I routinely have people ask about the photos I put on our blog. What camera? What tricks I use? What software automatically gives the color, depth, pizzazz and "pop"? (automatically? I wish)
As I was writing this, Abby got a bloody nose out of the blue.
Not sure what that means medically yet, probably low platelets.
But it's a good example of how to turn any scene into a fun
pic. She had the toilet paper in her nose to stop the bleeding, so
of course, Dad had to have some too. I hollered for Mom to
grab that camera, and a few minutes later - presto - pic for the blog.
While some of it is professional equipment, software and years of image editing experience, there are a LOT of great tricks/techniques and free software I could show you.
There are a set of basic of guidelines, easy techniques, cheap-to-free software and simple demonstrations that I can teach anyone, no matter what your experience, or what camera you have (from a decent pocket digital to a professional camera). You can learn to create the same quality images I have on my sites or in the magazine (http://www.seriouslifemagazine.com/).
Would you be interested in a FREE ebook or demonstration on this?
I need to gauge the interest level (I don't want to spend time on something nobody wants). If YES, you are interested, leave your email on the form below, and I'll shoot you a quick reply if I have questions, need to clarify something, or to let you know when it is ready (again, it will be a FREE item; just wanted you to know that so you don't think you are signing up to buy something).
By the way, we NEVER share your email with anyone, EVER. Period.
Ad Nauseum
HOME REMEDIES, EXPERIENCE
OR ADVICE ABOUT NAUSEA?
110 comments:
Awww what a good Daddy!!! Please,please,please...post your photography tricks!!! I am upgrading to a D40 next week, and would love the tips!! Thank you! God bless you and your sweet family! We are all praying for Sweet Abby!
Her smile is too precious! I love how she is glowing behind that tissue!
And what a fabulous Daddy you are .. I love how you make her laugh in spite of all she is going through!
Can't wait to learn all of your photography tricks ... I was just thinking today as I read your previous posts how your pics are so vibrant and catching! Can't wait to hear how you do it!
What a sweetheart picture. The things parents do for their kiddos! As for a remedy for nausea, ginger mixed into milk seems to work as well as peppermint tea too. Hope Miss Abby feels better :)
~Elyse~
Our family doctor always recommended Coke. I am a grandmother and have used it for years and always have good results. Regular Coke room temperature and pour in a glass and sip it slowly. Hope it helps your lovely little girl. My thoughts and prayers go out to your entire family.
I'd also love to hear your tips and tricks on photography! I love taking pictures, but with my point and shoot it takes a lot of editing to make them professional looking. I'm always up for new ideas.
About the nausea- I have always heard that eating peppermints is supposed to calm your stomach. Have you tried that yet? I hope Abby starts feeling better asap!
RE: Nausea
Our older daughter has always had a problem with gagging/nausea. You probably have tried everything but here are what works for us. Reduce odors of all sorts. Suck on crushed ice. Popsicles when feeling better. I think there are certain pressure points that can help reduce nausea. Possibly someone knows something they can share about that. I'll be praying for some relief.
Perhaps you've already heard this but I grew up sipping on Coca-Cola syrup over ice chips when nauseated. Today, I simply use regular Coke over ice chips.
I love Abby, though I've never met her, and am praying hard for your entire family. You certainly show the rest of us how to live a life in abundance (John 10:10b). God bless you.
Please leave ur tips lol photography is a hobby of mine among other things.
Trying to get photoshop elements soon!! But meanwhile use photobucket to do my decorating etc to my pics!
Will be keeping Abby in my prayers! Ohh for home remenies sweet tea & saltine crackers usually help me!
God bless!
I'm a BIG believer in keeping an alkaline diet!!!!! It takes a lot of work to keep it up (but would be a lot easier with Abby, since she LIKES so many fruits and vegetables), but if you maintain an alkaline pH level, your body functions at a level completely different than what we're used to.
Ginger and peppermint are great.
Zofran is amazing, too. :)
I underwent some treatments some time ago for some medical issues and the meds made me sick as a can be!! They gave me a script for the nausea!! Praying Abby can shake this soon!!
I pray for you and your dear Abby many times each day. You have touched my family's life through your blog in countless ways. Thank you for your courage and honesty. When I was pregnant 3 times I couldn't stop throwing up. It helped to wear acupressure bracelets (in every drugstore) also ginger, lemon squeezed in a glass w/h2o and sugar and peppermint-both the scents and taste helped immensely. A naturopath might be helpful also in this area. Love to you and your family. Heather
Have horrible daily migraines that make me throw more often than not. Most people can't remember the last time they have, me I can't remember a week that I haven't. Ugh. My neuro prescribes phenergen suppositories and recommends Immodium AD for the diarrhea. I keep saltines and a bottle of water by the bed and in the bathrooms. Peppermints also help.
Much love and prayers to Abby. She's constanly in my thoughts.
Hey, Have been reading the blog and praying for you all! What a beautiful family, and beautiful little girl!
Someone previously mentioned pressure points and something my family uses are pony tails on our wrists. There are somethings called Seabands (spelling?) that are sold to combat nausea, but we just use ponytails (Which come in a variety of awesome colors!)They need to fit snug but not tight. Mom used this trick when she was pregnant, we used them on car trips, rollercoasters...etc.
Hope you find something that helps soon.
God bless! Amanda S
The tips I thought of have already been mentioned. Poor Abby. Praying for her to feel less sick and to heal.
I'd love to read some photography tips!
Is she not receiving Zofran ODT or Phenergan? If not, you should really ask for her, I think the phenergan even comes in a gel you can rub on your arms. I've had stomach problems since birth.
Things I've found to help
Focusing on breathing as soon as the nausea begins, lots of times, breathing in slowly as you feel the urge to gag will curb the reflex.
I recently had a surgery (which always results in nausea) and the nurses wanted to put an alcohol pad/wipe under my nose, which is supposed to help, but I have asthma and alcohol is a known trigger.
Hello,
I really hope Abby feels better. I am not sure if this will help her at all but for nausea I take over the counter EMETROL. It works wonders but please ask your Dr. before giving to her.. It really works.. Oh I hope she can take this and feels better. I would love to know if you use it and if it works.. Blessing!
Michelle and Brent -
The only personal experience I have with will-not-abate nausea came when I was pregnant with twins. I used those SeaBands wrist bracelets. They put pressure on an accupressure point that takes the edge off of nausea. It didn't take it away completely, but it did relieve it.
Also, the Prego Pops (yes, they are technically for pregnant women, but people on chemo use them a LOT) have been said to work great. They are lollipops flavored with all natural ingredients intended to stave off nausea such as lavendar and lemon.
Finally, I've heard that B vitamins can help with nausea, so perhaps her doctor could prescribe some additional B vitamins? Not sure about that one. Just throwing out everything I can think of!
You are in my prayers every day.
Liz
Zofran is always my first choice. She could start with 4 mg then work up if needed. I also like sucking on ice chips and eating saltine crackers.
I can't imagine her doctors not giving her zofran--it was created for cancer patients undergoing chemo....so hopefully they did and hopefully she isn't already taking it while puking 20-30 times a day.
I am so sad for her and I'm praying (((Hugs)))
I didn't read through all of your comments so forgive me if I duplicate a remedy, but I do second the coke idea! It's always worked for me. Also, at Motherhood they have suckers that help pregnant women fight nausea; maybe they'd work for Abby too! Good luck!
Praying for your sweet Abby, and your entire family. Prayers for a remedy for relief!!! Hugs to Abby!
My friend swears by ginger for her morning sickness. I fouund this:
http://www.thedietchannel.com/Fight-Chemo-Induced-Nausea-With-Ginger.htm
Hope Abby feels better. She is in my prayers
Poor kid!! Hunter's nausea was pretty well controlled by Zofran, Reglan/Benadryl, and Ativan when she was on treatment.
Ginger is a more natural treatment for nausea though I haven't tried it. When I was pregnant I swore by Queasy Pops: http://www.cart32hostingred.com/cgi-bin/cart32.exe/CANDLELIGHTERSCHILDH-store?catid=11&prodid=77
I hope you find something that works for her, it must be hard keeping her hydrated when she's vomiting that much every day. :(
Oh, and I'd love photography tips. One of my New Year's Resolutions this year is learning to use my Rebel XT in something other than the Automatic setting!
What a precious pic of your sweetheart, Abby! And your ability to turn heartbreak into laughter...very inspiring. :)
As for nausea. It's not a home remedy, but it works miracles for me and it is quite cheap. It's called Promethazine. I need to go on Methotrexate (a form of chemo) for my auto-immune disease from time-to-time. My doc gave me the Promethazine to help with the nausea and it works wonders! I sure hope you can find something for Abby's nausea problems. We keep praying for you!
Amanda
Abby is a gorgeous ray of sunshine. She is absolutely beautiful! I came across your blog today, and have committed to praying for Abby, your family, and all of the doctors taking care of your precious girl every single day. I have also asked my dad to have his church pray for her! I will check every day to get any new updates on her!
God Bless,
Brianne
Jeremiah 29:11
I have not tried it but I have known people have used pickle juice to treat nausea during pregnancy and chemo. If she can't drink it you can freeze it in a little Dixie cup with a popsicle stick in it then she will have a "pickle pop." Sounds yucky to me but they sell them like hot cakes to the kids at the ball park in the summer. Hope it helps.
Casey Q.
Any mint is good for nausea. Put it under her tongue and it may help. That's what I use. Also, I've had a ton of luck with those bracelets that people wear on cruise ships. I know it sounds crazy...but it really works. Mine are so small and stretch to fit. So any that you find may be able to fit Abby. They have hard, raised circles (like a pea sized ball) on them for her pressure points in wrist. The ball goes between the two tendons and relieves nausea. Works wonders. Also, sounds bad but the juice out of canned peaches is really great for nausea. It's just basically high fructose corn syrup but if you look at the pharmacy for "nausea medication/syrup", you'll see that it's pretty much the only ingredient (hfcs). Hope this helps. We are praying. And oh, thanks for offering some tips on photography and editing. You rock!
Some pharmacies sell coke syrup--without the selzer water that can make you gassy (look in the pregnancy section).
I like 7-up, but something I learned crewing sailboat is that Ginger cures nausea almost instantly. I've done this in several forms--from dumping large quantities of dried powdered ginger, to stewing candied ginger in tea, or putting it in 7-up. Once when my husband had food poisioning, I had him chew on a whole ginger root that I had in the freezer. It worked almost immediately.
Abby's doc may be able to get her an antinausea drug.
I was perscribed Compazine once for an allergy to Percoset--but it was right after open-heart surgery, so I was in agony every time I vomited. Unfortunately, the compazine gave me a dystonic reaction, which caused me to loose all muscle control like a stroke victim! I was later told that Compazine should never be perscribed to someone under 40 years old, so keep her away from that one! Good luck, but do try the ginger, it works wonders!
Poor Abby! I am praying for her.
I just thought I would mention the things that helped me with nausea while I was pregnant:
1.Zofran
2.Preggie Pops(which I just found out they make Queasy Pops for kids!!)www.threelollies.com/,
3.Sea Bands: www.sea-band.com/seaband.htm.
I pray some relief comes to Abby soon!!!!
Even with the TP stuck in your noses, it is an adorable picture...one of true love. I don't have much experience with severe nausea, but one of my friends who was hospitalized several times due to ongoing pregnancy nausea spent a lot of time with her friend the Reglan pump. However I can only assume that Abby's medical team has already prescribed as many such medications as they can. My husband's mother always swore by homemade peppermint tea for an upset stomach - just boil dried peppermint leaves in water and sip.
I'd love to see the photography hints, too!
Wishing you blessings...
I just got a Nikon D60 for Christmas and I am LOATHING my photography skills- if you could even call them that. ;) So I would love some tips!
The only things I've heard that may help are raw carrots, or apple slices. I can't recommend either from experience, but they helped a friend. Maybe peppermint tea? I'm so sorry she's so miserable!!
I see that others have commented this already, but I just wanted to reiterate...
When I was pregnant with our twin, I puked constantly...not as much as Abby though. The two things that helped (the ONLY things that helped) were:
1. Zofran (although the side effect - constipation - is almost as bad and the puking).
2. Preggie Pops. They have these in sucker form and in just the drops (like cough drops). Both worked wonders.
Hope she finds some relief.
Dear Mr Riggs, Ive been reading up on abby and been praying for her and your family. I suffer from chronic pain and I get very nauseated from that and from medications and I find that ginger chews help and chewing gum (But a really light mint flavor, nothing strong). I sure hope she gets some relief from the nausea soon.
i had hyperemesis (non stop barfing) with my pregnancies and honestly, not much helped. however, the most effective in at least making it survivable were zofran/reglan alternated every few days-one just wouldn't work but if i alternated taking them it at least kept it down to throwing up like 4 times a day or just feeling like i was going to throw up all day but not actually doing it (sorry but that really was an improvement :) ) the other thing that helped tremendously was to get re-hydrated via IV. the more i threw up, the more dehydrated i'd get and then the more i'd throw up and it was just an awful cycle. but when they'd re-hydrate me, for like 3 days i felt like i could eat, drink, and only feel a little barfy instead of lying on the bathroom floor praying to die :)(i wish i was kidding-i feel for abby, poor sweet girl) also, keeping odors of any sort as minimal as possible-any sort of strong odor was just awful, even if it was not a terrible odor. that and not getting too warm or things being too loud. it just seemed to overwhelm my system and then i'd get sick. but i lived on fizzy soda and peppermints-life savers winto green or the pink peppermint necco wafers, no joke. i found a place where i could buy just the pink kind-hallelujah! let me know if you need them and i will gladly get abby some!!! and my doctor did not care as long as calories were in my body somehow!! finally, prayer-i just prayed so much and spent so much of that time just pouring out my heart to the LORD b/c well, it was all i could do!! and having people around who understood and asked/expected next to nothing from me meant the world to me b/c otherwise, i felt like i needed to be doing better, which i could not, and then i would get upset and well, barf again. it was hard b/c i am not normally a "wimpy" sick person AT ALL and it was definitely humbling. any guesses why we are adopting this time around ;)???
Ginger root capsules and/or ginger snap cookies always did the trick for me. The only problem is that after 4 pregnancies, and A LOT of ginger, I am now not crazy about the taste of ginger. I was skeptical at first, but it really did work.
Blessings! Lana
The closest I can relate is when I was pregnant I had serious nausea and was in and out of the hospital. I didn't find it helped too much but the best things were: seabands, zofran, crystalized ginger & gingerale. praying for you all... (Behailu loves all the photos on your site and of course is thrilled when he sees Sami!)
I see several have already suggested Coke. That seemed to help me with pregnancy nausea:0)
My daughter had a terrible bout with nausea, gagging, vomitting for several months (secondary to heart issues). The doc's prescribed zofran & it worked wonders! I still keep it around for just in case moments. Was told that it was a fairly effective med, typically used with chemo patients! Maybe this would help Abby get some relief?!
Praying that something works... soon:0)!
I don't know if this will help or not but my doc has told me to take Dramamine for nausea. That's what you take to avoid nausea while riding in a car. It might help.
Zofran has been most effective for our son who has difficulty w/ extreme nausea and trouble fighting flu like symptoms for even mild stomach bugs. Zofran is the only thing that will end the nausea / vomiting and prevent dehydration.
We are praying for relief for Abby's nausea!
When I was pregnant, I kept lemons and crackers around and would suck on them lemon and then eat the cracker..most of the time that worked. I have also heard of the preggie pops and the bracelets..I usually give my daughter a half of a dramamine when we go on long trips b/c she gets car sick..it controls it, but makes her sleep for about 2 1/2 -3 hours..I hope you find something and soon!! Prayers are going up for Abby!
Bryce took zofran around the clock during certain chemos. I worried about him getting it all the time, but it really helped. The Sa Bands others mentioned I heard work too. There are several anti-nausea drugs other than zofran that you may be able to try. Maybe ask the onc. for some other options? Also a bland diet. Bryce really ate what seemed just pancakes for a while. They seemed to stay down. Also possibly having her prevacid or whichever acid reducer med. they have her on for steroids, maybe try all the time? I hope she feels better soon. The nausea/vomiting is so tough. The big culprits for us were ARA-C,
6Tg, cyclophosimide, and in LTM even methotrexate in the weekly dose.
Well we are MISSING you all already today. Kya was watching the Videos I just posted on our BLOG and ALL she wants to do is go see Abby, Sami, and Spiderman again! I want all your COOL tips...especially how to turn my Hubby into Mr. Incrediable, Me into Tinker Bell, Jagger into Buzz Light year and Kya into Jesse....hehe I am going to have to hire you to JAZZ up some pictures for me! Hugs
My Mom always gave us Coke as well. Back then she bought coke syrup and gave it to us. Worth a shot at least.
I too LOVE your photos! I'm still in the learning mode, but hope to ONE day actually go full-pro with it. I have a Nikon D80 and LOVE it!
Both the following web sites have lots of good information. If you think Abby has low platelets, then beware of giving her ginger until you know for sure...as it tends to thin the blood even more.
Never underestimate the value of some GOOD probiotics too. They might not stop the vomiting BUT she is probably loosing alot because of it...and she needs them for a healthy immune system...which is going to help her fight this battle.
http://www.mothernature.com/Library/Bookshelf/Books/41/88.cfm
http://www.cureourchildren.org/nausea.htm
Praying for you sweet Abby, and remember JESUS LOVES YOU!!!!
I've been following your blog and praying for your family... my one-year old prays for "Bee" which is his name for Abby.
Our first son Tyler lived for three weeks in the NICU, while nothing in our stories is similar - we know that pain of watching a child suffer and we're praying for your whole family!
I've often looked at your blog and wondered about the photo editing! I didn't want to ask because you have so many other things that need your attention! Thank you for offering!
What a good daddy you are and such a sweet picture! As for nausea remedies...When I was pregnant and extremely nauseous the "preggo pops" really helped. It's a sucker that has ginger as one of the ingredients and the ginger is supposed to help with nausea. You can find them at any big baby store. I know Babies R Us sells them if there is one close to you. Also, try the pressure point bands. They are the cloth bands that you wear around your wrists that have the little pressure point ball that should be positioned in the middle of the wrist. They are sold in any drug store! Good luck! Hope miss Abby is feeling better soon! We will continue to pray!
My favorite remedy was either really syrupy coca cola or vanilla syrup in coke.
Ginger snaps always helped me when I was nausea. I don't know if someone said this but In some maternity stores they have something called preggie pops that help with morning sickness...But I looked them up and they also have something called Queasy Pops to help with nausea associated with motion sickness and sickness caused by chemotherpy.
http://www.threelollies.com/
-Karen
I used to give my older kids (when they were small) ginger drops that I found at a drugstore. They were flavored because ginger by itself is kind of awful and would probably cause more gagging. Unfortunately, that was 25 years ago, and even then the store was unable to figure out who they ordered them from. Maybe a naturopath would have something similar. ?
Also wanted to let you know that my five year old Abby is very invested in your Abby's health. When her dad forgot to include Abby in the dinner prayer tonight and said `amen,' Abby quietly added, "We're praying for Abby too, Jesus." I love the fact that she is keeping your Abby at the front of our prayer list.
Please know my friends and family pray for your sweet Abby daily. Abby's story reminds me to not sweat the small stuff and every minute with our loved ones is precious. Thank you for sharing. A little tip on the nausea, I read about a family that makes peppermint icecream specifically for patients going through chemo. The icecream offered a lot of flavor and helped with the nausea. This tip comes from a dental hygienist. I know this is the last of your worries, but don't worry about her teeth, luckily she will get another set 3 years from now.
We are praying for you daily here in Cincinnati.
Sincerely,
MANDY
I've struggled with nausea for the past year (due to a weird syndrome that causes severe headaches and dizziness). Things that help me are:
1.) Coke, Gingerale, or Powerade. For me, a drink with a little sugar, salt, or carbonation always helps more than water.
2.) Peppermints.
3.) Saltines. Even just a nibble or two can really help.
4.) Usually getting away from all smells is a MUST. But sometimes, as weird as it sounds, sniffing something with eucalyptus or menthol (like Vicks Vaporub) can help calm nausea.
5.) Breathing slowly through your nose to reduce gagging.
6.) Zofran!!!!! So much better than Phenergan.
Praying lots for sweet Abby.
~Kristy
I'm sure that Abby has tried most medicine. I went through chemo 11 years ago, as well as, I threw up 10 times a day for my entire pregnancy. I kind of feel her pain. Zofran kind of helped me along with Zantac. I am sure this is totally opposite but I think I will mention it. I had to keep solids and liquids totally opposite. I couldn't drink anything withing 30 minutes of eating. I pray for Abby every day!! Jesus touch this little one and bless her with a long, happy, healthy life!!
Brent, are they giving Abby Zofran? Also, many people use Sea Salt bracelets for nausea, you can order them online. Most of all, speak God's living Word over your sweet girl. Nothing can cure her symptoms more than that...I know, I speak from experience. Praying with out ceasing, susie
I am not sure if this will help but I have used Sea Bands that are on the market and preggie pops that have ingredients to help nausea.
I feel helpless concerning Abby's condition, so I can only imagine how you are feeling. The vomiting is due to her body defending itself from the chemo, and it's going to be a difficult thing to avoid. I hope that the doc will prescribe Zofran (ondansetron) or Phenergan (promethazine) to give her some relief. As for natural remedies, ginger, cola syrup, a mint are supposed to make a difference. More than anything, she needs to take in as many fluids as possible to avoid dehydration. I'm so sorry that she is suffering so much. I'm in tears praying for God to help her through this.
Zofran helped me, but not a 100%, just enough to stand it and not throw up. Perhaps with a high dose you precious one will be better.
Hi my name is Kaen and I am a Leukemia survivor 15 years this year. I will be praying for Abby as well as your family. May want to try and cut lemons and have her sniff them whenever she feels ill. Just having them in a bowl will put the lemon smell in her surroundings. This helped me and others I know always worth the try.
Also, I used plastic utensils to eat with. Avoiding having a metal taste in my mouth. Eating peeled apples also lessened my sickness. Drinking gingerale seemed to worsen the nasua for me. May want to try the sea sickness wrist bands the make them for kids too(smaller) Usually can find them at the local pharmacy by other motion sickness medications. If can not find can find them online or maybe local travel agency.
Hope this helps. My prayers and thoughts will be with you all. We tend not to realize what the power of prayer can do. I should not be here today I am a miracle and I even changed the views of my doctors. Only God knows how much time we have to spend on earth. I try to live each day to the fullest and take nothing for granted. Each new day is blessing to me and is one more day that you can enjoy the blessing of Abby in your life. I am praying for another miracle but utimately it is up to God for his will to be done.
Love and God Bless
Karen
I'm excited to read these comments. My Dad starts Chemo tomorrow and hopefully some of the ideas will help him too!
NOt sure of these would work for Chemo induced nausea but COLD air always helps me. Whenever I feel nauseated, especially at night, I either go outside, or open my bedroom window. The cool fresh air almost always helps....
Otherwise, a hot bath. Of course it help that the bath tub is right next to the toilet.
Praying as always!
Violet
Ok, I've read more of the comments. Mint is great for me too, just smelling mint, or putting mint oil in bath water (only organic though!)! SOmeone mentioned pressure points: I'm a massage therapist, and we learning that inbetten the index finder and thumb is one for nausea, as well as on either side of the tendon above the heal of your foot. You could give abby a foot and hand massage incorporating 30 second moderate pressure in those areas to help. It also works for headaches. I will have to dig out my books to check for more!
Not to sure that this will even help ya but just something that helped me when I went through Chemo was to not take that anti-nausea Medicine that they had me on. My first 2 chemo's was bad to the point of non stop throwing up to the point I couldn't walk or talk. The funny note of this is even while throwing up I was throwing shoes at my wall to get my brothers attention..it worked. Then I was taken in. I then wanted to test something and so next chemo I didn't take the anti-nausea med's and then went to sleep woke up at 9 pm puked until 11pm went back to sleep and was almost fine in the AM just a little nausea but was nothing like before. If she is on Antinausea meds maybe try something else her body might be rejecting that. Even though with CHEMO comes throwing up but could be less.
Just a thought from my Chemo days (which Chemo for me was an 8 hour IV drip but only 6 rounds every 21 days..Nothing like Abbys)
Praying for you Miss Abby
Hi! I have been reading your blog for a while, i'm a guatemalan 19 year old and have had lots of medical problems sonce around age 12 and i am sensitive to all the meds they gave me, i am an expert, just like abby, on throwing up and nausea. My mom buys me homeopathic pellets from whole foods market called ipepachuana (I think, but you can just ask them for the pellets and they should point these out to you). They work miracles, i keep a little bottle everywhere, in my purse, car, home, and dorm just in case because i never know when i'll be sick. I also eat crackers before i take any meds and/or anything salty. my mom makes me maggi soup (from guatemala) when i am sick and its saltiness eases the nausea, but you can try any kind of soup thats salty. I have also tried to take calcium when I start feeling nauseous and it works well.
Dear Abby and Family,
I recieved your address from the Lansberry's. I have been trying to get a message to you for a couple of days, but having trouble because I am not very good on computers. Hope this one makes it.
My son Nick and I are attempting to read your story and as we do we wanted you to know that we are Praying for you.
I'm so sorry that you have been sick with so much vomiting and now a bloody nose.
You are such a beautiful child and I love your contagious smile and big brown eyes.
We Pray you will soon be feeling a little better.
Love and Prayers,
Joyce and Nick
Myth Busters did a test to find out what worked best for motion sickness. They decided that ginger worked great.
I know a family of a 5 year old cancer sufferer who found putting her on an all organic diet, mainly alkaline as someone else mentioned, helped her to cruise through chemo much better. However she didn't have Abby's genetic problem that causes chemo side effects to be more severe, that is most likely the main culprit of her nausea and she possibly needs something "harder" like a medication. Do try an organic diet though!
Marie.
I wish I had some advice - but it sounds like there are some great ideas here. Praying that something works and helps your sweet baby girl to have a calm tummy. Praying for you all! Love the picture - hilarious!!
I doubt this will work as the chemo I take is an extremely, extremely small dosed compared to what little princess warrior is going through, but I suck on crystalized ginger, and drink ginger ale, and ginger tea. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't, but maybe it'll help.
Also, I cannot eat anything chocolate, ESPECIALLY chocolate milk and hot chocolate...instant barf-o-rama!
Try having her suck on a wet washcloth. It sounds weird, but it's my number one remedy. Whether I suck on it, or I just leave it in my mouth, I can't live without it! You can also soak it with the ginger ale too.
I know of another little girl with leukemia who had mouth sores from the chemo and vomiting and her doctor had mixed her pain med into the water to help it, but of course the whole "consult your child's physition before adding or changing any medications" spiel goes unspoken with it.
Oh, and I agree with Karen, avoid metal. I've heard that when you're on chemo that you can smell metal very well, and you often get a metalic taste in your mouth, so that will just make it worse (probably). I have no real experience with cancer proticol chemo, just the stuff that works for my low dose stuff, and things I've heard from the kids I keep up with.
I would love to hear your photo editing tips! I've been using GIMP for about a year now, and just love it. Though I've learned quite a lot in the past year, I won't deny that I probably have a lot to learn!
I just wanted to add that I applaud you for being such a wonderful father to your kids. If there were more dad's like you out there, the world would be such a better place.
~Alex
http://awareness-warrior.blogspot.com
One of my friends used the Motion Sickness wrist bands while in treatment, and they worked wonders for her.
You are an amazing family, and as always, in my prayers.
What I use is Ginger, peppermint tea and deffinatly Coke (flat) on ice! I hope she feels better soon!
Emma
I don't have any great tips myself, but I do have a friend whose child had leukemia a couple of years ago, so the next time I talk with her I"ll ask if they did anything that helped during the chemo. I remember him being really sick, but don't remember hearing about him throwing up this much in a day. Hang in there..poor sweet little Abby.
When my mom was undergoing chemo, she drank tepid tea sweetened ever-so- lightly with honey. That seemed to help her better than anything.
Oh, sweet baby girl! I'm so sorry you're so barfy! Our family prays for you every morning.
Brent & Michelle, Abby is probably already on this medication, but just in case she's not... Have the doctors spoken to you about Zofran? During my first two pregnancies, I suffered (horribly) from hyper-emesis, which is ceaseless vomiting, was in and out of the hospital, had a home-care nurse, and still lost 20ish lbs by the time I gave birth. It was horrible! But, by my third pregnancy, Zofran was available. I was still very ill, but so much less so... no hospitalization, no IV's, and I was able to be up and around quite a bit more. It's worth a shot!
We're praying!!!
My dr. suggested I eat green apples to curb nausea. Praying for Abby in Iowa. Your site is the first thing I check daily.
Your love for Abby, Spidey landis, and all of your children is a living witness of God's love and His presence in the world. Praise Him for His love demonstrated in you.
I want to humbly share with you what God has taught us. Abby is God's child and the temple of the Holy Spirit.In His Word, God tells us that anything that harms His temple, He will destroy. He is our sovereign God to Whom we desire and owe obedience. He has told us what to do in cases such as Abby's. The Spirit of Truth that abides in you is always teaching you and guiding you into all truth.(Jn16:13) Please read these scriptures and ask God to open them to you. Matt7:24,Jer.23:28-29,Lk10:19, Mk11:23. Compose a prayer with these and as Jesus told us, speak to that leukemia and nausea commanding them to move out and get away from Abby's body. You have particular authority as a child of God and as Abby's Father. Use your scriptural prayer as a prescription and speak it three times a day. This is not to move God but to keep you standing in faith. Speaking to an obstacle is not presumption, it is absolute obedience. I am standing with you in agreement that what you speak will come to pass.
I love you and your family and am blessed to be a part of your family.
Bella's Gramma Nance
PS God has provided wonderful drugs against nausea that I have seen posted today on your blog. Praise Him for His provision. Speaking His Word and only His Word makes them effective. Loving Abby, GN
My nephew (age 6 with ALL, original dx 9/06 with relapses 7/08 and 12/08) uses Benadryl and Reglan for his nausea. The BenRag helps him tremendously, but it makes him REALLY tired.
Praying for Abby!!
Try Nestle's Carnation instant breakfast - it comes in vanilla, strawberry and my favorite, chocolate. If you can, purchase it in pre made liquid cans. Pop the cans into the freezer - it just tastes better cold!
Merrill
Most of my ideas for Abby's tummy have been used, but one that my children always liked when they had stomach viruses was these sticky pads that go on their forehead. The coolness of them always comforted them. They are usually available in pharmacies. They would be located near the childrens fever reducers. I hope that sweet girl feels better soon!
Thanks for being willing to share your photography advice. We have a great camera, but nothing I take looks decent!
As always, praying for your family!!
Amy Harkey
I have been thinking of Abby's pressure building up in her head and neck. I have been reading in a non medical site that migraines are due to some sort of swelling of the brain and chocolate and coke help shrink it and reduce the pain and the swelling. I know Abby's case is different since it is fluid. But I know when I get a migraine Coke really helps. I was wondering if in her case, dark chocolate or Coke might help her reduce the pressure. I am really not sure (I don't have much medical knowledge) but I have not been able to get it off my head. So I wanted to share it with you just in case.
Nathalie
Hi. I'm a lurker, but thought I'd come out to give a suggestion: Try Melissa drops. They are homeopathic, so no risk of reaction with her other medications. You put four or five drops into a glass of water and sip slowly..the taste is less than desirable, but she's such a trooper I bet she can handle it no problem. I hope this helps.
swet Abby I hope you are better by now...
there´s not much I know about nausea...I just remember that when I was sick my daddy told me to take deep breaths and breath by nose - trying to make a sound like little train :) - and it helped a little bit, but this was only for little sickness when I was ill so I´m not sure if it would work for her :( ...my mom often drinks coke when she´s sick and it helps for her (but not for me - so I guess it depends)...
I absolutely love that photo od Abby and her daddy, it´s such a nice picture...I hope you will share your tips and tricks with us :)
I keep praying :)
Try Ematrol - it works wonders on nausea but please check with Abbey's doctor first as I don't know if kids can take it. Ginger Ale also always worked for me as a kid who struggled with lots of stomach issues. Good luck - we pray for you and little Abbey.
Please know, I pray for little Abby everyday and it brings me joy to see her ability to smile through her pain and discomfort. That child must have a special place in God's heart as well.
As for the nausea, the prescription meds that have worked best for me are meclizine and phenergan. Also sucking on hard candy (ginger or peppermint) and flat gingerale. But, sometimes nothing can help and the important thing is to keep her lips from getting chapped and keeping her as comfy as possible.
Prayers, prayers and more prayers sent your way!
My daughter (also from Guatemala) and I pray for your sweet Abby every day, several times a day.
As for the nausea - my mom always made us Jello water (just let us drink the Jello water warm before placing it in the fridge to set-up). It seemed to work and tastes good. She also used to make hot tea (you could make green tea or any flavor for that matter) and dip saltines in it.
Hope something works for Abby. Please know many prayers from a small town in Ohio go up many times a day for your Abby.
The only home remedy I know for nausea is ginger: ginger ale, ginger snaps, ginger bread, ginger muffins from Jason's Deli are really good. God bless you all. You are constantly in our prayers.
When I was going through chemotherapy I used a combination of Zofran, phenergan suppositories, popsicles (red only), sea-bands, and coke (freezing cold-over ice).
I was still nauseated - still vomiting - the above things helped SO very much.
Still praying for Abby and your family.
I used it for severe morning sickness, but Zofran works wonders.
Praying for sweet Abby and your family...
This may be a shot in the dark but have you tried making green smoothies? They might be something tasty for her and they are packed with nutrients. We make them in a blender--a few handfuls of spinach (stay with me here), a banana and some milk (soy or regular) and a little sweetener of some sort. Blend it up and sip it. I PROMISE it doesn't taste like spinach :)
I would think that her little body is being stripped of nutrients with all of her treatments, etc. Eating something really rich in vitamins, etc. might help out some.
Just a thought--
I dont remember how I first came to your blog but I have been a lurker ever since, Sorry;)
Wanted you to know that Im sending lots of prayers all the way from Peru!
Jimena
Fennel tea brewed weak. My mother gave it to me when I was terribly sick and threw up a lot. I remember it calming my stomach and helped with nausea. I gave it to my children also.
I am sure they have already given her Zophran, but if they havn't it works pretty good without the sickening side effects of phenergran.
But the last time I had surgery, they stuck a patch of something behind my ear and it was good for up to 3 days after. It worked great. I can't remember the name but will ask my nurse friend and get back to you. I am sure your doctor would know exactly what it is.
I know ginger root...a small piece of the "wood" placed between the cheek and gums...works REALLY well for motion sickness. The body just absorbs something from it and you feel much better. Maybe it would help? Just a thought.
My mom is currently undergoing chemo also and she snacks on grapes throughout the day. Sh says it helps her nausea. She also sucks on lemon drops.
Abby is precious and in my daily prayers.
Oh poor sweet Abby! There is a pressure point on the wrist, about 3 finger widths up, right in the middle, and if you apply pressure, it's said to relieve nausea. It's safe and she won't have any other medicine into her body. You can buy wristbands that have a little button that you place over the spot (they tell you how to find it in the directions) and you wear them all day. It doesn't completely get rid of the nausea but makes it a little tolerable. You can find these at any drugstore, walmart, target etc. And they are pretty cheap too. Hope this helps! I'm still praying for sweet Abby girl!!!
Kim in Utah
I would go to the doctors and insist on them prescribing whatever prescription medication is available and reasonably safe for Abby's nausea, because throwing up 20-30 times a day is crazy. The nonprescription medications I know of that are most likely to help a nauseated kid are Gravol (dimenhydrinate is the generic name) and Pedialyte (that's for re-hydrating her).
What a sweet girl! :) My sister gets nauseous when flying and she found these bracelets at Walgreens or CVS or somewhere liek that and it's kind of like a sweatband (old school- right?!) and it has this little ball thing on it that you put on the pressure point on your wrist. Concidentally I got sick while she was here and it took about 15 minutes and I was feeling much better & didn't even get sick again! :) Worth a shot anyway! Praying for your safe trip to and from the hospital!
My doctor once told me that york pepermint patties would help calm your stomach. *sending prayers for sweet abby*
We used Zofran for our son when he went through the ALL high risk protocol at Abby's age. The trick is to take the Zofran well before the onset of nausea, not when it begins. Once nausea or pain starts, it takes so much more to stop it, then to keep it down in the first place.
Insurance companies HATE to permit zofran until other cheaper anti emitics are tried. But it is worth the battle to get it as it is the gold standard in that type of drug.
Prayers for all of you and your sweet girl.
cut up some raw ginger into chunks and put them into a jug of drinking water, like 2/3 water 1/3 chunks of ginger, put cheese cloth over the lid with a rubber band and keep it in your fridge...then after a day of making ginger water, she can drink as much as she wants...
blessings
just one more advice...I asked my mom about nausea and she said that when my granddad was taking chemo he used to feel very sick and his stomach was very "acid" (I don´t know how to say that) ...and they used to buy him simple crackers which were similar to "unraised bread" and it helped him to feel better...but now when you went to hospital, I hope that doctors will give her something what will really help :)
Our daughter hem/onc. doctors prescribed Zofran for nausea. It worked great for Ayla, I am surprised Abby is not taking zofran.
My husband took Zofran during chemo and never had any nausea or vomiting.
Praying for your little one.
Ginger is a good home remedy for nausea, I used it when pregnant. You can try many forms: candied roots(order from www.Penzeys.com), teabags (I like Tazo), candy (buy at Dodson's), freshly grated and steeped in hot water to make strong tea. Dodson's also sells a variety of Ginger Ale, can't remember the name, but it has lots of ginger in it.
Michelle's lovely spirit shines through her beautiful face and smile - great pictures but I know Brent will PAY for posting them!
Prayer and a lot of sleep is all I know to do!
I have a stomach condition called gastroparesis. The only thing that would help me is Zofran. I know they use this med to help cancer patients while undergoing chemo. So if you haven't tried that, I'd ask.
Naturally, ginger, peppermint tea, spearmint tea, and licorice.
Bless Abby's little heart....
~Brenda
www.prairiebren.blogspot.com
Personally, growing up with a lot of stomach problems, I wouldn't suggest coke or other soda/pop for nausea. Those sort of drinks have a high acidity level which can actually upset an already upset feeling tummy, especially and empty one. Ice chips help keep a bit of fluid in. Ginger is a nature stomach settler, but it has to be REAL ginger (ginger ale doesn't have any real ginger in it anymore, usually) Ginger beer is good, but is has a very strong flavor that might not be the most appealing to a little girl with stomach upset.
Another thing that works sometimes, or atleast can give a little relief, as these bands called 'seabands' they go around your wrist and push on a little pressure point on your wrist. I have used them for sea sickness and motion sickness, but they also are supposed to work for nausea in general. (http://www.sea-band.com/seaband.htm) They are worth a try as they don't involve medicine or keeping anything down.. sometimes you have to wear them for awhile before feeling any relief.
Hope that helps and Abby can get a little relief from the nausea.
Aw, sweet Abby, I pray for you all the time. As for the nausea, I have had wonderful results with grapefruit seed extract. I know, it sounds weird, but put a few drops in some water (or I suppose try it in the cola some were suggesting...because it doesn't taste very well alone! Luckily, I don't think you need very much.) I really hope it works for you Abby!
Continuing to pray for Abby and the entire family!
Denice
Hey there Abby's dad...I have always used room temp ginger ale. That always helps my kids. Hope it helps your precious little girl. You are in our thoughts and prayers daily.
I didn't read through all these notes but if no one mentioned it, you could try giving her a couple teaspoons of the heavy syrup from canned peaches every 15-30 minutes. It is really very little different from an OTC medicine called Emetrol that is ionized sugar water. Sometimes it is very calming. Abby is in my prayers. I named her at our Junior High closing prayer group tonight.
Carolyn (in Las Vegas)
at health food stores they sell ginger pieces. I'm not even sure what they call it. It looks like little pebbles of ginger. it works
This may be worth a try- a teaspoon full of peach juice- (from canned peaches- with the thick syrupy juice) as often as she can tolerate- this has helped several friends of mine- also, frozen pineapple chunks and again, flat coke (pour it back and forth in a cup to lose fizz) Praying for you from Italia- Jen
I had to take zofran when I was pregnant this last time. I was sick from the time I got up till time for bed. I was told at the pharmacy that they use this drug for chemo patients. Also, room temp, flat ginger ale or sprite if she can tolerate the sugar. I never could. I had lots of nilla wafers, graham crackers and believe it or not, bean burritos from taco bell seem to settle my stomach! I sure hope something works for your precious baby girl!
Chew on candied ginger...any health food store should have it and it really helps
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