My Father-in-law

The one year anniversary of the loss of my father-in-law is upon us.  How did a whole year go by already?  Matt is still trying to deal with the loss and my heart aches for him.    What happens if you die on Feb 29

I heard a message on the radio that said "If you think you are in the land of the living, you got it all wrong.  We are in the land of the dying and it is in heaven where we will live for eternity." Dr Hendricks was married for 66 years and has been celebrated for his many years of service with Moody.  What a legacy ~  I hope Pa is visiting with him now

Dr. Howard Hendricks is With the Lord

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February 22, 2013

Dr. Howard Hendricks beloved teacher, speaker and author, passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2013. Dr. Hendricks was the co-author with his son William of the best-selling books Living By the Book, and As Iron Sharpens Iron.

"Moody Publishers, along with the family and friends of Howard Hendricks, are saddened by the news of his passing," said Greg Thornton, senior vice president, Moody Media. "We will greatly miss Dr. Hendricks, his humor, and especially his tremendous ability to communicate truth through his speaking, teaching and writing. We mourn his loss but rejoice in knowing he’s with our Savior." 

A wonderful tribute has been developed by the Dallas Theological Seminary, which can be viewed here.

Please pray God’s comfort on Howard’s wife Jeanne, four children including son and co-author Bill Hendricks, six grandchildren and two great grandchildren

http://www.moodypublishers.com/pub_newsDetail.aspx?id=104910

Lymphedema After Breast Cancer Surgery

Denise shared a very interesting post regarding Lymphedema http://denise4health.wordpress.com/2013/02/11/learning-to-live-with-lymphedema/#comments

So, I’m on the path of learning what I can about it.  This is from WebMD.com

 

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{fontSizerContenLymphadema is related to the functioning of the lymphatic system, which helps the immune system fight off infection and clears debris from the body. Here's how the lymphatic system works:

·       Excess fluid is collected from the space between tissues in the body and moves through the lymph vessels. The fluid (now called lymph) isn't pumped through the body like blood, but instead is "pushed" through the lymph system as the vessels are compressed by surrounding muscles.

·       Filters called lymph nodes remove certain harmful substances from the lymph fluid, such as bacteria and debris. The fluid from most tissues or organs is filtered through one or more lymph nodes before draining into the bloodstream.

What Is Lymphedema?

Lymphedema is an abnormal buildup of fluid that causes swelling, most often in the arms or legs. The condition develops when lymph vessels or lymph nodes are missing, impaired, damaged, or removed.

There are two types of lymphedema: primary and secondary.
Primary lymphedema is rare and is caused by the absence of, or abnormalities in, certain lymph vessels at birth.

Secondary lymphedema occurs as a result of a blockage or interruption that alters the flow of lymph through the lymphatic system. It may develop from an infection, cancer, surgery, scar tissue formation, trauma, deep vein thrombosis (a blood clot in a vein), radiation, or other cancer treatment.

Results From The Family Doctor

Yesterday I had my follow-up visit with my family doctor to discuss the blood work he ordered.  He was so pleased with the results that I could hang it on my refrigerator! Well, I won't go that far ....

The iron, vit D, vit B12, all good - no issues with thyroid, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and a bunch of other items from the panel were good.  The only thing I need to work on is my cholesterol.  Not bad enough to control with medicine, but I need to make changes to my diet, get more exercise. 

 

Everything all of us need to do.

The changes he made in my blood pressure meds seems to be doing the trick.  Not getting those crazy dizzy spells, flashes and stuff now.  Still adjusting the depression meds.  It's hard for most people to tell that I am on that stuff because I don't show most people that side.  I don't even know if I'm really truly depressed (if that makes sense) because I've worked through a lot of issues the past 13 months.  My sadness is what he called "situational".  That is true. 

I brought up the issue of the lump at the back of my knee.  Had it since last November.  He is convinced that it is ligament related. An MRI would tell.  He recommended anti-inflammatory and overall gentle exercise.

Follow-up in two months ~

Update on Christie

I would like to request prayer for my sister, Christie.  She spent a long time in ER Saturday night and today is no better.  This evening, it was difficult to gauge whether or not to get her back in ER again. 

She is fighting an infection and has a slight fever.  However, those slight fevers are just brimming below the mark 100.9 ...... the mark of when we are told to seek medical attention. 

Their experience with the ER on 2 other occasions were horrible.  I can't believe that as a cancer patient, she had to stay in the ER where all the germs are!  That is NOT what our oncologist told us.  We are to be whisked straight up to the oncology floor!

Please pray for healing, comfort and that the fever and infection are controlled.

Thank you ~

The Friendly Family Doctor

I have finally made an appointment to see my family doctor ~ scheduled for tomorrow.  I have only seen him once since my diagnosis of bc.  I thought it would be a good idea to have him look at my blood count to see if I'm lacking in iron or any other deficiencies.  Trust me, I'm tired of doctors, tests and needles. But that's just it, I'm tired. 

So, I plan to start with a blood work up and then discuss all the aches and pains I have been experiencing before cancer and after.  Starting from my feet to the top of my head.  Sound radical?  Nope. Not really. 

Remember when I got the MRI on my back and Doc said I had a pinched nerve and some degenerative stuff going on?  Well, nothing as been done for that and I can't stand long enough to wash my dishes or shop the grocery store without tremendous pain.

Remember the pain behind my knee and pea sized bump?  Gonna ask about that too.

I had a terrible episode the other night that brought me to my knees.  My blood pressure was sky high, so I'll be talking to him about my meds........ALL my meds.  Hope to discontinue what my body doesn't need anymore.

So, that's the short list! 

In other news, my Uncle Bobby went home to be with the Lord yesterday.  My heart breaks for my Aunt and my cousins.  Rest in Peace ~