHoDR54J10DZWBi3fteKTpV9UJKgVbuYVfUMzCHoU-8x1J87vykN0klYXz_M8sDsnOpeqyM1eDB3KMWRrCe3dj/s1600/IMG_0543.JPG" imageanchor="1" sab="4902" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbODPn-bPjO0nMvUVaVlPtu2wvJ1Hxun86rBlHbd5hN-OckQzOZ61ZS9EHoDR54J10DZWBi3fteKTpV9UJKgVbuYVfUMzCHoU-8x1J87vykN0klYXz_M8sDsnOpeqyM1eDB3KMWRrCe3dj/s1600/IMG_0543.JPG" height="640" sab="4903" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span sab="4905" style="font-size: x-small;">Fall 2008, my ovaries had finally shut down and I began experiencing weight gain and menopausal symptoms</span></div>
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<div sab="4907">
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<div sab="4908" style="text-align: center;">
<div sab="4909">
I stayed on progesterone for 4 years, living with menopausal symptoms in my early 20's. I experienced hot flashes, night sweats, fatigue, a change in metabolism that brought on 50lbs of weight gain, despite diet and exercise changes. The weight gain affected my overall health, with increase in blood pressure, cholesterol, and even fatty liver (thankfully, I worked even harder to change my diet, and the fatty liver resolved, even though I did not lose much weight). I eventually experienced feelings of helplessness and depression, believing there was no hope for me. That this was my life. I tried to adapt, but found it very difficult.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjSzGyIm7-jB5DKngQFJ21Be6DIFpwxycxIqoxyOGPcwWoMLtBUj4prMufwdyM4TpAG5A9ycz8mL86ZUblISbmetAU8uJqRvhdnEDAwQNU3vhKuCF6ZxBnjOF8zI48USdoHIUwtqVs4uPN/s1600/IMGP6469.JPG" imageanchor="1" sab="4912" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjSzGyIm7-jB5DKngQFJ21Be6DIFpwxycxIqoxyOGPcwWoMLtBUj4prMufwdyM4TpAG5A9ycz8mL86ZUblISbmetAU8uJqRvhdnEDAwQNU3vhKuCF6ZxBnjOF8zI48USdoHIUwtqVs4uPN/s1600/IMGP6469.JPG" height="424" sab="4913" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span sab="4915" style="font-size: x-small;">I started this sewing blog as a way to deal with my health problems. Sewing has given me the outlet I need when times get tough.</span></div>
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<div sab="4921">
In 2011, I went to a new gynecologist. I told her that I wanted to stop progesterone and have surgery. I wanted an official diagnosis, to know exactly what was going on in my body, and hopefully get it out of me. She told me it was not necessary, and suggested Lupron. She also referred me to a pelvic pain specialist after a failed attempt at a pelvic exam left me screaming and crying in her office. Without knowing the full potential side effects, I started Lupron, and began a new chapter in my life. </div>
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<div sab="4925">
Before I could take Lupron, I had to have a period. It was excruciating, more pain than I had ever experienced, with pulling, stinging, and burning when using the bathroom, along with severe cramps. I thought perhaps I had forgotten how bad my periods were. I had no idea that it was possible that my endometriosis, which produces its own estrogen and can effectively feed itself, could have been progressing while I was on hormonal suppression. The Lupron did bring relief, and I felt more like myself than I did on progesterone. However, I bled every two weeks, and as soon as it wore off, my pain was back. At this time, my bowel symptoms increased as well, and I experienced severe bowel attacks (painful cramping, sweating, nausea, dizziness, heart palpitations, and diarrhea that lasted for hours). I missed a lot of work, and eventually lost my nannying position (strangely enough, employed by a woman who also had endo), even after I explained the nature of my disease.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL6JkV9_W15wvjClZ6PMFIf_J0X1cuNUGK_hwUP77alo0-5cdjGU_06uLdr-I2CSM3gLe4a1ApTQOR-FB-rvx6zMKBztCzvq_9Sq31evLkzDU-RS9bHPM-gP-NpnII2_kd2J3YXK3R9iA0/s1600/IMG_1845.JPG" imageanchor="1" sab="4929" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL6JkV9_W15wvjClZ6PMFIf_J0X1cuNUGK_hwUP77alo0-5cdjGU_06uLdr-I2CSM3gLe4a1ApTQOR-FB-rvx6zMKBztCzvq_9Sq31evLkzDU-RS9bHPM-gP-NpnII2_kd2J3YXK3R9iA0/s1600/IMG_1845.JPG" height="640" sab="4930" width="478" /></a></div>
<div sab="4931">
<span sab="4932" style="font-size: x-small;">A cake my husband bought for me before my first surgery...I requested the phrase "Cut It Open" because I was finally going to get some answers</span></div>
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At the same time, in 2012, I met with yet another gynecologist, who I told I wanted surgery. She told me it was too soon, that my pain was controlled with hormonal suppression, so it was not worth the risks. I had now been living with endo for 14 years, and had been on hormonal suppression for 5 years. I was frustrated, but agreed to go back on Lupron (which can only be taken 6 months at a time, with at least a 6 month break in between). First, my doctor wanted to check my uterine lining, and sent me for an ultrasound. A few weeks later, because my doctor had been on vacation, I got a call that I had an ovarian cyst. I was not surprised; I had had so many already. But this time, it was not treated lightly. </div>
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My cyst was complex, and was measuring about 7cm in size, about as big as a chicken egg. Although she did not come right out and say it, one major concern was ovarian cancer. I was sent to a diagnostic ultrasound office, where a radiologist told me she could not rule out the chance that the cyst was cancerous. It would have to come out. </div>
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I was finally getting my surgery. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhayZQIT5ceD2CA2PZn9JZ_ncJGmzgn91FckLVWqVDYxyrdcP1uVb2dLbUoxWWWQaKNQFhrAhDb3UAu0YiVHGAqfdFKEOltf7zF1tZPKIeDqWtkiPtJshpN1QDQV56igynSinCOhiwibovW/s1600/IMG_1865.JPG" imageanchor="1" sab="4948" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhayZQIT5ceD2CA2PZn9JZ_ncJGmzgn91FckLVWqVDYxyrdcP1uVb2dLbUoxWWWQaKNQFhrAhDb3UAu0YiVHGAqfdFKEOltf7zF1tZPKIeDqWtkiPtJshpN1QDQV56igynSinCOhiwibovW/s1600/IMG_1865.JPG" height="640" sab="4949" width="478" /></a></div>
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<span sab="4951" style="font-size: x-small;">Waking up from my first surgery</span></div>
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At my July 2012 surgery, at age 27, I had stage III endometriosis, involving my pelvic wall, ovaries, and bladder. She said she could also see a visibly inflamed colon (not surprising, as adhesions had pulled it into an S shape), but she did not touch it. This surgery would not bring the relief I needed. Even though I asked this surgeon point blank if she could and would use excision to remove any endometriosis, and she assured me that she would, she used ablation. This burns the surface, leaving disease behind. Because of this, she told me that I would immediately need to try to have a baby, but because my husband and I weren't quite ready, I was put back on Lupron. Unfortunately, this time, it did not help. And the side effects were serious. </div>
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<div sab="4959">
A bone density scan revealed I had bone loss in my spine. My doctors had failed to ask about a history of bone degeneration, which had been found in my low back when I was 18. The damage was done...Lupron had made this worse, and I could no longer take it. Not only did I lose bone density, and a good amount of hair, I found no relief. My periods were just as bad, and within months, I was worse than I was before surgery. I had daily cramps, and was now struggling to get pregnant. </div>
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3 months into trying to conceive (TTC), my doctor told me I needed to see a reproductive endocrinologist. She found that I wasn't ovulating, and put me on the fertility drug Clomid. Unfortunately, she did not monitor me, and I developed a 5cm endometrioma, which eventually ruptured. I had extremely heavy bleeding, to the point that I was passing out, accompanied by passing large clots, dizziness, nausea, and severe pain. Free fluid was found during an ER visit, and my life changed.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcIvA27zTOUIAX0smKtN6daUe1muDcqH3bwhyphenhyphen03RhZKb07rEV-nyn4UsC7DtkYOQimfok6SsIYCKpxStzTUdWCv4ZwqxxdAF4fyiqOxYPuHVdu2NhJpxRJ1JmaBkh0tdAYihox9MxTFpfs/s1600/edit_92.JPG" imageanchor="1" sab="4967" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcIvA27zTOUIAX0smKtN6daUe1muDcqH3bwhyphenhyphen03RhZKb07rEV-nyn4UsC7DtkYOQimfok6SsIYCKpxStzTUdWCv4ZwqxxdAF4fyiqOxYPuHVdu2NhJpxRJ1JmaBkh0tdAYihox9MxTFpfs/s1600/edit_92.JPG" height="640" sab="4968" width="426" /></a></div>
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<div sab="4970">
<span sab="4971" style="font-size: x-small;">In February 2013, just two days after my ruptured endometrioma and trip to the ER, my husband and I held our wedding reception. Because I was in so much pain, I faked dancing by swishing my dress around. </span></div>
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<div sab="4975">
For the next 5 months, I lived in daily, debilitating pain. Most days, I could not get out of bed. I dropped out of graduate school, but continued to work 10-20 hours a week. The rest of the time, I was exhausted, and in pain. I had sharp, stabbing, pulling pains all over in my belly, and when I had my period, it felt like steel rods were inside my body. I couldn't even roll over in bed during my period. I continued to bleed heavily, pass clots, and have pain that I often could not even breathe through. The pain was indescribable. I needed help. </div>
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I turned to my gynecologist, who dismissed my pain, telling me it was impossible for my endo to grow back so quickly. She said the severe bowel symptoms and agonizing rectal pain must be a gastrointestinal issue, and referred me to a GI. When my colonoscopy came back normal, she threw her hands up and told me to just get pregnant. I begged her to help me, I begged for another surgery. In response, she told me that my endometrioma must have been a part of ovulation, and that another surgery would just put me at risk for complications. She told me she highly opposed a second surgery because my three week recovery from my first had been so bad. </div>
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A recovery. A recovery was not worth removing my endometriosis and relieving me of the hell I was living in. </div>
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I took matters into my own hands. I spent all my free time researching endometriosis, joining support groups, reading medical articles, and pursuing excision surgery. I knew that excision was my best chance at ridding myself of this disease. I sent my records to <a href="http://obgyn.slu.edu/index.php?page=center-for-endometriosis">Dr. Patrick Yeung</a> in St. Louis. Within two days, he called me (while on vacation) to tell me he had a plan to help me. </div>
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<div sab="4991">
In June 2013, I flew to St. Louis and had excision surgery. This video explains what he found. </div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/ajPK-AVuVKU?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<a href="http://youtu.be/ajPK-AVuVKU" sab="4999">Living with Endometriosis: a story of struggle and hope</a></div>
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For those who can't view the video (it is not available on mobile devices), my surgeon found severe inflammatory stage IV endometriosis. Adhesions had fused all of my pelvic organs, causing distorted anatomy. He excised 18 separate areas of endometriosis, confirmed by pathology including my bladder, uterus, both ovaries, peritoneum (lining of the pelvis), appendix, ureters, fallopian tube, left round ligament, cul-de-sac, pelvic brim, bilateral ovarian fossa, bilateral uterosacral ligament, and rectocervical space. I also had bowel endometriosis. My ovaries each contained an endometrioma, and were pulled behind my uterus and adhered to my posterior pelvic wall. My bladder was folding in on itself, my appendix was kinked into an S shape, my left Fallopian tube was kinked shut, and my rectum and vagina were glued together with dense adhesions (causing the rectal pain). I also had significant retroperitoneal fibrosis, scar tissue growing on my ureters which could have eventually blocked them off, leading to kidney failure. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlVC3Ft3rEMuGbV8_F0sqRMLUuTEGGoaexALbofCwjSNBuWyC0YSeZQL4DcDPBx8ZmSmkMaD02k3J4u7pXE5K49Rqw-64m69knWVJoVduFj_7mPUcr041jM1EvXCHKJLuBQVYa-v5dzcWJ/s1600/Capture.PNG" imageanchor="1" sab="5008" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlVC3Ft3rEMuGbV8_F0sqRMLUuTEGGoaexALbofCwjSNBuWyC0YSeZQL4DcDPBx8ZmSmkMaD02k3J4u7pXE5K49Rqw-64m69knWVJoVduFj_7mPUcr041jM1EvXCHKJLuBQVYa-v5dzcWJ/s1600/Capture.PNG" height="180" sab="5009" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span sab="5011" style="font-size: x-small;">Left: The end result of my first surgery, 2012. Right: What I was living with in 2013 just 11 months later. Adhesions had fused my pelvic organs, which should be able to move freely. Explains why it hurt to roll over in bed. My organs were being strangled.</span><br />
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<span sab="5011" style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">My gynecologist had put my life at risk by not listening to my pain. If I had not had surgery, endo would have destroyed my organs, could have led to a bowel obstruction or kidney failure by blocking my bowel and ureters. If my endometriosis had gone untreated by not having another surgery, I could have suffered life-threatening conditions. </span></span></div>
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And she was worried I would have a rough recovery?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Zygk-qe6IRE0hxen6jvJTScw7V0ZPlVgqorlcJYonTaFEnBhrOKOap2v9VT8jfeEO14bqdXqMz8XqKs86afs19u9ezf7UXAqaoXSCr0dqGZ4KUeUh7N-KMVtXmcnaWg11vJKOQTCyl7Y/s1600/photo+(28).JPG" imageanchor="1" sab="5018" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Zygk-qe6IRE0hxen6jvJTScw7V0ZPlVgqorlcJYonTaFEnBhrOKOap2v9VT8jfeEO14bqdXqMz8XqKs86afs19u9ezf7UXAqaoXSCr0dqGZ4KUeUh7N-KMVtXmcnaWg11vJKOQTCyl7Y/s1600/photo+(28).JPG" height="480" sab="5019" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span sab="5021" style="font-size: x-small;">My recovery from excision was far easier than my recovery from ablation. Instead of a 2 weeks in bed and 6 months of incision complications, I was up and about after a couple of days, and doing chores after 10 days.</span></div>
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Thankfully, in the months following my excision, I became a new woman. I could do things I hadn't done in over 10 years, like running and jumping, having boundless energy, and even having the ability to conceive a child. I started seeing a <a href="http://www.naprotechnology.com/">NaPro technology</a> doctor, recommended by my surgeon, and within two weeks of diagnosing and treating hormone imbalances, I was pregnant. We tried everything we could to support the pregnancy. Unfortunately I miscarried, and began having pelvic pain again. My NaPro doctor sent me for an MRI, which found something none of us expected. </div>
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I found out last week that I have two complex cysts on my right ovary which have tripled in size in a month, and now measure a total of 5cm.This is not totally unexpected, as ovarian endometriosis does recur even after excision. It is believed that endo is found deep inside the ovary and is pushed to the surface when a woman ovulates. What we did not expect was fluid in my left Fallopian tube. This may be something benign, or it might be leftover pregnancy tissue, which we now think may have been ectopic. Either way, a blocked tube puts me at risk for a future ectopic pregnancy, and the tube will need to be removed before we can safely move forward toward conceiving again.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc50NtCU34OQ1q4R-stIVUZoWpkquULuzVJpTfq76mvYA4NiKqAyOYQe88wbc2Xw8UA8MO9-NDg8uku66J6GfeciVZkEpR4vKMkkK5GKlduUT0qE1cCDnGHPYgSeZxBYDjvgqOmShe1_W4/s1600/image+(5).jpeg" imageanchor="1" sab="5033" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc50NtCU34OQ1q4R-stIVUZoWpkquULuzVJpTfq76mvYA4NiKqAyOYQe88wbc2Xw8UA8MO9-NDg8uku66J6GfeciVZkEpR4vKMkkK5GKlduUT0qE1cCDnGHPYgSeZxBYDjvgqOmShe1_W4/s1600/image+(5).jpeg" height="640" sab="5034" width="384" /></a></div>
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<span sab="5036" style="font-size: x-small;">Everything happens for a reason...the happiness I felt during this photo was like sunshine peeking between storm clouds</span></div>
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As it stands, I now face my third surgery in two years. I have scheduled it for July. What we will find, I do not know. What I do know is that I have an exceptional surgeon on my side, one of only 100 in the US who is meticulous and skilled enough to remove all of the visible disease. To me, the EndoMarch is my chance to share my story. It is my chance to give a voice to women with endometriosis, and fight for better diagnostic care and treatment. No one should live through what I lived through in the last few years. No one should be asked to leave disease in her body that will impede her ability to function, and to conceive and carry a child. </div>
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It is time for our voices to be heard. It is time to end the silence. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjeobnhtHVlhe1gtXGWA_JfS_5ZWyb-ntU75rXrS8RlTYtt5wkuIL8dNyuTpmMfsok93Y8CMd3DqXMp4TuYFnADXb2W6PlNAJa5Yif5t03Pzq0yXxXmzYNxMwnPfO-62WmWa8pTqlQsF8q/s1600/1395797_10101821271299520_1704439639_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" sab="5048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjeobnhtHVlhe1gtXGWA_JfS_5ZWyb-ntU75rXrS8RlTYtt5wkuIL8dNyuTpmMfsok93Y8CMd3DqXMp4TuYFnADXb2W6PlNAJa5Yif5t03Pzq0yXxXmzYNxMwnPfO-62WmWa8pTqlQsF8q/s1600/1395797_10101821271299520_1704439639_n.jpg" height="424" sab="5049" width="640" /></a></div>
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To find out more about the Million Woman March for Endometriosis, visit<br /><br /><a href="http://www.millionwomenmarch2014.org/">www.millionwomenmarch2014.org</a><br /><a href="http://silverrosesewing.blogspot.com/2014/01/bloggers-unite-for-endomarch-2014-week.html">Week 1: Why I'm EndoMarching</a><br /><a href="http://silverrosesewing.blogspot.com/2014/02/bloggers-unite-for-endomarch2014-week-3.html">Week 3: Letter to Congresswoman Tsongas</a><br /><a href="http://silverrosesewing.blogspot.com/2014/02/bloggers-unite-for-endomarch2014week-4.html">Week 4: Interview with Heather Guidone</a><br /><a href="http://silverrosesewing.blogspot.com/2014/02/bloggers-unite-for-endomarch2014-weeks.html">Week 5 & 6: Raising Awareness</a></div>
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Kelseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07679844664166206387noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4300905571560693667.post-4398876270051946232014-01-13T20:40:00.000-08:002014-02-19T13:11:41.974-08:00Bloggers Unite for #EndoMarch2014: Week 1 - Basic Info and Why I Am Marching<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://scontent-a-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/988870_694193780604983_2060943404_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://scontent-a-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/988870_694193780604983_2060943404_n.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Rocking my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Endo-Warrior-Shirt/672716886086006?ref=stream">Endo Warrior shirt</a></div>
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You may have read my last post, <a href="http://silverrosesewing.blogspot.com/2013/10/in-light-of-very-misogynist-article.html">A Message to my Endo Sisters</a>, but what you might not know is that I have become very active in the Endometriosis Support and Awareness community since my excision surgery in June. I flew halfway across the country to have my endometriosis excised, meaning the tissue was cut out completely, like a cancer. I have written some articles for an online women's health journal, Hormones Matter, about my experiences with Endo and some recipes that I have created for my anti-inflammatory diet. I have also joined several support groups online, and have met some amazing, inspiring women along the way.</div>
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I have been gearing up for the <b><a href="http://www.millionwomenmarch2014.org/">EndoMarch</a> in Washington, D.C. on March 13th, 2014. </b>The event will unite women, men, families, partners, doctors, nurses, and advocates whose lives have been changed by Endometriosis, a disease which affects nearly 176 million women and girls worldwide. <a href="http://www.nezhat.org/">Dr. Camran Nezhat</a> and his team have put months of effort and planning into this <b>worldwide event </b>to raise awareness, begin early detection screenings, advocate effective treatment, advance training for nurses and physicians, and allocate governmental funding for endometriosis. To find a team in your country, <a href="http://www.millionwomenmarch2014.org/country-captains/">click here</a>. </div>
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In the US, the EndoMarch will take place from 9am to 9pm, including live music, special guest speakers, a march on Capitol Hill, and a post-march dinner. <b>Registration is free</b>, and you can do so on the <a href="https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07e7x1bf8a3f0d760a&oseq=&c=&ch=">EndoMarch website</a>. I personally cannot wait to meet my Endo Sisters and have my voice heard!</div>
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As a Stage IV Endometriosis patient who has lived with this disease for nearly 15 years, and who has been given her quality of life back by a highly skilled excision specialist, I want to tell my story. I think it is incredibly important that girls and women know the signs and symptoms of this disease so that they can get effective treatment as early as possible. Endometriosis stole years of my life, jeopardized my career, destroyed my organs, and negatively impacted my fertility. I spent far too many years of my life on hormonal suppression therapies that came with their own complications. I gained a lot of weight, experienced menopausal symptoms, experienced impaired ovarian function, decreased bone density in my spine, and even lost a decent amount of my hair. The countless doctors I have seen for the pain and detectable complications (mainly, complex ovarian cysts) dismissed my requests for surgery, and gave the disease more time to destroy my body. It took 7 years after my first ER visit for a doctor to finally agree to perform an exploratory surgery. By then, the damage had been done.</div>
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Every doctor who comes in contact with women with pelvic pain needs to know what endometriosis is, how it can impact a woman's health, <b>effective</b> treatments with low risk of life changing side effects, and to whom they can refer the patient if they cannot effectively treat her pain (<a href="http://youtu.be/81dpitSGKNA">click here </a>to learn more about the difference between burning the surface of endometriosis [ablation or fulguration] and completely removing the disease [excision]). </div>
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Endometriosis does NOT contain itself to a woman's reproductive organs, and is <a href="http://centerforendo.com/askcec.htm#hyter">not cured by hysterectomy</a>. Endometriosis has been shown to produce its own estrogen, which feeds the disease. This is why women have pain even during and after hormonal suppression, complete hysterectomy, pregnancy, and menopause. At my excision surgery, just 11 months after my ablation surgery, endometriosis was found on my bowel, left round ligament, utero-sacral ligaments, cul-de-sac, pelvic brim, bladder, ovaries, ovarian fossa, appendix, rectocervical space, and one Fallopian tube. In total, 18 separate sites of confirmed endometriosis. </div>
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Endometriosis is NOT caused by infections, STDs, or retrograde menstruation. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21678420">Studies suggest</a> that endometriosis is laid down during embryonic development by dislocated endometrial tissue. In fact, patients have been found to have symptoms (such as bowel issues and endometriomas) prior to the onset of menses. The sooner we dispel the myths, the sooner we can start treating the disease effectively. </div>
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Endometriosis DOES come at a heavy price. Not only does endometriosis steal a <a href="http://endometriosis.org/news/opinion/albee-is-endometriosis-all-in-your-head/">woman's physical and emotional health,</a> but it steals her ability to be a productive member of her community. Despite our best efforts, many endometriosis patients have had to take significant time off from work and school. Many of us are barely able to leave our beds when our pain is at its worst. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17584822">A study</a> has shown that the health insurance and loss of productivity costs are estimated at $22 billion in the US alone. Endometriosis is worth allocating funding for research and medical professional training. </div>
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For all of these reasons, for myself and for my Endo Sisters, I am ready to stand up and have my voice heard. Endometriosis is a complex disease with the potential for serious complications. It is a disease that affects every aspect of a patient's life, and loved ones around her. Women with endometriosis deserve better than to be put on band-aid treatments that do not reduce or cure their disease. Endometriosis patients deserve better than to be brushed aside when doctors do not know what to do for them next. Endometriosis patients deserve effective treatment and recognition for the strength and courage they show as they fight this debilitating and life-changing disease. </div>
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I will be joining other bloggers for the next 10 weeks as we Unite for EndoMarch 2014!</div>
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I hope to see you all on March 13th!</div>
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<a href="http://www.millionwomenmarch2014.org/">www.millionwomenmarch2014.org/</a></div>
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<a href="http://silverrosesewing.blogspot.com/2014/01/bloggers-unite-for-endomarch-week-2.html" target="_blank">Week 2: My Endometriosis Story</a></div>
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<a href="http://silverrosesewing.blogspot.com/2014/02/bloggers-unite-for-endomarch2014-week-3.html" target="_blank">Week 3: Letter to Congresswoman Tsongas</a></div>
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<a href="http://silverrosesewing.blogspot.com/2014/02/bloggers-unite-for-endomarch2014week-4.html" target="_blank">Week 4: Interview with Heather Guidone</a></div>
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<a href="http://silverrosesewing.blogspot.com/2014/02/bloggers-unite-for-endomarch2014-weeks.html" target="_blank">Weeks 5 & 6: Raising Awareness</a></div>
Kelseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07679844664166206387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4300905571560693667.post-45211229051250879702013-10-22T12:47:00.002-07:002014-03-22T19:04:45.297-07:00A Message to my Endo Sisters<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4_NZDUZx_mv81F_uV1BiwSzdJSm5YRLoULnu7_JYyB-49PUlLxtLvwhPP2AkM-Oe2U6va9ETk1jANPJOmgRteWG57XTZcyS1VKOSsHnApJgmOEF1hbtxm5KqTZYgm8SQO5fDm-yEN5eXT/s1600/1395797_10101821271299520_1704439639_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4_NZDUZx_mv81F_uV1BiwSzdJSm5YRLoULnu7_JYyB-49PUlLxtLvwhPP2AkM-Oe2U6va9ETk1jANPJOmgRteWG57XTZcyS1VKOSsHnApJgmOEF1hbtxm5KqTZYgm8SQO5fDm-yEN5eXT/s640/1395797_10101821271299520_1704439639_n.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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In light of a very misogynistic article claiming that women with endometriosis can heal themselves of their disease by reconnecting with their womb, I feel the need to send out a message to my Endo Sisters. Rather than drive up traffic to the offending article, I'd rather speak directly to others who have been demeaned and demoralized. I have had this letter in some form for a while, but now feels like the right time to get it out there and let them know that they are strong, creative, determined, inspiring women no matter what anyone tries to tell them. </div>
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Ignore those who do not understand, and fight for what you know to be true. </div>
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Dear <i>Endo Sisters</i>,</div>
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Your disease does not define you.</div>
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Your disability does not define you.</div>
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Your body does not define you.</div>
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YOU define you. </div>
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Of course, your body is a big part of your life. It is the
vessel that carries you throughout your time on this earth. It is what you
leave behind when you die. Your experiences on earth are shaped by how your
body exists. Your genetic makeup, what you eat, how you make your living, where
you live. Many of the choices that you make, opportunities that are available to
you, and obstacles that you must overcome are affected by your body. </div>
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But that still does not define who you are, or what you are
capable of. </div>
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This is not something that I have always known. This is not
a truth that I was taught, or something that I heard that I thought was
valuable. This conclusion became clear to me after 10 years battling physical
obstacles, and thinking about experiences that are familiar to millions of other women. This one truth, that who you are in your soul defines you above all
else, came to me after some of my darkest days living with Stage IV Endometriosis.</div>
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In July 2012, I
was surgically diagnosed with then-Stage III endometriosis after a large
endometrioma required laparoscopic surgery. I had been tentatively diagnosed
for years, enduring severe physical side effects from suppressive therapies,
meant to stop my body’s natural cycles and prevent periods. I listened to my
doctors, never questioning that the treatments were right for me. After my
surgery, I was put on another round of Lupron treatment, a drug that was developed for prostate cancer, but is widely used to suppress ovulatory function in women
with endometriosis. When it was found that this drug caused bone loss in my
spine, my doctors told me that I had no other options, and that if I wanted to
get pregnant, I had to do it now. </div>
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Not long after, I was given the fertility drug Clomid to
jump-start my ovaries, which were not functioning after years of suppression. This
dramatically flared my disease, leaving me in intense, daily pain. I was unable to keep up with the
coursework in my graduate program, and barely able to work 20 hours a week. I
took medical leave from school, and begged my doctor for another surgery. </div>
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If ever there was a time when my body defined who I was,
that was it. Every waking moment of my life was consumed with thoughts about my
growing disease, my desperation to get pregnant, and my growing hatred for the
body I was stuck with. How could I be so sick? How could I be so weak? That was
not who I felt I was inside, and I grew to hate what I saw in the mirror: a
very, very sick person. </div>
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This stupid, pathetic body was getting in my way, making
me irritable, unfocused, incapable of following through with my commitments. I
could barely get myself dressed and accomplish a few chores without needing to
rest for several days. The worst part of this was that I started identifying
who I was on the inside with what was happening to my body. </div>
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My doctors’ aggressive approach to fertility made me even
angrier, and I began questioning their recommendations to push forth with
In-Vitro Fertilization, rather than having another exploratory surgery. How was
I going to be a mother when I didn’t even have the energy to take care of
myself? And how would my body handle the daily fertility drugs when it reacted
so badly to smallest dose before? </div>
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I had read about excision from another endometriosis patient
years ago, and decided to look into it. Excision surgery is a method of cutting
the disease out like a cancer, rather than suppressing it or burning just the
surface of the disease, while leaving the rest behind to grow again, as mine
did. I did nothing else for almost a month, learning everything I could about
excision, and joining online communities for women with Endometriosis. Finally,
I found a surgeon who said he could help me, who seemed to truly care not only
about my body and what was happening to it, but what I wanted to accomplish as
a person. I booked my out-of-state excision surgery for June 2013.</div>
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Dr. Yeung found the cause for all my pain and infertility: advanced Stage IV Endometriosis, binding my pelvic cavity into a jumbled,
inflamed mass. Every organ was covered in adhesions and endometriosis lesions. He
removed 20 abnormal tissue samples, 18 of which pathology confirmed as endometriosis. My
appendix was folded in on itself and had to be removed. My reproductive organs
were out of place. My ovaries, which each contained an endometrioma, were
adhered to the back of my pelvis, behind my uterus, and one fallopian tube
kinked shut. My bladder was beginning to fold in on itself, and my rectum was
glued to my vagina with dense adhesions that was causing my intense pain with
sitting, going to the bathroom, and enduring exams. My bowel had several
lesions that may require a future bowel resection, and my ureters had
significant scar tissue, or retro-peritoneal fibrosis.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Had I not advocated for myself, had I followed my gynecologist's advice and not had excision surgery, I would have been at risk for life threatening bowel obstructions and kidney failure.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After I awoke from surgery, my husband gave me a packet of
pictures taken by my surgeon, and a recording explaining each photograph, and
my diagnosis. Tears streamed down my face for all that my body had been
through. Tears of sadness and relief. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My body was not weak.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was not exaggerating my pain.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My body was sick. Very, very sick. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In the months since my surgery, my body has amazed me. It
has shown the strength, endurance, and power I felt inside, but could never
seem to show the world. Each day that I do something I couldn’t have
done six months ago, or even 10 years ago, I marvel at it. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My body is not weak.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am not weak. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am a strong person, filled with determination, passion,
and commitment.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am a person with a terrible disease. But it does not
define who I am.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now that I know this universal truth, that your body,
disease, disability does not define you, I am so much happier and grateful for
my life. I know that I live with this disease, that it affects what happens to
my body and how my body functions, but <b>I will never again believe for one
second that it reflects <i>who I am inside</i>.
</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>And neither should you. </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You are not your body. You are not your disease. You are not
a collection of symptoms. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Many people may judge you by your body, by its shortcomings,
or try to say that you are defined by your symptoms. Some preposterous people may even try to tell you that you caused your disease, that you have this disease because of some kind of emotional imbalance, that you can cure it by loving yourself more, or getting in touch with your uterus.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>I’m here to tell you not to listen.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You are not a whiner. Your body is sick. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You are not lazy. Your body is tired.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You are not a burden. Your body needs help. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You are not doomed to a life of suffering. You need a better
treatment. You need a true endometriosis specialist, one that can effectively perform excision surgery and recommend complimentary services, like physical therapy and nutrition. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You are a person who deserves respect, admiration, a chance
to be everything it is you want to be. You are a person who has fought your
entire life to show the world who you really are, despite obstacles that are
set in your path. A person who deserves the proven treatment, a chance at a
full life. Endometriosis does NOT resolve on its own, nor can it be cured with hormonal suppression, GnRH agonists and antagonists like Lupron and Elagolix, or by wishing it away or reconnecting with your uterus (if you still have one). <b>You deserve better than companies and individuals who would prey upon your suffering for their own profit.</b> You deserve medical professionals who
are trained and educated about your disease, who will listen to your symptoms
and can identify the real problem, or find someone else who can. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You, the strong, the incredible, the determined, the loved,
and the devoted. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now is the time to show the world what you are capable of,
and fight for the chance to achieve it!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Keep fighting! Let’s get our voices heard!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For more information about endometriosis, excision surgery, nutrition, and the Million Woman March, please visit the following links:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.endocenter.org/">Endometriosis Research Center</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.centerforendometriosiscare.com/">Center for Endometriosis Care</a><br />
<a href="http://obgyn.slu.edu/index.php?page=center-for-endometriosis">SLU Center for Endomeriosis</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://endometriosis.org/news/opinion/endometriosis-morbidity-can-it-be-prevented-with-early-diagnosis-and-complete-excision/">Endometriosis Morbidity: can it be prevented with early diagnosis and complete excision surgery</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://endometriosis.org/">endometriosis.org</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.thenutritionista.ca/">The Nutritionista</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/AskMeAboutMyEndo">Ask Me About My Endo</a></div>
Kelseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07679844664166206387noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4300905571560693667.post-91984738595475868222013-06-26T20:50:00.000-07:002013-06-27T16:13:15.275-07:00PERFECT Gluten-Free, Sugar-Free Nut Butter Cookies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGBmyBzSVnQLAveXsj1uyyWLLYaacTGH54QTisEjwiP8RgLEI9lovOfzegJGbe0CqIkCmslNyhnOdKuk_koXoF5gXFjGMvbhCXPyt5uoFVPeCpIiQPUj0uTH_BoE5S4QsIW0tZPH1Jz1Xu/s1600/nutbuttercookies.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGBmyBzSVnQLAveXsj1uyyWLLYaacTGH54QTisEjwiP8RgLEI9lovOfzegJGbe0CqIkCmslNyhnOdKuk_koXoF5gXFjGMvbhCXPyt5uoFVPeCpIiQPUj0uTH_BoE5S4QsIW0tZPH1Jz1Xu/s320/nutbuttercookies.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Sorry for the potato of a picture...I was too busy gobbling up these delicious cookies (for dinner, no less!) to reach for the SLR. I've been on my Endo Diet for about a 5 weeks now, and I've done pretty well sticking to it. No gluten, dairy, soy, chocolate, sugar, caffeine, or alcohol. I typically eat fruit if I get a sweet tooth, but tonight...fruit just wasn't cutting it! So I whipped up these tasty treats with what I had in my pantry, expecting them to be pretty boring and unsatisfying. Low and behold...they're amazing! Here's the recipe. </div>
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<b>Perfect Organic Gluten-Free, Sugar-Free Nut Butter Cookies</b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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Ingredients:</div>
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2 1/2 cups gluten-free oatmeal</div>
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3 tbs gluten-free flour (almond, coconut)</div>
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1 cup nut butter of your choosing (watch out for soy if you have endo!)</div>
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1 cup coconut oil</div>
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1/2 cup raw honey</div>
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1-2 tbs agave nectar</div>
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1 egg</div>
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1 tsp vanilla extract</div>
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1 tsp baking soda</div>
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pinch of salt</div>
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<br /></div>
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Directions:</div>
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Preheat your oven to 375*. Prepare two baking sheets with non-stick spray, or a thin layer of coconut oil. Run the oatmeal through your food processor for about 2 minutes, pulsing occasionally to ensure all oats are processed. This should look like a rough powder, not as fine as flour, but as fine as you can get it. Toss in the flour, salt, and baking soda. Pulse to combine evenly. Set aside. </div>
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Combine the coconut oil, nut butter, and honey in a large bowl, and mix on medium speed until creamy and well incorporated. Add the egg, agave, and vanilla, and mix on medium until smooth. </div>
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Add the dry ingredients in 3 batches, mixing on low-medium speed. When finished, the dough should be soft, but moldable. Use an ice cream scoop to portion out 12 cookies, evenly spaced on two baking sheets. Bake for 13 minutes, rotating for even cooking. </div>
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Allow to cool on a cooling rack for 10 minutes before devouring! </div>
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<br /></div>
Kelseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07679844664166206387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4300905571560693667.post-79920376763446189622013-06-05T12:43:00.000-07:002013-06-05T12:49:32.785-07:00A Day on the Endo Diet<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5v-ahK2JyGW1UWNCVLCOXn09mfKsrF8qIWKxoh2hjBFFlbtEYDNO2vUMOBa55YrPS2Wz1VDzrGbqbh4fscilSYLjl51B44T5QvfeZHZU7V7pnlt37eZu277serjpTAiqDVuEVRKk9y4TM/s1600/IMG_3357.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5v-ahK2JyGW1UWNCVLCOXn09mfKsrF8qIWKxoh2hjBFFlbtEYDNO2vUMOBa55YrPS2Wz1VDzrGbqbh4fscilSYLjl51B44T5QvfeZHZU7V7pnlt37eZu277serjpTAiqDVuEVRKk9y4TM/s640/IMG_3357.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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When I first decided to tackle a major diet change, I was intimidated, anxious, and a little indignant: why should I have to restrict myself so much? That's not fair! Well...now that I've put in a couple of weeks of change, my body looks and feels totally different. Ok...so maybe it is worth it. And to be honest, it wasn't that hard! The biggest difference I've noticed is a more regular...ahem...digestive system, and a huge decrease in belly bloat. I can't say for sure what exactly this is a result of: less inflammation, 5 lbs of weight loss, less...ahem...digestive trouble. </div>
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Whatever it is...I feel this diet is doing something good for me. So I'd like to share what a day on this diet looks like. (Shh...it's not all bad!)</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>A Day in the Life without Gluten, Sugar, Soy, Dairy, Chocolate, Caffeine, or Alcohol</b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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Breakfast:</div>
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This is the biggest change for me. I'm not a morning person (blame persistent nausea, fatigue, and back pain), and I am not known for waking early to make a big, healthy breakfast. However, on this diet, I can't eat what I used to have for a quick, on-the-go meal: cereal, yogurt, waffle, <i>donuts!</i> None of my go-to foods. So, I've made the commitment to wake a little early and make myself something healthy. This typically includes (all foods organic):</div>
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1 serving of gluten-free oatmeal made with rice milk</div>
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a handful of fruit (berries, peaches, banana) </div>
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wild, raw honey to taste </div>
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1 cup of fresh-brewed decaffeinated tea (usually herbal)</div>
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<br /></div>
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Lunch:</div>
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This wasn't a hard change. Lunch is typically my throw-away meal anyway, since I'm either running after kiddos, or busying myself with sewing or projects at home. My lunches are usually fairly small. Also, if I'm home, I sleep in pretty late to make up for my fatigue and exhaustion from work (hopefully this will change after my surgery!). So I usually eat a good, late breakfast, and don't need a big lunch. So I usually eat:</div>
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fresh veggies with hummus</div>
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fresh fruit</div>
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home-made granola or gluten-free muffin</div>
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nuts</div>
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OR</div>
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leftover dinner from the night before</div>
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<br /></div>
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Dinner:</div>
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This is the meal I actually don't usually cook. I've been so exhausted lately that by the end of the day, I'm done! We try to make large meals that can be eaten the next night, or as lunch. I've been known to make a crock pot meal and eat it all week. If you don't get tired of leftovers, it's a great way to take advantage of a good day when you have energy and make a great, big meal that can be picked on for several days. There are a LOT of foods that follow the diet, and I try to make sure my dinners include 1-2 types of veggies, a protein, and a grain or bean. Here's a list of foods we might eat separately or prepared in a stew, casserole, or stir-fry:</div>
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steamed veggies, like broccoli, corn, carrots, squash, parsnips (I like to microwave corn in the husk...it steams itself in 3 minutes!)</div>
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<b>organic</b> beef, turkey, or chicken (organic is super important, especially for chicken, at least with endo)</div>
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gluten-free grain, such as rice, quinoa, barley</div>
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beans</div>
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gluten-free pasta (I like to make a creamy sauce of avocado, basil, lemon juice, and a little olive oil)</div>
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<br /></div>
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I also snack on nuts and fruit when if I get the urge during the day. I allow myself to have honey or agave as a sweetener, and because I have to drink baking soda each night, I don't restrict myself from drinking juice or diet sodas. I use my Soda Stream to make sodas at home, and I try to drink 100% juice with no added sugar. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Do you have any great recipes that follow the diet? Feel free to follow me on <a href="http://pinterest.com/kelsrose22/boards/">Pinterest</a> as I grow my inventory of great tips and meal ideas!</div>
Kelseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07679844664166206387noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4300905571560693667.post-85467885235576793562013-06-03T19:18:00.000-07:002013-06-03T19:18:37.642-07:00The Endo Diet: Lemon Poppy Seed Blackberry Muffins<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ZHGMSMcHdy2MNlSXwV17AlJpBJcy50KE3Cg6c-Z9cE1LiSfz5cIPZsLJMpqDKhMaT2_UEPegAgah-LHr_gBzH7Mam6qaFpigUamF51p6zew5FzYdJkdlWJBdwefcl7p5YdEiS0ZOxE2O/s1600/photo+(23).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ZHGMSMcHdy2MNlSXwV17AlJpBJcy50KE3Cg6c-Z9cE1LiSfz5cIPZsLJMpqDKhMaT2_UEPegAgah-LHr_gBzH7Mam6qaFpigUamF51p6zew5FzYdJkdlWJBdwefcl7p5YdEiS0ZOxE2O/s640/photo+(23).JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I recently began following the Endo Diet, after reading Dr. Cook's book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Stop-Endometriosis-Pelvic-Pain-Doctor/dp/0984953574">Stop Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain</a>. I had thought about the diet before, but it wasn't until reading exactly why the diet is suggested that I decided to give it a try. The Endo Diet cuts out inflammatory foods, that could add to a inflammation caused by an existing disease. It also cuts out foods that would increase the amount of estrogen in the body, which feeds the disease. The Endo Diet involves cutting out gluten, soy, dairy, sugar, chocolate, caffeine, and alcohol. It also involves eating organic foods as much as possible. Talk about a BIG change! I'm two weeks into the diet, and I'm finding it doable. I allow myself honey and agave as sweetener, decaffeinated tea, and fruit juice or diet soda for my kidney treatment, which is drinking a teaspoon of baking soda a day. That is the only thing I won't give up. Do you know how terrible baking soda tastes? I have to have a decent cover-up! In any case, today I made a couple snacks that follow what I call the "No Fun" diet. I thought I'd share the recipe for the Lemon Poppy Seed Blackberry Muffins.</div>
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I adapted them from <a href="http://thelemonbowl.com/2012/09/almond-flour-berry-muffins-gluten-free.html">this recipe from The Lemon Bowl</a>. They turned out fairly good, considering that there wasn't any sugar or butter. They are a little drier than I am used to, so next time I might add something like applesauce or banana to give them a bit more of a moist texture. With a little sugar-free jam, I bet they would be fantastic! Sadly, I have none. :(</div>
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<b>The Endo Diet: Lemon Poppy Seed Blackberry Muffins</b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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Ingredients (all organic): </div>
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2 cups gluten-free flour (I used Trader Joes' brand)</div>
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1/2 tsp baking soda</div>
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1/4 tsp salt</div>
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2 eggs</div>
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2 egg whites</div>
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1/4 cup raw wild honey</div>
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2 tbs coconut oil</div>
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2 tsp vanilla</div>
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zest and juice of 1 lemon</div>
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1 tbs poppy seeds</div>
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1 cup blackberries</div>
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<br /></div>
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Instructions:</div>
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1. Preheat the oven at 350*.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
2. Whisk flour, baking soda, and salt in a small bowl. Set aside. </div>
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3. Combine eggs, egg whites, honey, coconut oil, vanilla, lemon zest, and lemon juice with a mixer until well incorporated. </div>
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4. Add the dry ingredients in 3 batches, combining well each time. When batter is smooth, add poppy seeds.</div>
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5. Fold in blackberries and ladle evenly into muffin pan. My mixture made 10 muffins, filled almost to the top.</div>
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6. Bake 25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool, and enjoy!</div>
Kelseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07679844664166206387noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4300905571560693667.post-69172700789162605972013-06-01T10:46:00.000-07:002013-06-01T10:47:57.841-07:00Train Conductor Vest<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdBoEwE56i9jdKo3qftTgvN7e4IQYHC2_zyejvrX1NnMtKGfCyfIeG9DBvVTmYRQGudCMBVfsG8MS-w2KFw4Mqr2fKARGDi0Y3Xrt_sZPxOu22NSHohVgPPFbiKZCLsZ5r7sVd5gqHzwfw/s1600/vest1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdBoEwE56i9jdKo3qftTgvN7e4IQYHC2_zyejvrX1NnMtKGfCyfIeG9DBvVTmYRQGudCMBVfsG8MS-w2KFw4Mqr2fKARGDi0Y3Xrt_sZPxOu22NSHohVgPPFbiKZCLsZ5r7sVd5gqHzwfw/s640/vest1.jpeg" width="478" /></a></div>
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I recently bought <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Oliver-Little-Things-Sew-Accessories/dp/1584799102/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1370108143&sr=1-1&keywords=oliver+and+s+patterns">Oliver and S Little Things to Sew</a>, and the first pattern I tried out was the Explorer Vest. Her version is so cute and whimsical...all teal and yellow and so perfectly vintage. One of the little boys I take care of is really into trains, as many little boys his age are. I told him I wanted to make him a vest, and together we came up with the idea for the Conductor Vest. I chose a grey pinstripe I had from a dress idea that I never got around to, and incorporated his favorite color: red!</div>
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I had the red lining left over from my attempt at making holiday bears a couple years ago (wow...a couple years ago. Sheesh, time flies!). The pattern doesn't call for lining fabric, but I wanted to give the vest a special touch!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCKupTuAoi5Xbra4WJG-F0DUKc5N97lZqOqOREqjscVldvw5bg_SsN57RAORjLM1RhQ8mjtvn5OHK3scuUlvqWGb_DIVDyT3VS9AtRVnVjUkkYlPubgM_88RolYQgnrznf5OlmPVuTSUC8/s1600/vest2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCKupTuAoi5Xbra4WJG-F0DUKc5N97lZqOqOREqjscVldvw5bg_SsN57RAORjLM1RhQ8mjtvn5OHK3scuUlvqWGb_DIVDyT3VS9AtRVnVjUkkYlPubgM_88RolYQgnrznf5OlmPVuTSUC8/s640/vest2.jpeg" width="478" /></a></div>
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I think it is perfect for a little conductor! He likes to pretend he is taking us to the North Pole on the Polar Express. :)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw3tg8YayPIFFHggxsDcK5yI0g9DFFsrxtsYHGjb3hHgPICifzMN5gJ503UNjT3sOoMc7IPmh0Vzyx1pbICfeRVFBFSRFIhyphenhyphentPjtl-XyLAr0V76kfxACcvyMKp6qJn5PsGjIDm5LkczJVb/s1600/vest4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw3tg8YayPIFFHggxsDcK5yI0g9DFFsrxtsYHGjb3hHgPICifzMN5gJ503UNjT3sOoMc7IPmh0Vzyx1pbICfeRVFBFSRFIhyphenhyphentPjtl-XyLAr0V76kfxACcvyMKp6qJn5PsGjIDm5LkczJVb/s640/vest4.jpeg" width="478" /></a></div>
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I added his formal title to the back pocket. ;) Sorry for the photo quality...hubby was switching lenses on his camera, so I had to use my phone.</div>
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I didn't have any bias tape, so I tried using ribbon instead. While very cute, it didn't work that well around the arms. Trying to mend that this weekend, since it started pulling away when he wore the vest. Overall, the pattern was pretty easy. I adapted it a bit to how I wanted to use it, but I definitely recommend checking out the book. There are some really cute ideas!</div>
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Kelseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07679844664166206387noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4300905571560693667.post-19180265172415177812013-05-17T14:11:00.000-07:002013-05-17T14:11:23.828-07:00The Nanny Bag Tutorial <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh45mOLr_9wmzQS1vxKzFyljqyg1p01rNImnS7SmlKudidYK3Pd4EEIl7VTdtKPeMYGTfA0_XbCPQonvV4Bt_tWxXGpy4S174dl54PvbcJa2I4vuwjQusaIa3yb6CH7LmwDlhtiQKjnKF2_/s1600/JIMC3972.jpgprint.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh45mOLr_9wmzQS1vxKzFyljqyg1p01rNImnS7SmlKudidYK3Pd4EEIl7VTdtKPeMYGTfA0_XbCPQonvV4Bt_tWxXGpy4S174dl54PvbcJa2I4vuwjQusaIa3yb6CH7LmwDlhtiQKjnKF2_/s640/JIMC3972.jpgprint.jpg" width="422" /></a></div>
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<span id="goog_1303975645"></span><span id="goog_1303975646"></span>It's here! The tutorial! It's a long one, and to be honest, it was a long process, but it was completely worth it to have a custom designed bag. I used it yesterday, and man...there is no purse better! And it is a lot better than the diaper bag I was using, which was too small with too few usable pockets. See, that diaper bag had elastic pockets on the inside, which took up room from the interior space. I ended up piling stuff on top of stuff, which made it difficult to access and find everything. My bag has elastic pockets on the outside, and flat pockets inside, in the attempt at efficiency. So far, so good! When you make your bag, think about the things you carry with you, and customize the pockets accordingly. Here's how I packed my things yesterday:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6aHD8lavUKz8SQP5M_lvrv2dZgNMg-yriZOeaAh_Bboy6Pz03VZsEcJD8a8GZdkZYBiqnhKSFQfNPuH_sGXFmzCb7D3JHdaro3evVEp2ZjJXsvyG12pQY5xfTPStZ71Pmt6qGg0xWYSZg/s1600/page.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6aHD8lavUKz8SQP5M_lvrv2dZgNMg-yriZOeaAh_Bboy6Pz03VZsEcJD8a8GZdkZYBiqnhKSFQfNPuH_sGXFmzCb7D3JHdaro3evVEp2ZjJXsvyG12pQY5xfTPStZ71Pmt6qGg0xWYSZg/s640/page.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I packed: sunscreen, my lunch/snacks (not shown), multiple drinks (shown here with my things, but in reality, I packed the kids' things when I got there), sunglasses, Purell, a sweater, my medication pack with Epipen/benedryl, feminine products, keys, lip gloss, a pen, an iPad, wallet, comb, and diapers. Plus, when I got to work, I packed the portable collapsible potty, extra snacks, extra pants/underpants for the 3 year old, and still had room to spare! I made my bag with a cross-the-body strap, because I find that the most comfortable option, and it leaves me hands-free for pushing strollers, holding hands, or running around at the park. </div>
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Obviously, the "Nanny Bag" is a great diaper bag for anyone chasing kiddos around, so if you're a mom, dad, grandparent, older sibling...whatever! This is a great bag for you. ;) So here we go.</div>
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<b>The Nanny Bag</b></div>
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You will need: (all measurements are approximate)</div>
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1 yard each of exterior, interior fabrics, and pocket lining</div>
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3/4 yard exterior pocket/strap fabric</div>
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2 yards fusible fleece</div>
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contrasting thread</div>
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contrasting 14 inch zipper</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHLc9TfrNhn4AzQp327ic4tlq4XvJWCv87N3hgx_epkPRZ8aEMD2K0ar4yrhmFB8WpVpUaBPDlE2kxlzdhmsfOMZaYFEjW1pHysFvI_Bg1RhtKiIseghzJujtqS-Evi2aQ65JDOrxXuN1Q/s1600/JIMC3901.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHLc9TfrNhn4AzQp327ic4tlq4XvJWCv87N3hgx_epkPRZ8aEMD2K0ar4yrhmFB8WpVpUaBPDlE2kxlzdhmsfOMZaYFEjW1pHysFvI_Bg1RhtKiIseghzJujtqS-Evi2aQ65JDOrxXuN1Q/s640/JIMC3901.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Cut your pieces. All are simple rectangles. You'll need:</div>
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19.5 x 13.5 inches - front and back</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>fabric A (x2), fusible fleece (x4), fabric B (x2)</div>
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19.5 x 6 inches - bottom</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>fabric A (x2), fusible fleece (x2)</div>
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13.5 x 7 inches (to allow for expansion) - sides</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>fabric A (x2), fabric B (x2)</div>
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27 x 8 inches - elastic exterior pockets</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>fabric C (x2), fabric D (x2)</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>19.5 inches elastic (x2)</div>
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8 x 7 inches - side pockets</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>fabric C (x2), fabric D (x2)</div>
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19.5 x 11 - interior pockets</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>fabric D (x4)</div>
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39 x 2.5 (or more) inches - strap</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>fabric C (x2), fusible fleece</div>
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19.5 x 9 inches - removable pouch</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>fabric A (x2), fabric D (x2)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwsWSvAGYZD-7GnV8Sk8vXvqD8xAVfcDx560lf0Acivr16Xq2xvf3da2B1RvPyZfSMeapLohr3nNzcADVWj8vfAVBSx0T0WmFUZsBG8cCFLk6weTtDDu58O_AQZY9YqfeTo-EztRVT7Ve1/s1600/JIMC3903.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwsWSvAGYZD-7GnV8Sk8vXvqD8xAVfcDx560lf0Acivr16Xq2xvf3da2B1RvPyZfSMeapLohr3nNzcADVWj8vfAVBSx0T0WmFUZsBG8cCFLk6weTtDDu58O_AQZY9YqfeTo-EztRVT7Ve1/s640/JIMC3903.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I didn't use interfacing, I just went with the fleece. In retrospect, it would have been useful for when the bag is not so full, and should I make another, I might use it. When I looked at other DIY diaper bags on Pinterest, I kind of liked the ones that were softer, and this one really does feel nice and comfy. I'll update you if I decide I can't stand the soft version, but so far, I love it! So...just the fleece to fuse! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLVbgXSLIb8uMqL4l-kN1LvUuFZ8xNKT4PU0_ZAK2GGgRz0KZ9F33vc-QbuNPMtHVonBdZL0LNe7m-EOkot80vsxYT7Ym3E6lPbpeQFhbus39FPj2-n_TtWkGMKGpeFC-rYmeOpcabJset/s1600/JIMC3904.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLVbgXSLIb8uMqL4l-kN1LvUuFZ8xNKT4PU0_ZAK2GGgRz0KZ9F33vc-QbuNPMtHVonBdZL0LNe7m-EOkot80vsxYT7Ym3E6lPbpeQFhbus39FPj2-n_TtWkGMKGpeFC-rYmeOpcabJset/s640/JIMC3904.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Attach your fusible fleece to all applicable pieces: front and back, bottom, and sides for exterior and interior of the bag. Place the fleece on the ironing board, glue side up. You're going to attach it to the <b>back</b> of your fabric, so place your fabric <b>right side up</b> on top of the glue-side of the fleece. Next, using the steam function, heat set for the fabric type you're using, steam and press. My fabric was a heavy polyester...I ended up using a setting that was slightly hotter than would have been recommended, because it didn't seem to be penetrating through to the glue well. It was tricky to do this and not harm the fabric. Gentle touch!! I also had to iron again to making everything nice and smooth. Anyhoo...allow it to dry/cool, and you're ready to roll. </div>
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Trim any extra edges.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBxbDVdXaIVr-zehw_c21lqcfrx1azSfl5nsNCCimknP8mDDro9qRK1S2NVJPtABo5ce39R-BU5vU1wcq5K2QMWLFiZc9c4nZUtUuHH_08DzzE_1CmPoOl6dDy8tP8EsPrbMB-Rvw8VmUB/s1600/JIMC3917.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBxbDVdXaIVr-zehw_c21lqcfrx1azSfl5nsNCCimknP8mDDro9qRK1S2NVJPtABo5ce39R-BU5vU1wcq5K2QMWLFiZc9c4nZUtUuHH_08DzzE_1CmPoOl6dDy8tP8EsPrbMB-Rvw8VmUB/s640/JIMC3917.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Next, start construct the exterior pockets. Sew the exterior pocket fabric and lining, right sides together, leaving a small opening to turn inside out later. </div>
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Before turning inside out, sew your elastic to the two ends at the top of the pocket.</div>
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Here you can see it attached. The elastic is only sewn into the the edges, since you will be turning it inside out and top stitching to create a band. There are several ways to sew elastic into a garment. In waist bands, I make a pocket, then thread the elastic through. You could do that, or you could sew with elastic thread. This is just how I did it in the moment, and it worked pretty well. </div>
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Clip the corners...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx5sP35Cu6txLejx1Ric8kzVvKaWY9OBZGtQz5eNLyQ9EbmpxYKsoTI6pujX3hwLeOHGYjwcZmZ_iquvybDBJtO2b7-oLGr0nxNnyQVrVGFBixdiZW15df3Uj91Iov8W7rGOvBYPef9ty6/s1600/JIMC3920.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx5sP35Cu6txLejx1Ric8kzVvKaWY9OBZGtQz5eNLyQ9EbmpxYKsoTI6pujX3hwLeOHGYjwcZmZ_iquvybDBJtO2b7-oLGr0nxNnyQVrVGFBixdiZW15df3Uj91Iov8W7rGOvBYPef9ty6/s640/JIMC3920.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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...and turn the pocket inside out. I leave mine fairly small (perhaps I like a challenge!), but if you want an easier time turning inside out, leave a larger space.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6-zcHQYqhA6PEY0P3hm_HQp6dQ2MTgRPKO-A5Uc08c8_FTuREI6zFYxERFo6URg9qDn6eOUo9jzrWI2oHhRkmNalM6iMZJuC3btclg8yj70cyNetjduHAAucDyX8T6U6UpvBQNbpXBKuz/s1600/JIMC3922.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6-zcHQYqhA6PEY0P3hm_HQp6dQ2MTgRPKO-A5Uc08c8_FTuREI6zFYxERFo6URg9qDn6eOUo9jzrWI2oHhRkmNalM6iMZJuC3btclg8yj70cyNetjduHAAucDyX8T6U6UpvBQNbpXBKuz/s640/JIMC3922.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxXzMz7ty0C-h1qjRJMqNnSohIRI3uIx8QQL7fDKA5_4DAapvsxFrLKhsT_bm-A52b_W5dE9AprRKjcz-Tb4TpR8tlP3EiHwXLuFaKlHfjrVJ57OcIEx7jhlcbAFf34EJuQbeMSUi1As8f/s1600/JIMC3923.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxXzMz7ty0C-h1qjRJMqNnSohIRI3uIx8QQL7fDKA5_4DAapvsxFrLKhsT_bm-A52b_W5dE9AprRKjcz-Tb4TpR8tlP3EiHwXLuFaKlHfjrVJ57OcIEx7jhlcbAFf34EJuQbeMSUi1As8f/s640/JIMC3923.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSDeRJoFucK2CjxbQS7uzySXDBI43UUaSgr69Mo3MayD_J8SDtGFEcP3E5KKWfyumZYaSy_DkcW48oSxST73L50pNlOmbRN-UkzpHW6FUD2nUiBWl6F1OyaquSqLutR0F_HevBiVH_lvti/s1600/JIMC3911.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSDeRJoFucK2CjxbQS7uzySXDBI43UUaSgr69Mo3MayD_J8SDtGFEcP3E5KKWfyumZYaSy_DkcW48oSxST73L50pNlOmbRN-UkzpHW6FUD2nUiBWl6F1OyaquSqLutR0F_HevBiVH_lvti/s640/JIMC3911.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Sew the opening closed.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYLXax1EP_FxKqItJtnMm84iRGPRmrP7DUycDTsJQ952or_Wvw1RxMsG7kFSkUU61C7gbGa5BI-hd2qWY6ow8IYHlgmwakpYVvi_dULWHNgbTVm3H3gi8OI5E_cR9JdVFb62v2AuJXfCb1/s1600/JIMC3910.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYLXax1EP_FxKqItJtnMm84iRGPRmrP7DUycDTsJQ952or_Wvw1RxMsG7kFSkUU61C7gbGa5BI-hd2qWY6ow8IYHlgmwakpYVvi_dULWHNgbTVm3H3gi8OI5E_cR9JdVFb62v2AuJXfCb1/s640/JIMC3910.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Press your seams, and your pocket should look something like this.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd14xgpX1nOfqfDXGE4K7hbfDRKjVKy0V1RkP6F6XzEzXgozIgMzld2SeibYzmEQu_e8wPDiGB5E6bHwAZrtWvx6vIUvYQM3rmfGZ7b0yqrOqDUaSdP3fylCtbbv9VVmxPYBmlE_BuwDzA/s1600/JIMC3912.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd14xgpX1nOfqfDXGE4K7hbfDRKjVKy0V1RkP6F6XzEzXgozIgMzld2SeibYzmEQu_e8wPDiGB5E6bHwAZrtWvx6vIUvYQM3rmfGZ7b0yqrOqDUaSdP3fylCtbbv9VVmxPYBmlE_BuwDzA/s640/JIMC3912.JPG" width="422" /></a></div>
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Next, top stitch to the left of the elastic to create a band and keep the elastic in place. Be careful not to sew over the elastic. It should be able to stretch freely. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7AypIQqMzOUvUbDDz2mNez2aMj7lmCsBEgJ1W-XOL6FTNWDXXZ16smC_5H7Apd61OEbb7xgjH1Rn9H1VWT8ciOB_mbhAFXZTQJXYxc5VGcCRmfPZ_zw0Vc1kUULU3wt-qYfwupT9Q06xb/s1600/JIMC3914.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7AypIQqMzOUvUbDDz2mNez2aMj7lmCsBEgJ1W-XOL6FTNWDXXZ16smC_5H7Apd61OEbb7xgjH1Rn9H1VWT8ciOB_mbhAFXZTQJXYxc5VGcCRmfPZ_zw0Vc1kUULU3wt-qYfwupT9Q06xb/s640/JIMC3914.JPG" width="422" /></a></div>
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You'll need to hold onto the end of the elastic to keep things straight. Stretch as you sew.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcIbv0JWW6ofeCxDcDwkIiYXvthHyT6iT3coYA1ZXD-Cd7j2Gb1O6KwVnUI3unwsuNe5RJyAK3d_e5IqJo8Nh0ftTHPxXbkLMLKEF6MGrn0cOyZyUqARMCJIS0-VVEP2dXRnSEineogjqF/s1600/JIMC3915.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcIbv0JWW6ofeCxDcDwkIiYXvthHyT6iT3coYA1ZXD-Cd7j2Gb1O6KwVnUI3unwsuNe5RJyAK3d_e5IqJo8Nh0ftTHPxXbkLMLKEF6MGrn0cOyZyUqARMCJIS0-VVEP2dXRnSEineogjqF/s640/JIMC3915.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Your finished pocket should now look like this!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4FEm-TaWNtDcOSrI8fN4_VGB90JQyjuDr7v6Oo1dRSl20uD55QVpw5aozlY8V9-En4_Hi_paJxWb4nD-6ORDacHRBeiokjnlb8fy9F3URRC4PmJUiupyOJowf_QwLiAvuWc6acDaW96AQ/s1600/JIMC3924.jpgprint.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4FEm-TaWNtDcOSrI8fN4_VGB90JQyjuDr7v6Oo1dRSl20uD55QVpw5aozlY8V9-En4_Hi_paJxWb4nD-6ORDacHRBeiokjnlb8fy9F3URRC4PmJUiupyOJowf_QwLiAvuWc6acDaW96AQ/s640/JIMC3924.jpgprint.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Now, you're going to decide your pocket placement. You can play around with how many separations, how big they should be, how high or low to place them. I left a couple of inches at the bottom, with my pocket sitting somewhat lower than the center. I used a water bottle to help me create sizes for two pockets for bottles/drinks, and left a larger pocket for snacks. You will pin vertically where you want your pockets separated, and top stitch along them. I added red lines to help show what I'm trying to explain. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPkB-mgD9BcZJapiqbRTVBpXVP7NMrPc8mwlakQGC7KbgwcgYd7OhmlBtnYk1tE8L1mZ9kFInxuouwxCfUP3TEiiJTn9RX15a2HMPtrQj2rD3U6f-hSsRBd9MdAplUO7EQhzRkvHkwtv1N/s1600/JIMC3925.jpgprint.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPkB-mgD9BcZJapiqbRTVBpXVP7NMrPc8mwlakQGC7KbgwcgYd7OhmlBtnYk1tE8L1mZ9kFInxuouwxCfUP3TEiiJTn9RX15a2HMPtrQj2rD3U6f-hSsRBd9MdAplUO7EQhzRkvHkwtv1N/s640/JIMC3925.jpgprint.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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You can see how I pinned the outer edges first, pinned vertically where I wanted the pockets to separate, and pleated the bottom of the pocket so there would be room for expansion. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBQiuABRJ3o4W_Kk0giXZ-zD477x24339TkkCvS6Pd2WIvquyTFD46qZThyphenhyphen2pIeWRd2UWxy9EBvTRUeXw6wZqmoYFwOaPa8X18XH9IkgZyM_dIv4Cbz5GESiJ_YfbFjKRRZvd6HtYlL4J6/s1600/JIMC3927.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBQiuABRJ3o4W_Kk0giXZ-zD477x24339TkkCvS6Pd2WIvquyTFD46qZThyphenhyphen2pIeWRd2UWxy9EBvTRUeXw6wZqmoYFwOaPa8X18XH9IkgZyM_dIv4Cbz5GESiJ_YfbFjKRRZvd6HtYlL4J6/s640/JIMC3927.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Sew along your pins. Now your exterior back and front are done. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge7_-xIUbkfe6txzAiTWVipXS7cEffHMaXlrVJu6Gel-TBDzG_pxSBbV6bsIAK2xXXrlZTaxB1pSqlEUNMgB5T1wlw7IexP0jO5dE9-MbWRU9_FXZTwk7YO-UsCcmiRbGm7mrtP5l-qK4c/s1600/JIMC3934.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge7_-xIUbkfe6txzAiTWVipXS7cEffHMaXlrVJu6Gel-TBDzG_pxSBbV6bsIAK2xXXrlZTaxB1pSqlEUNMgB5T1wlw7IexP0jO5dE9-MbWRU9_FXZTwk7YO-UsCcmiRbGm7mrtP5l-qK4c/s640/JIMC3934.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The side pockets are the same basic construction without the elastic. Sew the exterior and lining right sides together, leaving a space open, and turn inside out. Press the edges, and sew onto the side panels. You could mark off pockets for items you typically carry, likes keys or phone.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGlmFp9_jAAJ96gPdlLIIRbiwSa95-odxyGhn3mMqTVvuGVXjux_EH7NdXTLNFaz7RFr08NnqwplW0IMz_hQ6k935jFy4aQRchHFTvBkHMNq2wQXiQ9mVY5n6YPWZxAG-M2J1zRZh6w9AC/s1600/JIMC3928.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGlmFp9_jAAJ96gPdlLIIRbiwSa95-odxyGhn3mMqTVvuGVXjux_EH7NdXTLNFaz7RFr08NnqwplW0IMz_hQ6k935jFy4aQRchHFTvBkHMNq2wQXiQ9mVY5n6YPWZxAG-M2J1zRZh6w9AC/s640/JIMC3928.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Next, we're going to construct the exterior of the bag. Pin your bottom panel to the bottom of the front panel, right sides together. Sew, and repeat with the back.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg32l5QVIywY93fMVTu87ov1lZbNiLlN18OjBuTg_y3Qe8bmp0W8QwG-C72-3mZhQwjVcC6_OH09t2Am3ManYwGQwQLz8V-Scb1T7Or7nC0lk71SImSkZ0Sp-nQ7DdqmCbDbDsmDRAQVrKF/s1600/JIMC3931.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg32l5QVIywY93fMVTu87ov1lZbNiLlN18OjBuTg_y3Qe8bmp0W8QwG-C72-3mZhQwjVcC6_OH09t2Am3ManYwGQwQLz8V-Scb1T7Or7nC0lk71SImSkZ0Sp-nQ7DdqmCbDbDsmDRAQVrKF/s640/JIMC3931.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Opened up, it should look like this.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjthe3PE2FXwWmPdXmrquSSmm2lvZYMuQKc9quNHAhh3Sh5aTzM2MHX4vTW0xmytjlqOKRH4ViDitdkaHyecVsbUsP4Y7roDcRsBoNR4odGxqz5GITmI3pDJgKmvhXzmnyL2Gp8aTfFPiHQ/s1600/JIMC3935.jpgprint.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjthe3PE2FXwWmPdXmrquSSmm2lvZYMuQKc9quNHAhh3Sh5aTzM2MHX4vTW0xmytjlqOKRH4ViDitdkaHyecVsbUsP4Y7roDcRsBoNR4odGxqz5GITmI3pDJgKmvhXzmnyL2Gp8aTfFPiHQ/s640/JIMC3935.jpgprint.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Do the same with the side panels. It will look like this when it is flat. Here's a makeshift diagram on where to sew! (Isn't it terrible helpful?!?!). Press the seams open when you get to this step.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX2xY_5BVj7vjKCwEttAMOtplHpcfa_73CQLm1KXoBWhWLpOtGtUV5FsZZYyq4KA6CjL5PQ9E9QDtBRc8IFCL5Bf05iwe6ZOfdhPeuBt_-H0F2jBPNP_vAEEWAnLFdD7NJM-RZLcb3agy2/s1600/JIMC3937.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX2xY_5BVj7vjKCwEttAMOtplHpcfa_73CQLm1KXoBWhWLpOtGtUV5FsZZYyq4KA6CjL5PQ9E9QDtBRc8IFCL5Bf05iwe6ZOfdhPeuBt_-H0F2jBPNP_vAEEWAnLFdD7NJM-RZLcb3agy2/s640/JIMC3937.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The trickiest part was sewing the bottom to the side panels. Maybe another blogger can be more helpful, but I just kind of pinned and did my best! :) Where there was extra fabric, I just pleated it a little. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2ag1ZHEIM5kswqJZZPhC-3wQ_yMn7hITEYcXItHIiaMLcGf-1Lm2R16FDMK36yRgv-KJ9CcMrJpa7ttHyqq71SH2Gw-QNps9o6CVvO0ZWpjgDhKg-_GVOk0M4T6H-n2SnDa_0WKQvsKpY/s1600/JIMC3938.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2ag1ZHEIM5kswqJZZPhC-3wQ_yMn7hITEYcXItHIiaMLcGf-1Lm2R16FDMK36yRgv-KJ9CcMrJpa7ttHyqq71SH2Gw-QNps9o6CVvO0ZWpjgDhKg-_GVOk0M4T6H-n2SnDa_0WKQvsKpY/s640/JIMC3938.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Make sure to pull the corners out a bit so that you don't sew it by accident and make more work for yourself picking seams!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeUQwDSLkRPkXGNDciP-kb5-WYWiKXS3lNw8_KKzBoBMTg2eJO_ga8FmhkIwdT7C_BjANo2Q-AzB_Xsr7WSQ48K6auP09U393baNyhuHfVwhzmKV_d4ZhMpjF1Kx0Aw4kNM4KB0jrzmaQJ/s1600/JIMC3939.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeUQwDSLkRPkXGNDciP-kb5-WYWiKXS3lNw8_KKzBoBMTg2eJO_ga8FmhkIwdT7C_BjANo2Q-AzB_Xsr7WSQ48K6auP09U393baNyhuHfVwhzmKV_d4ZhMpjF1Kx0Aw4kNM4KB0jrzmaQJ/s640/JIMC3939.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Here, you can see the little pleat at the bottom of the side panel. This just gives more room for expansion. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibHJ1WVaJ1qV5ipS_tr7aWghNWjmDjdSrgS1bXToNUFExhZhTaIDpXTV4f_j1xjWY7aTRCg8RRNMnM_yI5sEmhi6FZmNv9HnUBQmBdc8pzEcilW1Cpr81u9wQRYcETQEzfsPYRbnoEd76w/s1600/JIMC3940.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibHJ1WVaJ1qV5ipS_tr7aWghNWjmDjdSrgS1bXToNUFExhZhTaIDpXTV4f_j1xjWY7aTRCg8RRNMnM_yI5sEmhi6FZmNv9HnUBQmBdc8pzEcilW1Cpr81u9wQRYcETQEzfsPYRbnoEd76w/s640/JIMC3940.JPG" width="422" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8C0kVkZrpEL6elrdsUSBGtEWqu2DKp4YGyiQCsTWaQocxggE12vhva5BdEoK7FkImk9WGVij6OCrpTOBXM41BfEM-MKMl1H8xG92GPByV4T4c5KsFAkcQEf1A5i177nbKGQvX2fo9IhWi/s1600/JIMC3941.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8C0kVkZrpEL6elrdsUSBGtEWqu2DKp4YGyiQCsTWaQocxggE12vhva5BdEoK7FkImk9WGVij6OCrpTOBXM41BfEM-MKMl1H8xG92GPByV4T4c5KsFAkcQEf1A5i177nbKGQvX2fo9IhWi/s640/JIMC3941.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Your bag should look like this! You'll turn it right-side-out so it will look like this:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJuNasJPuzTGO289FbjWNy2gWCe7i-JwFqLHsGKk3_F2fgQ8mKxmv8-6k5sCyaW-JxXLiaTf-imvNJpiNdiXo_B8uXetOpd1sx2O7gAlun3Bdb4W6wJDIOqKVqCZEWOkc-ov8HRFkwjiCW/s1600/JIMC3942.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJuNasJPuzTGO289FbjWNy2gWCe7i-JwFqLHsGKk3_F2fgQ8mKxmv8-6k5sCyaW-JxXLiaTf-imvNJpiNdiXo_B8uXetOpd1sx2O7gAlun3Bdb4W6wJDIOqKVqCZEWOkc-ov8HRFkwjiCW/s640/JIMC3942.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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You can see how soft it is...like I said before, interfacing will give it more structure, if that's what you prefer.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgseHekLow1LDK1RIsDwdBGH92wkafTV8Joxw-6-GZa_68oJw78nP2rrAjV6BHslPhnN2Ap2u8sE4Rybu7_3raSXzFMJVGZMswuphbXV02TyxjgXiQ0kOanwzaRd1RyMMv4Jo7DIZLOdE6I/s1600/JIMC3946.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgseHekLow1LDK1RIsDwdBGH92wkafTV8Joxw-6-GZa_68oJw78nP2rrAjV6BHslPhnN2Ap2u8sE4Rybu7_3raSXzFMJVGZMswuphbXV02TyxjgXiQ0kOanwzaRd1RyMMv4Jo7DIZLOdE6I/s640/JIMC3946.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Now we will construct the interior. For the flat pockets, sew the two layers right sides together, leaving a space for turning inside out. Press the seams, sew vertically to separate the pockets, and you're done.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS1yZf4cD_AQ4IxMe6v8XQPCfgQvhGA8pW3arHsO4F6bnOnhRstlaiQICgDB2UyYo4nXQMVmKDzYYCpEc7qgDjn58Jj53PNyamYs2HKnq9zr8qfdsC41dJP2LX9Vjj-SNMSSY3rhthtnjy/s1600/JIMC3943.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS1yZf4cD_AQ4IxMe6v8XQPCfgQvhGA8pW3arHsO4F6bnOnhRstlaiQICgDB2UyYo4nXQMVmKDzYYCpEc7qgDjn58Jj53PNyamYs2HKnq9zr8qfdsC41dJP2LX9Vjj-SNMSSY3rhthtnjy/s640/JIMC3943.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Construct the interior using the same steps that you used for the exterior.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg16UVCUrJYG92PAeIuxnC0MC75SUyynqlutdSkM1BfZ3pxcbvH8_C-NFpi39qNzMfB9S7PcBuYbRczUeOb3ZLGov9okmmoGZoOX-Weu1kQfgDNq6snlZFsNkF_OTsH2vuqFDLcgVaWqMni/s1600/JIMC3944.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg16UVCUrJYG92PAeIuxnC0MC75SUyynqlutdSkM1BfZ3pxcbvH8_C-NFpi39qNzMfB9S7PcBuYbRczUeOb3ZLGov9okmmoGZoOX-Weu1kQfgDNq6snlZFsNkF_OTsH2vuqFDLcgVaWqMni/s640/JIMC3944.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I saved myself a step by not sewing the sides of the pockets until I added the side panels, but you can sew them first if you want to. :)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ZsuRw1pcwBCBOm-0WKVOiooXADKVgyIeEbbRfCjQbZZw4qX3ATFzc3mePLdO8bFP3RBzo8OJ0TgvQxNVXwNJGibjMtlTce1Fi8BRIfqi47cU6yOQFENUerCev08WB5GdU7bQ03z7J0ga/s1600/JIMC3951.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ZsuRw1pcwBCBOm-0WKVOiooXADKVgyIeEbbRfCjQbZZw4qX3ATFzc3mePLdO8bFP3RBzo8OJ0TgvQxNVXwNJGibjMtlTce1Fi8BRIfqi47cU6yOQFENUerCev08WB5GdU7bQ03z7J0ga/s640/JIMC3951.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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To construct the strap, you will have one long piece fused with fleece, and one that is not. Sew the two right sides together, leaving a large space open to turn inside out OR sew one side together, open, and top stitch. I took the tougher road and turned it inside out. It took a while, but I like the look. It's lofty and soft.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiux9KcPCeNOSuQJLf8j8CiD_VkgeGms4lwHSOH0DTFtuRCHhlItJe4qaAi2B829YV5OYkCcK5HpLZv00oAM8WnklzH0mBGC8MNb_I8Fvv2O8pflmBjnr2xzkp9OVy8HvWte309i_SSFIdu/s1600/JIMC3952.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiux9KcPCeNOSuQJLf8j8CiD_VkgeGms4lwHSOH0DTFtuRCHhlItJe4qaAi2B829YV5OYkCcK5HpLZv00oAM8WnklzH0mBGC8MNb_I8Fvv2O8pflmBjnr2xzkp9OVy8HvWte309i_SSFIdu/s640/JIMC3952.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Now it's time to sew the exterior to the interior. It's a tricky part to explain...I hope it makes sense.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEfren4WH8fm9CYPfM6yRARMaW8jVGOINGvIhgXeFJgC7aKACUoAeFyexGHaOPv_r7YqkDsX3CtJVRM1dnX4VI8-9V25CRjd9Uyf7LAP0dIEtyWv9Ciy7GMS6f4J6AeS484TYHHCEFetzH/s1600/JIMC3953.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEfren4WH8fm9CYPfM6yRARMaW8jVGOINGvIhgXeFJgC7aKACUoAeFyexGHaOPv_r7YqkDsX3CtJVRM1dnX4VI8-9V25CRjd9Uyf7LAP0dIEtyWv9Ciy7GMS6f4J6AeS484TYHHCEFetzH/s640/JIMC3953.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Pin the exterior and interior at the tops, right sides together. The easiest way I found was to keep the interior inside out, and place the exterior inside, like this.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6BqyCpLMA-SkRUcOUrSQcwXG3Yhjgp_jcCHEXELXXV86YehNA8pYK_3kHgvJzqVO_-FNdkQwGeyVSomkr91Z2zSwQ0AHNXmhlfCWMkMEINwUera_THyrQNFz4BrcuLDL4cuByqNADWkcJ/s1600/JIMC3954.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6BqyCpLMA-SkRUcOUrSQcwXG3Yhjgp_jcCHEXELXXV86YehNA8pYK_3kHgvJzqVO_-FNdkQwGeyVSomkr91Z2zSwQ0AHNXmhlfCWMkMEINwUera_THyrQNFz4BrcuLDL4cuByqNADWkcJ/s640/JIMC3954.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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You'll need to pin the strap to the side panels, like so.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNR1753mdSg-KS1GtfmJrpTm8MXntqus8-coUvKWP_jv-y7vjDJ-lS00HdNsTMEqc4MxjXuT-_4f81bplH5V-GXz_FT9EXYIgqr_WmCriILZvqyVtlWQ2434pPCinM9OtJJ6Wbqk6qAPrJ/s1600/JIMC3955.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNR1753mdSg-KS1GtfmJrpTm8MXntqus8-coUvKWP_jv-y7vjDJ-lS00HdNsTMEqc4MxjXuT-_4f81bplH5V-GXz_FT9EXYIgqr_WmCriILZvqyVtlWQ2434pPCinM9OtJJ6Wbqk6qAPrJ/s640/JIMC3955.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj32T8_dkwj5pkVjY7HCQJ5mxjsKCo96l0CboaoCF3XNDQ3U_MqhE_ugF_iDaGZnZa8it1pKKF5h0YbZezBxQSqA09zhnkH8frMAMys4CzWtr_95h6bBBFbYzv4WTi3-htSn-emoKlzJILr/s1600/JIMC3956.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj32T8_dkwj5pkVjY7HCQJ5mxjsKCo96l0CboaoCF3XNDQ3U_MqhE_ugF_iDaGZnZa8it1pKKF5h0YbZezBxQSqA09zhnkH8frMAMys4CzWtr_95h6bBBFbYzv4WTi3-htSn-emoKlzJILr/s640/JIMC3956.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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It should look like this when it is all pinned. If there is extra fabric (like mine), simply make tiny pleats where necessary. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-zt_Izowg0lMOBxcr-44uhMqYQG0UawQdWacEMz661OsvT98L3Uo8nCJ_4nQ2X7BLLVcb6wfH3mKdUuebsCZbrbyV5Sbqgl5doKM13b14Yg7_Hx6tZ0vRMEkhEv0zhlidXPsTO0mrI94a/s1600/JIMC3957.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-zt_Izowg0lMOBxcr-44uhMqYQG0UawQdWacEMz661OsvT98L3Uo8nCJ_4nQ2X7BLLVcb6wfH3mKdUuebsCZbrbyV5Sbqgl5doKM13b14Yg7_Hx6tZ0vRMEkhEv0zhlidXPsTO0mrI94a/s640/JIMC3957.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Leave one side panel <b>open</b>. This is how you will turn the bag inside out. You could leave any part open, I decided the side would work for me. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG2E6SDmjjvw_7LgvUYgfwGgDvFDigrsoRerRcFGIAHWjsXPl_VnwnWcw5jJ9FA-mLjz5aNQOM1se_-O9xWQZ1lWlHGveLtalsWPTyT6AMCYihUkyCkVDFmlltCx1QnWp0hFJCv46ttvSW/s1600/JIMC3958.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG2E6SDmjjvw_7LgvUYgfwGgDvFDigrsoRerRcFGIAHWjsXPl_VnwnWcw5jJ9FA-mLjz5aNQOM1se_-O9xWQZ1lWlHGveLtalsWPTyT6AMCYihUkyCkVDFmlltCx1QnWp0hFJCv46ttvSW/s640/JIMC3958.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Pull the bag inside out (or right side out, I suppose), and push the interior inside the exterior. It should look like this.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRUmVvVbjpZvwirtRH24MYteRbko7w5xmIdZbdSs-VvlUtH5DwPEBvjP1fVj70yDE0DaU9VPWnDx-O7KDMDbaPWv7w8V8fDi7bg5RcI3UhV_HJgLNxveB8GzYYtK1woEmnsX2g8MvK3CGG/s1600/JIMC3959.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRUmVvVbjpZvwirtRH24MYteRbko7w5xmIdZbdSs-VvlUtH5DwPEBvjP1fVj70yDE0DaU9VPWnDx-O7KDMDbaPWv7w8V8fDi7bg5RcI3UhV_HJgLNxveB8GzYYtK1woEmnsX2g8MvK3CGG/s640/JIMC3959.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbZKLeaQuDkrH_ysi8i5urIevMPbbYo8Eo1PMHAlfFWhPQgNH1ofP3BC7JSxG3o7rOTi1t2pEgBpIsNishd1dTeNtnb0_CmojdvW8bhs2FibMcMDHRbCK4lZbcysE4DqYn6Z7CpC6jvzp4/s1600/JIMC3960.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbZKLeaQuDkrH_ysi8i5urIevMPbbYo8Eo1PMHAlfFWhPQgNH1ofP3BC7JSxG3o7rOTi1t2pEgBpIsNishd1dTeNtnb0_CmojdvW8bhs2FibMcMDHRbCK4lZbcysE4DqYn6Z7CpC6jvzp4/s640/JIMC3960.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Here's the open side. We will sew this closed. The corners were too thick for my sewing machine, so I sewed those by hand with a hidden stitch.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGuRdc28fy6dJpygt-SuZYwHw3Pf_xWUFW4OD83BUk7uObYlFhghg0ojGZH3b5m0zbaqf6Fv0BjWfx7cKlkHJw57wXC1bYx1OoSErSGIoyNSj36rZiLnGyoMZoOAGl_iCOqUh2hf4afefN/s1600/JIMC3965.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGuRdc28fy6dJpygt-SuZYwHw3Pf_xWUFW4OD83BUk7uObYlFhghg0ojGZH3b5m0zbaqf6Fv0BjWfx7cKlkHJw57wXC1bYx1OoSErSGIoyNSj36rZiLnGyoMZoOAGl_iCOqUh2hf4afefN/s640/JIMC3965.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Pin the strap inside, fold the edges inside, and top stitch. You will top stitch around the top edge of the entire bag, so it will all look uniform in the end. </div>
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And your Nanny Bag is finished! If you're not completely exhausted, there's one more thing to make: the removable pouch.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSXKny-DqLNdPhFNTkoMBC2cH0QTOul67CSlVWA8Tw_3QM0MY_vvyiln6Mwz_PMS3inw9UxnJNSSjT6HQWlDdENx6npN06myTB1pnZbq4LpfVt78BR284dP696BFHL3gXW8tTMXt4WAVRe/s1600/JIMC3947.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSXKny-DqLNdPhFNTkoMBC2cH0QTOul67CSlVWA8Tw_3QM0MY_vvyiln6Mwz_PMS3inw9UxnJNSSjT6HQWlDdENx6npN06myTB1pnZbq4LpfVt78BR284dP696BFHL3gXW8tTMXt4WAVRe/s640/JIMC3947.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I used the exterior fabric and the pocket lining (because I had a ton of these fabrics). I made more work for myself that necessary by sewing the sides and lining together first, then putting them together. This was because I didn't want any rough edges. So...you'll basically make two panels like we constructed the pockets. There are probably a billion other tutorials for making pouches and purses, but this was just a last-minute addition, and I winged it!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR6-a1ybhSv7kaNkguMzF6bKM5T2Yw6XKpi9GMz5p3h8sNzhfWVRqt3uFR2eejh-8n2Kp6H7jLWOmVgC5RE7ijIUxUYOmEb8CZKtbKa8JUfh1rTl6ovq0fem0PKUmPiaUS9jUJtC4m9bLJ/s1600/JIMC3948.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR6-a1ybhSv7kaNkguMzF6bKM5T2Yw6XKpi9GMz5p3h8sNzhfWVRqt3uFR2eejh-8n2Kp6H7jLWOmVgC5RE7ijIUxUYOmEb8CZKtbKa8JUfh1rTl6ovq0fem0PKUmPiaUS9jUJtC4m9bLJ/s640/JIMC3948.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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After you turn them right side out and press the seams, sew the zipper to the top of each side. This was my first time installing a zipper. Eh...I did ok. But I do not have any tips. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXeB2a24zbpJB2bl4MzrFdobV-nj9tmvHM-X79MmKCSTsWaEeHN1lN-eq4YtDgEpN_3fNQC6G9EzomgZrQ3qf6hdslvd6BZRcwAX6Tb7TCl9HumFKmOaD4kxaYk5J8HlEPCId87mSHF8d6/s1600/JIMC3949.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXeB2a24zbpJB2bl4MzrFdobV-nj9tmvHM-X79MmKCSTsWaEeHN1lN-eq4YtDgEpN_3fNQC6G9EzomgZrQ3qf6hdslvd6BZRcwAX6Tb7TCl9HumFKmOaD4kxaYk5J8HlEPCId87mSHF8d6/s640/JIMC3949.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Then, pin the two sides, exterior sides together, and sew around the rest of the bag, leaving the zipper open.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJUq7h84N-qHLaQTw7qoHnfEIMZOGmV45LHXXWXAwbciLCDo_I-2Dukzygk6zbnxdgHxoJjfDKARMFxjvr_djoNyR-GNO6RrC-mkB4AnVWypm38emdFfVNWLbjJVjxxuAje1FgaZEiNf0n/s1600/JIMC3950.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJUq7h84N-qHLaQTw7qoHnfEIMZOGmV45LHXXWXAwbciLCDo_I-2Dukzygk6zbnxdgHxoJjfDKARMFxjvr_djoNyR-GNO6RrC-mkB4AnVWypm38emdFfVNWLbjJVjxxuAje1FgaZEiNf0n/s640/JIMC3950.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Turn inside out and done!</div>
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Now, you have a removable pouch! You might use this for snacks, diapers...I'm using mine for feminine products, medications, and my wallet.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZtGcgdUsA2mRoESXSh7F_6MoxWXkZbIHqA4CXuTYvAGs_15s8p8gM3fvbNNDcgr2oAYuBhdStW-jv5YY3eBRvZdCc3nf7tKh45D2-GwJApBC6GVpEblEyESF6i_9-3zPdslEcsmFw1S1m/s1600/JIMC3974.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZtGcgdUsA2mRoESXSh7F_6MoxWXkZbIHqA4CXuTYvAGs_15s8p8gM3fvbNNDcgr2oAYuBhdStW-jv5YY3eBRvZdCc3nf7tKh45D2-GwJApBC6GVpEblEyESF6i_9-3zPdslEcsmFw1S1m/s640/JIMC3974.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Ta-da!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaIrLVsNRFSroaPp2UF1qg3LLK1Els1R1DYfdN5fxfNglp_GCU7-KpPD43L5oLgP5qAIHTDRrxU2-UFGOC1vjkgRaKRRxAycPB7CTss_LFcT8X_XSv9OMRbu1XExyjcdjCpvO4rGyL0Ln7/s1600/JIMC3976.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaIrLVsNRFSroaPp2UF1qg3LLK1Els1R1DYfdN5fxfNglp_GCU7-KpPD43L5oLgP5qAIHTDRrxU2-UFGOC1vjkgRaKRRxAycPB7CTss_LFcT8X_XSv9OMRbu1XExyjcdjCpvO4rGyL0Ln7/s640/JIMC3976.JPG" width="422" /></a></div>
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And there you have it! My favorite part of the process was choosing fabric. I had a TON of the exterior fabric left over from my <a href="http://silverrosesewing.blogspot.com/2011/04/100th-post-tabbed-curtain-tutorial-and.html">curtain project</a>. My husband bought it at Job Lot for super cheap! I still have a ton. I also had the yellow fabric left over from one of my <a href="http://silverrosesewing.blogspot.com/2011/10/if-you-like-pina-coladas.html">Hawaii dresses</a>. I bought the other fabrics at JoAnn's...I saw them when I went in for supplies for the <a href="http://silverrosesewing.blogspot.com/2013/04/dino-tails-for-toddlers.html">dinosaur tales</a>, and I couldn't resist getting a yard each for this project. So...what fabric will YOU choose for your Nanny Bag? If you make one, be sure to share it in the comments! Thanks for hanging in there during this long tutorial. Happy Sewing!</div>
Kelseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07679844664166206387noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4300905571560693667.post-83950321750626296032013-05-16T00:00:00.001-07:002013-05-16T00:00:43.174-07:00Sneak Peek at The Nanny Bag!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHZXlBGTbFAmsyFru13V9PelgnpC-FjRsPvXTT7LgBFD_sa6rXJE5BDC75mM4PoK6NQQiV9_wtIWYxEUjszCrmWXNieSBioABMTAa4_AGXOvvIFCFegwYptuOjtciy8sHsWR5SZRbmltd1/s1600/JIMC3976.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHZXlBGTbFAmsyFru13V9PelgnpC-FjRsPvXTT7LgBFD_sa6rXJE5BDC75mM4PoK6NQQiV9_wtIWYxEUjszCrmWXNieSBioABMTAa4_AGXOvvIFCFegwYptuOjtciy8sHsWR5SZRbmltd1/s640/JIMC3976.JPG" width="422" /></a></div>
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Here's a little preview of what I was working on...all...day! Poor hubby wanted me to come spend some quality time, and I made him come into the sewing room so I could finish my project. He went to bed long before I was done sewing. I'm afraid I wasn't very good company. The pay off is that I made myself an ENORMOUS Nanny Bag (as I am dubbing it). It's basically a diaper bag, but calling I'm calling it my Nanny Bag because that is way more fun! I am always transferring my stuff from my purse to the diaper bag to my purse again, and invariably, I either forget something I need, or the diaper bag gets so full that I risk losing one of the kids' pairs of extra underpants, or my prescription sunglasses. And I'm pretty sure I don't make enough anymore to buy a new pair on the spot. Since their diaper bag isn't mine, I can't just leave my stuff in there. So, I found a solution.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy3xjZxYtudeQgHOAX-69hfeS7yhuErpu13tU-dwci0HPn_jBPHu5CKBG3zOTfhMGGqBDrcN74sot-DxRVyJpNeJYcRvwVwNNtzgo3ZfxFIcW_N3qjyyHzaxiuE_yKF4qDL_ylnLgppWju/s1600/JIMC3972.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy3xjZxYtudeQgHOAX-69hfeS7yhuErpu13tU-dwci0HPn_jBPHu5CKBG3zOTfhMGGqBDrcN74sot-DxRVyJpNeJYcRvwVwNNtzgo3ZfxFIcW_N3qjyyHzaxiuE_yKF4qDL_ylnLgppWju/s640/JIMC3972.JPG" width="422" /></a> </div>
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The best part about this bag is that it is a custom design...that I made all on my own! I did look at these two tutorials for rough size and tips, and they were most certainly helpful! I love Heather's blog, she is so inspiring! Here are the two tutes I checked out before making my design: </div>
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<a href="http://www.warehousefabricsinc.com/blog/diaper-bag-with-a-divider/">Warehouse Fabrics, Inc.</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.feathersflights.com/2011/09/birds-of-feather-diaper-bag-tutorial.html">Feather's Flights</a></div>
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I added a TON of pockets, outside and in. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitxqEfK5NRz28bBDKWLVmNdZtOMx-T2KWb2BurGrFRqRQahSEus0fWO5oYu5hRNubtq8Msx5MjNtI1giZylWG5GIrH8owNUXw3dSkPcZ5A4AaW9PwEtXDpJgmGOxa2Nja_GKyEkZcCvP3v/s1600/JIMC3975.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitxqEfK5NRz28bBDKWLVmNdZtOMx-T2KWb2BurGrFRqRQahSEus0fWO5oYu5hRNubtq8Msx5MjNtI1giZylWG5GIrH8owNUXw3dSkPcZ5A4AaW9PwEtXDpJgmGOxa2Nja_GKyEkZcCvP3v/s640/JIMC3975.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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On the outside, I added elastic pockets for water bottles, snacks, pens, and a cell phone pocket just for my iPhone. On the inside, there are flat pockets for books, diapers, wipes, an iPad...whatever! And there is a cavernous space for extra clothes and our little portable potty, which joins us most days, since we are doing "no more diapers" with the 3 year old. (He's doing pretty well!). The last exciting part is a free-floating pouch for misc or "not immediately accessible" things (like my Epipen, feminine products, and what-have-you that are not child friendly). This bag has so much room, we could go to the beach with it! I'm working on posting a tutorial tomorrow, but seeing as how I spent 12 hours designing and constructing this beautiful beast, I better hit the hay. Much love to you all out in blogland!</div>
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Kelseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07679844664166206387noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4300905571560693667.post-12000370843138724282013-05-06T22:55:00.000-07:002013-05-06T22:55:02.944-07:00Future Baby Gifts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQbYHxkURVdKHvB8ZMhhWlZKg1ULCMwasJ13tEojk37JV_eeta-0cx-WlaG0E0-ixDfpOXRUM7hZ2_giuuYH7_AJGAtxE0g8l6uu3EXXFjk8TLpX5oVP-GmEMipQLbQuJ_w_lUdDg9dT9h/s1600/image_1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQbYHxkURVdKHvB8ZMhhWlZKg1ULCMwasJ13tEojk37JV_eeta-0cx-WlaG0E0-ixDfpOXRUM7hZ2_giuuYH7_AJGAtxE0g8l6uu3EXXFjk8TLpX5oVP-GmEMipQLbQuJ_w_lUdDg9dT9h/s640/image_1.jpeg" width="422" /></a></div>
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I've been quite busy today! Not only did I make homemade granola from my new Smitten Kitchen cookbook, I made homemade frozen Greek yogurt! It is delicious, especially with the granola on top. Speaking of delicious, I am loving this quilt. Working on it has done wonders for my outlook. I've felt so much more positive about the whole trying to conceive process with just one project. Before this project, my idle mind was plagued with thoughts such as:</div>
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What's my BBT? (basal body temperature)</div>
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Am I getting a cyst again? </div>
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What does that ___<u>insert any symptom here</u>___ mean?</div>
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Am I ovulating?</div>
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Why am I not ovulating yet?</div>
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Should I call my doctor <i>again</i> to ask her opinion?</div>
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I better Google that.</div>
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I better Google that again.</div>
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Should I read about this on a forum?</div>
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...I should not have read that forum.</div>
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Should I eat that? Let me check the label.</div>
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Is that organic?</div>
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I ought to be making that myself. It will be so much healthier. I should Google a recipe.</div>
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What am I doing wrong?</div>
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I better check my chart again.</div>
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Google really can be a blessing and a curse. If you've been TTC, you know what I mean. There's even more I could talk about, but honestly...we don't know each other well enough to share information that in depth. </div>
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If you're TTC, and your mind is also plagued with thoughts that are making you feel more insane by the day, I urge you to start your own Future Baby gift. Not only will it busy your mind and body, it will (hopefully) give you a positive association with a process that has become difficult and stressful. It will refocus your mind on the original goal: being a mom! Not to mention, once you become pregnant, you may not have the energy to complete these projects for a while! Here are some of my ideas.</div>
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<ol>
<li>A quilt! ;)</li>
<li>A photo album of the things you've been doing while on your journey to motherhood. </li>
<li>Letters to your baby that they can read when they get older. Write what your hopes are for them as they grow.</li>
<li>A piece of artwork that can hang in the nursery.</li>
<li>A cookbook of baby/toddler recipes to try when the time comes.</li>
<li>A photo book depicting you and your partner before starting a family. How did you meet? What did you like to do together? Vacations? Marriage/commitment ceremonies? I plan on doing this :)</li>
<li>Homemade toys</li>
<li>Baby clothing/cloth diapers</li>
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Good luck, and Baby Dust to all you future Mommies!</div>
Kelseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07679844664166206387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4300905571560693667.post-89480531500556874612013-05-01T22:48:00.001-07:002013-05-01T22:48:47.948-07:00Progress<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj051gVFvWIAJpV_BI3n5KqiIN85niopmra_d5E9COA0T9nfWnPAB7dd3gm-hj3l3x4zXd0H7AhuBjXhhiZVb40u8qjJP_rMbxKikbFpFCtcRrbYYAtMFwv65YX8p2hTGZiwigivi3c8sIk/s1600/photo+(22).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj051gVFvWIAJpV_BI3n5KqiIN85niopmra_d5E9COA0T9nfWnPAB7dd3gm-hj3l3x4zXd0H7AhuBjXhhiZVb40u8qjJP_rMbxKikbFpFCtcRrbYYAtMFwv65YX8p2hTGZiwigivi3c8sIk/s640/photo+(22).JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Slowly making progress. I took a friend's advice, and switched from making a crib size to a twin. She said that she made quilts for her children and they still use them! She pointed out how fast they grow out of the crib, so I made the switch. I've been making strips width-wise, and working my way down. I like the horizontal pattern, and so far it has been pretty simple. I'm using 4 inch squares, 14 across, and will be 23 down. I think I might add a contrasting border as well. Not there yet though. I've been listening to Pixar soundtracks...it's quite soothing! :) In fact, this whole process has been very soothing...I might start whipping out quilts like crazy, if I can rustle up enough fabric!</div>
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I'm thinking about making a bear to match this quilt. I decided I will make another in more gender neutral tones, too. I honestly just picked a fabric I liked and found coordinating fabrics. So maybe I'll go yellow next time. We'll see. I'm rambling now. Sorry this isn't a well-written entry. Just wanted to share how it is coming along!</div>
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Have a great Thursday!</div>
<br />Kelseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07679844664166206387noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4300905571560693667.post-52272354237814148672013-04-30T08:57:00.000-07:002013-04-30T10:50:05.343-07:00Spring is in Bloom!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUCMzi2DGQk3mbCYvwgpUkCD2k9PmYyu_e-XBVmBO-WL3d2ZUIwMbLYdnbIU-BM6EVNaMIeJtmuJDPW7jJg6OAUx37yxdFQtnYfbOun01b2LbApjz_3P8pa8osOMgXgfK-c1ZRCZWG9H0a/s1600/image+(1).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUCMzi2DGQk3mbCYvwgpUkCD2k9PmYyu_e-XBVmBO-WL3d2ZUIwMbLYdnbIU-BM6EVNaMIeJtmuJDPW7jJg6OAUx37yxdFQtnYfbOun01b2LbApjz_3P8pa8osOMgXgfK-c1ZRCZWG9H0a/s640/image+(1).jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Hello Readers! I hope you're enjoying the beautiful spring weather that has finally arrived! I can't tell you how much I've been wanting to go to the Boston Public Garden lately...maybe I'll make it out there sometime soon. Spring is my favorite time of year...all the flowers are in bloom, the sun is shining, but not yet scorching, and everyone leaves their states of hibernation (at least here in New England) to be outside once again. </div>
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For me, I got the urge to visit my favorite fabric supply store, <a href="http://www.gatherhereonline.com/">Gather Here</a>, to pick out fabric for a quilt. Once again, I find myself turning to sewing to ease some stress. We are now going into our 7th month of trying to conceive, and I have no happy news to report yet. Seven months may not seem like long, but it is much longer than my doctor had wanted us to take. It is sort of a balancing act while I go untreated for endometriosis, because the longer it takes, the more the disease grows and makes it difficult to have a baby. Luckily, my repeat laparoscopic surgery is approaching (just 6 weeks away), and I'm hoping it will be a helpful step in relieving my pain, as well as give us a fresh start. For those who don't know, endometriosis can cause infertility, by not only damaging vital reproductive organs (mainly the ovaries and Fallopian tubes), but by creating a toxic environment that makes it difficult to support and maintain a pregnancy. Hopefully this surgery will be just what we need. </div>
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In any case, sewing is getting me through this tough spot, and making a baby quilt for a future little one is giving me something positive to work on in a process that feels very much out of my control. With my luck, I will never have a girl, and my choice of pink will seem silly. In which case...I'll figure out something. Who says boys can't enjoy a good shade of pink, huh??</div>
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How are you celebrating the return of spring?</div>
Kelseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07679844664166206387noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4300905571560693667.post-38801073004122303492013-04-06T18:49:00.001-07:002013-04-06T18:49:37.482-07:00Dino Tails for Toddlers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSAMxYUvPowyb03yacuiYAR2fjfSasE9TvxvAUWbrNz7sv2mQO32iRUpOd-BL1ClpU9tHEX1oV1IBqW6PK87XJ0KMmSIZuYc3GNZTfaTwDrOLVCyrdIrWX_rObTNRLeUu6hMCm-i8Tjldl/s1600/dino+tail+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSAMxYUvPowyb03yacuiYAR2fjfSasE9TvxvAUWbrNz7sv2mQO32iRUpOd-BL1ClpU9tHEX1oV1IBqW6PK87XJ0KMmSIZuYc3GNZTfaTwDrOLVCyrdIrWX_rObTNRLeUu6hMCm-i8Tjldl/s640/dino+tail+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I finally gave my sewing machine a little exercise and made a present for one of the little boys I nanny. He turned 3 last week. He's been pretending to be a dinosaur quite a bit, and I had seen <a href="http://www.running-w-scissors.com/2011/03/dinosaur-tails.html">this great tutorial</a> at Running With Scissors that looked PERFECT! So I gave it a try...and it was AMAZING! So amazing, in fact, that I whipped up another one! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBuNiLJ0e1Gq7CRgxZ51sWZO4bcETErQnpIwxZk-2cmuNJC-vp0wfoBLhBPzOeM71xBxPM2l-JTqUVx5XkFxTqOxxiiFK5Ajqdak7hIusfbctk1uiBNni1oTqltPpTIiLrq6f_5ON7L7ge/s1600/dino+tail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBuNiLJ0e1Gq7CRgxZ51sWZO4bcETErQnpIwxZk-2cmuNJC-vp0wfoBLhBPzOeM71xBxPM2l-JTqUVx5XkFxTqOxxiiFK5Ajqdak7hIusfbctk1uiBNni1oTqltPpTIiLrq6f_5ON7L7ge/s640/dino+tail.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I mean, he couldn't be the only dino at his birthday party, right? It's way more fun with two! (Sorry for the poor picture quality...I was in a rush and only had time to snap a picture with my iPhone). I used minky fabric to add a texture to the dino skin, and patterned cotton for the spikes. This tutorial was super easy to follow, and it turned out great! I really want to whip out a few more, maybe with some changes to make more variety. I definitely recommend you head on over and check it out. They're really fun and quick!! The kids spent most of their time wagging the tails back and forth...it was hilarious! :)</div>
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I've been focusing a lot of my extra time and energy on my health, and it is really helping. Not only am I feeling a little bit better (more sleep, less stress, time for yoga and meditation), I am able to devote more time to doctor's appointments and procedures that I need to have done. Last year, I never would have believed anyone if they had told me this is what I would be doing, but I'm learning to take life as it comes, and as long as I have support (namely from my wonderful husband), I can make it through all this hubbub. </div>
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The biggest "news" is that I am having a second laparoscopy in June. We will be traveling halfway across the country for that. I spent a great deal of time researching the best endometriosis surgeons in the country to find just the right one. I am actually really excited about it! I've been having near constant pain, some a dull ache, some far worse than anything I've had before to the point I can barely breathe. I believe that this doctor has the skills and techniques that will give me more time without cysts and major problems, and will also give us the best chance as we move forward trying to conceive. Hopefully everything goes well. </div>
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Hope you're all enjoying your first few weeks of spring! Hopefully I'll have more projects to share soon. :)</div>
Kelseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07679844664166206387noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4300905571560693667.post-63275325932265891902013-03-13T11:41:00.000-07:002013-03-13T11:41:31.128-07:00A Little Update<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDKv-cjd6uFw661hM7BCdqcFinlsv21Q5dyKeu6Kn5e59X5zJ-FWe2nm-H0YURBRcPws1pqj50Ghyphenhyphenaw9_R_eMzp9Pp_22sqZZTZjcobprKipBa1vpRmjGlZn0NAIuS7Yp6Z7tl8-5cMi5t/s1600/16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDKv-cjd6uFw661hM7BCdqcFinlsv21Q5dyKeu6Kn5e59X5zJ-FWe2nm-H0YURBRcPws1pqj50Ghyphenhyphenaw9_R_eMzp9Pp_22sqZZTZjcobprKipBa1vpRmjGlZn0NAIuS7Yp6Z7tl8-5cMi5t/s640/16.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.hannahcohenphotography.com/">Thanks to Hannah Cohen Photography</a></div>
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It's been 4 months, and quite a bit has happened. Most of it has been hectic, and stressful, and filled with some tears. One day was really awesome...our reception. I'll post more when I get back photos of all the details and the entire night, but for now I want to thank Hannah Cohen, a Boston-area photo journalist who we came to know through my husband's photography group. She was absolutely incredible, and got some amazing shots for us. I can't wait to see the rest of the shots! </div>
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I finally used my sewing room for its intended purpose yesterday...I did a quick mending job on a pair of my husband's pants. About 10 minutes of work. But I will hopefully be using it more. I'm taking a medical leave from graduate school because of some complications with my health. I had another complex cyst that ruptured right before the reception, which seems to have exaggerated my endometriosis, so I'm going to be having a repeat surgery this spring. The medical leave allows me to do a lot more resting, because the more I get up and move around, the worse I feel. It's a bit reminiscent of my back injury, since my physical abilities are a diminished. I know that I go a little crazy not being able to be productive, and I can only rest and lay in bed for so long before I start going stir crazy! I'm already getting into my old sleep pattern...being awake until the wee hours of the morning unable to sleep because of inactivity. I'm thinking of starting some very gentle yoga...any suggestions? I'm sure I'll be getting reacquainted with my sewing machines before long. Simple projects...but something to keep my mind and body busy with something other than endo research.</div>
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Hoping all of you are gearing up for spring. Any projects on your horizon? </div>
Kelseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07679844664166206387noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4300905571560693667.post-54221149256118741742012-11-26T20:49:00.001-08:002012-11-26T20:51:52.629-08:00Might Not See Me Until Summertime!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This might not be a shock to anyone, but I am in a hiatus...and for good reason... </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXZ5VDqrgxVCMux9Jlu0PLdG1yE_lcoCo01I_Tb8bsMUf4KksrQ1Jt1UP43dawGskM0tLpSC3_KfftTpMPx5G6D0OEdJIMTF0yijhaHOdMc4tkhw8Jmny4YyAwgCGF7EcRW_QlIIi_yjw3/s1600/JIMC2411.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXZ5VDqrgxVCMux9Jlu0PLdG1yE_lcoCo01I_Tb8bsMUf4KksrQ1Jt1UP43dawGskM0tLpSC3_KfftTpMPx5G6D0OEdJIMTF0yijhaHOdMc4tkhw8Jmny4YyAwgCGF7EcRW_QlIIi_yjw3/s640/JIMC2411.JPG" width="424" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">I got married!!!! </span></b></div>
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We found out from our doctor that my treatment for endometriosis, for whatever reason, isn't working...and I also have some endo growing in my incision (which was our big clue that the meds weren't working, since of course we could actually SEE the endo! Weird and totally scary!)</div>
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The good/surprising/exciting/nerve wracking news and silver lining out of all of this is that we need to start trying to have a baby (right away!) as part of my treatment (pregnancy = no period = no endo growth!). Then, if I need to have my reproductive organs removed, I'll be free to do so. I'm trying to see the beautiful rainbow at the end of this storm, and a baby would definitely be a BIG rainbow for me! :) So, with that in mind, we had a small wedding earlier this month, and are in the throws of planning a larger reception in the New Year. </div>
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I'm also finishing my graduate degree (graduating in May!) while all this is going on, and it's so sad, but my beautiful sewing room hasn't seen a stitch since...I can't even remember! So it's time to throw in the towel and admit that the site truly is in hiatus until further notice. I'm sure I will be back eventually, and I hope you will all still be around! You know I'll be checking out your blogs and sending you well wishes from time to time. Keep up the crafting/sewing/blogging, and I hope to reunite with all my online friends in the near future! </div>
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Happy Holidays everyone!</div>
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Kelseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07679844664166206387noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4300905571560693667.post-63246804072041685362012-08-24T20:34:00.001-07:002012-08-24T20:51:30.205-07:00In Loving Memory<div>
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My Grampa passed away a couple weeks ago. He developed an infection while he was at the hospital getting a transfusion. He was able to go home and be with family in his final days. I wasn't able to be there because I was in my two week intensive courses, but last weekend I went home for the funeral. It was probably the hardest thing I've ever had to do, emotionally, especially the viewing. He was so thin, he just didn't look like Grampa. I made an album for him with pictures of his family, and put it in the casket with him. I didn't want him to feel alone. He was like a father to me. </div>
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I'll miss you, Grampa. </div>
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Grampa with a chain he whittled from a single piece of wood</div>
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Grampa and Me making a snowman...he was an expert!</div>
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Love you, Grampa!</div>
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Kelseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07679844664166206387noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4300905571560693667.post-3426666758846808782012-08-02T17:06:00.000-07:002012-08-02T17:06:44.673-07:00Bananarama Said It Best...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi10BnuhAG6ta8AFJT_SKDMGFarmHqTxOfqBexs5-MskRXFX_0VMHkcA7-7h3HHUbWN4KbfLDMhF6r-hSkAUB70hS4tH3ZPRZ5OOhLXqR3y__-pyHoWv-e-dN3CDnYHSoaH7voaKkk2Ts3M/s1600/IMG_1889.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi10BnuhAG6ta8AFJT_SKDMGFarmHqTxOfqBexs5-MskRXFX_0VMHkcA7-7h3HHUbWN4KbfLDMhF6r-hSkAUB70hS4tH3ZPRZ5OOhLXqR3y__-pyHoWv-e-dN3CDnYHSoaH7voaKkk2Ts3M/s640/IMG_1889.JPG" width="478" /></a></div>
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It has indeed been a Cruel Summer. Hello all! I've been having a rough day, but before I go on about that, please enjoy these lovely pictures!</div>
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All of the flowers have bloomed now, and three of them are still blooming! It's made the occasional evening on the porch that much nicer (that is, when the heat has died down enough!) </div>
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We found some really inexpensive throw pillows at Kohls (just $8 a piece!) that matched the decor. Makes the bench much more comfortable. </div>
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I've been waiting for my lovely larkspurs all summer and they finally bloomed this week. They are just so delicate and lovely. :)</div>
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The palm is still hanging in there too, and even sprouting some new shoots. </div>
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As promised, here's Slinky checking out the plants. I'm glad she didn't poop in there!</div>
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She was surprisingly cautious climbing on the table. </div>
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Cars on the highway and wind...totally new sights and sounds!</div>
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Finally calming down enough to enjoy it. :) She's so chubby and cute!</div>
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And here's Little Kitty...inside. Because SOMEBODY tries to jump off the balcony. </div>
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A peaceful place to relax. Which is good. It's been a very stressful month. </div>
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Here's Little Kitty snuggling with me after my surgery. They found pretty extensive endometriosis. I've been diagnosed with Stage 3 Endometriosis, due in large part to a lot of adhesions on my left side. I had endo on my left ovary, in my cul de sac, on my pelvic lining, and my bladder. I had several small, normal cysts on each ovary, and the endometrioma on the left. The biggest news was that my colon was attached to my pelvic wall, left ovary, and the back of my uterus. I have pictures, but I'm sure you wouldn't want to see them! My colon was pulled off to the left in an almost S shape, when it should have connected straight down to my rectum. Explains a LOT of the stomach problems I had for years. The surgeon cleaned everything up and now my colon and my ovary each have their space and I should be feeling a lot better. Now that we have an official diagnosis, I have started treatment again!</div>
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I went in for my 3 month dose of Lupron today. Man, IT HURT! The needle is massive and it burns like no tomorrow! I had to sit for a few minutes because I thought I would pass out, and the nurse gave me an ice pack for the soreness. Not as bad as the lower back injection though. I'm also on add-back therapy, which should help with any side effects, like bone loss. I'm just hoping it won't be a difficult round. Some people have a lot of problems with it, but I need it, so I guess it's a moot point. My recovery is still a work in progress. I took two weeks off from work and stayed in bed for a week. The second week I worked on being able to get up and move around. I had to splint my tummy with a pillow to get around. Now I am in my fourth week of recovery. I'm back at work and able to do most things, except lift anything, and I can't take a bath or go swimming for another week. The three smaller incisions are healed, but my belly button (the major incision) just healed completely two days ago. The weird part is that I have a new belly button! It's much more shallow (I couldn't see the end of it before...the surgeon said it was the deepest belly button she'd ever seen, and she fixed it), and is very, very strange for me. Maybe that's TMI...sorry! </div>
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The bad news is that my Grampa is not doing well. He's in the hospital and is in what they believe are his final days. They said if he went home, he would likely only have about three days left. He's requiring lots of blood transfusions, and the chemotherapy is not working. So we are all trying to spend time with him. I unfortunately have class for a week solid starting Saturday, then a weekend off and another week of solid class. I was able to talk to him today on the phone, but it is really hard to not be able to be there in person. I am just glad that I was able to visit in May. I'm sure he would appreciate any prayers or thoughts of comfort and peace. </div>
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That's all for now. Thank you for reading! I know it's been a bit of a disjointed blog, but I find that it does help to do a little writing from time to time. I still read all the blogs I follow, even if I don't always comment!</div>Kelseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07679844664166206387noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4300905571560693667.post-91634760409757053222012-07-04T08:27:00.001-07:002012-07-04T08:27:19.710-07:00I'm Still Alive!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Me in my hometown</span></div>
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Hi everybody out in blog world! It's been quite a while since my last post, and unfortunately I don't have any sewing to post about. :( It has been a crazy couple of months. Last time I posted, I was in Washington visiting my family and helping care for my Grandfather. He had a very rough patch where his platelets were very low...in fact, the day I left he started spontaneously bleeding and scared the crap out of us. But after quite a few blood transfusions and platelet transfusions, he seems to be at least handling the chemo treatments. Still praying for some good news!</div>
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In my own personal news, I started working for a new family part time while I take 3 summer courses. Full time to begin in the fall when they have their second child. They're very laid back and flexible which is good right now. I've had some health issues crop up that are more serious than usual. I found out just before I left to visit my family that I had a large cyst on my left ovary. It has since shrunk a little, but still larger than is normal. I've had several and none of them have been serious. My doctor recommended I get a second opinion on this one, and after going for a third ultrasound, I was told that it wasn't cancer (although they couldn't completely rule it out until they took it out), but it did have some abnormal spots. My OBGYN thinks that it is an endometrioma and referred me to a surgeon. I met with her yesterday and we scheduled a laparoscopic cystectomy and exploratory surgery. She will remove the cyst, and (hopefully) leave the ovary and tube, but if there is any severe damage or possible cancerous cells, those have to come out too. Then she will look for any endometriosis and excise it (cut it out and have it analysed). She's going to take pictures of everything for me, which I am excited for. I want to know once and for all what is going on in there and why I am always in pain! I'm pretty nervous, and it sounds like the recovery is going to be a little rough, but it has to be done. *sigh* </div>
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I haven't been sewing, but I have been working on getting myself organized at home, on a cleaning/cooking routine, trying to make myself swim regularly, and study for my upcoming courses (first one starts this weekend). It's going to be a busy summer! I hope everyone is enjoying their 4th of July celebrations! We're BBQing at home...very low key. We'll likely be enjoying our meal on our balcony which has become quite beautiful! I leave with some photos of how it's growing. :)</div>
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Getting green!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHyYNhpqmwCqqpGOlKinKtscYYXLFimEiwMZ5kVU4HdMNAKayfaYaYS8M_jWHr4tXwxNOx1UQ6tVij-o9LL2WwbkcuMLm3ITXeNsZT5aoAYZLxTniSEM09k4cVEtgetO04n-fgL3ZnuoHW/s1600/photo+%25283%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHyYNhpqmwCqqpGOlKinKtscYYXLFimEiwMZ5kVU4HdMNAKayfaYaYS8M_jWHr4tXwxNOx1UQ6tVij-o9LL2WwbkcuMLm3ITXeNsZT5aoAYZLxTniSEM09k4cVEtgetO04n-fgL3ZnuoHW/s640/photo+%25283%2529.JPG" width="478" /></a></div>
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These have already come and gone, but boy did they bloom!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsBih8xxphVM92xbcNmo8Mnl3C-i-sedMOYrTygGV29xKGkOwuYvlsCKeb9eV7e9c_jrwNY6s54bNba8STOgYmJ0hnTAIR6SSMQBq-qyUCAKr_AWJFbMiJfBtDmRSaueoQYezIXm8vV2bl/s1600/photo+%25284%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsBih8xxphVM92xbcNmo8Mnl3C-i-sedMOYrTygGV29xKGkOwuYvlsCKeb9eV7e9c_jrwNY6s54bNba8STOgYmJ0hnTAIR6SSMQBq-qyUCAKr_AWJFbMiJfBtDmRSaueoQYezIXm8vV2bl/s640/photo+%25284%2529.JPG" width="478" /></a></div>
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View from the table.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicCRzVAtQYQiOTVp06VSxEw36nk6ETga6LCJyTRf-heiEiyJ3UWz-ajBgpY5Yfe63w9UVrIOuAlWZnz_QeAhupzxpGRa3XcHvwnWi86fXa-1EP-qOVI0FWO2756DUjnoDVukelVwnGVZPE/s1600/photo+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicCRzVAtQYQiOTVp06VSxEw36nk6ETga6LCJyTRf-heiEiyJ3UWz-ajBgpY5Yfe63w9UVrIOuAlWZnz_QeAhupzxpGRa3XcHvwnWi86fXa-1EP-qOVI0FWO2756DUjnoDVukelVwnGVZPE/s640/photo+%25282%2529.JPG" width="478" /></a></div>
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My first rose bloom!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4r09TcH2AzRyovs27OIo5-xbz1gcfuWCNwb3B1SDOkXQwjTu0WvnMUsb7_inZMR2zM14DfJe_ts6IxlR1aS-3AE8sPYSqEUTmOqRanT_nxq1IyaI-6yysU_W_lPb2axGFNkjdT2qoWtfh/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4r09TcH2AzRyovs27OIo5-xbz1gcfuWCNwb3B1SDOkXQwjTu0WvnMUsb7_inZMR2zM14DfJe_ts6IxlR1aS-3AE8sPYSqEUTmOqRanT_nxq1IyaI-6yysU_W_lPb2axGFNkjdT2qoWtfh/s640/photo.JPG" width="478" /></a></div>
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She lasted a few days before she started to wilt, so I cut her and brought her inside to enjoy the fragrance. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC23ztRbwFat4xM9HUoskRkNwbnNRhoh9DRutLnaf1gZr90y0528bQUkYac2MQHComIHeWCBgXpc4FivV9L3mnbAKXWPQDDbfSQ2JgMEJqSCTc69DM9EsAWOJ-Pn-4PG4HNZQ-eNKtxwjy/s1600/photo+%25285%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC23ztRbwFat4xM9HUoskRkNwbnNRhoh9DRutLnaf1gZr90y0528bQUkYac2MQHComIHeWCBgXpc4FivV9L3mnbAKXWPQDDbfSQ2JgMEJqSCTc69DM9EsAWOJ-Pn-4PG4HNZQ-eNKtxwjy/s640/photo+%25285%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I don't have any pictures of it, but I've been letting the kitties explore the balcony. Don't they look thrilled to be back inside? lol</div>
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<br /></div>Kelseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07679844664166206387noreply@blogger.com3