The Brutality of Treatment Showered with Grace and the Faithfulness of God Update 5/23- 6/4, 2022

“There is no pit so deep, that God's love is not deeper still.”

― Corrie Ten Boom

Finally, IV antibiotic therapy for this protocol is over and I am moving into the detox mode. I have been dreadfully sick, lots of nausea, stomach pain, days spent in the bed, and so forth. Additionally, for some reason deinking water makes my stomach hurt even worse, so I have been very thirsty during this time, can’t wait to down a glass of water soon. I currently do not feel well, but I am only two days out of the antibiotics. Day four or five usually is when I have detoxed all the meds and some of the dead Lyme bacteria out of my system. I am hoping for a quick bounce back and noticeable improvements as I move further from the antibiotics.

I did have a couple of appointments during treatment. We are finding that my teeth and gums are still being heavily affected by Lyme. I also had another appointment that

lasted four and a half hours. It was pretty brutal, but I made it through. We did several tests and there were some good findings a couple things we are going to watch with the situation but once again grateful there wasn’t anything too serious.

Next week I have my specialist appointment in DC. I am anticipating our discussion of symptoms and effects, as well as next steps. I have been praying that I will go into the appointment and the doctor will say I only have one more IV therapy left. We shall see. As my doctor wrote in the office notes from my last appointment, “Although it has been a very difficult treatment program for April, I do think that we are starting to see some improvement and do expect us to continue.” It has been crazy tough, but we know little by little things are improving and that is something to be celebrated, despite the longsuffering.

I am so very grateful that, though the Lord has allowed such suffering and stripped away so much, that He would come along beside me, holding me with such love and comfort. I do not know how I would make it through without God’s faithfulness. "

Furthermore, I am so thankful that among the storm there are still pockets of joy. I got to be with the kids during tolerable moments of treatment. We watched a few movies, taking me back to my childhood- Rescue Rangers and Free Willy. We watch Sonic II, not too bad of a movie. The kids like to crowd around and snuggle up with me, which fills my heart. There were several ,"ahhh, don’t press on my stomach, I feel like I am going to throw up" moments. Ha-ha But I love the cuddling up with me, nonetheless. I also, got to spend a short time outside doing an art project with the kiddos, so many wonderful things about those moments… outdoors, kiddos, painting!

I also had a short visit from Johnny and Karoll. It was so nice to see someone in person

and just sit and talk, even with tummy trouble going on. They are wonderful humans, cant wait for another visit with them.

Additionally, dad caught a snake that tried hiding in a tree and he was holding one end while the snake burrowed its top half in the tree. Eventually, dad let it go and inside the tree it went. I had never seen that before. Also, the birds have been very active as well as my chipmunk friend. Love to see nature, even if its simply through my window.

Lastly, I want to honor so many who have given their lives so that I could have a life in the land of the free. I could never show my full gratitude to all those who have died so that I can be free, but I am overwhelmed with thankfulness of their sacrifice!

As the weeks continue with detox as my main focus, please be praying for the side effects detoxing brings. Be praying for less migraines, join and nerve pain, even greater brain fog. Pray that my appointment will go well, in fact that the doctor will see such improvement that I won’t have to do many more IV antibiotic therapies. Pray for strength, endurance, and rest. Also, please be praying for the financial burden of treatment as funding is scarce.

Thank you so much to all who are praying for me and sticking with me through this long trying process. You are the best and your support means the world to me!