NO MORE INSULIN!!

I had to share the great news that I went to see my endocrinologist on Friday and was told that we were going to try not taking any insulin at all! My A1C was 5.4 and was low enough that he didn't think the 4 units of insulin per day were really doing that much! He thought my body was making enough on its own to try to do without! So, we shall see!! This is very exciting as I'm not a big fan of needles and a HUGE fan of sweets and carbs! :)

I also wanted to share the wonderful news that is coming about.... I have decided to start my own charity and really push towards the things I have wanted to accomplish since overcoming pancreatitis. So very soon there will be the angry pancreas foundation! (http://www.angrypancreas.com/). If there are any patients that would like to share their stories and journeys with the disease, PLEASE email me so that I can post them on the website and share with others! My email is nicoleabernathy@gmail.com

Today is a very sad day for me. Today I say goodbye to a dear friend whom has dealt with pancreatitis for the last few years. She had the auto islet cell transplant in May and we were getting through her recovery together. Unfortunately, she took her life on August 29th and today she will be put to rest. It's not something I've ever dealt with and the loss and feeling of guilt that I think accompanies the people that are still here is very hard. Her family and friends are all thinking of her and know that she is in a better place, but we will miss her terribly.

The loss of her has given a whole new light on my adventure with pancreatitis. There shouldn't be another person that loses their life to this disease. It's time we found a cure for it and the years of suffering with something so terrible takes a toll on even the strongest person. It's just not fair.

Her family is in my thoughts today and always.

I had to post a picture of my beautiful son to emphasize how lucky I am to have met Dr. Sutherland and to have had the AIT surgery in 2008. Without this surgery, I would not have my beautiful son and be pain free. What an amazing thing to experience thanks to Sutherland and his wonderful staff!