Grade Report

I got my final grade from last 9 weeks... In University Composition and Communication I, I finished the class with a 92%, which is a A-. I am super happy with how I did. On my final exam, I got 24pts out of the 25 pts that were possible! I did my final exam on Traditional Education verses Online Education. In Principles of Healthy and Wellness, I finished the class with a 94.6%, which is an A. And on my final exam I received a 100%. My final exam is the presentation that I shared with you a few weeks back on Endometriosis. I just started new classes after a week off. My new classes are University Composition and Communication II and Media and American Culture. I'll update you on that as time goes on! Until Next Time...

Endometriosis Final

I had to complete a Powerpoint presentation for my finals! I thought that I would share it since I chose to do it about Endometriosis.

Endometriosis is the abnormal growth of cells (endometrial cells are cells that shed each month with your menstrual cycle) similar to those that form the inside of the uterus, but in a location outside of the uterus. These cells are also non-cancerous.

Although, the specific cause of Endometriosis is unknown there are a few things that can lead to Endometriosis being a problem. Retrograde menstruation is the backwards flow of blood up into the Fallopian tubes sticking to whatever it lands on and starts to grow. Immune system malfunction is another theory of causing Endometriosis. Some women's immune systems allow endometriosis to develop by not controlling or stopping the growth of tissue outside of the uterus. Researchers have found that families can carry bad genes that allow abnormal cells to survive and grow in the pelvic area. Families having genes that allow abnormal cell growth and survival is also considered a risk factor. Along with menstrual cycle factors, allergies, obesity, and exposure to toxins. Women who start their menstrual cycle at an early age are more likely to suffer from Endometriosis, along with heavy, painful periods, short menstrual cycles and long periods. Endometriosis is also linked to allergies (food, eczema and hay fever), obesity, and exposure to toxins. Environmental pollution (like dioxins) are suspected of helping the development of endometriosis.

The only way to be diagnosed with endometriosis is by having a surgical procedure done called a laparoscopy, which is a small incision or a laparotomy, which is a lard incision. Medical treatment options are available for women in their reproductive years. These medications include GnRH analogs, oral contraceptive pills, and progestins. Surgical treatment options are classified as either conservative or definitive. Conservative is when the uterus and ovarian tissue is preserved. Meanwhile, a definitive classification involves a hysterectomy, with or without the removal of the ovaries as well. Having a laparoscopy done, endometrial implants can be removed by a laser, but if the disease has progressed to much, a laparotomy may be required. Since a specific cause of endometriosis can not be found and it is poorly understood, at this time endometriosis can not be prevents. Although, long-term use of birth control can help prevent the disease from progressing.

There currently are two controllable risk factors that contribute to the growth of endometriosis. Becoming in better shape by working out or doing aerobic exercises 5 days a week can help slow down the process of endometriosis. Our environment and the air that we breathe exposes use to many toxins that are unhealthy for use. The only way to control this problem is to change the area in which we live. Some people may be able to do this, while others may not. Uncontrollable risk factors also influence endometriosis. Allergies and menstrual factors play a large roll in women having endometriosis. In most women the flow of menstrual blood flows backwards to some extent.

The link between the immune system and endometriosis is actually quite simple. The job of the immune system is to cleanse out retrograde menstruation so that cells do not grow in places they are not supposed to. If the immune system does not remove menstrual fluid out of the pelvic cavity properly or the chemicals that are made by endometriosis, the fluid and/or chemicals may irritate or promote growth into other areas of the body. Studies have found that women who have endometriosis are more likely to have immune system disorders, where the body attacks its own tissues. Researchers have found that further study of the immune system may give clues of causes and treatment for this disease.

The Endometriosis Association (EA) is a non profit self-help organization that offers help and support to those affected by endometriosis. They educate the public and medical community about the disease, and fund and promote research related to endometriosis. The Endometriosis Research Center (ERC) is open and free to all those concerned with Endometriosis, including, medical staff, researchers, women of all ages with endometriosis, or anyone who is interested in the disease. It is their goal to make a positive difference in the lives of millions suffering from this disease.

There is no cure for endometriosis. There are many ways that you can help ease pain such as hormone therapy, taking out tissue with laparoscopic surgery, having a hysterectomy or oophorectomy. There are pros and cons to each one of these methods used to relieve pain.

I learned a lot during the research of this presentation. Check out my references for yourself... it might surprise you what you don't know about this disease!

Heaven Lee's 2nd Angelversary

Yesterday was Heaven's 2 year Angelversary! It's crazy to think that I would have a 17 month old right now! Now, I won't say that I did as good as last year, emotionally. It was a little rough for me! Lord, how I wish I could hold them in my arms... Dearest Heaven Lee, Wow, Baby Girl, I can't believe it has been 2 years since we said "good-bye"! I want you to know that I think about you all of the time and wonder all sorts of things. My mind is kind of a mystery when it comes to you, your little brother, and little sister! You hold a piece of my heart, Heaven Lee, a piece that no one will ever have! It's yours to keep. It gives me hope knowing that I have you 3 looking over me everyday! How lucky am I to have such BEAUTIFUL guardian angels?! Rest easy knowing that your mommy loves you sooooooo much and wishes you were here to cuddle with! Love Always, Mommy Until Next Time...

The Next Week

The next week or so is going to be very busy... In school, I am finishing up my second set of classes! So, from now until October 14th I have 2 finals to do! For University Composition and Communications I, I have to write a 1050 word compare and contrast essay about "Traditional Education vs. Online Education". Currently I have a 95% in that class so things have went decent so far. In Principles of Health and Wellness, I have to create a 8-10 slide powerpoint presentation on a specific chronic illness. I have chosen mine to be about, ENDOMETRIOSIS!!! :) Current I have a 97.86%! The next few weeks are going to be exciting to say the least.... Shane has to turn himself in October 4th to do his 30 days county time. :/ I'm not to excited about this one, but I would rather him get it over with so that he can be home for the holidays this year. SO, the next week and 4 days will be consumed of me spending as much time as possible with my baby! Other than that, things are alright! I mean we are definitely making the best out of our situation. But honestly, did you expect anything different than that? Heaven's Angelversary is coming up.... a week from today Until Next Time...

September 11th

September 11th isn't just any other day for me or my family. Nor will it EVER be! On 9/11/1963 my grandmother delivered a baby, who would one day become my father. Yesterday he turned 49 years young! Happy Birthday, Dad! On 9/11/2001 a tragedy impacted not just select families within the U.S. but every person who felt compassion for our country and it's loses. Never Forget! On 9/11/2009 my brother and his friend were training for a triathlon when they we struck from behind and left on the side of the road. After a half hour they were found and life-flighted. Thankful they are still here with us! On 9/11/2011 again something life changing happened... I met and fell in love with my soul mate. Our relationship has experienced laughter, tears, and compassion on another level. I am so thankful to have been blessed with a man who can not only share my life, but who can teach me as well as learn right along beside me. Happy Anniversary, Shane Michael! September 11th has brought both joy and sadness to my life, but one thing is for certain, everyone of these dates listed above has been life-changing experiences. Thank you, Lord, for bringing me through the storms to realize just how blessed I am. Until Next Time...

Craziest Week of My Life

Well the person that Shane and I were staying with decided to kick us out. We only had 3 days to do it, with no money and no place to things were quite difficult. So, now we are living in a tent... AWESOME! Shane goes to jail October 4th! I am not looking forward to this one... 30 days is to long :/ but I will be glad for it to be done and over with. School is going decent, tomorrow starts my 5th week of classes! Both classes grades are in the 90% range and I'm super excited with how well I am doing... Emotionally I have been overwhelmed. Thankfully I get to see my therapist in a week! I need this appointment. Until Next Time...

Here We Go, Here We Go Again!!!

Most of the time, people aren't who they say they are... and you find out in some fd up way that you would never expect. Having someones back for an extended amount of time as doesn't change the fact of whether or not they will do the same for you... Honestly, that just exploits that you are vulnerable. Shane and I are once again, moving. Here we go again! Only move number 14 in our first year. School is going good... after 2 weeks I have a 96% in Health and Wellness and a 100% in writing composition... Staying after our dream of helping families who go through similar issues as ourselves is my drive. Shane has to turn himself in October 4th. So we only have just over a month together before he is gone for 30 days. Its hard to think about but in the end, I'll have my baby back and that's all that matters to me. Heaven, Alijah, and Aaliyah... You're on mommy;s mind... Until Next Time...