#46 MEDICAL UPDATE FROM OCTOBER 26

Quick medical update:

For the past couple of weeks, I haven’t been feeling as well as before (extremely tired, headaches and just an overall feeling that I had something like the flu).  As I spoke to different doctors and other medical personnel, it has been suspected that it may be a medication issue. 

October 26th, 2017 trip to moffitt for mri and doctor visit:

The doctor came in after I had the scan and said all in all it's a pretty good scan. There are some things that could be new growth, but the doctor and the radiologist both think it is more likely to be marks from the radiation I had. To be sure, they want to keep an eye on it. I'll have another scan in a month. Seems the trouble I've had the last couple of weeks is related to some medication changes. Those changes are good and needed, but he said my body will have to dictate how those changes can happen.

update on optune:

Optune (the device I wear on my head) is going pretty well.  I still have some issues with it, but we’re working those out.  I get a grade when the company representative comes out to check on me and the device.  She downloads information from the machine to see if I’ve been using it correctly and for the required time.  When she came out this last time I didn’t get the grade I was hoping for.  Apparently, I haven’t been turning the machine off and on in the proper sequence (maybe a hurricane had something to do with that).  However, for an honor roll student (in high school) and the dean’s list (some during college), the grade was disappointing.  I intend to be her star student this next time.

a few thoughts from the week:

God is patiently working on me physically, emotionally and spiritually.

Something I keep hearing from doctors, nurses, therapists, etc. is “Be patient”. I am so glad God is much more patient with me than I am with myself or situations around me.

I all too oftenI feel I need to help God out when problems arise.  I mentioned in a previous post that sometimes problems arise and I have a choice panic/worry about it, or trust God to handle it.

So, I sat here this past week, pondering my trip to Moffitt Cancer Center for tests and appointments. Despite the fact that I know in my heart God has everything under control, I still found myself anxious over the day, especially considering how I’ve been feeling recently. Then God sends me a little gift such as an encouraging note or a text from a friend (to take my mind off where it had wondered). God could certainly say as I would, “We’ve been here before, Debbie. Haven’t I walked you through tough places in times past?” “Did I ever walk away and leave you to face the circumstance by yourself?” But instead He just reminds me again that He loves me and that though I may have my fears and doubts, He will remain patient with me and faithful. Again, we go back to my favorite song, which I have mentioned before, Great is thy faithfulness.

This all reminded me of a song I learned as a child, and a verse.

Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain.


Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh. (James 5:7-8)

HE'S STILL WORKING ON ME

He's still working on me
To make me what I need to be
It took him just a week to make the moon and stars 
The sun and the earth and Jupiter and Mars
How loving and patient He must be
'Cause He's still workin' on me

He's still working on me
To make me what I need to be
It took him just a week to make the moon and stars 
The sun and the earth and Jupiter and Mars
How loving and patient He must be
'Cause He's still workin' on me

 There really ought to be a sign upon my heart 
Don't judge him yet, there's an unfinished part
But I'll be better just according to His plan
 Fashioned by the Master's loving hands

He's still working on me
To make me what I need to be
It took him just a week to make the moon and stars 
The sun and the earth and Jupiter and Mars
How loving and patient He must be
'Cause He's still workin' on me

In the mirror of His word
 Reflections that I see
 Makes me wonder why He never gave up on me
But He loves me as I am and helps me when I pray
 Remember He's the potter, I'm the clay

He's still working on me
To make me what I need to be
It took him just a week to make the moon and stars 
The sun and the earth and Jupiter and Mars
How loving and patient He must be
'Cause He's still workin' on me

He's still working on me
To make me what I need to be
It took him just a week to make the moon and stars 
The sun and the earth and Jupiter and Mars
How loving and patient He must be

'Cause He's still workin' on me

Now a while back in these blog entries (#39), I mentioned a goal I was aiming for - putting on my dog’s collar. Feeling ambitious after the pepper incident (read below, under Praises) and another small success the following day of catching with my left hand something that was falling. I tried again to put on her collar, but I guess we’re just not ready for that, YET. However, I did have something brought to my attention, again. PATIENCE. Sophie is a rescue dog. Her first few years of life were filled with abuse and she learned, unfortunately, that some humans can’t be trusted. So, for her to put up with me trying to fasten her collar for as long as I tried was pretty significant. Quite a display of patience.

Are you seeing a pattern for the week? Patience

I have said before that Sophie and I are therapy for each other.

praises:

I had another “because I can” moment this week.  If you have no idea what I’m talking about, refer to my previous post #45.  There are these little moments in which I find myself making small steps forward, then I look back and say to myself, “Boy, that took a long time.”  One was the other night at the table.  For the first time this year, I was able to use the pepper grinder, previously I hadn’t been able to hold it.  Now, I’ll be honest with you.  More pepper ended up on the table than in my plate.

Thank You, Lord, for being so patient with me, not giving up when I fail to learn the lesson or don’t have the faith I should. Another one of those moments came up today.  Dealing with insurance companies can be quite disturbing sometimes.  Again, came the opportunity to worry, get frustrated or trust Him to fix it.  Once again, He fixed it.

PRAYER REQUESTS:

Medication adjustments.

Wisdom for future decisions.

Strength for family during this whole process while still helping me with my medical care and therapy.

The electronic stimulation device mentioned in my last blog – still waiting on insurance. . .