Happy February – January was pretty low-key (as all the hip kids say, although they probably wouldn’t use the word “hip”) for us. Just busyness with Abigail finishing winter break with us, and getting back into the swing of things after Christmas traveling. We joined a gym, and the three of us have been enjoying spending evenings hanging out and doing healthy things instead of sitting on couch watching tv.
Treatments resumed for Rebecca after we had skipped one (for traveling during Christmas, and to give her a chance to rest from the accumulation). This Monday was the 3rd treatment since getting back on the regimen. Unfortunately Rebecca can already feel the effects of it accumulating after only three treatments though. The list of medications continues to grow, some to counter side-effects, some to get numbers up or down so that she can continue, others for peripheral things like sleep and sores and pains. I think we are up past 10 at this point. Going through the list at doctors appointments is a task.
At our last appointment the subject of Rebecca’s swollen/bloated leg (left leg) was brought up again…. for over 6 months her left leg has been noticeably larger, possibly retaining fluid due to an enlarged lymph node, but that was just a guess. We’ve had ultrasounds to check for blood clots and had people look at CT scans, but that’s all they could come up with….. So last Friday they said we should check in with cardiologist to rule out a possible blockage or cardio-related reason. We saw him yesterday and he doesn’t have any concerns cardio related, but said it seems to be Lymphedema and referred us to a place in woodstock that can help treat it. It’s not been a major issue, but it can at times be painful for Rebecca as the swelling makes it tender and hurts when bending or wearing certain clothing. So we are looking forward to seeing if she can get some relief there.
We celebrate 21 years of marriage tomorrow. Yay! We went out to celebrate (picture above) last week to a fancy italian place in Crystal Lake and got to eat a bunch of very yummy food. It feels crazy to me but Rebecca and I first met more than half of my life ago, I’ve now spent more of my life with her than without her. No idea how she continues to put up with me, probably just one more reason I’m the luckiest man there is.
Rebecca is a delicate lady – ultra-sensitive to any medicine, and can bruise just by looking at her wrong 🙂 – She can also be the toughest and most stubborn woman I’ve known as well. And she’s been working hard to not go down without a fight with this thing. She’s trying to keep a positive attitude and we are doing what we can to use whatever tools we can to fight. Her love and want to be around for me and the girls keeps her in the ring despite how hard it is to be in there. Please keep praying for her as this whole process is a lot, like, a really lot.
Near the end of the book of Deuteronomy Moses was growing older and knew that his time was coming to an end. After leading Israel through the wilderness for forty years he wanted to assure and encourage them knowing the road ahead would be tough. That’s why he said in Deuteronomy 31:6 “Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” God is with His people in every season – that means in the good and high times and in the tough and low times. Please pray that Rebecca feels His presence more and more. The road ahead is not going to get smoother, there are bumps and hills and storms ahead. That’s scary and overwhelming at times for both of us, but we know that God will be there walking with us every step.
Sorry for a bunch of disjointed thoughts, but welcome to Andy’s brain 🙃 . We love you all and often talk of how blessed we are in all of the relationships that we get to participate in. We truly feel loved and cared for by those in our lives. Thank you!