Special little diet

June 8, 2016: 

So I went to a nephrologist for more blood work. They also evaluated my 24 hour urine sample. The good news is there was no protein in my urine, and "it didn't look as bad as suspected."  But they are only functioning at 40%.  

It's at least an improvement. When I was first diagnosed in June of 2014, they were at 20%. Leukemia cells had pretty much taken over my blood, marrow and organs. Oops. Wish I would have caught it sooner. 

The nephrologist wants to see me again in 3-4 months.  For now, I am on a special diet for kidney health. That means no coffee, no alcohol, NO SALT, no fat, no sugar, no dairy (milk, cheese, creamer, etc.) no grains (pasta, rice, bread, pastries, cookies, cake, etc.), no well marblesd meat, no canned or convenience foods, no preservatives, and absolutely nothing that comes in a wrapper.

What does that leave? Fresh fruit, vegetables, eggs, nuts, and lean poultry and fish. What a stark contrast to my neutropenic diet when everything had to be well cooked. 

The way I see it, either I throw 100% of my efforts to fixing this with diet, or I face the possibility of dialysis, or worse, a kidney transplant. That would again suspend my medical and I wouldn't be able to fly. 

No thank you. This diet is my new job. I am 100% committed to making it work. 

July 2

 I have been on this Diet for 3 weeks.  It hasn't been as much of a burden as first anticipated. We go out to lunch as a group often.  I can usually find a salad (no cheese, no dressing) or I simply pack a lunch from home. I have never been confronted by a restaurant worker, but I have my speech all ready. 

Its not easy, especially when traveling. But I bring my food from home, then visit a grocery store instead of going out. 

When I was sick, I had to eat even when I didn't have an appetite. They gave me free reign to eat everything. I especially enjoyed ice cream every evening. But, I kept up that habit a bit too long and overshot my target weight. I went to 134 at my apex. Now, I am down at least 7 pounds and feeling like my old fit self. 

The hardest part is regaining muscles. I was strong like bull. I would like to be there again. And I will eventually. 

Next appointment will be nephrologist in September, late October restaging, and vaccinations in November. 

All is well with my sleepy little family!