Category Archives: Fiber Supplements

Cancer and Survival


Posted by katiebird

What a week. First Elizabeth Edwards and now Tony Snow announce recurrances of cancer that they hoped they had beaten. And as the daughter of a cancer survivor, I know exactly what they’re families are likely to be going through.

My mom was diagnosed with colon cancer when she was about my age (I keep thinking it was about 20 years ago — but it was actually just about exactly 30 years ago.) I can’t remember the exact ‘stage’, but it was pretty advanced.

Back then, most people in the Kansas City area stayed in town for cancer treatment. But my dad went down to the KU Medical Center Library to research the current treatment for colon cancer. He discovered that the most up-to-date stuff was going on at MD Anderson, in Houston Texas. And he just assumed mom’s doctor would send her there if they asked. (Read more) Continue reading →


A Whole New Outlook on Fiber OR How I Found the Way Out of the Bathroom


Posted by katiebird

Politics and Cheese Sandwiches

A little while ago I was browsing the political blogs (I’m addicted to politics) and thinking about cheese-on-toast. We’ve got some great sliced sourdough French bread and it tastes like heaven toasted and topped with melted mozzarella. But I’ve had breakfast — so where would the cheese-on-toast fit? I’m pretty sure it would be both eating between meals AND taking seconds . . .

Then I remembered that I hadn’t taken the fiber supplement yet, so I got up and had a heaping teaspoon of fiber in a glass of water instead. **

Everyday for several months I’ve mentioned that I’m taking a fiber supplement. But I’ve never really explained it. And it’s only recently that I’ve talked about it to even family and friends. It’s not the easiest thing to talk about. But I’m committed to talking about the effects of obesity on my life. And I’m equally committed to sharing information about the changes I’ve made that are critical to my health and well-being.

But I promised you the Way Out of the Bathroom

Here’s the thing: in common with many obese people, I’ve got hemorrhoids.

Early this last summer, I went to a colorectal surgeon to ask about hemorrhoid surgery. It’s mortifying to report that my life was so diminished by the horror of bleeding hemorrhoids that I didn’t think I had any other choice but surgery. And after an examination, the doctor agreed. [MORE] Continue reading →