Saturday's Short Sentiments

It has been a pleasant weekend. I've been feeling better since yesterday's Remicade treatment. This afternoon, I took a nap that wasn't very long but I fell into a deep, healing sleep. We are all feeling well tonight with "nothing" to do. Thus, we are going out to eat and then browsing at Barnes and Noble. May your Sabbath is joyful, restful, and refreshing.

Psalm 130: 1-8
A song of ascents.

Out of the depths I cry to you, O LORD;

O Lord, hear my voice.
Let your ears be attentive
to my cry for mercy.

If you, O LORD, kept a record of sins, O Lord, who could stand

But with you there is forgiveness;
therefore you are feared.

I wait for the LORD, my soul waits,
and in his word I put my hope.

My soul waits for the Lord
more than watchmen wait for the morning,

O Israel, put your hope in the LORD,
for with the LORD is unfailing love
and with him is full redemption.

He himself will redeem Israel
from all their sins.

Tranquil Tuesday

Thank you for the prayers! After taking one pain pill at bedtime, I slept deeply until this morning. As a result, I've been feeling better all day. Even though we only got freezing rain (at best), the local school systems and community college canceled classes. Once I found out at 7:00am that I wasn't needed at work, I went back to bed for another hour. Then, I spent the morning straightening the house, doing laundry, and catching up on my to-do list while Mom took Qavah to the hospital for her blood transfusion. They were finished by early afternoon, so we had a delicious lunch together. It's been absolutely splendid to have this bonus day at home!

Yesterday, I got a call from the nurse practitioner (who monitored my Boniva treatments) with the results of the bone density test. It was not good news. The extra vitamin D, calcium, and Boniva infusions I took from September 2007 to December 2008 slowed down the osteoporosis only in my right hip. My neck and legs have gone from having osteopenia to osteoporosis. An alternative treatment to the Boniva infusions is to increase my daily dose of estrogen (Premarin). However, the nurse practitioner prefers that my primary care physician take over this part of my health care. Therefore, I have scheduled an appointment with him for early March.

Lord willing and weather permitting, the rest of the week will be busy, so if I don't have time to post again until the weekend, you'll know why. Tonight, we babysit Annelise and Nehemiah. Thursday, we have friends staying here for an overnight visit. Friday, I have my Remicade transfusion and harp lesson.

Monday's Medical Moments

Tonight, I have a very intense headache. So, I've been staring at the computer screen for the last five minutes thinking that I'd write a post. Maybe it was longer than five minutes. Do you ever click the mouse button to visit a website and, in the time it takes to load, you discover that you've fallen asleep? That is what just happened to me. Please pray that I can get through the majority of this week before needing a Remicade transfusion.

Thankfully, my fever blister is healing. I have some new "medicine" I'm going to start using tonight to see if it will speed the healing process of my mouth sores. I really should have the fever blister better healed before having the Remicade infusion, but I may not have a choice either way. Thank you for the prayers. Please know that if I'm awake at all during the night in the next few days, I will use the time to pray for my friends, family, and readers of this website.

Friday's "Farewell"

The Lord has been gracious in giving my family strength during the busy days of this work week. I'm thankful the weekend has come, but what wonderful memories we made this week with Helen here! It was a blessing to have her in our home. I was sorry I did not get to spend more time with Helen, but I know Qavah and Mom enjoyed her many stories and wisdom. And last night, a mutual friend, Cecelia, visited for awhile to catch up with Helen. However, Cecelia blessed all of us by playing the piano, singing hymns with Helen, and sharing answered prayer requests.

So far, I am doing okay physically despite postponing my Remicade treatment. Mom took Helen back to Staunton today, so I've been babysitting Qavah this afternoon. Thus, it worked out wonderfully that I did not need to be at Lewis-Gale Infusion Center today. I'm always amazed at how God ordains our days. Sometimes life's circumstances remind me to think, "I'm not in control of my life. God has it all planned out perfectly. So, I can and should just relax in His love and care". On that note, let the weekend that God ordained begin!

Medical Monday

First of all, it snowed this morning. We only got less than an inch and the sun is now out, so the snow is melting again. However, it was enough to give Qavah a happy surprise when she woke up. Since today is Martin Luther King Jr. Day, I get a "paid holiday". I'm not sure what's on the agenda for this afternoon, though. I think we need to visit Wal-Mart and Petsmart. I want to take a nap, pratice my harp, complete some Bible study homework, and work on my scrapbook.

I had such a peaceful and low-key weekend. I caught up on some much needed sleep. I also took a break from the computer, so that is why I have not posted in awhile. I do appreciate you checking in and leaving comments.

Saturday night, I attended a Bible study where we discussed Galatians five. Last night, Mom and I watched a six-part movie based on the book Middlemarch by George Eliot. The story line was interesting and held my attention with all of its twists and turns. I may think Life is complicated now, but the movie reminded me that every era has its level of complexity with social norms, ills, and the fight between good and evil.

The Dexa-scan on Friday went well. The front receptionist and technician were thoughtful and polite. Now, I just wait for the results. They said I should get a letter in the mail. My break from visiting doctors is over, though. Tomorrow, I meet with my GI doctor. It's been quite awhile since we've talked and he has a new nurse, so I'm expecting that it will be a busy appointment. Friday, I have my next Remicade treatment. I can't believe it has already been six weeks since the last infusion. So far, I only have very mild pre-Remicade symptoms, with the main ones being painful ear drums and over exhaustion. I'm praying for an easy health week.

Wednesday Night

Things are going well. My health has been "stable" the last few days, which is a blessing. I'm amazed at the strength God gives me at six o'clock in the morning. I like seeing the sunrise and tip toeing around the house (so Mom and Qavah don't wake up). There is a special "newness" and peacefulness in the atmosphere at that hour of the morning, similar to holding a newborn baby.

Work was fun today. Nothing exceptionally new or exciting happened, but it was a joy to be there nonetheless. Tonight after supper, I watched Goodnight Mister Tom with the family. I've seen the movie before, but it's been awhile. I had forgotten just how many scenes make me cry! The movie depicts well the sacrifices and hardships families (in particular children) experienced during World War II. Goodnight Mister Tom is a wholesome movie that I recommend.

Tomorrow, I have one more day at work before the "weekend" begins. Friday, I have a Dexa-scan at nine o'clock a.m. to determine how much, if any, the Boniva treatments have healed my Osteoporosis. I'm not supposed to eat or drink anything containing calcium for the twenty-four hour period prior to the scan, so that begins tomorrow morning. Please pray that I do not have any trouble with my electrolytes. I don't foresee any issues or side-effects from the Dexa-scan, but I know from experience how my body likes to "act up" at unexpected times.

Monday's "Munchy" Musings

Do not read this post if you are hungry...

When Mom picked me up from work this afternoon, she had groceries in the van. We had a delicious dinner of chicken, green beans, and potatoes. Then, she made chicken soup for other nights this week. By Friday, the temperatures here are supposed to drop down to twenty-five degrees for the highs! There is just something absolutely comforting and beautiful about homemade chicken soup. And I just finished one pancake that she made for a bedtime snack.

One of the snacks Mom bought today was a canister of single-serve prunes. Yes, each miniature bag has one prune in it. Mom thought I could take them to work and she's "totally right" (as Qavah has been saying recently). If I was near the kitchen, I would take a picture of the canister, because it's just so fun and delicious!

The other thing Mom made tonight was cinnamon and brown sugar applesauce. Dad bought some applesauce that was just water and boiled down apples, which meant there was very little sugar or preservatives. Mom adds just enough cinnamon and brown sugar to make the applesauce flavorable but still healthy.

When I go to an event, I have learned to not let food become the main focus. That way I'm not disappointed if I can't eat the meal or snack. However, since I have to constantly watch what I eat, it's always thrilling to find food that's both delicious and safe to gobble down. Thus, I really look forward to lunchtime at work and now you can understand why. After a hectic morning, I feel blessed to open up my lunch bag and see it filled with goodies that are healthy and enjoyable to eat. I always want to shout, "Eureka!" as if I have discovered some important treasure.

I am looking forward to Heaven where eating does not become the focus, but just another recognized blessing from the Giver of all good gifts.

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." -James 1:17

"If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!" -Matthew 7:11

Saturday's Simple Statements

It's a quiet evening, for which I'm thankful. Ellie is all curled up snoring in the hallway. She has the right idea of what I should be doing soon. So, this will be another quick blog entry.

I did not have time in writing Thursday's post to mention the developments related to my work at BRILC. My weekly shift has increased by four hours. I have also changed which hours I am working to: Monday through Thursday from 8:00am to 3:00pm, instead of 10:00 to 4:30pm. For the first time in my life, I have discovered that I like getting up early (as long as I can actually fall asleep at a decent hour)! I usually wake up around 6:00am... which is considered early for someone who has always been a night owl.

With the new work hours, I've been amazed at how much can be accomplished before noon. However, it's still an adjustment physically. So this weekend, I've taken it "easy". I'm tackling the less strenuous activities on my to-do list. It is an internal challenge to give myself "permission" to rest, but I know my body needs the break.

Thursday's Thrilling Thoughts

I'm done with "work" for the week... at least in regard to BRILC. I just got home from an evening of fun with my friend Fairlight. We ate at Taco Bell, browsed Staples, shopped at Barnes and Noble, and visited Fairlight's home. I used my Christmas Barnes and Noble gift card to get some really cool things -- two games and one book from the bargain table. Thank you, Granddaddy and Grandmom!

Fairlight and I discussed everything from English grammar to trips abroad to prayer requests to home decor (and everything in between). It was a lovely evening together! I got pictures of Fairlight's apartment to show Mom, but no pictures of us together. *sigh and grin* Time for bed as it is getting late. More news to share tomorrow (hopefully)...

Tuesday's Thoughts

Happy Three Kings Day to you! I never knew about the holiday until a decade ago when our foreign exchange student (also known as my "Spanish Brother"), Fernando, visited our home for the first time.

"[Three Kings Day] is a Christian holiday that celebrates the Biblical story of the three kings who followed a bright star of Bethlehem to bring gifts to the Christ child. In the story of the Bible the three kings, named Melchior, Caspar and Balthazar, brought gifts to the new baby. They brought gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. Three Kings Day is also known as The Epiphany. In Spanish and in South America it is referred to as- El Día de los Reyes.

Three Kings Day is celebrated on January sixth. This is twelve days after Christmas, which represents the twelve days of Christmas. The Western Christian Church adopted December twenty-fifth as the day of the Feast of Christ’s birth. This change was how the twelve days of Christmas arose. The Eastern Christian Church recognizes January sixth as the celebration of the nativity. The physical birth of Jesus was kept on January sixth in Bethlehem."

I think it's ironic that my family decided to use our evening together to take down the Christmas decorations. Today of all days! *grin* I worked, went to a doctor's appointment, and then came home. I've been cleaning ever since dinnertime. The oral surgeon today said that my mouth is healing very nicely, albeit slowly. I have another check up in a month.

Small Update

I have a story and picture that is related to this past weekend that I want to share, but I have to first scan the picture. So, I will update with that soon. I had such a delightful trip! Mom's website has a recap of our weekend adventures. Oma did give me some postcards from Maryland so tonight I removed that State from my list. Yeah!

Health wise, I am doing better. The mouth sores are taking a long time to heal, though. I'm just trying to be very careful when I eat. A co-worker recommended Magic Mouthwash and that has helped a great deal with the soreness. I return to the oral surgeon on Tuesday. I'm curious to know how long it will be until I have the mouth surgery. I'm not looking forward to it, but I know it must be done. Looking ahead on the calendar, I have a dexa bone scan on January 16, visit the GI doctor on January 20, and my next Remicade infusion is scheduled for January 23.

This weekend, I met and talked with several HPSers who are now struggling with some of the same health challenges I've had the past two years. I shared with them my treatments in hopes that will ease their suffering. I plan to talk with my doctors about writing research papers in medical journals of the treatments and medicines that have helped me the most, because I firmly believe it will help some of my friends. HPS is a brutal disease and, although most of the symptoms are very individualized, there does appear to be some common health issues that have yet to be studied and officially documented. When you pray for the HPS community, please pray that my doctors will be courageous enough to write the research papers.

Likewise, please pray that the doctors will continue to seek wisdom and kowledge from the Lord. I am blessed to have the medical team I have; they have worked long, hard, and successfully to give me a better quality of life. I want them to feel the joy of knowing and seeing that their work and research has helped the entire HPS community.