Who is Up for Another Round or Two & Trying Something New: Update 7/3-12 w/Detox & Specialist Appt.

“Wisdom is knowing when to have rest, when to have activity, and how much of each to have.” — Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

It’s been a big two weeks, with full weekends and WHEWIE, I am exhausted.

Days after the finishing the first half of my protocol, Independence Day weekend approached. I was able to spend time with family in short spurts. It was nice to see some of my nephews and niece (and Sister and her husband too) for a Fourth dinner on Sunday and Monday. My niece and I had the most fun singing Lee Greenwood’s God Bless the USA over and over putting “dance moves” to it. The kids also did sparklers which was fun to watch. Just good to see each other to celebrate our freedom, in which I really am so proud to be an American. With all the laughter and joy filling me, I also got majorly worn down. One negative thing is I got stung or bit by something outside and my ankle whole up, but it was better within a few days, though it hurts a tad bit still, much better. There were many days of recovering from the activities, {totally worth the family time though.}

We had a bit more family time this weekend, with my younger brother and his wife visiting. We got to play some games and spend time with one another. I kept taking five-to-ten-minute breaks to lie down. It was much more than what my body can withstand, but I don’t get to see my brother and his family often, so gladly sacrificed for that time with them.

Other pockets of joy involve plant action, blooming, growing, and making a trellis for snap peas to climb.

Other pockets of joy involve plant action, blooming, growing, and making a trellis for snap peas to climb.

As I have been working on detoxing, I am finding my body doesn’t detox very well. But I am pushing forward, doing the things that I can do so. I have mentioned before ways that I detox, but because of my port and joint/nerve issues, there are several great detox ways that are not plausible for me to do yet.

In addition to detoxing, I had a phone appointment with my specialist in D.C. on the 11th. It was a good appointment, in that it felt very positive. Most things like symptoms, even concerns are so routine at this point we don’t even talk too much about them. We went over my blood work. There are several numbers with the blood work that look bad, but again my doctor has seen it all before and He is not majorly concerned with that at this time.

After going over things with treatment of the last three weeks, the specialist made a plan of action for the next protocol. I had really really hoped this coming protocol would be my last, but once again that is not the case. I was disappointed but I trust the doctor and I want to see this treatment through no matter how long it takes, nor matter the suffering. I want to do everything I can do to have the best quality of moving forward. He did say we would be doing at least two more rounds, which takes me into September. I’ll have another phone appointment and in September we will go to D.C. for an office visit. Hopefully, by September my body will be ready for a step down to the next stage of treatment.

I asked my doctor if I could shift my treatment a bit next week to celebrate the life of my friend, but rather than shifting treatment days, he decided to give me an extra week off. This will be a very telling situation because it could help lift the “cloud” of treatment and pain, which would be really great. He said it could also be too much time away from treatment and that I would know this by an increase in pain and sickness. No matter what happens we will be flexible about starting the next protocol. His goal is that I just have a day or too better, understanding there may be some tough days along with the extra time off.

For now, I am scheduled to begin the next IV protocol starting Monday on the last week of July. There are always a lot of symptoms and effects that come with treatment, so be praying as I detox well this week prior to treatment. Also, be praying as usual that I will make it through with strength, much rest and grace. Furthermore, if you will keep me in your prayers for recovery from my body being so alert with all the activities with family. (Yesterday, I was so sick from exhaustion from this past weekend.) It really is amazing how lifeless my body becomes after major exhaustion, even if I am not doing very much, simply being in the room with folks can wear me down. Seems silly but its true, so thank you for those prayers!