
"Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding." Proverbs 3:5.
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In the third week of June, my husband Mike and I and our dog Corie traveled I-25 from north Colorado Springs to south Albuquerque for various medical appointments. Our Albuquerque trip was Cori's first official long road trip; she was a trooper! Thank God he has provided the ways and means for these trips. Also, for his provision in placing us with the right doctors at the right time.
Mike's doing well, considering having to drive and putting up with the wife and the dog. His surgery will be on July 19th in Colorado Springs. He'll need 30 days of recovery; God willing, he'll be back to normal (Mike's normal).
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In March, shortly after getting a good report from my annual checkup, I noticed a lump under my left armpit and swollen lymph nodes; I monitored the situation for about a month with no improvement; called my doctor. They checked the nodes and the lump, the lump was a fibroid, and the nodes were clear. However, two calcifications spots were found during the screening that warranted further review with a stereotactic biopsy. They could only biopsy one area because I couldn't tolerate the barbaric discomfort for the other biopsy (my pain level had had it!) The biopsy wasn't painful; it was the necessary pressure placed on the area to stop the bleeding. Due to fibro, I couldn't tolerate the stress on the tendons. The doctor and the assistants did everything possible for my comfort. They allowed me to put off the second biopsy, depending upon the pathology report from the current biopsy.
The pathology report revealed a pre-cancerous tumor. Therefore, further evaluation for both breasts required an M.R.I. The M.R.I. on June 24th showed suspicious growth on the right breast. I will need an MRI-guided biopsy for both breasts addressing the spot on the left and a new finding on the right; this will take place in Albuquerque on September 2nd. Upon pathology report from the biopsies, at a later date, surgery will follow to remove the pre-cancerous tumor and any other abnormalities. I thank God the tumor is slow-growing, with plenty of time to address these issues. It allows me time to take care of Mike before, during, and after his surgery. Again, thank you for your prayers for putting us with the right doctors at the right time. Amen!
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Friday evening in May, I encountered severe dizziness; my equilibrium was out of balance, and I couldn't walk straight. We went to the E.R.; CTSan showed no signs of a stroke, thank God! Upon further evaluation, they diagnosed me with "Meniere's" disease, inner ear disease will need further evaluation from an E.N.T. The E.N.T. doctor in Colorado Springs ordered an M.R.I. for my head and inner ear with additional balancing tests, which will take place in August. My right ear didn't do so well on the hearing test. With the proper diagnosis, he wants to prevent hearing loss. I've had four additional episodes since May. Yesterday was the latest; I woke up with a horrible attack and stayed in bed most of the day; I finally got relief from the medication.
If I had to choose between Meniere's and fibromyalgia, I'd go fibro. At least with the fibro, I can rest one day and get going the next day. With Meniere's, it's unpredictable, and I'll put up with a fibro pain than constant ear buzzing, poor hearing, dizziness, and nausea. Please pray that all is well with the M.R.I.; no more abnormalities exist!
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Amongst all the blood work, there was something named "elevated PTH." What is elevated PTH? According to May-Clinic: "Hyperparathyroidism is when your parathyroid glands create high amounts of parathyroid hormone in the bloodstream. These glands, located behind the thyroid at the bottom of your neck, are about the size of a grain of rice."
"The parathyroid hormone produced by the thyroid glands helps maintain the right balance of calcium in the bloodstream and in tissues that depend on calcium for proper functioning. This is especially important for nerve and muscle function, as well as bone health."
"There are two types of hyperparathyroidism. In primary hyperparathyroidism, an enlargement of one or more of the parathyroid glands causes overproduction of parathyroid hormone. This causes high calcium levels in the blood, which can cause a variety of health problems. Surgery is the most common treatment for primary hyperparathyroidism."
"Secondary Hyperparathyroidism occurs due to another disease that first causes low calcium levels in the body. Over time, increased parathyroid hormone levels occur as the body fights to keep the calcium level up in the standard range. This is common in kidney disease and after certain intestinal surgeries or diseases."
A CT-Scan is scheduled for July 5th in Santa Fe. I will keep you updated on this issue. Pray for guidance for the technician to do an excellent, thorough thyroid search; and for the doctor to diagnose which hyperparathyroidism I have.
So, there you have my "B.E.T" story; I am betting on God to get me through these challenging times as He has promised. Cause honestly, I don't know what God is doing in my life, but I'm holding unto that window!
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On top of everything else, during one of the trips, a bird hit our windshield and broke off a piece of molding around the shield. Thank God it didn't break the windshield. Then we get home, ready to do some laundry, and guess what…our washing machine broke down. So, we're praying for a good used one or something reasonable and long-lasting. I am trusting in the Lord for this minor detail, as well.
Since I canceled the Troth fellowship in July, the least I could do is explain why and give you all the latest. I've been praying for you all; we face challenging times. I think of the Apostle Paul; with the help of the Holy Spirit, he managed to write these words of encouragement:
"Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer." Romans 12:12
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