Category Archives: Lyme Disease

A Long Day…

July 11, 2016 10:26 pm , 3 Comments ,

This is going to be a quick post tonight.  I am not feeling well, and maybe it’s because I have been at doctors appointments most of my day.  I started the day extra early, which is NEVER easy for me…  I don’t sleep until early hours of the morning, and today I had to hit the shower at 6am.  I was at the dentist for round #2 today of amalgam removal, and I will have one more appointment next week to finish up the process before we can start treatment for heavy metals. dentist

Then I had an appointment with my doctor here in Bend to set a soft catheter in my arm for the week… however, my veins were not wanting to cooperate today, so we ended up just getting two IV’s.  I will head back to the doc tomorrow morning to try the catheter again tomorrow morning! haydenshug

I then wrapped up the day with having my hair extensions put back in… what a great feeling to get all freshened up!

And…. just in case anyone forgot that today is 7-11…  we made sure to get the kiddos their annual free slurpees at 7-11.  This year Cory had to take them, because my day didn’t allow, but how cute is this crazy pic of my crazy bunch?  Man, I love them so much!slurpees

Please pray for:

No mercury poisoning symptoms tonight/ tomorrow like I had last week

That my veins are easy to set the catheter in tomorrow

Provision for all areas of life

Kiddos who feel secure and for the nightmares to end tonight

Endurance for Cory as all areas of life are tugging on him hard

Healing for my body, Cory’s body, and the kiddos bodies

There were so many blessings along the way as well…

My Uncle is my dentist!

My Aunt is my dental hygienist!

I have the greatest hairstylist/ amazing friend!

My IV drugs made it through customs in Germany and to the doctor just in time!

My parents took me to Prineville for my dentist appointment for half the day!

My sister let Grey come over and play so she was distracted and having FUN!

Soooo… in short, God is good… all the time!

I am so crazy exhausted after this day.  This is too much for me on most days now, and I am going to hit the sheets about two hours earlier than I usually do!  Good night everyone!

Sincerely, Dani

Posted in: Family, God, Health, Life, Live IT Out!, Lyme Disease, Prayer, Update

An Open Update…

July 10, 2016 10:34 pm , 3 Comments ,

Hair… Hair… Hair…

This has been such an ongoing battle for me for about these last 8-9 years now.  My hair has never been amazing or coarse, but it was long and I had lots of it.  Almost a decade ago now my hair started falling out by the handfuls.  Although at first I suspected it was just part of having babies and it would recover eventually, this was not the case for my head.  My hair became more and more fine, it has become very brittle, thin to the point of not being able to cover up my scalp in several areas, and it has slowly broken off to up above my shoulders and above my ears in some parts too.

I know, I know… this is not the end of the world, however, I believe that God gave us hair and that it is part of the beauty we see on people’s exterior.  I also know that true beauty is on the INSIDE.  For me personally, this is a battle I have had to fight in my own heart.  I have three kiddos and two of them are daughters that I never want to view themselves in the light of their beauty being dependent on wearing makeup, having a perfect figure, wearing the most designer clothing, or what hair they may or may not have.  I also know that there have been soooooo many drastic changes in my health, emotions, appearance, and overall feeling and some of these vary greatly from day to day.  Because of these unknowns that I cannot EVER be in control of, I have been wearing extensions in my hair for the last 8-ish years off and on… mostly ON!  I have struggled with thinking it was vain.  I have had several heart to hearts with my kiddos about what beauty is, what beauty isn’t, and why I have chosen to change a part of me for the time being.  I have cried on my husbands shoulders about it more times than I can count.  For some reason, hair for me is one thing that I can be in control of with extensions and they help me still feel like a girl.  And you know what…  regardless of how I am feeling each day, if I can get out of bed just long enough to brush my hair and put it up in a ponytail or maybe go to the doctor with curls in it… I just plain feel better all over!tumblr_lx0jysav6H1r5fqbuo1_500

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I just took my extensions out tonight… I have to take them out and have them put back in about every 6 weeks or so!

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These are them… They will be re-taped in tomorrow evening!

I wanted to share this info because I’ve overheard many conversations bashing ladies for having “fake” hair.  I want to encourage people to have grace with others.  Whether you agree with something trivial like extensions, makeup, or other things that don’t really matter at the end of the day, they do not change a person’s heart, and maybe, just MAYBE they are dealing with something out of their control that you would never know and they just need a moment, a day, or a cute ponytail to feel a tiny bit better overall!

I may have extensions in my hair, it may be fake, it will never define me, but I am ok with them and am incredibly thankful for the people that donate their hair for my extensions and literally thank God for them each day that I brush or wash them… because of those women, I too can feel like a woman on the outside while striving to be more like Christ inwardly every moment for the rest of my life!

I also have to say a quick THANK YOU to the world’s greatest hairdresser, sweetest friend, and huge blessing in my life:   Jenna Ringer… you have done my hair so amazingly for soooooo many years!  I am blessed by you friend!  XO

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Posted in: God, Health, Life, Live IT Out!, Lyme Disease, Update

One Month and Counting Down…

July 9, 2016 9:23 pm , 2 Comments ,

One month till we land in Munich, Germany!  Today Cory started all of his testing for co-infections, Lyme Disease, and a full panel work up. We became bandage buddies and I finally have a partner in all these pokes…  Eeeeek!

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We also got our international drivers licenses!!!  It’s getting closer and I’m getting more nervous, but the kiddos excitement to see another country is a welcome distraction from all that we are facing in the near future!

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On one more note, after a lengthy doctors appointment this morning, we have decided to catheter my arm so that I won’t be continually poked all week, every week…  This is going to be helpful, but the reality of the severity of all of this somehow set in with just that one simple piece of news…  Please pray for peace for all of us, and that little Grey, who is at the age where she’s realizing that her mommy isn’t like lots of other little girls’ mommies is going to be seeing more and more visible signs of this disease. She is also struggling getting used to me being at the doctor every weekday…  She is crying when I leave and asking for extra cuddles and attention. The big kiddos seem all too strong until a “bad” night is upon us, and then fear sets in.  Please pray for protection over their thoughts, that their young hearts can handle the extra burdens and that they be filled with JOY in it all!  Pray that Cory is given Gods wisdom in all areas of providing for and protecting our family. Pray that he has productive days for work, enough energy to make meals, and can let down and relax/ laugh even in the mundane day in/ day out trials. 

Thank you for sharing in our Beautyfull Mess…  We treasure each one of you on this journey with us!  

Sincerely, Dani

Posted in: Family, God, Health, Life, Live IT Out!, Lyme Disease, Prayer, Update

Germany… Here We Come!

July 8, 2016 11:05 pm , 2 Comments ,

Once again, it has been a while since my last post here for many reasons.  There have been some really, crazy hard days and nights filled with much pain, we are pressing through the hard times and savoring the good times.  We had Lucy’s 11th birthday as well as Cory’s birthday yesterday, took a spontaneous camping trip for one night at a local lake and enjoyed the Independence Day with family and friends after starting it off with a full morning of being at the dentist.  We have fought fiercely for good days…  we need them more than I can express right now after having such a rough couple weeks.

Along with some of the fun activities we have had, we have also done TONS of research, asked so many questions of doctors, and have settled on a course of action that will take our entire family as well as my parents to Germany on August 5th.  Cory and I will check into the St. George Klinik in Bad Ailbing, Germany on August 7th through at least the 21st.  My parents will be taking care of our kiddos while we are in the hospital receiving treatment to irradiate the Lyme Bacteria from our bodies.  This hospital is the only place in the world that offers this specific Extreme Hyperthermia treatment and they only treat Lyme Disease and Cancer patients there, both with great success.  We will also be undergoing extensive detoxing treatments, testing, and other things that are yet to be decided until our arrival.  Though we are very, very hopeful that this treatment will get here and be over with so that we can move onto the post treatment protocol and be one giant step closer to being able to do all the things we dream of doing as a family… I am filled with nerves, worries of the unknowns, and all the travel logistics for our family.  I am of course nervous of being put under general anesthesia for seven hours two times for each of Cory and myself while our bodies will be heated up internally to such high temperatures that it will kill the disease causing bacteria in our bodies.  We know that this treatment is what we are supposed to do, but doing it is still filled with unknowns and fears.

Please pray for our family in this soon- coming journey, Please pray for peace, wisdom, safety, and many, many, many good days ahead! Please pray for finances to be in place, please pray for our kiddos to feel safe and secure as their parents are starting to have daily doctors appointments and that is unsettling to them.  Please pray for overall healing in all five of our bodies and strength and health for the five of us and my parents as well.

I know that where He leads us, He will be with us.

I will be journaling here on my blog this 30 day count down until treatment starts next month, so please read along, share and pray when you think of us.

Sincerely, Dani

 

 

Posted in: Family, God, Health, hubs, Life, Live IT Out!, Lyme Disease, Prayer, Update

Sing It Out!

May 22, 2016 1:59 pm , Leave a Comment ,

Do you ever have a song that speaks to your very core?  The song may change from time to time and vary upon each season of life…  it could be of praise, thankfulness, or despair, but it shouts your “anthem” for that specific time in your life.  Sometimes this “anthem” is what God uses to carry you through these murky waters if you need an extra boost, and sometimes it is a heartfelt “thank you” for all He has done in your life.  Whatever it is, music is powerful, inspirational, and emotional… and for me right now I seem to be LOVING and leaning onto the powerful words of the following song.  I am reminded to lay each dream, burden, and gift down at God’s feet.  I feel so very weary in this battle, and I am fully relying on my “King of this Fight”.  I am learning to TRUST, TRUST, TRUST when the mountains in my life are not moved.  I find that my mantra… so-t0-speak is that I don’t know what tomorrow holds, but HE DOES.  I don’t know where my family will be next, but HE DOES.  I don’t know what treatment or better yet healing looks like, but HE DOES!!!

I sing this part especially over and over again and again and again:

“Your ways are always higher
Your plans are always good
There’s not a place where I’ll go, You’ve not already stood.” -He has been through it all… He knows… I will stand on Him, my firm foundation!

“Trust In You”
By: Lauren Daigle

Letting go of every single dream
I lay each one down at Your feet
Every moment of my wandering
Never changes what You seeI’ve tried to win this war I confess
My hands are weary I need Your rest
Mighty Warrior, King of the fight
No matter what I face, You’re by my sideWhen You don’t move the mountains I’m needing You to move
When You don’t part the waters I wish I could walk through
When You don’t give the answers as I cry out to You
I will trust, I will trust, I will trust in You!

Truth is, You know what tomorrow brings
There’s not a day ahead You have not seen
So, in all things be my life and breath
I want what You want Lord and nothing less

When You don’t move the mountains I’m needing You to move
When You don’t part the waters I wish I could walk through
When You don’t give the answers as I cry out to You
I will trust, I will trust, I will trust in You!

You are my strength and comfort
You are my steady hand
You are my firm foundation; the rock on which I stand

Your ways are always higher
Your plans are always good
There’s not a place where I’ll go, You’ve not already stood

When You don’t move the mountains I’m needing You to move
When You don’t part the waters I wish I could walk through
When You don’t give the answers as I cry out to You
I will trust, I will trust, I will trust in You!

I will trust in You!
I will trust in You!
I will trust in You!

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Hang onto His hope dear ones… Place your trust in Him alone… and sing your heart’s anthem out at the top of your lungs with the windows down- it does your heart so good! 😉
Sincerely, dani
You can go listen to this song here:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qv-SXz_exKE
Posted in: God, Health, Life, Live IT Out!, Lyme Disease, Prayer

Lyme Disease Hi-jacked our night, but God Hi-jacked their hearts!

May 16, 2016 11:03 pm , Leave a Comment ,

 

These days are tough…  but the nights are even more so.  Last night was yet another one that this disease hi-jacked.  The pain overtakes me, the convulsions begin, I lose the ability to hold my head up, my arms go limp, and my legs can bear no weight, tears start to flow involuntarily, I pass out half a dozen times from the sheer pain, and utter fear sets in.

Thankfully, last night I was able to get Grey all tucked in moments before all the pain started.  Cory was outside having an airsoft war in the dark with Hayden and Lucy was on the couch, also nursing a migraine when all I could do was hit the couch and focus on breathing through the intense pain that hit like a brick wall.

Moments later Cory and the two bigs were by my side talking me through my breathing, offering iced tea, rubbing oils on my feet and head, rubbing my neck and back, and most importantly; praying… asking God to take it all away.

As I sit here today writing about last night, I’m reminded of two things:  First, I made it through those awful moments last night when I doubted it was possible.  He saw me through… gave me strength, and I know my Great God carried me through those moments that were too much for me in my own strength to get through.  Secondly, in these horrendous times when it grieves my heart sooooo much that my kiddos have to know so much hurt, pain, and fearful times in this life.  I see how strong they are each becoming, How much they rely on their Savior to get them through each minute, and I can truly say that in listening to my son beg God to heal his momma most recently last night… we are raising Mighty Warriors for the Lord!  This is not a battle for the weak at heart, it takes courage, faith and trust in God’s promises.  He promises a HOPE, and a FUTURE, when we call upon Him, seek Him, and press in.  I have recently found my kids together in one of their rooms reading the Bible, explaining how it applies to their lives, how faith is so important to each of them, and I am stopped in my tracks to listen from outside and stand in awe of how only God can take such ashes and turn it into such glorifying beauty for Him!

My heart in sharing all of this is to encourage you… in each trial… do NOT lose heart.  You have a God who is bigger, much bigger than all of it!  He has these incredible plans for you, your family, He is going to use you and your trial if you submit it to Him.  He will take your family through the fire and refine your kids, your marriage, your whole self.  It will be hard, trying, and you’ll have your doubts for sure.  But trust in the ONE who created you, HE CREATED YOU…  just think about that.  You may not know what He is doing… but He does!  You may not know what His plans for your family are… but He does!  I am hanging onto Him at every turn, in each tear that falls, in every twitch, every heart issue, every time I cannot form words and the discouragement doubles up…  I choose to hang onto His plans, His will, His ultimate peace which passes all my understanding!

Hang in there dear friends!

Sincerely, dani

The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed,
    a stronghold in times of trouble.
Those who know your name trust in you,
    for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.

Psalm 9:9-10 NIV

I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.

3 John 1:4 KJV

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

John 16:33 NIV

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Posted in: Family, God, Health, hubs, Life, Lyme Disease, Prayer, Update