We ❤️ Y’all! Thanks for watching & if you want to help us reach our goal of 100 members on our channel you can become a member here: th-cam.com/channels/W1ESpln_pbi8vR6zWyinog.htmljoin Here is a link to our Etsy where you can buy the sterling silver herkimer diamond rings & moss agate easels we mentioned in the video 💍 : crystalethics.etsy.com
1000% get the spay and hernia repair done at the same time, while she's young. Why? - Fewer times she's under anaesthesia the better - There's a massive dog overpopulation crisis already, and eliminating any risk of an "oopsie" pregnancy is the responsible thing - Accidental pregnancies in young/small dogs can be devastating to them - Spaying her early means she's less likely to try to roam (which they'll do during their heat cycle)
So easy now to find your Etsy products. Thanks for thee upgrade. Ordered a Herkimer ring…….Might I suggest you sell boxes of gift cards with Opal’s paw-prints/photo -- blessings.
Nicolette you are awesome! Much respect! I’m a T-10 para and had a pressure sore and osteomyelitis too. Had the flap surgery and bed rest foreverrrrrr so I know the struggle! I love how you let nothing get in your way! Always remember to take time for yourself! I hope all works out for Opal with her hernia and spay! Brian, you’re a great guy! He’s a keeper Nicolette! Love you guys!
The fewer times Opal has to go under anesthesia the better for her. Every dog I’ve had has been spayed or neutered at the earliest age and have never run into any problems. Plus she will be uncomfortable after surgery why put her through recovery twice. I’m glad y’all are doing so well. Love your videos
Please get her fixed before a year old. The older they become the harder the recovery could be. Do both surgeries together to save money, time and stress on Opal. Puppies bounce back super quick from surgeries!
I have Graves’ disease, under active thyroid, for 30 years and want you to know you will feel so much better in a month or so. In my family, all females have thyroid disease so it has a genetic component. Two have hashimoto and are doing fine. It’s far better to have than say cancer. Prayers to you all and sweet Opal❤❤❤
I’ve been on Levothyroxine for 30 yrs. No wonder you have been so fatigued!!! The synthroid will get you feeling better. Hashimoto’s is no joke! My Mom never took her thyroid meds since 1963, the result of which caused dementia & an enlarged heart! She was very proud she ‘never had to take any meds.’ She passed away last year at age 93.
I have hypothyroidism since I was 15 years old. I take synthroid every day. It's a tough battle but blood tests every 6 months and take my meds in the morning on an empty stomach. I still have days where I want to crawl out of my skin or days where I don't feel like doing anything but since I've had it so long I know how to listen to my body and make adjustments. Hoshimotos is an autoimmune disorder also.
I just had my TSH tested and it's 2.43. That's smack dab in the middle of the range! Yay! I have been on every single strength of Synthroid so I'm really relieved that it's holding steady. I'm wishing y'all all the best!
I’ve had dogs my whole life then I adopted this little Applehead Chihuahua after her dad passed away and she was not spayed. For me, it was no fun seeing her go through her cycle and it didn’t seem like it was any fun for her either. It is just a mess when you have to keep cleaning up the spotting And putting on a diaper and taking it off when you take her outside, just like us women we are miserable at our time of the month and I’m sure they are too. If it were me, I would just enjoy my dog and she would have a much better life and feel better to. Love watching you guys and love watching little Opal too. She is just the cutest little dog and a happy little dog too! 🥰😍
I’m so pleased you’ve addressed your Thyroid issues, I’m new to your videos so I’ve been going back a year and you could tell there was a shift in you Nicholette. You defo appear to be getting your shine back. Don’t stop guys your doing great and thanks. Love to Opal x
I've had dogs my whole life. Of course it's up to you but I would go ahead and get her spayed. and get the ither surgey done.No need to go into heat. Love yoy and Opal❤
Hay, guys love your videos ❤ I have been on Tyroid meds since I was 30, im 62. They have had to adjust the dose a few times but I have been on this one for years. The most important thing I have learned is to take it right when you get up on a empty stomach with a glass of water. Just make a habit of it ,try not to miss any. Good luck to you both. You're in my thoughts and prayers. I would only put that baby girl under one time it would be best for her ❤
Praying for you guys and so glad to hear that things and health are doing well. You do a great job always enjoy watching. I can tell on the video Opal has grown a lot. She's is cutie !
To help burn Opal’s energy you can fill the bone with yogurt/peanut butter you can freeze the bones to help with cooling. Just a thought for you. I’ve even given ice cubes as treats. God bless your life’s journey
I wouldn’t want to put her under anesthetic twice so I would do both at once. I don’t think it’s important for you to wait. I would probably go ahead and do it while you’re home and not traveling.
I developed a nodule on my thyroid which turned out to be cancer. I'm sure you have only the best doctors but be sure to keep an eye on you little lump. The thyroid replacement pill is Tony and not a big deal to take every day. Most people take it in the morning but I've had much better results taking it in the evening. You'll figure it out. Of all the health problems I've had I think it was the simplest to deal with. Good luck with it Nicholette. I'll be rooting for you.
I think you should do both at the same time for Opal get done in one shot.She is your baby. We love watching her with you and your adventures. I'm glad Nicholette.It's been hot here too in New York been living in the ac.
Over the weekend I discovered your channel! I shall be binge watching your content! I had a friend who was a quadriplegic. She was the brightest light 🕯️. Wishing all the very best to you Brian, Nicolette and of course Opal!🌹💝
Highly recommend doing both surgeries at the same time. No sense to risk putting Opal under anesthesia more than absolutely necessary. Glad all is going well for you both.
Thanks for the update! I am so glad to hear that Nicolette is doing better and stable at this time. I'm grateful that they have found the thyroid issue in our treating it I know you will follow whatever plan they develop for you and that you do your best to take good care of your body! Poor little opal, I know that the surgery is common but it's always a worry. It's so fun watching her grow and be apart to your life. I know that you take such good care of her and love her. She's so lucky to have you too. Carry on I look so forward to your videos! Thank you
It's a real pain when they go.on heat! The mess from that is awful and it lasts about 3 weeks The other disadvantage is if you are not in a home place, you will have such a problem with male dogs trying to mate with her! I would get the operation done as soon as possible They recover very quickly That is my advice
Glad all your tests came back good. Being paraplegic has its own challenges in itself, then toss all the other crap in sucks. Healing a sore myself so can relate 100% .T12 22 yrs I had a CT last week for a hernia and prolapsed bladder. Reading the report they mentioned osteomyalitis so am going to call wound dr tomorrow. As for spaying, Id let her go thru 1 or 2 cycles. They make doggie diapers so you could get those for her when she cycles to help keep the mess at bay. Go with your gut and the vet you trust.
I have been taking Synthroid since I was 13 years old. It's just something else to keep up with. I have two birth defects Arnold Chiari Malformation my head don't want to fit inside my head and a syrinx. It's where you don't have flow in the spinal cord and it backs up and balloons out. Surgery sucked 34 years ago. I developed fibromyalgia due to the nerve damage. I just had my 60 birthday. And opal is so freaking cute. I have two dogs buddy and Mrs Pickles and they love watching her adventures. It's not easy dealing with disabilities but I do what I can. Love your journey. Connie
I had a lump on my thyroid. As far as I know blood work won't show thyroid cancer. You should have a ultrasound of your thyroid to see if you have other lumps. I had an ultrasound and had smaller ones all over. So I had a biopsy and had cancer on my left side. Then had my whole thyroid removed and they found cancer on the other side as well. Don't ever let a doctor tell you they're gonna take half. It's All or nothing trust me. Ihad a top rated doctor that all doctors I know, know him or study under him. I'm on the same medicine for thyroid as you are. Please if you still have a lump have then ultrasound your throat and thyroid to be safe you are young and sweet and been through to much.❤ God Bless!! Missie
You guys are amazing thank you for the update ❤so glad it is only your thyroid I know it can be painful,and miss opal is getting so much bigger,I would let her have her first period then let her get spayed we did with our dog 🐶🐕 but it's up to you guys, looking forward to your news ❤luv you guys xxx
Hi, love your videos, some info that might help you. Neutering a dog before the first heat significantly reduces the incidence of breast cancer, between the first and second heat there are less advantages but also prevents in a lower percentage and after the third heat it already has the same risk as a non-neutered dog. 
You 2 are Rock Stars - living the life others only dream of (I, for one, not brave enough to do). I think your van is very impressive & bad-ass! Good Luck & God Bless you on your journeys.
Early spay reduces the risk of mammary tumors and uterine infection. Also, the less time under anesthesia the better, and she won't have to go through recovery twice.
Glad to hear you are taking care of the Thyroid Disease. I pray 🙏 you have nothing more in this area, but Please know that Thyroid Cancer can not be properly diagnosed with bloodwork. If you have a lump, please request an Ultrasound and then have a biopsy of the lump.... I have Hashimoto's Disease. So does many of the women in my family, Mom, Sisters, Aunts, Cousins and Grandma. It is very common.. Every year,, I had a full Thyroid bloodwork panel, that showed everything was normal and still taking Thyroid Hormone Therapy. I didn't feel right. So I went to another specialist for a second opinion. Turns out I was misdiagnosed for over 10 years. I do have Hashimoto, but after an Ultrasound, MRI and biopsy on the lump, I also have Thyroid Cancer. I went into immediate surgery to have my Thyroid removed. The surgeon found that the cancer had spread to both sides of my Thyroid, my neck, tissue and muscles in the back of my neck and worst into my lymphnodes. They removed everything. He said the cancer was so bad it must have been growing for 10 to 15 years 😢😢😢 the entire time I was being treated for just Thyroid Disease. I was horrified, bc I felt that something else was going on. The surgeon said that if I hadn't sought out a 2nd opinion, I my not be here right now. I am blessed 🙏 to be alive and grateful ❤. Post surgery I had radiation and chemo. Not everyone will go through what I did, if caught sooner. It's definitely treatable. So now I have bloodwork every 3 months, ultrasounds every 6 months and yearly body scans. Just to make sure the cancer hasn't metastasized to anotherpart of my body. Mostly bc it was in my lymphnodes too. I'll keep you both and sweet little Opal 💕 in my prayers 🙏 You may want to see of you can have an ultrasound and biopsy down. Just to be safe.
I know there's a lot of heavier news but the vibes between you guys seem so positive in this vid. I like the idea of the channel eventually transferring to homesteading from van life, might be cool. Can you guys get the windows tinted at least?
Also the only Thyroid tip I know from a relative is if you take Levothyroxine, take it early in the morning an hour before eating for maximum effectiveness.
I have a bichon pup at 6 months I wanted to get her fixed I saw 2 vets to different opinions, but they both agreed waiting till her first period was always better the reasoning being all her teeth might not have fallen out by having her neutered stops the baby teeth from growing in, so I guess the big teeth will grow in beside them or maybe they wouldn’t grow in at all. I didn’t want her to go in, but I decided to and I’m glad I did. I got her neutered when she was a year old after her first heat some vets don’t care they’ll do it right away, but it’s not in the best interest for the dog. They haven’t really finished developing.
If your ever in Houston let us know. We have a house there with a pool and two smaller dogs ourself. We also have a house in chicago too. Just drop us a note. We spend our summers in chicago.
Hot here in Alberta Canada today and a crazy hot forecast for the week! I have a 6lbs yorkie poo, he is tiny but has the biggest personality! The little ones are often so brave - mine is fearless! Opal seems so sweet, bright & curious - and a little miner too! What a great fit for you guys, even her small stature is perfect for van life! ❤ You guys are awesome doggy parents 🐕Have a great week! 💗💜
I’m glad you get mostly friendly comments. Some TH-camrs get taken down by trolls, and/or hacked. I love your van build! There is so much of your personalities in it and it looks cozy and homey and pretty. So many van builds look sterile. A good one is art, like yours. Just visited your Etsy store. I love everything, but the mossy agate pieces on twig easels are fire!
Oh the negative comments happen and spam too but we delete spam and block to keep our channel clean and we keep negative comments cause everyone is entitled to their opinion it just doesn’t happen as much as the positive!
I’ve always gotten my dogs spayed around 6 months. One thing I have noticed with them is they lived a long time and retained puppy behaviours throughout their lives. The only one I didn’t have done was because I had intended on breeding which she never took so eventually she was spayed as well and she became an “old dog”. Never really played and died at an earlier age than my other dogs. So I’m pretty steadfast on spay around 6 months I’m not a fan of let them go through a season because it doesn’t affect growth at all it only affects hormones. I like puppy behaviours so I’m okay with a dog being a puppy it’s whole life. Just my opinion as a dog trainer for 50+ years. Love you guys. Be blessed.
I’ve been following you guys since the beginning! I’m a paraplegic living solo in my van. I’m very familiar with fighting the health troubles while on the road. So glad to see Nicholette doing better and adapting to the lifestyle. Hope to meet you guys on the road one day!
Do you have a video about how you ended up in the chair? I'm disabled as well, and used to RV full-time. I'm super interested in your hiking chair. Do you have a video that does into detail about it?
Spaying helps to reduce possibility of breast cancer… Younger is easier on pup… Just my FYI… Thank you for keeping your content wholesome!! If ever in beautiful SO IN…please reach out! We have a small one room school-small working farm…and would love to meet.
I had to have my thyroid removed as I had a goiter so I have none at all and take tablets every morning as well I have my bloodwork done yearly to check levels are good. Love Mel from Australia. 🌹💜
We have done some reading on spayed our puppy and have decided to wait till after she has had a cycle. Bunch of stuff on the internet about it. Our Lola has no chance of getting pregnant so that is not a issue.
We were thinking of letting her have one season as well! We’ll have to look into the details. Same with us opals always with us so we’re not worried about the pregnancy just want to do what’s best for her. How old is your Lola ?
They like to do it together because of the anesthesia. Limit the times under is best. Spaying helps with multiple health issues as well as her getting pregnant. If you are not interested in breeding her consider spaying.
I totally understand your desire for exclusivity but you just might limit your channel in doing so. Over the last 30 years I've had 6 female dogs, My Girls, and have had them spayed as early as possible and they never had any issues. For large dogs, to include a wolf hybrid, they lived over 17 years, one made it to 19, so I can say early spaying didn't impinge on their life. They were wonderful and I miss all of them terribly. The idea of any one of them being raped in a flash worried me more than getting them spayed. Love your hair Nicolette. In 2000 my thyroid went haywire and it was totally removed. It took many months for things to settle down for the right medication strength but I haven't had a problem since then. I haven't seen your channel for several months. Glad everything is doing so well. I've definitely missed you both. Love the t-shirt, Pink Floyd is my go to band!!! Be healthy, stay safe and many blessings, Morgan
Being hypothyroid is pretty common. Yes, it's medication for life but not really a major deal. Get your levels tested every year once they have you at the right place. Being hypothyroid makes you more sensitive to heat. Go north to cooler climate.
I would spay her after her first season it normally helps with making them more calm . Also get her hernia done at the same time less stress on her and her body Love watching you 3 guys x
I have hypothyroidism, which means it’s sluggish. I was on medication for years for it, but I also have chronic fatigue syndrome, which mimics hypothyroidism symptoms. When I started taking the thyroid meds, I really didn’t feel any different, so I stopped taking them and still didn’t feel the difference. If they had helped me, I would still be taking the meds.
Neigha Salas Berry, Dr Ken Berry’s wife has Hoshimoto’s thyroid it is that is very well controlled by eating Keto; very low carb. She is also a nurse. You would probably find her TH-cam videos very informative. God bless you two and the pup. We waited until our baby girl went through two heats to insure that hormones were developed etc. check out Dr Karen Becker a vet on the subject
Please have her spayed as soon as possible. If you do not plan on breeding her, the longer she goes without spaying, the higher the chances are of her developing mammary gland tumors which could be cancerous. I didn't know this back when and I lost my fur baby to cancer. Doing the spaying at the same time as the hernia procedure would be ideal. Of course...just my opinion. Nicholette...i'm happy you are feeling better. Hang in there, both of you!
Elevated TSH, Hashimoto’s disease ….a tSH of 10 is not really that bad on a basic scale of 1-4, simple fix with thyroid supplement……. I have had patients with tSH of 70-150…… so lucky early detection. Also, it takes 6-8 week for body to respond any dose change ……
Try to find a vet who will remove only the uterus and leave the ovaries. Her body doesn't need to go through menopause at her young age. Her bones and the rest of her body need the hormones. Having the hernia repaired at the same time is ideal. Anesthesia is the greatest risk so one surgery is better. Waiting until she is over a year old with a small umbilical hernia shouldn't be a problem.
I have graves desase. I have it for years. Had my thyroid nuked. More or less they( doctor's killed my thyroid. On thyroid medicine the rest of my life.
How many other couples can do lengthy weekly updates on their lives and get thousands of strangers to tune in? I wonder if you two are fully aware of how special you are.
This was one of our fears but it seems very common and treatable so that’s the one good thing about it! Thanks for sharing your experience and we will keep your wife in our prayers ❤️
It would be a lot more humane to do the surgeries at together, 1 time. Then she will only have to recover from one surgery. And it will be a lot easier on you two as well to only have to help her through the healing process one time instead of two.
We ❤️ Y’all! Thanks for watching & if you want to help us reach our goal of 100 members on our channel you can become a member here:
th-cam.com/channels/W1ESpln_pbi8vR6zWyinog.htmljoin Here is a link to our Etsy where you can buy the sterling silver herkimer diamond rings & moss agate easels we mentioned in the video 💍 : crystalethics.etsy.com
1000% get the spay and hernia repair done at the same time, while she's young. Why?
- Fewer times she's under anaesthesia the better
- There's a massive dog overpopulation crisis already, and eliminating any risk of an "oopsie" pregnancy is the responsible thing
- Accidental pregnancies in young/small dogs can be devastating to them
- Spaying her early means she's less likely to try to roam (which they'll do during their heat cycle)
So easy now to find your Etsy products. Thanks for thee upgrade. Ordered a Herkimer ring…….Might I suggest you sell boxes of gift cards with Opal’s paw-prints/photo -- blessings.
For Opals surgery. I love you guys. I think you guys are the cutest couple and I love Opal too 😀
You all are special and so happy you have added on opal. Opal is so lucky to have you both. She does really love you both. ❤
Nicolette you are awesome! Much respect! I’m a T-10 para and had a pressure sore and osteomyelitis too. Had the flap surgery and bed rest foreverrrrrr so I know the struggle! I love how you let nothing get in your way! Always remember to take time for yourself! I hope all works out for Opal with her hernia and spay! Brian, you’re a great guy! He’s a keeper Nicolette! Love you guys!
Thank you so much for sharing your experience and we're glad that you have an internet home here on our channel
The fewer times Opal has to go under anesthesia the better for her. Every dog I’ve had has been spayed or neutered at the earliest age and have never run into any problems. Plus she will be uncomfortable after surgery why put her through recovery twice. I’m glad y’all are doing so well. Love your videos
Please get her fixed before a year old. The older they become the harder the recovery could be. Do both surgeries together to save money, time and stress on Opal. Puppies bounce back super quick from surgeries!
I just wanted to say Nicole you look amazing....👍🤗 Your haircut looks great and just around your looking Good!!!!
Spade after her first ‘heat’ is the safest. $400 to $500 sounds about right
I have Graves’ disease, under active thyroid, for 30 years and want you to know you will feel so much better in a month or so. In my family, all females have thyroid disease so it has a genetic component. Two have hashimoto and are doing fine. It’s far better to have than say cancer. Prayers to you all and sweet Opal❤❤❤
I’ve been on Levothyroxine for 30 yrs. No wonder you have been so fatigued!!!
The synthroid will get you feeling better. Hashimoto’s is no joke!
My Mom never took her thyroid meds since 1963, the result of which caused dementia & an enlarged heart!
She was very proud she ‘never had to take any meds.’
She passed away last year at age 93.
I have hypothyroidism since I was 15 years old. I take synthroid every day. It's a tough battle but blood tests every 6 months and take my meds in the morning on an empty stomach. I still have days where I want to crawl out of my skin or days where I don't feel like doing anything but since I've had it so long I know how to listen to my body and make adjustments. Hoshimotos is an autoimmune disorder also.
I just had my TSH tested and it's 2.43. That's smack dab in the middle of the range! Yay! I have been on every single strength of Synthroid so I'm really relieved that it's holding steady. I'm wishing y'all all the best!
I’ve had dogs my whole life then I adopted this little Applehead Chihuahua after her dad passed away and she was not spayed. For me, it was no fun seeing her go through her cycle and it didn’t seem like it was any fun for her either. It is just a mess when you have to keep cleaning up the spotting And putting on a diaper and taking it off when you take her outside, just like us women we are miserable at our time of the month and I’m sure they are too. If it were me, I would just enjoy my dog and she would have a much better life and feel better to. Love watching you guys and love watching little Opal too. She is just the cutest little dog and a happy little dog too! 🥰😍
I’m so pleased you’ve addressed your Thyroid issues, I’m new to your videos so I’ve been going back a year and you could tell there was a shift in you Nicholette. You defo appear to be getting your shine back. Don’t stop guys your doing great and thanks. Love to Opal x
I've had dogs my whole life. Of course it's up to you but I would go ahead and get her spayed. and get the ither surgey done.No need to go into heat. Love yoy and Opal❤
I am glad that you are keeping everyone up to date on your health, Nicholette. You guys are great.
We had the same issue with our rescue pug.
We did the spay and hernia at the same time. Best decision we made. She’s 13 and still our happy girl.
Hay, guys love your videos ❤ I have been on Tyroid meds since I was 30, im 62. They have had to adjust the dose a few times but I have been on this one for years. The most important thing I have learned is to take it right when you get up on a empty stomach with a glass of water. Just make a habit of it ,try not to miss any.
Good luck to you both. You're in my thoughts and prayers. I would only put that baby girl under one time it would be best for her ❤
Thanks for the info! And for watching ❤️
Praying for you guys and so glad to hear that things and health are doing well. You do a great job always enjoy watching. I can tell on the video Opal has grown a lot. She's is cutie !
To help burn Opal’s energy you can fill the bone with yogurt/peanut butter you can freeze the bones to help with cooling. Just a thought for you. I’ve even given ice cubes as treats. God bless your life’s journey
I wouldn’t want to put her under anesthetic twice so I would do both at once. I don’t think it’s important for you to wait. I would probably go ahead and do it while you’re home and not traveling.
Yeah this is our concern too - we don't want her to go through it twice so most likely we will have to do both and soon before we leave
I developed a nodule on my thyroid which turned out to be cancer. I'm sure you have only the best doctors but be sure to keep an eye on you little lump. The thyroid replacement pill is Tony and not a big deal to take every day. Most people take it in the morning but I've had much better results taking it in the evening. You'll figure it out. Of all the health problems I've had I think it was the simplest to deal with. Good luck with it Nicholette. I'll be rooting for you.
I think you should do both at the same time for Opal get done in one shot.She is your baby. We love watching her with you and your adventures. I'm glad Nicholette.It's been hot here too in New York been living in the ac.
Over the weekend I discovered your channel! I shall be binge watching your content! I had a friend who was a quadriplegic. She was the brightest light 🕯️. Wishing all the very best to you Brian, Nicolette and of course Opal!🌹💝
So great to hear you guys have answers to why Nicholette wasn’t feeling good. As always you guys are in my thoughts and prayers ❤️🙏🏻
Highly recommend doing both surgeries at the same time. No sense to risk putting Opal under anesthesia more than absolutely necessary. Glad all is going well for you both.
Thanks for the update! I am so glad to hear that Nicolette is doing better and stable at this time. I'm grateful that they have found the thyroid issue in our treating it I know you will follow whatever plan they develop for you and that you do your best to take good care of your body! Poor little opal, I know that the surgery is common but it's always a worry. It's so fun watching her grow and be apart to your life. I know that you take such good care of her and love her. She's so lucky to have you too. Carry on I look so forward to your videos! Thank you
It's a real pain when they go.on heat! The mess from that is awful and it lasts about 3 weeks The other disadvantage is if you are not in a home place, you will have such a problem with male dogs trying to mate with her! I would get the operation done as soon as possible They recover very quickly That is my advice
Glad all your tests came back good. Being paraplegic has its own challenges in itself, then toss all the other crap in sucks. Healing a sore myself so can relate 100% .T12 22 yrs I had a CT last week for a hernia and prolapsed bladder. Reading the report they mentioned osteomyalitis so am going to call wound dr tomorrow. As for spaying, Id let her go thru 1 or 2 cycles. They make doggie diapers so you could get those for her when she cycles to help keep the mess at bay. Go with your gut and the vet you trust.
I have been taking Synthroid since I was 13 years old. It's just something else to keep up with. I have two birth defects Arnold Chiari Malformation my head don't want to fit inside my head and a syrinx. It's where you don't have flow in the spinal cord and it backs up and balloons out. Surgery sucked 34 years ago. I developed fibromyalgia due to the nerve damage. I just had my 60 birthday. And opal is so freaking cute. I have two dogs buddy and Mrs Pickles and they love watching her adventures. It's not easy dealing with disabilities but I do what I can. Love your journey. Connie
I had a lump on my thyroid. As far as I know blood work won't show thyroid cancer. You should have a ultrasound of your thyroid to see if you have other lumps. I had an ultrasound and had smaller ones all over. So I had a biopsy and had cancer on my left side. Then had my whole thyroid removed and they found cancer on the other side as well. Don't ever let a doctor tell you they're gonna take half. It's All or nothing trust me. Ihad a top rated doctor that all doctors I know, know him or study under him. I'm on the same medicine for thyroid as you are. Please if you still have a lump have then ultrasound your throat and thyroid to be safe you are young and sweet and been through to much.❤ God Bless!! Missie
You guys are amazing thank you for the update ❤so glad it is only your thyroid I know it can be painful,and miss opal is getting so much bigger,I would let her have her first period then let her get spayed we did with our dog 🐶🐕 but it's up to you guys, looking forward to your news ❤luv you guys xxx
Hi, love your videos, some info that might help you. Neutering a dog before the first heat significantly reduces the incidence of breast cancer, between the first and second heat there are less advantages but also prevents in a lower percentage and after the third heat it already has the same risk as a non-neutered dog.

You 2 are Rock Stars - living the life others only dream of (I, for one, not brave enough to do). I think your van is very impressive & bad-ass! Good Luck & God Bless you on your journeys.
Spay and hernia done at the same time is best. Our Stella had both done and it went great!!
Early spay reduces the risk of mammary tumors and uterine infection. Also, the less time under anesthesia the better, and she won't have to go through recovery twice.
Get her spayed now. Do not wait until she comes into season …there is no reason for it. Trust your vet!
Hope everything goes well for you love you .I think your marvellous young woman 🎉❤
Glad to hear you are taking care of the Thyroid Disease.
I pray 🙏 you have nothing more in this area, but Please know that Thyroid Cancer can not be properly diagnosed with bloodwork. If you have a lump, please request an Ultrasound and then have a biopsy of the lump.... I have Hashimoto's Disease. So does many of the women in my family, Mom, Sisters, Aunts, Cousins and Grandma. It is very common..
Every year,, I had a full Thyroid bloodwork panel, that showed everything was normal and still taking Thyroid Hormone Therapy. I didn't feel right. So I went to another specialist for a second opinion. Turns out I was misdiagnosed for over 10 years. I do have Hashimoto, but after an Ultrasound, MRI and biopsy on the lump, I also have Thyroid Cancer. I went into immediate surgery to have my Thyroid removed. The surgeon found that the cancer had spread to both sides of my Thyroid, my neck, tissue and muscles in the back of my neck and worst into my lymphnodes. They removed everything. He said the cancer was so bad it must have been growing for 10 to 15 years 😢😢😢 the entire time I was being treated for just Thyroid Disease. I was horrified, bc I felt that something else was going on. The surgeon said that if I hadn't sought out a 2nd opinion, I my not be here right now. I am blessed 🙏 to be alive and grateful ❤. Post surgery I had radiation and chemo. Not everyone will go through what I did, if caught sooner. It's definitely treatable. So now I have bloodwork every 3 months, ultrasounds every 6 months and yearly body scans. Just to make sure the cancer hasn't metastasized to anotherpart of my body. Mostly bc it was in my lymphnodes too.
I'll keep you both and sweet little Opal 💕 in my prayers 🙏
You may want to see of you can have an ultrasound and biopsy down. Just to be safe.
I know there's a lot of heavier news but the vibes between you guys seem so positive in this vid. I like the idea of the channel eventually transferring to homesteading from van life, might be cool.
Can you guys get the windows tinted at least?
Also the only Thyroid tip I know from a relative is if you take Levothyroxine, take it early in the morning an hour before eating for maximum effectiveness.
They have spay clinics some times .
Pink Floyd is my favorite band! I love the shirt.
I have a bichon pup at 6 months I wanted to get her fixed I saw 2 vets to different opinions, but they both agreed waiting till her first period was always better the reasoning being all her teeth might not have fallen out by having her neutered stops the baby teeth from growing in, so I guess the big teeth will grow in beside them or maybe they wouldn’t grow in at all. I didn’t want her to go in, but I decided to and I’m glad I did. I got her neutered when she was a year old after her first heat some vets don’t care they’ll do it right away, but it’s not in the best interest for the dog. They haven’t really finished developing.
Glad your all doing great! 😍😍
If your ever in Houston let us know. We have a house there with a pool and two smaller dogs ourself. We also have a house in chicago too. Just drop us a note. We spend our summers in chicago.
Thank for sharing your life on the road with us.
Danke!
We will put all super thanks on this video and paid memberships towards Opals surgery so thank you so much!
You guys are great parents! How you guys talk things out together is awesome!
Glad to see you guys are doing well as a family, Opal is so cute and looks so happy with you guys
Hot here in Alberta Canada today and a crazy hot forecast for the week! I have a 6lbs yorkie poo, he is tiny but has the biggest personality! The little ones are often so brave - mine is fearless! Opal seems so sweet, bright & curious - and a little miner too! What a great fit for you guys, even her small stature is perfect for van life! ❤ You guys are awesome doggy parents 🐕Have a great week! 💗💜
I’m glad you get mostly friendly comments. Some TH-camrs get taken down by trolls, and/or hacked. I love your van build! There is so much of your personalities in it and it looks cozy and homey and pretty. So many van builds look sterile. A good one is art, like yours. Just visited your Etsy store. I love everything, but the mossy agate pieces on twig easels are fire!
Oh the negative comments happen and spam too but we delete spam and block to keep our channel clean and we keep negative comments cause everyone is entitled to their opinion it just doesn’t happen as much as the positive!
Love the videos! Thanks for the updates :)
Opal is such a cutie ❤
I’ve always gotten my dogs spayed around 6 months. One thing I have noticed with them is they lived a long time and retained puppy behaviours throughout their lives. The only one I didn’t have done was because I had intended on breeding which she never took so eventually she was spayed as well and she became an “old dog”. Never really played and died at an earlier age than my other dogs. So I’m pretty steadfast on spay around 6 months I’m not a fan of let them go through a season because it doesn’t affect growth at all it only affects hormones. I like puppy behaviours so I’m okay with a dog being a puppy it’s whole life. Just my opinion as a dog trainer for 50+ years. Love you guys. Be blessed.
Thank you so much for the great advice !
I’ve been following you guys since the beginning! I’m a paraplegic living solo in my van. I’m very familiar with fighting the health troubles while on the road. So glad to see Nicholette doing better and adapting to the lifestyle. Hope to meet you guys on the road one day!
Great video. Thank you! ❤
Do you have a video about how you ended up in the chair? I'm disabled as well, and used to RV full-time. I'm super interested in your hiking chair. Do you have a video that does into detail about it?
Nice wee update on all thing lifewise. Opal is a real wee character. 💛✌️
When I have my RV someday I plan to be in Colorado for the summer. :)
Thanks for starting my Sunday out nicely. Love your videos.
I realised it was in danish kroners so here I send all together 36 dollars. Love you guys
Me and my dad always watch your videos together so he contributed too 🙂
Thank you so much to both of you it means a lot and we will apply that to opals surgery ❤️🐶
Spaying helps to reduce possibility of breast cancer…
Younger is easier on pup…
Just my FYI…
Thank you for keeping your content wholesome!!
If ever in beautiful SO IN…please reach out! We have a small one room school-small working farm…and would love to meet.
Thanks for health update..
Sending love and prayers from the UK 🇬🇧 God bless
👏💜👍🙏🤗♿️
#ForeverPromotingPositiveDisabilityAwareness
#Accessibility
I had to have my thyroid removed as I had a goiter so I have none at all and take tablets every morning as well I have my bloodwork done yearly to check levels are good.
Love Mel from Australia.
🌹💜
We have done some reading on spayed our puppy and have decided to wait till after she has had a cycle. Bunch of stuff on the internet about it. Our Lola has no chance of getting pregnant so that is not a issue.
We were thinking of letting her have one season as well! We’ll have to look into the details. Same with us opals always with us so we’re not worried about the pregnancy just want to do what’s best for her. How old is your Lola ?
@@NicholetteBrian She is 7 months pug/doxie/Chihuahua mix pure black no markings whatsoever. A true joy .
They like to do it together because of the anesthesia. Limit the times under is best. Spaying helps with multiple health issues as well as her getting pregnant. If you are not interested in breeding her consider spaying.
I totally understand your desire for exclusivity but you just might limit your channel in doing so. Over the last 30 years I've had 6 female dogs, My Girls, and have had them spayed as early as possible and they never had any issues. For large dogs, to include a wolf hybrid, they lived over 17 years, one made it to 19, so I can say early spaying didn't impinge on their life. They were wonderful and I miss all of them terribly. The idea of any one of them being raped in a flash worried me more than getting them spayed. Love your hair Nicolette. In 2000 my thyroid went haywire and it was totally removed. It took many months for things to settle down for the right medication strength but I haven't had a problem since then. I haven't seen your channel for several months. Glad everything is doing so well. I've definitely missed you both. Love the t-shirt, Pink Floyd is my go to band!!! Be healthy, stay safe and many blessings, Morgan
You will need a lot family support ❤
Ohhhhhh I hope Opals ok..... 😊😊
I have Star Link and LOVE IT! You all will LOVE IT ALSO!
Thanks!
You are seriously amazing thank you so so much!! ❤️
My king charles caviler spaniel had hernia and nurtured at about 5 months
That is an excellent price for both. It is so expensive.
Being hypothyroid is pretty common. Yes, it's medication for life but not really a major deal. Get your levels tested every year once they have you at the right place. Being hypothyroid makes you more sensitive to heat. Go north to cooler climate.
I would spay her after her first season it normally helps with making them more calm . Also get her hernia done at the same time less stress on her and her body Love watching you 3 guys x
This is probably the best option and the way we are leaning ❤️
Thanks for watching us 3 we all appreciate it!
I have hypothyroidism, which means it’s sluggish. I was on medication for years for it, but I also have chronic fatigue syndrome, which mimics hypothyroidism symptoms. When I started taking the thyroid meds, I really didn’t feel any different, so I stopped taking them and still didn’t feel the difference. If they had helped me, I would still be taking the meds.
Also, do the surgery now if you can. I didn't spay my dog until she was older and she was in much more pain than our puppy.
Hashimoto’s is very common and is hereditary. I have it myself.
Get wel soon
Neigha Salas Berry, Dr Ken Berry’s wife has Hoshimoto’s thyroid it is that is very well controlled by eating Keto; very low carb. She is also a nurse. You would probably find her TH-cam videos very informative. God bless you two and the pup. We waited until our baby girl went through two heats to insure that hormones were developed etc. check out Dr Karen Becker a vet on the subject
Please have her spayed as soon as possible. If you do not plan on breeding her, the longer she goes without spaying, the higher the chances are of her developing mammary gland tumors which could be cancerous. I didn't know this back when and I lost my fur baby to cancer. Doing the spaying at the same time as the hernia procedure would be ideal. Of course...just my opinion. Nicholette...i'm happy you are feeling better. Hang in there, both of you!
Elevated TSH, Hashimoto’s disease ….a tSH of 10 is not really that bad on a basic scale of 1-4, simple fix with thyroid supplement……. I have had patients with tSH of 70-150…… so lucky early detection. Also, it takes 6-8 week for body to respond any dose change ……
Try to find a vet who will remove only the uterus and leave the ovaries. Her body doesn't need to go through menopause at her young age. Her bones and the rest of her body need the hormones. Having the hernia repaired at the same time is ideal. Anesthesia is the greatest risk so one surgery is better. Waiting until she is over a year old with a small umbilical hernia shouldn't be a problem.
I don’t have a thyroid and believe me it’s a nightmare to lose it.
I have graves desase. I have it for years. Had my thyroid nuked. More or less they( doctor's killed my thyroid. On thyroid medicine the rest of my life.
My dog’s vet said spaying before the first cycle decreases the chance of them developing mammary cancer.
One surgery for both . Please 🙏 be careful out there traveling 🙏. No place is safe today! God be with you 🙏!
How many other couples can do lengthy weekly updates on their lives and get thousands of strangers to tune in? I wonder if you two are fully aware of how special you are.
💙💙
One thing I will say is that spaying Opal would reduce her chance of getting cancer.
The wife has thyroid problems and had nodes, now she is havingng surgery to remove it due to cancer. But it is cured once removed.
This was one of our fears but it seems very common and treatable so that’s the one good thing about it! Thanks for sharing your experience and we will keep your wife in our prayers ❤️
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Use the $$ for any need you may have❤
Spaying prevents breast cancer. Please minimize number of anesthesia.
I spayed my Lucy when she was 9 months.
Spaying helps to reduce possibility of breast cancer…
Younger is easier on pup…
Just my FYI…
It would be a lot more humane to do the surgeries at together, 1 time. Then she will only have to recover from one surgery. And it will be a lot easier on you two as well to only have to help her through the healing process one time instead of two.
T shirts are hot
i love opel but she needs socials white anther dogs