Blessed and Amazed

If you are reading this blog you most likely know that the past three years have been challenging for our family. Conner's RSD and JRA, followed by Caleigh's diagnosis of absent epilepsy, and Russell's lymphoma have kept me busy. We have had a pediatric hematology/oncology specialist, a pediatric orthopedic surgeon, a pediatric rheumatologist, a pediatric endocrinologist, a pediatric cardiologist, a pediatric neurologist, a pedi. epileptologist, an adult orthopedic surgeon (2 of those), an oncologist, a psychologist (to assess our stress level), a speech pathologist (for memory issues), a physical therapist, a nurse practitioner, and 2 family practice docs. I'm probably forgetting someone. Let it suffice to say that I have not seen the doctor much in the last three years. Why? No time mostly--along with the fear that they would find something. If nobody tells me I'm sick, then I'm not sick...right?? I finally took the plunge yesterday and scheduled an appointment for myself, mainly so I could get a prescription refilled. I also thought it wise to catch up on my own care and deal with some issues that have been getting worse. I took off early from work, made it to the family practice office in the nick of time, and was told that I was rescheduled for tomorrow. I could not stop the tears from welling up. The sweet receptionist and nurse that have seen our family through much of our difficulties came to the rescue. The nurse practitioner that was instrumental in catching R's lymphoma recently moved and we now see a new NP. She was unavailable, but the one of the doctors happened to be there. I waited a few minutes and was ushered to an exam room. After asking me a couple of questions, the nurse called in the doctor. He greeted me politely, and asked: "When was your last labwork?" Tears again. "I haven't done anything except take my medication regularly in three years because..." and the whole story came out. That sweet man dropped to his knees, took both my hands in his, and began to pray for me and my family. I felt a calm come over me that I haven't felt in quite some time. He patiently explained that it is time to take care of me, and then outlined the plan. He asked about each of my family members, then excused himself to leave for a prior commitment (he drives in from another town). We have met him once before when he requested to meet Caleigh since her neurologist sends all his reports to him. It was just the most amazing thing. I have so much room for improvement when it comes to living my faith. I am going back next Thursday for a full physical. It IS time. God blesses us in such amazing ways.

Give Thanks with a Grateful Heart...

R. had scans yesterday and we saw Dr. B today for labs and follow up today. The scans show no new tumors, and the tumors etc. that he still has are not showing any growth. This is considered a stable exam. Stable exams are good exams and God, as always, is good. We discussed that R. is a cognitive therapy dropout...they completely understand. It was TOO MUCH to drive to San Antonio every week, and they really wanted him twice a week. Not happening. We are the crazy schedule family as it is--don't need more "stuff" to deal with. Our favorite research nurse ever, Jan, has moved to another location, but we liked the new person--always a plus. Russell's memory problems/cognitive difficulties were considered grade III, evidently that's bad--but she upgraded him to a II today based on our report and his ability to answer her questions about the past three months. Dr. B was a little concerned about some weight loss, but said that for now he will chalk it up to summer, heat, swimming, lawn care, stress...and watch it. I've said it a thousand times, but we SO love Dr. B. What a blessing he continues to be to us. Love that man. We celebrated our good report with lunch at Souper Salad--an old favorite of ours from our newlywed days in Austin. After lunch, we even allowed ourselves about a 1/2 hour browse of Goodwill. I always find great books for my classroom--today was no exception. Our house is quiet for the moment, but soon our dueling siblings will be home. Ugh.