Hope and Fear

After two sinus surgeries, 60 needle pricks for allergy skin testing, 15 viles of blood taken from my arm, two sinus docs, one allergy doc and one immune specialist--we have some answers!

I won't bore you with all the details of the past 6 months--it just consists of surgeries, antibiotics, steroids and more antibiotics mixed with some frustration and despair--topped off with a cracked foot bone! So, we'll move onto the future..

I met with the Immune Specialist today and after having a TB test, a vaccine to test my immune function and lots of blood work over the past month, it shows that my immune system is not functioning properly. My immune sytem is not creating antibodies to fight off infection--hence the reason I keep having sinus problems and infections. We suspected this was the issue, so I'm very grateful that my sinus doctor was willing to look at the "big picture" and not just my sinuses. I can get an IV medication once a month to help with the immune deficiency disorder and the doctor's office will be submitting it to the insurance company for approval.

Whew...what sense of relief after months of trying to figure out what was going on and now seeing a light at the end of the tunnel!

The past few months have been a bit discouraging at times and I could easily let the FEAR well up inside of me. The fear of the next diagnosis, fear of not feeling well again, fear of the mounting medical bills...But, thankfully because of the HOPE I have in Jesus Christ, I need not fear anything! He is my Strength, my Hope, He is all I need! Our pastors have been taking us through Hebrews on Sunday mornings and it is a great reminder that I can live by Faith and not be fear!

I'm so thankful for all the doctors that have been working my case and how willing they have been to work together for me and my health--God's hand is in all the details--even picking out the best doctors.

I'm thankful for Chuck--he has been a great supporter and encouragment to me through all of this. He has watched 3 kids numerous times during my on-going doctors appointments and his duties are far from ending...

I'm thankful for friends and family that have also encouraged me and helped with babysitting, taking/picking up Kieran to/from preschool and being a great support system.

Happy Thanksgiving!

We have much to be Thankful for!

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverence the race marked out for us." Hebrews 12:1

Baking Buddies

Kieran recently helped Chuck make homemade cinnamon rolls:

Helping spread on the butter

Putting all the good stuff on! I'm pretty sure Kieran ate more brown sugar than he actually put on the dough though!

Are they done yet?

Who knew you needed eyeware protection to help with the dishes?!

My Husband Was Right!

Sunday morning as we were leaving for church, I was taking some trash out and stepped off the cement wrong and twisted my foot. It hurt, it bruised a little bit, I took some tylenol and all was well. As the week went on, the bruising got worse and the swelling wasn't changing much after ice and elevation. Chuck said I needed to have it looked at and I said it would heal up and be fine.

Today I had a follow-up appointment with the sinus doctor and while I was there I had him look at my foot to see if he thought it needed to be looked at. He said it didn't look too bad but they would see if a doctor across the hall could take a quick look while I was there. Long story short, a physicians assistant looked at, took x-rays and it showed a cracked bone in my foot! Are you kidding me?! My husband was right--I was wrong. Did I really just type that?!
As you can see from the picture, it is very much bruised--pay no attention to the nails that need repainting--it's winter--I'm a 24 hr. sock girl--why bother painting the nails now?!

So, now I have a nice, little black boot to wear and I will say it does make a big difference! I can walk much easier and with no pain!

Yesterday I was looking at our blog and thinking I needed to update it but I couldn't think of any eventful things to say---I guess I won't think that again!!

Wordless Wednesday

Pumpkin Carving

Last year when we carved our pumpkins, Kieran was totally into cleaning out the pumpkin guts! This year, not so much! But, he still enjoyed it and he couldn't wait to light it up!

Trick or Treat

Our Little Pumpkin:

Thomas the Tank Engine: