Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Tuesday
I saw my kidney doctor today and got good news. All my levels are now within the 'normal' range. The blood leakage in the heart valve is due to the severe anemia and should repair itself if my numbers stay up. I am scheduled to have the endometrial ablation on the 16th of April. I am to continue the high doses of iron until June 30 at which time I see the kidney doctor again. If at that time the procedure worked and my numbers are still good I will be able to start reducing my iron intake and challenge my body to function properly on its own. This is all good news to us. Please continue to pray about the upcoming procedure. If it does not work then a hysterectomy is the only other option. Looking forward to His healing.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Busy Busy
I have been so busy lately that I seem to have lost Isaiah.
I got a fantastic deal on these chips for Jaime's Graduation.
They were on sale 3/$1.00!!
Ever thanking God for His provision.
Fe (Iron)
Whoopie!!! Yippie!!!! and Gimminie Crickets!!!
I got lab results yesterday and the numbers are amazing.
Last labs my Iron was at 16 and my % Saturation was at 3.
Yesterday my labs showed Iron at 78 and 25.3 % saturation.
That is an awesome increase of 62 points on the iron and just over 22 points on the % saturation.
The iron IVs and 10 iron pills a day are doing their job.
Why is it that when my prayers are answered the way I want them to be, I stand in awe?
I have not felt 'normal' since I had Isaiah which is over two years ago. The past six months have been terrible. I barely had the energy to get out of bed before 10am and maybe wash and dry a load of clothes before I was back in the bed again. I was actually asleep more than I was ever awake but yet always tired and never rested. I thought I was suffering through depression, then I thought I was going crazy. Finally I got answers..and there really was a legitimate medical problem. I am not happy to have the problem but I am happy to know why I was feeling so bad and to know that it can be taken care of.
I am feeling much better in recent weeks. I have been able to do more than I have been in years. I am still week due to the extended time of inactivity but have confidence that will change in time. I am not FREEZING all the time (although I am still cold) and my skin has a good color to it, not pale and sickly.
Thank you to everyone who has taken the time out of their lives to pray for me. I still have a long row to hoe but the ground has been tilled.
I see the kidney doctor on Tuesday and we will discuss what to do about the heart problem. Mitral valve prolapse is a condition associated with PKD. My endometrial ablation is scheduled for Thursday April 16th. I do not feel that this is an elective procedure, in my case if the procedure is not done I will definitely have worse problems on my hands. I am not having it done because I 'want' to but because I 'have' to.
Thank you for you continued prayers and support.
I got lab results yesterday and the numbers are amazing.
Last labs my Iron was at 16 and my % Saturation was at 3.
Yesterday my labs showed Iron at 78 and 25.3 % saturation.
That is an awesome increase of 62 points on the iron and just over 22 points on the % saturation.
The iron IVs and 10 iron pills a day are doing their job.
Why is it that when my prayers are answered the way I want them to be, I stand in awe?
I have not felt 'normal' since I had Isaiah which is over two years ago. The past six months have been terrible. I barely had the energy to get out of bed before 10am and maybe wash and dry a load of clothes before I was back in the bed again. I was actually asleep more than I was ever awake but yet always tired and never rested. I thought I was suffering through depression, then I thought I was going crazy. Finally I got answers..and there really was a legitimate medical problem. I am not happy to have the problem but I am happy to know why I was feeling so bad and to know that it can be taken care of.
I am feeling much better in recent weeks. I have been able to do more than I have been in years. I am still week due to the extended time of inactivity but have confidence that will change in time. I am not FREEZING all the time (although I am still cold) and my skin has a good color to it, not pale and sickly.
Thank you to everyone who has taken the time out of their lives to pray for me. I still have a long row to hoe but the ground has been tilled.
I see the kidney doctor on Tuesday and we will discuss what to do about the heart problem. Mitral valve prolapse is a condition associated with PKD. My endometrial ablation is scheduled for Thursday April 16th. I do not feel that this is an elective procedure, in my case if the procedure is not done I will definitely have worse problems on my hands. I am not having it done because I 'want' to but because I 'have' to.
Thank you for you continued prayers and support.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Nicholas
Colorado PKD called back today to get more information. There are 23 spots still available and as long as Nick's nephrologist can get the paper work submitted in a timely fashion we are in. Tentatively we will fly out the end of April/first of May. Three days and two nights.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
PKD
We are asking for prayers regarding the following information. Basically, Nicholas has been invited to participate in a research study for young PKD patients. The medication involved in the study is actually the medication that he is currently taking and is not a research drug.
There are a lot of factors involved and we truly want the Lord's will in all this. The following is the information about the study.
University of Colorado Health Sciences Center
Polycystic Kidney Disease Research Group
13001 E. 17th Place Mail Stop C283
P.O. Box 6508
Aurora, CO 80045
Colorado Children's study currently enrolling
Read a recent news release about a Seattle 7th grader taking part in this study.Children and young adults between the ages of 8 and 21 with ADPKD and normal kidney function are eligible for the research study at the University of Colorado in Denver. The study is exploring the use of two medications, pravastin and lisinopril, to slow the growth of cysts in PKD patients. Researchers there believe that early intervention in young people may help preserve kidney function and avoid complications from PKD in later life.
Both pravastatin and lisinopril are currently on the market.Pravastatin has been used to treat high cholesterol levels, while lisinopril is commonly used to treat high blood pressure. Participants do not have to have high blood pressure or high cholesterol to participate in this study.
The study is taking place at The Children’s Hospital in Aurora, Colorado.
The study will involve three hospital visits over a three-year period at the study site, The Children’s Hospital in Aurora, CO. Each hospital visit will last two days and involve blood pressure measurement, blood and urine testing and radiology (x-ray) studies. Between hospital visits, participants will be asked to take medications and to record blood pressure measurements at home on a regular basis. This study is funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and there is no cost for participation. Travel to Denver is paid for young adults ages 18 years and older. For children under 18 years of age, travel to Denver is paid for the child and for one parent. In addition, study medicine and home blood pressure monitors are provided free of charge to participants.
The principal investigators are Robert W. Schrier, MD and Melissa Cadnapaphornchai, MD. For more information, please call 303-724-1690 or toll-free at 1-877-765-9297 or email PKD.Nurse@ucdenver.edu.
There are a lot of factors involved and we truly want the Lord's will in all this. The following is the information about the study.
University of Colorado Health Sciences Center
Polycystic Kidney Disease Research Group
13001 E. 17th Place Mail Stop C283
P.O. Box 6508
Aurora, CO 80045
Colorado Children's study currently enrolling
Read a recent news release about a Seattle 7th grader taking part in this study.Children and young adults between the ages of 8 and 21 with ADPKD and normal kidney function are eligible for the research study at the University of Colorado in Denver. The study is exploring the use of two medications, pravastin and lisinopril, to slow the growth of cysts in PKD patients. Researchers there believe that early intervention in young people may help preserve kidney function and avoid complications from PKD in later life.
Both pravastatin and lisinopril are currently on the market.Pravastatin has been used to treat high cholesterol levels, while lisinopril is commonly used to treat high blood pressure. Participants do not have to have high blood pressure or high cholesterol to participate in this study.
The study is taking place at The Children’s Hospital in Aurora, Colorado.
The study will involve three hospital visits over a three-year period at the study site, The Children’s Hospital in Aurora, CO. Each hospital visit will last two days and involve blood pressure measurement, blood and urine testing and radiology (x-ray) studies. Between hospital visits, participants will be asked to take medications and to record blood pressure measurements at home on a regular basis. This study is funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and there is no cost for participation. Travel to Denver is paid for young adults ages 18 years and older. For children under 18 years of age, travel to Denver is paid for the child and for one parent. In addition, study medicine and home blood pressure monitors are provided free of charge to participants.
The principal investigators are Robert W. Schrier, MD and Melissa Cadnapaphornchai, MD. For more information, please call 303-724-1690 or toll-free at 1-877-765-9297 or email PKD.Nurse@ucdenver.edu.
A NIECE!!!
YIPPIE!!! I have a niece. Up until today Victoria has been the only girl on my side of the family.
My sisiter, Christie, gave birth to a baby girl a little after 11 this morning. Jacklyn Leeann Shelton weighed in at 5lbs 10 1/2 oz and was 18 inches long. Both mother and baby are doing well. Miss Jacklyn will join her two brothers at home tomorrow.
My sisiter, Christie, gave birth to a baby girl a little after 11 this morning. Jacklyn Leeann Shelton weighed in at 5lbs 10 1/2 oz and was 18 inches long. Both mother and baby are doing well. Miss Jacklyn will join her two brothers at home tomorrow.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Thursday, March 12, 2009
World Kidney Day
PKD is one of the most common, life-threatening genetic diseases, affecting 600,000 Americans 12.5 million worldwide. PKD causes fluid-filled cysts to grow on the kidneys, eventually causing kidney failure. Dialysis and transplantation are the only treatments for kidney failure. There is no cure for PKD, but there is hope.
March is National Kidney Month, and today March 12 is World Kidney Day.
March is National Kidney Month, and today March 12 is World Kidney Day.
Friday, March 6, 2009
Friday
OK, so I usually read my Bible in the mornings while lying in bed. The other day I was not feeling well and swayed from routine. About mid-day I passed through the dining room thinking "I should twitter or post or something". Lo and behold as I passed by my husband's desk a door literally popped opened (for no apparent reason) and out fell an extra Bible. Now you can say what you want to about that but I say God was telling me not to touch that computer until He had gotten His time first. Needless to say my attention was all His:-)
We have a busy weekend ahead of us and next week as well. Saturday my husband is helping one of the church members with some things in the morning then Saturday afternoon all the men and boys in our house are going to Baytown to the Drag Races. Victoria and I will have some time together. Not sure what we will do yet. Sunday is ADS (All Day Services) at our church. This simply means that we start earlier than normal and basically have several services throughout the day including lunch together. There are no services on Sunday nights when we have ADS.
So, Sunday night we are going to Pearland to see The Triumphant Quartet. We normally do other things on ADS Sunday nights but this came up and we changed our schedule. There are several quartet concerts in our general area that are all free over the next several months. We love gospel quartet singing, it's free, and it gives us good clean family fun time together. (Well some of us love it some say it is for old people.) Amazingly everyone always has a good time though:-)
Monday will be a catch up day around the house. Tuesday is our planned zoo day. We will arrive at opening (9am) and spend ALL day at the Houston Zoo. Then Wednesday is my mom's nuclear stress test in Wharton. I will be picking her up at her house in Blessing and driving her to Wharton for her appointment. Then I will drop her off in Blessing and proceed home. That is how my week is shaping up so far.
We have a busy weekend ahead of us and next week as well. Saturday my husband is helping one of the church members with some things in the morning then Saturday afternoon all the men and boys in our house are going to Baytown to the Drag Races. Victoria and I will have some time together. Not sure what we will do yet. Sunday is ADS (All Day Services) at our church. This simply means that we start earlier than normal and basically have several services throughout the day including lunch together. There are no services on Sunday nights when we have ADS.
So, Sunday night we are going to Pearland to see The Triumphant Quartet. We normally do other things on ADS Sunday nights but this came up and we changed our schedule. There are several quartet concerts in our general area that are all free over the next several months. We love gospel quartet singing, it's free, and it gives us good clean family fun time together. (Well some of us love it some say it is for old people.) Amazingly everyone always has a good time though:-)
Monday will be a catch up day around the house. Tuesday is our planned zoo day. We will arrive at opening (9am) and spend ALL day at the Houston Zoo. Then Wednesday is my mom's nuclear stress test in Wharton. I will be picking her up at her house in Blessing and driving her to Wharton for her appointment. Then I will drop her off in Blessing and proceed home. That is how my week is shaping up so far.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Welcome New Blogger!!
Monday, March 2, 2009
The Treasure Carrier
My husband drove a school bus regularly for over eight years. He still drives as a substitute. During his early years of driving someone presented him with the following poem. I would like to share it with each of you.
The Treasure Carrier
by Riney Jordan
"What is it that you do?" I asked the man,
As we sat together that day.
You could tell from the way that his face lit up,
That he was going to enjoy what he had to say.
"I transport treasures," he said with a smile.
"Their value you cannot measure.
Once in the morning, once in the eve,
I transport this priceless treasure."
"My goodness, how important,"
I said as I turned to him.
"You must be quite a person,
To be entrusted with such a gem."
"From one safe spot to another I carry
My cargo day after day,
And you should see what joy it brings,
As I carry them on their way."
"Each treasure's unique, no two alike,
Each radiant in some special way.
Some stand out, some more subdued,
But each needing some care today."
"My treasures are different colors,
No two are alike you see.
Some are large, some are small,
Each one a mystery."
"How many guards do you carry along,
As you go from place to place?
Do you carry a gun to protect these jewels?"
I asked as I studied his face.
"His eyes narrowed, a serious look
I noticed as he replied.
"I don't carry a gun, there's not a guard.
Thank God, no one has tried."
"I can't imagine the pressure."
I responded with a voice of surprise.
"You must be quite a person
To be entrusted with such a prize."
I take it very seriously,
It's too important you see.
There are so many people out there
Who are really depending on me."
By now I couldn't imagine
A more important task
"Is it gold? Is it silver?"
I just had to ask.
"None of those," he said with a smile.
"It's boys and girls for me.
They are the treasures I transport.
America's future, you see."
"I have a most important job,
Important to each of us,
For I'm proud to say, with a world of pride,
I drive a yellow school bus."
My husband has never shown shyness, timidity, fear, or anxiety, when it comes to talking about his Saviour. He spoke to his school bus 'children' daily about the Lord. Several months ago he went into a local auto parts store for one thing or another. The young man who checked him out asked my husband if he used to be his bus driver. My husband did not recognize the young man (since he had been in kindergarten/first grade when he used to take him home). After my husband said yes that he used to indeed be his bus driver, the transaction continued. As my husband was leaving the the store the young man called to my husband and said "Hey, thanks for telling me about the Lord." My husband returned to our vehicle with tears in his eyes remembering all those children he shared Christ with and knowing that it was never in vain. Someone had listened! He misses his school bus children. It was a way for him to tell many about the Lord. Don't be a fool and let the wicked one tell you that the little ones 'don't matter'. On the contrary they could just actually be the most important!
The Treasure Carrier
by Riney Jordan
"What is it that you do?" I asked the man,
As we sat together that day.
You could tell from the way that his face lit up,
That he was going to enjoy what he had to say.
"I transport treasures," he said with a smile.
"Their value you cannot measure.
Once in the morning, once in the eve,
I transport this priceless treasure."
"My goodness, how important,"
I said as I turned to him.
"You must be quite a person,
To be entrusted with such a gem."
"From one safe spot to another I carry
My cargo day after day,
And you should see what joy it brings,
As I carry them on their way."
"Each treasure's unique, no two alike,
Each radiant in some special way.
Some stand out, some more subdued,
But each needing some care today."
"My treasures are different colors,
No two are alike you see.
Some are large, some are small,
Each one a mystery."
"How many guards do you carry along,
As you go from place to place?
Do you carry a gun to protect these jewels?"
I asked as I studied his face.
"His eyes narrowed, a serious look
I noticed as he replied.
"I don't carry a gun, there's not a guard.
Thank God, no one has tried."
"I can't imagine the pressure."
I responded with a voice of surprise.
"You must be quite a person
To be entrusted with such a prize."
I take it very seriously,
It's too important you see.
There are so many people out there
Who are really depending on me."
By now I couldn't imagine
A more important task
"Is it gold? Is it silver?"
I just had to ask.
"None of those," he said with a smile.
"It's boys and girls for me.
They are the treasures I transport.
America's future, you see."
"I have a most important job,
Important to each of us,
For I'm proud to say, with a world of pride,
I drive a yellow school bus."
My husband has never shown shyness, timidity, fear, or anxiety, when it comes to talking about his Saviour. He spoke to his school bus 'children' daily about the Lord. Several months ago he went into a local auto parts store for one thing or another. The young man who checked him out asked my husband if he used to be his bus driver. My husband did not recognize the young man (since he had been in kindergarten/first grade when he used to take him home). After my husband said yes that he used to indeed be his bus driver, the transaction continued. As my husband was leaving the the store the young man called to my husband and said "Hey, thanks for telling me about the Lord." My husband returned to our vehicle with tears in his eyes remembering all those children he shared Christ with and knowing that it was never in vain. Someone had listened! He misses his school bus children. It was a way for him to tell many about the Lord. Don't be a fool and let the wicked one tell you that the little ones 'don't matter'. On the contrary they could just actually be the most important!
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