ER, Kill Zone, and All the Tears In-between. Update September 3-19, 2022

“It’s okay to take a step back, but no matter what is happening, I always want to press into the Father.” -AE

As many of you know the end of my first treatment week, I had to be seen by urgent care to check up on a few heart things. Urgent care then sent me to the Emergency Room for further testing. In the ER they did all sorts of tests, ECGs, blood tests, and such. They needed to rule out for sure heart attack and pulmonary embolism. Seven hours later the ER doctor said I was fine, and everything looked good. The next day I sent my Reports and tests to my specialist, and it turns out the ER doctors write up involved my ECGs having several abnormalities. Yes, I was shocked because they sent me home with an all clear but typed up a different story. We followed up with my primary care, who did some more blood test and determined that things are okay. The abnormalities are within normal ranges.

As all these appointments were taking place, I had started the Kill Zone. For some

reason this treatment cycle has been one of my hardest. I was incredibly sick and got extremely ill throwing up the last two days.

Again, this cycle was really hard on my physically, but even more so emotionally and mentally. Honestly (and vulnerably), I was experiencing a lot of fear, weariness, depression, panic, and flat-out sadness. I cried so much in those two and a half weeks. Its pretty tough treating so long and being so sick, ya know? 18 months just for the first stage of treatment thus far, was more than I could handle. I was fighting sickness, pain, and doubt all at the same time. “Am I getting better? Is this forever? Why am I sick like this? What future do I have and when will I get to stop. I just can’t do this anymore, not one more time, I can’t handle being hooked up one more time, not even the thought of it.” It was a lot. But Mom was right there with me through it. Listening to my fears, sitting in my room at night to help me sleep, and helping me through being so sick. And God was also so very there. The beginning of last week the Lord showed me some things and spoke very directly to my heart day after day from Sunday night through Wednesday night. Each revelation built on the next. Such a good and faithful Father.

I am doing better emotionally and mentally now. I still seem to get sick to my stomach every time I eat, as well as at random. I am dealing with pain par normal at this part of the treatment cycle but exacerbated because of an essential medicine debacle. I am trying to take each good moment in that I can and to express to Mom the things I am feeling as to not bottle it all in. I also, decided that I am going to magnify the name of the Lord, above magnifying my circumstances. It’s okay to take a step back, but no matter what is happening, I always want to press into the Father.

A friend brought me flowers to cheer me up, which was such a sweet thing. I am super

grateful for those who I asked in desperation to pray for me, who did so. It is such a reminder that Christ is with me, especially because He took on my pain and sickness on the cross. I was able to attend a women’s night at with my E-group (online small group) and my Mom and sister came. It was really nice to come and be together.

Despite my lows and difficulties, I am still pushing through, only by the grace of God, honestly, and so I am going to keep doing this. I have treated before, and I can treat now. I have great confidence in my doctor and trust God led me to him. I know there is HOPE and though it doesn’t always feel like it, I am holding onto that hope.

Next week my parents and I will be traveling to D.C. This will be an extensive trip with a full examination, major blood work up, and discussion on all that has transpired and how we things will go with treatment moving forward.

This Saturday, September 24 from 8:00-2:00pm we are having a yard sale fundraiser in Advance, where all proceeds go

toward paying for treatment. Everything is still very much out of pocket. The sale will be located at Hillsdale Baptist 4815 US-158, Advance, NC 27006. Please come on by and help support me in my treatment

journey.

****Also, if anyone would be willing to help us set up early in the morning, and or work during the sale, and or break down at the end would be extremely helpful!**** Let me know.

Thank you for all the love and support and especially messages while I was in the ER.

Please be praying for my family as we host this yard sale fundraiser, that it would be successful, exceedingly more than we could imagine. Also, be praying for my body and all the systems, especially my joints, nerves, digestion, eyes, and issues with gagging so often lately. Furthermore, be praying as we make our way to D.C. for safe travel, a good informative appointment, and my body during the travels.