Month 4 Begins with a Family Homecoming

Jul 5, 2021
3 min read

Me: "Hannah, you have a lot to say."

Hannah: "Of course I do! I have only been here two days!"

As I continue this 7-week cycle, I begin month four!!!! It is a crazy thing to think~

I cannot fully describe how rough treatment is even on the “off” days. The meds are hard on my body. I feel sick steadily, get exhausted doing nothing, my muscles are incredibly fatigued, and so forth. The IV antibiotics perpetuate the nausea. One oral medication is some kind of evil because the moment it hits, I am done for. Another of the oral antibiotics makes my whole body hurt for days. I have herxes that last days it seems. But I believe that means the little Lyme and Co-infection devils are dying.

I have been trying to do more detoxing to help get out all the bacteria the medications are killing. I have to take a lot of naps, and if I can’t go to sleep, I try for “resting.” It seems simple things like getting a cup from the cabinet or going downstairs are much harder on my body these days. I don’t go many places other than my bed, kitchen, and tub. I treasure the moments I step out onto the back porch.

This week I noticed a flower that could not hold itself up, fell over, but keep making its way to the sun by perching itself on the edge of the porch. It brought great joy to my heart and a smile. There is a picture of perseverance for sure.

I had an eye appointment at the beginning of the week. My eye doctor is hoping to

refer me to a new ophthalmologist that my Lyme Specialist knows who is Lyme literate. We are all hoping for some relief as my eyes continue to hurt, with light sensitivity, and extreme dryness.

The rare skin condition I mentioned in previous posts, now has additional painful spots on my legs. I hope to address this issue more with my Lyme specialist at my next appointment in D.C.

I enjoyed a few visitors over this past week. I got to sit down and catch up briefly with two amazing women, who not only have supported me in so many ways in getting treatment, and continual prayer, but they came bearing plants too! So good to see Faye on Tuesday and Teresa on Thursday. Big pockets of joy for a tough treatment week!

In other news, EXTRA EXCITING NEWS, my sister, and her whole family are back in the states for the next several weeks!

They arrived just in time to celebrate July 4th! Its wild to see how much they have each grown, but I love that they are just as sweet and cuddly. I kept the fourth very low key so that I might be able to see fireworks with everyone. I love the wonder and admiration of kids with things like fireworks. I wore sunglasses and headphones, and did a lot of squinting or looking away, but totally worth it being able to join in the celebration. Hannah has lots of plans for Auntie April activities and sleepovers. The kids are like a breath of fresh air. Even when I am exhausted, they bring great joy to my heart!