Hello, Weekend!

Wow, it really is Friday night! The work week has finished, the house has been straightened, and all of the doctor appointments are over. As I look back on the last five days, I see the Lord's hand in every area of my life. For the time being, God is giving me the ability to carry on each day free from the kind of dehibilittating pain that messes up my electrolytes or puts me in the hospital. I had that kind of pain every day during my first year of living with active HPS. So I know what life could be like and therefore I'm more grateful for the good moments I experience right now.

I took my Methotrexate by "oral injection" on Wednesday night and this morning. So far, I have not dealt with any adverse side effects. Several people have asked what oral injection means. Basically, the medicine is in liquid form contained inside a little glass bottle that I keep refridgerated. The appropriate dosage is drawn up into a syringe. Finally, the syringe is released into the mouth, a glass of drinkable liquid, or given as a shot. With my Methotrexate, Mom releases the syringe into a small glass of cola. I used a spoon to disolve the medicine and then I just drink the cola. For some reason, the directions on the bottle say to take the Methotrexate with either orange juice or cola. Since I'm allergic to oranges, I have to use soda, which is perfectly fine with me. The liquid Methotrexate is yellow just like the pills, but it doesn't have a distinctive, nasty taste.

Yesterday was Remicade Day. That went well, because I took a Benadryl that made me very sleepy and lessened the pain from the saline. Infact I got a two hour nap while the infusion was taking place. Meanwhile, Mom and Qavah shopped nearby and then joined me near the end of my treatment. Now, unless something bad happens, I don't have another medical appointment until September eleventh.

Recap Of Doctor's Appointment

Thank you for the prayers and emails regarding my GI appointment. Prayers were answered in a way that amazed and blessed me. Mom joined me in case I had electrolyte issues, but thankfully, nothing eventful happened. On the way home, we were thanking the Lord for His faithfulness in honoring and answering our prayers.

While Mom and Qavah waited patiently for over an hour, I had my exam in a "procedure" room at he doctor's office. The two nurses that helped me were kind, calm, and thoroughly explained the procedures beforehand. The lower GI scope went better than expected and was productive. My GI doctor was able to detect what had been the source of the bowel bleeding and has given me directions of what to do over the next ten days to (hopefully) remedy the problems.

In addition to the actual exam, I also received results from last week's blood labs. My liver enzymes are elevated. My GI doctor wants to monitor levels by taking more blood work in a couple of weeks. Mom and I have a hunch that the liver enzymes may be elevated because I am not absorbing my Methotrexate which assists in keeping inflammation to a minimum. Inflammation may be blocking the bile duct which would be one reason my test results were high.

After consulting with my hematologist and working with a very understanding pharmacist, I'm going to try taking my Methotrexate in liquid form instead of swallowing pills. The labs I'll have in two weeks should also show if I'm absorbing the Methotrexate (and my other medications). For someone like me with absorption issues, liquid drugs are better than hard tablets. I take my first liquid dose of Methotrexate tomorrow evening when I return home from work.

True Religion

It is now the close of another Sabbath; today has been joyful, calm, and restful. I was blessed by the service at church - I love it whenever I can worship and learn about the Lord with other Christians who seek to follow Him in spirit and truth. Our family lunch was delicious (as always) and left me feeling satisfied for much of the day. I read and slept during the afternoon. Tonight was spent writing emails, talking to friends, and tidying up my bedroom. I'm now about to tune my harp before resting once again on my comfy, soft, green apple-colored sheets. The week ahead looks busy with work and three important doctor appointments (GI scope on Tuesday, Remicade on Thursday, and dentist on Friday). But for this present moment, I am very content.

Below is a prayer from The Valley of Vision titled True Religion that I read this afternoon. I was surprised at how appropriate the words were for the beginning of another week. I hope this prayer not only blesses you, but becomes yours' as well.

Lord God Almighty,

I ask not to be enrolled amongst the earthly great and rich,
but to be numbered with the spiritually blessed.

Make it my present, supreme, persevering concern
to obtain those blessings which are
spiritual in their nature,
eternal in their continuance,
satisfying in their possession.

Preserve me from a false estimate of the whole
or a part of my character;

May I pay regard to
my principles as well as my conduct,
my motives as well as my actions.

Help me
never to mistake the excitement of my passions
for the renewing of the Holy Spirit,
never to judge my religion by occasional
impressions and impulses, but by my
constant and prevailing disposition.

May my heart be right with thee,
and my life as becometh the gospel.

May I maintain a supreme regard to another
and better world,
and feel and confess myself a stranger
and a pilgrim here.

Afford me all the direction, defence, support,
and consolation my journey hence requires,
and grant me a mind stayed upon thee.

Give me large abundance of the supply of
the Spirit of Jesus,
that I may be prepared for every duty,
love thee in all my mercies,
submit to thee in every trial,
trust thee when walking in darkness,
have peace in thee amidst life’s changes.

Lord, I believe, help thou my unbelief
and uncertainties.

Amen.

Peace Despite Health Woes

Yesterday, I visited my GI doctor, because I've been experiencing intense pain, bloating, and intermittent bowel bleeding for the past four weeks. The end result of yesterday's visit is that I have yet another appointment scheduled for next Tuesday where my GI doctor will inspect my small intestine. If he doesn't find anything abnormal, then we'll wait until after my Remicade treatment to do further diagnostic testing or a colon cleanse. The hope is that the Remicade will correct everything that has gone awry. *sigh*

In addition to the recent doctor appointments, I've been fighting a mild sickness since Saturday. It's not exactly a cold or a flu, but a lighter combination of both. Fortunately, I've been able to work each day this week. That is cause for great praise to our Heavenly Father! As my Aunt Lil so appropriately exclaimed in a recent email to me, " It's wonderful that you have been able to do [so] well this Summer, with its ups and downs, but have also been able to keep working. That would have seemed totally impossible last Summer." She is exactly right! Looking back, I was not able to work, let alone imagine doing so while fighting a normal virus. Instead, I was getting over a fractured rib.

Over the last three years, I've seen how quickly circumstances can turn from good to bad to worse. However, I've also learned - more importantly- how readily available the Lord's strength is when I rely on Him. God daily lavishes His grace and mercy upon me in many ways! One example is the peace I have within my soul admist the recent health battles I'm faced. I know the calmness I'm experiencing comes only from my Heavenly Father. It's only Him that is keeping me from going insane with "what iffs" and "how tos".

"If God be our God, He will give us peace in trouble. When there is a storm without, He will make peace within. The world can create trouble in peace, but only God can create peace in trouble." -Thomas Watson

Health Update

It's been awhile since I've done a health update, so now is a good time. Over all, I am doing really well. This has been the "quietest" summer health wise since I was diagnosed with HPS three years ago. I have had small issues, but nothing that has kept me from work, enjoying company, and family festivties.

In the last two weeks, I have experienced on and off bowel bleeding. My GI doctor is aware of the issue, but for now, it's not serious enough to schedule a colonoscopy. When I visited my Hematologist this week for a routine visit, he said, "Well we know by now how HPS works. We could do all sorts of tests, but they probably would come out as being normal. Unless it gets worse, just keep living and don't worry about it. You can always call me if it gets to be serious, but I think you are okay right now." The only change in my medications is that my hematologist wants me to increase my Methotrexate to fourteen pills instead of twelve, resulting in a weekly dose of 40mg.

My summer respite from doctors has ended. The hematologist was seen on Thursday. Next Wednesday (August 12), I'm visiting a doctor to see about having some spots taken off my face. They aren't cancerous or anything like that, but they do get sore sometimes. My PCP made the referral after checking it out at my last appointment with him. On August 27, I have another Remicade treatment. A day later, I visit the "dentist" for a tooth cleaning and exam. Two weeks later, on September 11, I visit the Pulmonologist for my annual PFTs and routine exam. I also need to schedule an appointment with the opthamologist. At first they wanted to schedule my pulmonogy appointments for September 4th, but I told them I didn't want to do that on my Birthday. Fortunately the receoptionist understood. *grin*

Happy Birthday!

Since Aunt Julie willingly drives me to appointments (when I can't find a ride) and will not accept any gasoline money, I decided to dedicate this post in honor of her Birthday, which is today. Aunt Julie has a quiet spirit, but she manages to light up the room with her presence. Aunt Julie has a heart of mercy that bestows compassion at just the right moment.

Aunt Julie, Uncle Dan, and their family used to live in Ohio when I was young. So, I have many fond memories of spending a week at their home. Aunt Julie always made me feel welcome. Once they moved to Virginia, I was able to enjoy Aunt Julie even more. In the past few years especially, Aunt Julie has been a valuable source of comfort and helpfulness. She has been a "bed buddy" when I've been very sick and my family needed a break.

One of my favorite things about Aunt Julie is her gentle, but steady faith in the Lord. Recently, she has begun mentoring other ladies. They are blessed to have her for a teacher. The name Julie means "Youthful". That describes my Aunt Julie perfectly!

Aunt Julie with her family:

Aunt Julie loves children and it shows. Qavah and Aunt Julie exchanging giggles - pure delight!

Aunt Julie's favorite verse is Isaiah 40:31, "Those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."

Happy Birthday!

Celebrating Life

This week has been filled with joyous celebrations of lives the Lord created, beginning with Eva's birth last Sunday. Our family took care of Annelise and Nehemiah until Jennifer's parents arrived on Wednesday.

Welcome little Eva! It's hard to believe you are already 1 week old:

Thursday, Uncle Todd and his family arrived. My male cousins enjoyed video games in Paul Burton's apartment, while the rest of us caught up over sips of coffee and tea. Then yesterday, our extended family celebrated Grandmom's Birthday a day early:

Thursday night, my mom and Aunt Judy - who both know how to sew- got the idea to make cushions for Grandmom's front patio furniture as her Birthday present. They were busy measuring and sewing when I went to bed. Amazingly though, the project was completed by the time my grandparents and two additional cousins arrived Friday mid-morning. We "modeled" the cushions for Grandmom using our upper porch swings:

Last night, we went to IHOP to celebrate my second-cousin Danae's 24th Birthday. Our presence was a complete surprise to Danae, who simply chose IHOP for the location of her Birthday dinner:

The party did not begin until 9:30pm, so it was a late night for all. Everyone got home before turning into pumpkins, but just barely! Aunt Julie (Danae's Mom) was gracious enough to let Qavah and I use her as a pillow when we got sleepy:

Needless to say, our home has been filled with much excitement and laughter over the past two weeks. The Lord has been merciful in giving Qavah and I strength to enjoy the festivities. Our family may work hard but we also play hard. The hours spent with extended family are blessed memories to cherish from the Giver of Life. I wouldn't want to spend my "good" days any other way!

A Post... Finally!

Just a short post at that, though. It is late and I'm exhausted. I worked and then came home and cleaned. It's been a full day. Our next "batch" of company arrives tomorrow and that should be fun. So, I'll be tied up until Saturday afternoon.

I was very happy to have gotten a chance to straighten my room tonight. As I made my bed with clean sheets, I was smiling from ear to ear. I guess I was too proud of myself, though! I just finished putting on the top quilt, stood back, and then realized that I put the fitted sheet on completely inside out. Normally, my "Prednisone mannerisms" would want everything to be completely correct, but I'm (fortunately?) too tired to re-do the work. Besides, I'm about to get go to bed anyways. *grin*

Several of my friends have asked, so I will tell you. "Baby Eva" (as Annelise calls her) is adorable, as expected. Even though she weighed 9lbs. 7oz. at birth, she seems so petite to me. Yes, she does have darker skin and hair than the other children. There's only one picture of her and me together at present and it's not a very good photo, but I did post it below. It was taken on Sunday. I did get to hold her for a short while yesterday and that was such a treat. I love the softness and smell of newborn baby skin!

Still Waiting...

The newest Campbell has not arrived yet. So, please continue to pray for a safe and quick delivery. It's amazing to think that in just four years (since Colin got married), our immediate family has doubled in size from five members to ten. The Lord's blessings are abundant!

In the meantime before the baby is born, we are getting home projects completed. Next week (Lord willing) we are going to have a mini-family reunion at our home with aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents. And there's nothing like company to get things done around the house! We want our home to be pleasant, comfortable, and welcoming for our guests. It's also a satisfying feeling to stand back and see the finished product of our labor.

Health-Free Days

I've been enjoying another stretch of good days. The health issues have been minimal and the joys abundant. Friday's Remicade treatment was the only health-related event in the past week that was very challenging. Since that time, I've been working to rid my body of the excess salt and I seem to be making progress.

Planning and hosting Qavah's Birthday celebration filled our home with excitement all during the week. Even the weather cooperated with the festivities! Incidently, I've taken advantage of the cooler temperatures by leaving my bedroom window open at night. During the day, Qavah and Annelise enjoyed frolicking and swinging outside. Of course, Qavah's actual Birthday party was so much fun!

Last week, Grandmom and I also had our harp lessons. While I don't always feel like I'm improving from one lesson to the next or practicing enough, I do enjoy my instrument alot. Sometimes I stare at the harp as I fall asleep, because it's a reminder of the strength, grace, and love God bestows upon my life.

Looking ahead, all of us are "on call" as Jennifer's due date approaches. She is due July twenty eighth, but really, she could go into labor anytime. Each time the phone rings, I wait with eager anticipation to see if it's "the call" from Colin and Jennifer. I know that when the baby is born, the timing will be perfect, because that moment has already been ordained by the Lord. Still though, I hope the baby is born soon!

Weekend In Review (With Pictures)

This past weekend was devoted to family. Friday, Mom and I cleaned the house. I like working together to accomplish such tasks, although it always amazes me how dirty a house can be even though we try to "tidy up" before going to bed each evening! Friday night and Saturday, we babysat Annelise and Nehemiah. I am enjoying this stage in their lives, because their personalities are more evident than ever before. Annelise can articulate her thoughts and feelings with words that are complex and descriptive. Nehemiah, in his own way, let's us know what he wants, too. He likes to play with balls!

Anyway, this weekend was so warm that we got out our pool. All three children played in it and splashed around. Even Nehemiah had fun! I sat in the shade and snapped some pictures while I observed the action. In case you're wondering, that I.V. poll is Paul Burton's. After Mom said that the children needed shade, Dad rigged up an umbrella to the poll. I love having smart and creative parents!

Yesterday afternoon, I watched a movie with Mom and Qavah titled The Prince and the Pauper. We discovered the movie on Netflix, but it was actually a Hallmark made-for-television movie. Apparently, Mark Twain wrote the story. The movie was just a little over an hour long, but I do recommend renting it! Qavah liked the story so much that she watched it again today!

Last night, Mom, Dad, Qavah, and I went to the Salem Fair. There were only a few farm animals to pet and most of the 4-H exhibits were closed, because it was the last night of the Fair. However, Qavah did get to have a pony ride on a real horse! At one point while we were walking around, we spotted an acrobat show involving two "pirates" and "mermaids". Qavah sat on Dad's shoulders and I used my digital camera (which has 10x zoom), so we could capture the show. Qavah liked the pirates' sword fight, while I was mesmerized with the shear courage and steadiness of the acrobats doing their stunts. After we left the Fair, we enjoyed a dessert at Dairy Queen.

My favorite part of this past weekend was being together with my family while experiencing very little physical pain. I know these "good" times may not always exist, so I'm truly thankful to the Lord for the days filled with family events instead of medicines, doctors, and hospital visits.

Mini Paragraph Randomness

Well, the comment system seems to be working again. Yeah! However, in the process of fixing the comments, my blog links disappeared. I tried to remember which blogs I was subscribed to, but it was hard to remember. So, if you are a friend and don't see your blog listed, feel free to let me know and I'll (probably) add the website address to my blog links on the sidebar. Then, I think I need a break from computer-related updates, bugs, and viruses.

Did you notice that today's date is 07-08-09? On average, I probably write the date twenty (or more) times a day. Normally, I write the date 07/08/2009, but today's pattern still jumped out at me. I guess I really can have fun with numbers. *grin*

I'm shopping and visiting with my friend, Fairlight, tonight. Maybe, just maybe, I'll remember to take a picture of us together. Tomorrow afternoon, I have an appointment with my GI doctor. I hope it goes well. I haven't seen him for several months.

Technology Woes

Sometimes I want to tell the technology geeks out there (I confess I am one of them), "If it's not broken, then don't tinker with it!" Google has teamed up with YouTube. Google also changed the display of their online email client (program). It has added new features to Blogger, too. While Google and Gmail are still some of the better internet programs available, all of these changes have created havoc on my computer and online blogger systems. It's just plain irritating.

On a happier note, my family used Skype last night to talk and "see" some friends that had recently moved out west to Idaho. Our long-distance conversation was alot of fun and uplifting! I eventually went to bed, but Mom and Dad visited awhile more via Skype. They even had a prayer time together. So, I guess technology is sometimes good and useful... you just have to know when to quit updating the invention.

Smile! You Are On...

Last week our family friends, the Pensacks, visited us. Their daughter Laura is a budding photographer, so we had a photoshoot in our very own backyard on a warm, summery afternoon. Although Qavah and I were the main ones being photographed, everyone got involved. The men graciously carried the props down to the middle of the yard. Then the moms assisted Laura with setting up the layout before each click of the camera.

This photoshoot was what I like to call "an event". The end result of Laura's creativity was a lot of beautiful pictures and many happy memories. Thank you to the Pensacks for blessing our family! Below is a "snapshot" of the three hundred pictures Laura captured (this is just a slideshow with no audio):

Happy Days!

We are doing well at home, although I've had monitor my health closely and carefully. I will hopefully update more later, however it has been a very busy time for our family. I just thought that someone might wonder if Qavah and I are still at home and not in the hospital. I'm happy to report that we've had family and friends staying at our home (not the hospital!) for two weeks straight. It's been quite a blessing! One of my favorite things to do is to have company. I look forward to sharing pictures and stories with you, but it is now time to begin another work day.