So Many Things Going On & Yes, I Started My Protocol for Treatment Again... (1/31 - 2/5)

“Never let the things you cannot do prevent you from doing the things you can.”

-John Wooden

It has been a quick week in some respects and a bit slow in others.

I got an eye appointment right on Monday, Praise God and thank you for praying.

Doctor said there was no inflammation, which is great, but that my eyes were extremely dry. I will be taking a much stronger eye drop. He also referred me to a nuero ophthalmologist to check the neuro side to my eyes.

Although I am still coughing and easily extra exhausted and I was at the doctor for a good part of Monday, I started treatment very suddenly Monday night. For the next couple days, I felt like my system was in shock. Not like I was shocked personally, I was definitely stressed, but my body was having a shock factor to all the different medications. I ended the week with a lot of stomach pain/issues and my hands and hips hurting. BUT I made it. I survived it. I get Saturday off from IV antibiotics.

Starting Sunday, I enter the “kill zone” which means I go five days straight with all the oral antibiotics and seven bags for the second week of the protocol. It’s a pretty rough week ahead of me, so I appreciate any prayers.

A few pockets of joy include first I got to see my niece and nephews for the first time in a month, dang Covid! I got to be around some Valentine card making and we also got to witness such a beautiful sunset with the kiddos. Furthermore, after three weeks of not being able to speak and a week of squeaky or man scratchy voice, I have my voice back, at least 90% !!! Also, good friend of mine stepped up and is trying to help with the treatment costs, which is not only encouraging but touched heart. I always enjoy seeing the birds out my window and the chipmunk that visits. Moreover, there is a flower, a crocus, that has bloomed outside. I am assuming it thinks we are in "fake spring" but unfortunately its "fake fake spring" and the it will not make it long. But still the flower was a pleasant surprise and encouraged hope and wonder for a bit. Lastly, one of my absolute favorite Jesus Calling devotions this week!

In other news, drum roll please…

We are launching “Love a Lymie Challenge 2!!!”

This was a very successful fundraiser last year and wanted to do it again to help with the prolonged cost of treatment. As most of you know this is a tricky disease and I seem to be “a very sick young lady.” We knew this going in but there have been many unexpected turns in

the journey. Recently, I beat Covid, the Delta variant. I am working on beating pneumonia, which is definitely getting better, but those are just two of the bumps in the road. All to say, this is a great

fundraiser to reach out to your networks, not just a friend or family, those are good too, but also, people at work, neighbors, establishments you visit frequently, a sports team, your salon, even your workout buddies.

The Love a Lymie Challenge 2 is simply you or with a friend/family or a group find a creative way to raise $500.00. I want to stress this does not mean you have to do this out of your own pocket. There is an ever-growing list of possible ideas of ways to accomplish this challenge that I will add at the end of the update. I know with the economy and constant Covid everyone is stretched thin, but I really need help to continue this life changing treatment.

Please consider joining in the Challenge, which begins

February 14-March 14. Also, I need your help getting the word out; so please share with whoever you know, they may surprise you in wanting to help. We do need more people to accept the challenge to make it successful.

Thank you ahead of time.

Please be praying for:

-My body and its response as the medicine is killing Lyme

-My stomach, muscles, and joints, as well as eyes

-For my mind, as my physical body takes a big hit next week for the “kill zone.”

-That I would be encouraged

-That there will be an influx of people wanting to accept the fundraiser challenge.

-That there would be many generous and compassionate people who want to help me out financially.

-To not feel defeated during the whole process.

-Energy to get a few important things settled

Thank you so very much!

Below is the challenge ideas list:

Here are some ideas for ways to raise money for the challenge:

Please feel free to share ideas you all have and ask any questions you have.

-Selling baked goods -Selling crafts

-Yard work or home repairs -Babysitting

-Cleaning houses -Household chores

-House/pet sitting -Host an auction

-Poker nights -Game nights

-Bonfire -Movie night

-Recycling -Run Errands for people

-Donation jars -Create stickers, masks…

-Take peoples trash out -Email campaign

-Tutoring -Hosting parties: tea, sports…

-Create personalized stampers -Create stationary

-Cooking meals for families -Have a cookout

-Outdoor adventure tours -City tours

-Take online surveys -Help someone with their taxes

-Birdhouse making/teaching sessions -Make birdhouses to sell

-Host an online photography contest

-Help someone with bills or letter writing

-Consigning clothing, books, or electronics

-Be a driver for the elderly or others in need.

-Taking family portraits, milestones, or pet pictures.

-Quilting, wreathe making, or other craft teaching sessions

-Helping someone decorate in for event or upcoming holiday

-Money pledge for running or walking a distance or even pushups…

-Matching donations (church or business willing to match a donation)

-Hosting online parties that give a % to charity such as Pampered Chef/ 31

-Selling services for example: -mowing yards -raking leaves -art or music lessons