Good appointment, Major Flare Up, and All the Things In Between: Update Feb 13th - 27th

“A belly laugh increases the ability of your immune system to fight infections.”

- Elizabeth Taylor

Time keeps flying by. I feel like just yesterday it was Fall and now we are getting ready to walk into March!

After this last protocol, I was unable to bounce back as quickly as times in the past. Even today, I feel I haven’t fully come back to the “normal.” (By normal, I mean the resting average hardships.)

But since my last post, I had an appointment in D.C. On the way up, my parents and I took a pit stop to briefly visit my older brother and family. I was very pleased that though there was stuff, I was able to make some lasting positive memories with my nieces, enough so that fist pumps and some, “Auntie April is AWESOME” took place. I tell you what, being an aunt is one of my greatest joys.

After, a few days, Dad drove us the rest of the way up to D.C. Overall, I think the appointment went well. The doctor was pleasantly surprised in minimal regression, after knowing how sick I was with Delta and then getting pneumonia. He was fully expecting me to possibly gone six months backwards. Thankful Delta only took me steps backwards. I do still have pneumonia, but it is not as bad. The doctor has instructed me to exercise my lungs more intentionally with a spirometer three times a day. (Thanks to Johnny and his lovely mother for sending me a brand new one.)

Even with all of that, there were several other improvements. One being my blood work marker that has been over 38,0000 over the maximum range, came down just under 25,000!!!! The marker is still much higher than desired, but that alone is a huge deal!

Furthermore, one part to the “pain trifecta” has improved in less pain in the “don’t touch me pain.” I look forward to that getting even better as treatment continues. Many of you had been praying for my eyes over the past month. The doctor was glad to hear the actual eye as an organ is healthy and working. I continue to have extensive neurological issues that highly effect my eyes, its great to know we are not worrying about going blind!

Also, I found out that though I am having a rise in new and some old symptoms, the doctor was once again pleased. He explained that many of these issues are coming about because my immune system is waking up, remembering it has a job, even starting to fight along with me. Being so immunocompromised, this is more wonderful news. In fact, my specialist thinks that we are getting ready to see a big shift in the treatment process.

I have plenty of tough things with pain and sickness continuing and affecting me but had to share there are some really great improvements going on!!!

With all of those things, the doctor said I will have a couple more IV therapies at least, and hopefully move to the next phase of treatment.

There are many things coming up. I start my next treatment protocol February 28.

We have a few fundraisers going on at this point. The Love A Lymie Challenge is in full

swing, but open to anyone who wants to join still. One of my friends is doing outdoor adventure parties, like rock climbing. Another has made things in her business to sell, like earrings for the challenge. There is also a 31 party being hosted by a friend, in which all profits go toward treatment. Visit the following website to check it out and get a couple bags. shopping this party

https://facebook.com/events/s/teresa-smileys-fundraiser/2538378972963161/

A new financial campaign is being launched and I will have that link to be shared publicly very soon. If anyone makes videos and would be willing to help me with a short promotional video and the editing, please contact me.

I am really excited to announce that I will be hosting a T-shirt making contest. I will have

more information on that coming soon, but the theme for the t-shirt is “Hope.” (Like Hope period, no matter what there is hope.) This is such a huge thing in my life that I have a tattoo of it. Again, information coming soon, but if you are artistic, have great ideas, or graphically inclined start sketching and thinking of ideas.

Lastly and most importantly, please be praying for me in all of the above mentioned… fundraising so that I can continue treatment, continued improvements, that my body will respond well to this coming protocol, for mental and emotional peace among the pain, and flare ups while my immune system wakes up. Especially, a very painful flare that has come up this weekend with MCAS, Mast Cell Activation Syndrome. It has been extremely miserable and painful.

Don’t forget to be on the lookout for the new things coming and share with others.

Thank you for all you do. Thank you for praying for me and supporting me so faithfully. Your involvement during this process is truly encouraging to me.