Great Smokey Mountains

I spent a week in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, TN.  Even in Pigeon Forge, you can still see the mountains.  We spent parts of two days in the Smokey Mountains.  Very beautiful country.  Right now, I want to wake up to mountains in my backyard.  We went to four shows, went swimming, lounged around our townhouse.  I had a very enjoyable vacation.

 Went to Cooter's Place and saw the General Lee.  Otherwise, the museum stunk.

I got to be on an actual Indian Reservation.

I Do Not Have a Blood Clot

I am not sure how soon after getting back from VA, I noticed that my right leg was swollen, and it hurts in a couple of areas.  I had two massages last week, because of my sore and tight muscles.  I called and was able to get an appointment to see my doctor this morning.  I didn't think all of the swelling was due to my lymphodema that I have had in my right leg since the LND.

  I saw her and she wanted me to get an ultrasound of my leg and an x-ray of my foot and ankle.  I wasn't allowed to leave until they got the results and looked at it.  My doctor and I both had thought blood clot.  I was scheduled for the ultrasound at 2:15 pm.  After the ultrasound, I got the x-rays.  then I sat and waited.  I do not have a blood clot in my right leg  or foot.  I am to wear my compression stocking every day, and if the swelling doesn't go down by the end of the week, call to make an appointment to see her again.

  It is good news not to have a blood clot.  We think the swelling is due to being on my feet and all of the walking I did in the heat while in VA.  I even wore my compression stocking while in VA.

Today's visit with the Lung Doctor

  I had an appointment with my lung doctor this morning.  I had a blood test in 2011 to check my ACE levels (lets you know about sarcoid) and it was less than 3.  I had it done back in March of this year and it was 63.  It is on the high end of normal.  I had blood drawn this morning via my veins to check my ACE levels again.  I will have this test done again in October. 

   He said my platelets being a little low could be because of my spleen being bigger.  But, he doesn't know for sure.  It is hard to know what to do, should we treat my sarcoid, or continue to wait.  With being a survivor of Melanoma, that is what is making it hard.  I've had surgery twice to see if it was back, but it was just the sarcoid causing the problems.  For now, we are going to wait. 

  I will be having a PET/CT scan or just a CT scan in the next three months.  depending on what that shows, will determine if we decide to treat my sarcoid or continue to wait.  So far, I do not have to go on steroids!  Yeah! In three months that might change.

My Trip to Virginia

  Last week, I went to Mechanicsville, VA to see a friend.  Three of the days, I was down in Williamsburg.  I left a week ago, on the 14th.  Monday, I went to the Metro Richmond Zoo and The Science Museum of Richmond.  At the zoo, I laughed hysterically for about 15-20 minutes while trying to feed the giraffes. I kept dumping food on the to the ground.  it is a weird feeling having their tongue lick your hand.  I saw them licking the wooden post, and even stick their tongue down into a kid's cup of food, trying to eat out of the cup.  I also enjoyed the science museum.

   On Tuesday, went to Colonial Williamsburg. (This part has been reconstructed.) Williamsburg was the capital of VA from 1699-1780.  Richmond became the capital in 1780.  The first capital of VA was Jamestown. 

The second picture is called the Magazine, it is where the gunpowder for the whole town was kept.

    Wednesday, I went to Jamestown Settlement, which includes reconstructed James Fort, Powhatan Village, and the three ships they sailed on from England.  Historical Jamestown is just now an archaeological dig site.  Then I took the driving tour of the Yorktown Battlefields.  I saw where General George Washington's headquarters was.  I stood near the spot where General Cornwallis surrendered to George Washington in 1781.  I saw the field where the British and German soldiers had to march to, to lay down their weapons.  After that, I spend about an hour at Yorktown Victory Center.

A picture of the map of the battlefields that I followed on my driving tour.

Thursday, I spent the day at Busch Gardens at Williamsburg.  I had supper with Elmo and Friends.  I saw Elmo, Big Bird, Cookie Monster, Bert, Ernie, and Abby.

Cookie Monster photo bombed this picture.

Postponed Again!

Yesterday afternoon, I called my oncologists office to find out if they had heard back from my insurance company.  All I heard was that it had been postponed.  Since the scheduler didn't call me back, I called back this morning and was able to talk to her.  I was turned down again.  They said something about 180 days in between scans, and that my doctor can appeal it.  My doctor is appealing their decision, and I should hopefully know within 30 days.  I have been making plans, and will probably have to change something, depending on what I find out.  Until then, a CT scan has been scheduled for October, just in case. 

Last Week's CT Scan's Results

  Last Friday, June 28, I had a CT scan.  I saw my oncologist this morning.  Lymph nodes and lung nodules are still they same.  They haven't shrunk or gotten bigger.  My spleen has gotten bigger.  As of now, I have a PET/CT scan scheduled for next Wednesday.  That can be cancelled due to my insurance.  My oncologist will tell them there are new symptoms due to my spleen. If the PET/CT scan is cancelled or comes up inconclusive, I will have another CT scan in October.

  My oncologist does not want to do another biopsy.  If he tries to biopsy my spleen, there will be a lot of bleeding.  The problem with this is, is that I have sarcoid.  With sarcoid symptoms (when it is active), it makes it look like the melanoma is back.  Sarcoid and Melanoma have the same symptoms. Sarcoid is an autoimmune disease and I will have it for  life.

  In three weeks, I see my lung doctor, and I will find out then, if I have to start taking steroids.  If I do, steroids are supposed to shrink the lymph nodes.  I do not want to start taking steroids, because of the side effects. 

Texas

Last week, I flew down to TX.  I got to spend a few days with two of my closes friends.  We had a lot of fun and girl time.  I enjoyed the two little boys I get to spend time with during my trip.  They are very cute!

On Tuesday afternoon, we played at the house.  I had fun.

Wednesday, we had lunch at the Chocolate Angel.

After lunch, we drove over to Sweet Firefly for some ice cream.

Thursday, we went to the Perot Museum downtown Dallas.  This is basically the old Science Place and Museum of Natural History.

Friday, after lunch, we stopped at the field of sunflowers.

On Thursday, I fell at sprained my left ankle.  My whole foot is bruised and hurts at times.  I came home Saturday afternoon.

Insurance Company Said "NO"

I was scheduled for a PET scan this morning.  Late last Friday afternoon, I had a voice mail from my oncologist office. (I had left my ringer off even after I got home.)  I have to get permissions from my insurance company to have a PET scan.  My oncologist ordered it back in March, to see what my lymph nodes were up, three months after surgery.  My doctor even had talked to my insurance company about why I needed it, and they didn't change their minds.  I am now having a CT scan on the 28th of this month. 

I kept my appointment for getting my port flushed, since it had been five weeks.  I talked the scheduler, for my oncologists office,  into getting an order for blood work for this morning.  I usually have blood work done a couple of weeks before my CT scan. I waited for the results, my white blood count and my platelets have  both dropped below the low end of the normal range.  With all of my bruises I have,  I am a little concerned.  Not sure if this is due to the Sarcoid or something else, I am keeping Wednesday's appointment with my oncologist.  I will see him again next month to get the results of the CT Scan.  Even blood pressure was a little high this morning.

My appointment with my lung doctor has also been pushed back to the day before my birthday.

Where Sarcoid Can Be Found

Back in February, I had a physical with my personal doctor.  She found a spot on my upper thigh.  I showed it to my oncologist, and he said to show it to my dermatologist.  I saw her on Monday, May 13.  She looked at it and to play it safe, removed it via laser and had it tested.  For being a Melanoma survivor, I have pretty clear skin.  I got the results back today.  It is Sarcoid.  I was told that Sarcoid can be found on the skin, not just in my lungs.  She will send a report to my oncologist. 

  My lung function test I had a couple of weeks ago, came back fine.  I will find out on July 1,  if I will have to start taking steroids.

Elivs Festival

Saturday, April 27 was the Elvis Festival at St. Clements Hall in Toledo, OH.  I have a friend that I met at church during college, and he sings Elvis and Buddy Holly.  He does a really good job.  I haven't seen him in about 16-17 years.  I drove to Toledo to see him sing and to reconnect with him.  I enjoyed listening to him sing.

He has recorded some music cds of him singing Elvis and Buddy Holly music. 

   I also got to see my former second grade teacher.  I haven't seen her in about twenty years, and that was when I was in college.  I stayed the night at her house, and went to church with her this morning.  After lunch, I came back home.  I had a very enjoyable weekend.

Everything Came Back Negative!

  I saw my oncologist this morning and I will see the surgeon this Friday morning.  From my oncologist, the results are negative.  Even the blood test that I had on March 1 came back  negative for Melanoma.  That means I am still NED!!!!!  I have been diagnosed with some inflammatory disease, probably sarcoid. Hard to say for sure which one.  I will have another PET/CT scan in three months on June 10 at 11 am.  Hopefully everything is back to normal and no new changes. 

My neck is still sore, I didn't like having stuff near my neck today.  I kept pulling at my sweater.  I had my name badge around my neck and my microphone on, and my it was bugging me.  It bothers me to turn my neck in certain directions and to raise my head up too far.  It will take time for that area to heal.  I am trying to keep my neck covered at school for now, so the kids won't have to see the incision area.

John 13:1-17 (Jesus Washing His Disciples' Feet)

      I only went to the service this morning, and the sermon I heard was from John 13:1-17.  This is a familiar story from the night of the Last Supper (Thursday night).  I heard a different perspective from this story.  After Jesus got done eating, he got up to wash the feet of his disciples. Jesus was the Master, he was above his disciples.  This is something that he should not be doing.  Washing one's feet belonged to a servant.  Jesus came to serve not to be served.  In the next 12 hours, Judas would betray Jesus, and Peter would deny Jesus three times.  Jesus knew all of this, but he still chose to wash these two guys' feet.  That is what we are to do.  We are to serve others, basically by asking them, "How can I help you?".  Those who have hurt us.  Those who we are not getting along with.   Those who we do not like.  We are to serve everybody! That is how we can be like Jesus.

Still Very Sore!

My muscles sure do hurt! It still hurts to cough.  I tried my recliner last night, not comfortable enough, so when I woke up three  hours after going to sleep, I took a pain pill and tried my bed, that was just as bad.  I hurt to move.  I am staying downstairs tonight and sleeping in my dad's recliner.  His chair is much more comfortable. 

I do feel better today, but since I hurt to move, and do not think I can do the stairs well at school, I am taking tomorrow off as well.  I will get dad to take me in the morning to prepare for the sub and to bring stuff home to grade.  I have to be able to move around at school.  I will stay home most of the weekend to rest.  I will go back to school Monday after my oncologist appointment.  By then,  I should be able to move around much better.

This was surgery number four in the past elven months.  That is a lot on one's body.

March 12's Surgery Update

I am very sore!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Basically from my throat ( at times), but from my breast bone down to my butt muslces hurt.  It hurts to cough. 

  I started at Endoscopy, not out-patient surgery yesterday.  I got there a little before 11:30 and was taken back a little before noon.  My port was accessed twice and got no blood return.  A second lady came over and accessed me again, with still no blood return, but it did flush, so it was good to go for the IV.  They have been told, when using a port, you do not need blood return, in order to start an IV, but did does need to flush.

I was taken to surgery a little before 1:30, right after Dad showed up.  Both nurses had to see my hole, while in the elevator.  It doesn't bother me to show off the hole.  My lung doctor started first, and did the broncoscopy and did the needle biopsy of the lymph nodes.  That came back negative for cancer.  He went down into my lungs, but could not get to do a biopsy of the nodule.  It was very small, hard to reach.  H was using some type of xray to guide him.  Then my surgeon took over and took out a few lymph nodes, and they came back negative.  But due to my history and to play it safe, he continued and took  more out.  I was in surgery for 3  hours.  I was moved to in patient recovery room because of the type of surgery I had, instead of out patient recovery room.

I had a hard time waking up.  I just wanted to sleep.  I had that issue before, I think a couple of years ago, and maybe even in 2007.  The nurses made me get out of bed around 8 to walk and we left before 8:30 pm.  Dad picked us up from out patient doors, and as soon as he turned onto Goodkirk off of Forge St, he had to pull over, so I could throw up.  I hadn't eaten in over 24 hours, and just had a bit of water on my stomach.

When I got home, I went to my dad's chair, and that is where I slept last night.  Where the incision is, it feels heavy and tight.  I am still pretty tired today.  I am taking tomorrow off to rest some more.

I see my oncologist on Monday morning and will see the surgeon on the 22nd.  I will be late to school on Monday and will be taking the 22nd off from school.

On the 25th, I will be 5 1/2 years NED.  I am praying that I still am NED.

New Surgery Date

I had my ringer on my phone both Thursday and yesterday at school.  I finally got the info I wanted yesterday morning.  Surgery is scheduled for 1:30 pm on Tuesday, March 12 at City Hospital.  I was told to be at out patient by 11:30 am.  Later, I got a voice mail saying to be someplace else by 11:30 am.  I left a message for a certain person at the doctor's office, and she called me back later.  I have to be at Endoscopy by 11:30 am.  That is where the bronscopy will be done.  Do not know if I will stay there for the other part, or be transferred to a different operating room.

Lung Doctor Appointment

  I got a sub for the afternoon, went home, and mom went with my to my doctor's appointment this afternoon.  The doctor said it was easier to have me come in than try to explain things over the phone.  Last Friday, the surgeon hunted my lung doctor down at the hospital (lung doctor was in surgery) and my oncologist called him also.  Surgery is not on Monday, but looking like on Tuesday, will know more tomorrow.  My lung doctor is not exactly available to do surgery on Monday, that is why there is a change in the date.

    What will be done during my surgery?  First, a bronchial scope to do a needle biopsy of the lymph nodes.  If that comes back clean, then he (lung doctor) will try to do a needle biopsy of nodules in my lungs.  If that comes back clean (of cancer), then the surgeon will make an incision along my neck above the breast bone, and insert the camera and take out lymph nodes.  If at any point the needle biopsies come back positive for cancer, then they are done with surgery, because that means I am no longer NED (remission) and will move up to stage IV.  If all three come back clean, no cancer, then my lung doctor will decide if I will receive treatment for sarcoid.  Treatment for sarcoid is perdisidone (steroids).  So far, I have not received any treatment for sarcoid.

   Sarcoid and granulomar disease is basically the same thing.  Sarcoid is basically an inflammation of the lungs.  Doctors don't really know how people get sarcoid, but mom and I think I've had it since I was a kid.  Sarcoid can get worse, enough damage done to the lungs that a transplant will be needed.  The doctor said that back in October, I had 83% of Oxygen going from my lungs to the blood.  That was a slight change from February 2012.  I am scheduled for another lung function test in May.

   I called my oncologist's office this afternoon, to see if I could get the blood test results from last Friday.  He told me that I could call this week.  The nurse I talked to said I couldn't get the results until he came back to the office next Monday, he is on vacation this week.

   I think my brother could've had sarcoid also, but he has also never been tested for it as well.

Seeing the Lung Doctor

  This afternoon, I had a voicemail from my lung doctor's office.  He wants to see me tomorrow afternoon at 1:15 pm.  I decided to go, because I know that eventually, I would be seeing him this spring.  That means, having to have a sub for tomorrow afternoon.  I wonder why he wants to see me?  I wonder if he has the blood test results for the sarcoid test?

Timmy's Funeral

  Today, was my brother's funeral.  The family had to be at church by 9:30, so we could have our own time with him, before friends came to pay their respects.  It was hard to see  him in the casket.  He still looked puffy.  When I saw his fingers, I could no longer tell that he used to suck his fingers.  I thought they looked good.  I and the house manager spoke about Timmy at the funeral.  It was a nice funeral.  Saw people who I haven't seen in years.  I had a few friends come and I surely appreciate them being there.  Those who came were showing respect because they knew us in someway.  Thank you to all who came to the funreal.  The middle section seemed pretty full.  It was nice.

  I got to choose the poem that went into the memory card of my brother.  Here is the poem:

For those I Love....

For those who love me.

When I am gone, release me, let me go...

I have so many things to see and do.

You mustn't tie yourself to me with tears,

Be happy that we had so many years.

I gave you my love, You can only guess

How much you gave to me in happiness.

I thank you for the love you each gave shown,

But now it's time to travel on alone.

So grieve awhile for me, if you must.

Then let your grief be comforted by trust.

It's only for awhile that we must part,

So bless the memories within your heart.

I won't be far away, for life goes on,

So if you need me call and I will come.

though you can't see or touch me, I'll be near.

And if you listen with your hear you'll hear

All of my love around you soft and clear.

And them when you must come this way alone,

I'll greet you with a smile and say, Welcome Home.

      My brother is in Heaven!  I will see him again some day, and receive Timmy hugs for eternity, but it is hard, but I still want to get them here on earth.  

  Mom and I stopped at the library this afternoon, and I was looking at books for school, and was thinking I wouldn't be able to check out children's books again, then stopped, oh yeah, I can for my students at school.  I used to go to the library to find books to read to Timmy.  I really enjoyed reading to him.  He was a great brother!

Surgery Date

I called the surgeon's office, while we were outside at recess.  I was told that they still hadn't heard back from the hospital, and the hospital wasn't sure if they could add another new person to the schedule of surgery or not.  A couple of hours later, my phone rang ( I had the ringer on and in my pocket), and it was the surgeon's office.  Surgery is scheduled for Monday, March 11 at noon.  I have to be there by 10 am. The surgery will be at City and it is outpatient. 

  I am taking the next day off as well.  I told the secretary that I would call the school on the 12th to let them know for sure if I will or will not be  at school on Wednesday.  I do have an appointment with my oncologist on the 18th at 8:30 am.  I do not know if there will be follow-up with the surgeon or not.  I plan on going to school after my doctor's appointment on the 18th, but that could always change.

Active Sarcoid or Melanoma

  I saw the surgeon and my oncologist this morning and  this afternoon.  I like the surgeon.  He showed me pictures of the scans of my lungs and had copies made for me.  He showed me where the nodules were and where the lymph nodes are that have swelled up.  The lymph nodes are around my windpipe.  The nodules are either Melanoma or scar tissue (Granulomars) which is Sarcoid.  Sarcoid causes the nodules, lymph nodes to swell, and the spleen to get bigger.  Sarcoid is treatable.  I was told back in the summer of 2007, that I had Sarcoid.  One syptom is a cough, which I have basically had off and on since I was a kid.  I had blood drawn this afternoon via a vein,  so it could be tested for Sarcoid.  This test is not the best test, but it is used.  I have not had the bronchial scope done, even though  my lung doctor has talked about it before.  He is going to be brought up to speed by both the surgeon and my oncologist.

I am waiting to hear back from the surgeon's office, but as of now,  I will be having surgery next Friday, March 8.  It is a short, out patient procedure.  A small slit is made just above my breast bone, and a camera is sent down, and he will remove some lymph nodes and they will be tested.  As of now, I am scheduled to see my oncologist on Monday, March 18 at 8:30 am.  The sooner this is done the better for me.

  I now just have to tell my parents tomorrow night after I pick them up from the airport.

Been thinking...

From what has been going on this month, I was thinking last night.  Back in December, mom and I had been talking about Obama Care  and how it could affect Timmy.  At some point, it would come that the hospital would say that we can not care for him.  They basically wouldn't be allowed to.  The main reason would be that he is handicapped.  So for him dying now is a blessing in disguise that we do not have to go through.

From what I read about Granulomar Disease, is eczema being active.  I have been having issues with mine since late summer.  I have been complaining about it, and have started thinking in the last few months, that maybe I had become allergic to tomato products.  It seems that my eczema would bother me when I ate pizza, spaghetti, chips and salsa, lasagna.  My eczema is the corners of my mouth.

PET/CT Scan

    Since the last time I had a PET/CT scan, some changes were made. Like, having to eat a high protein/low carb diet.  That is hard for someone who doesn't eat that way.  I had to really watch my sugar intake.  I couldn't eat birthday cake from a friend's surprise party yesterday.  I do not like Greek yogurt.  I knew I didn't like it, but ate a container of one yesterday.  I also had to limit my movement for yesterday.

   I went upstairs to have Infusion services access my port first, went downstairs, they gave me the drug, and you are to wait an hour before you can have the scan done, so I went back upstairs to be flushed and deaccessed.  They did two different sets of scans, totaling almost an  hour in length.  I will get the results on Friday.  I came home and basically did nothing the rest of the afternoon.  I drove gma nuts by watching tv for a few hours.

I think this is scare #6

So far, February has been a rough month, and March will also be rough.  Last Friday (2/15) I had my CT scan with contrast.  I saw my oncologist this morning for the results.  As the title says, another scare that my cancer is back.  What did the scan say?  Lymph nodes a little worse and they are not easily accessible; small nodules in both lungs 2-7 mm in size and too small to be biopsied, and my spleen is 2 cm bigger. My blood word I had done on the 5th cam back good.  I found out today that I was diagnosed with granuloma disease two years ago.  Go to the following website to find out more information about granuloma disease: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001239.htm. From reading this, I think my brother also had granuloma disease.  According to the website, it is an inherited disease, so both of my parents are carriers.

Next Monday (2/25) I will have a Pet/CT scan.  That Friday (3/1) I will be seeing a new doctor, a Cardiothoracic surgeon in the morning and see my oncologist early that afternoon.  I googled the surgeon, and from what I read, he is to be a top notch surgeon/doctor.

Depending on what the PET/CT scan says will determine the next steps.  Biopsy? Surgery?

It seems like every year, I have a scare of some kind.  I am tired of having a scare every year.  When can I go a year without scares?

Father,
      I know you know what you are doing?  You have plans to prosper me, not to harm me.  Please give me the strength to get through this.  I also what you to be glorified during this time.  Please use me in whatever way you deem.  Your will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven.  I am not happy.  This on top of Timmy's death, and the stress of the school year seems to be too much bear.

Amen

RIP Timothy Andrew Sanyo

     Janiuary 30, 1977-February 13, 2013, is the life span for my brother.  He was admitted to the ICU this past Sunday morning.  I saw him that afternoon.  He was put on a respirator Monday to try to help clear up his lungs and to make it easier to breathe.  I was told Tuesday night that he wasn't doing good. A little before 1:30 pm yesterday, while my students were at special, I got a call, saying that Timmy was coming off the respirator and only had hours to live. I left school and went straight to the hospital.  We had a roomful of people.  We told stories about him and laughed, stories about how much of a stinker he could be.
     About 9:45 pm, he was moved out of ICU and to a regular floor.  I left a few minutes before 10 pm to come home and go to bed.  A little before 10:30 pm, the hospital called to say that Timmy had died.  I've been crying off and on since yesterday afternoon.
   My first thought was if I knew he would only live 30 more minutes that I would've stayed.  Then a few minutes later, I thought,  maybe he waited until I left to die, just to be a stinker one more time.  Like he had the last word.

This was taken on Christmas in 2010.

Timmy's funeral will be Tuesday, March 5 at Grace Baptist Church on Firestone Blvd, in Akron, OH at 11 am, and visitation at 10 am.  He will be burried next to Grandpa Sanyo.

Woe Is Me!

"So I said: 'Woe is me, for I am undone! Because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of Hosts.' "     Isaiah 6:5

      An exalted view of God brings a clear view of sin and a realistic view of self. A diminished view of God brings a reduced concern for sin and an inflated view of self.  Isaiah may have been satisfied with his personal holiness until he saw the Lord in His unspeakable glory.  Isaiah's encounter with holy God made him immediately and keenly aware of his own unholiness and the sinfulness of those around him.  It is impossible to worship God and remain unchanged.  the best indication that we have truly worshiped is a changed heart.

    Have we so conformed ourselves to a sinful world that we are satisfied with unholy living?  Have we sunk so far below God's standard that when someone does live as God intended, we consider that person "superspiritual"? If we only compare our personal holiness so those around us, we may be deceived into believing that we are living a consecrated life.  yet when we encounter holy God, our only response can be "Woe is me!"

     You will not see those around you trusting Jesus until they recognize a clear difference between you and the rest of the world.  God wants to sanctify you as He is holy.  When God deals with you there will be a radical degree of purity about your life that is absolutely different from what the world can produce.  The world, including those closest to you, will be convinced you serve a holy God by your consecrated life.

  This devotion is today's devotion in my Experiencing God Day-By-Day book by Henry and Richard Blackaby.  I have been using this book since October 2000.  I am on my second copy of the book.  I enjoy going back and rereading things I have written in the past and seeing if anything has changed.

Book Review

A couple of months ago, I saw a review for a book that Tony Danza (the actor) wrote.  I didn't get it for Christmas, so I bought it on Friday.  I read the book in three days!  The book is titled I'd Like to Apologize to Every Teacher I Ever Had.  The subtitle is "My Year as a Rookie Teacher at Northeast High".    Tony Danza graduated from college with a teaching degree before he started boxing and acting.

  Tony taught 10th grade English for one double block class, but was at the school all day.  He got involved in the school and  into his students' lives.  He writes about the lessons he taught, how his days were,  about his students, co-workers, and the projects his students did.  He wrote about his new understanding how hard teachers have it, and the work they put into their lessons and all of the responsibilities they have to do, and how the public puts education down.

  I really enjoyed the book, and I recommend others to read the book. 

Wait!

"Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord."  Psalms 27:14

   Waiting is one of the hardest things to do in all the world! If you have to wait fro someone who is late, or if you're expecting something important in the mail, or if you've applied for a job and you're waiting for the phone to ring, waiting can almost drive you crazy!  Why is it so difficult to wait?  Waiting means you're not in control.  Someone else will determine what happens next.  Whether you're waiting on an inconsiderate friend, a slow postal system, or an indifferent employer, sitting helplessly can be excruciating.

    Waiting on the Lord is a different matter. God loves you more than you can even imagine.  Everything he does in your life shows his perfect love for you.  When God delays giving you something, he has a good reason.  It's not that he doesn't love you or that he wants to make you squirm.  it's a matter of timing.  Waiting on God reminds us of just how much our lives depend on him.  Every day we wait is another day to realize how helpless we are apart from his strength.  Waiting on God can be one of the most spiritually rewarding things we ever do.  Waiting on God is not sitting around doing nothing.  Waiting on God involves action on our part.  We should pray.  We should continue doing what God told us last.  We should watch for what he does next.  We should examine our hearts to see if any sin is hindering God's answer.

    if you are waiting on God for something right now, don't consider the time an idle, frustrating experience.  Trust that he loves you and that his answer will come.  in the meantime, get busy!

    This was yesterday's (December 29) devotion from the devotional:  The Experience a devotional and journal   by Henry and Richard Blackaby. 

Perception

  I have a good perception of myself.  There are times, where I can have a low self-esteem, but who doesn't at times.  I saw my lung doctor this afternoon. I will have another lung function test in May, and another sleep test in June.  (The sleep test is every two years.)  He said my lung function was 91%  in February and two months ago was 83%.  He wasn't too worried about that.
     I was looking at the paper of the visit in the car afterwards and go mad at him.  At the end of my list of medical problems/daignosis' and towards the end was morbid obesity.  That made me mad.  I do not think of myself as obesis.  I think of myself as full-figured.  I know I weigh a lot.  I lost about 50 pounds five years ago, and have basically gained most of it back.  I go up and down, but basically have maintained my weight.  I am fine with my looks.  (What bugs me about it, is the not dating part, and guys are wrong to not want to date me because of it. )  My lung doctor wants me to think about doing bariatic surgery.  I said that I would think about it, but I do not want to do it.
    I have made changes in what I eat.  I have cut back in my chocolate intake.  In the past few weeks, I have had more chocolate, but then again, this year has been very stressful and frustrating school year.
     People need to realize that what they say to others can hurt others their self-esteem.

Streams in the Desert: November 23

You have shown your people desperate times. (Psalms 60:3)

  I have always been glad that the psalmist said to God that certain times of life are desperate or difficult. Make no mistake about it, there are difficult in life.

   This summer someone gave me some beautiful pink flowers, and as I took them, I asked, "What kind are they?" My friend answered, "They are rock flowers. They grow and bloom only on rocks where you can see no soil."  then I thought of God's flowers growing in desperate times and hard places, and I somehow feel that He may have a certain tenderness for His "rock flowers" that He may not  have fro is lilies and roses.    Margaret Bottome 

  The trials of life are sent to make us, not to break us.  Financial troubles may destroy a person's business but build up his character.  and a direct blow to the outer person may be the greatest  blessing possible to the inner person.  So if God places or allows anything difficult in out lives, we can be sure that the real danger or trouble will be what we will lose if we run or rebel against it.  Maltbie D. Babcock   

          Heroes are forged on anvils hot with pain,
          And splendid courage comes but with the test.
          Some natures ripen and some natures bloom
         Only on blood-wet soil, some prove great
         Only in moments dark with death or doom.

  God finds His best soldiers on the mountain of affliction.

It is Out!

 I saw the urologist this afternoon, and he took the stint out!  Now I can heal and feel a lot better.  This is one doctor's appointment I was looking forward to it.  The stint is gone! Yeah!

Trip to the ER

I have had pain for over the past week.  I wasn't able to explain or describe the pain.  I first tried the medicine for having pain when using the restroom, that didn't help.  After taking that a couple of times, I then took a couple of times the medicine for having urges to use the restroom.  It was tough at school this week, because in the  afternoon and evening, I would go as much as every 30 minutes to whenever.  My body is on a schedule at school and these past 10 days have messed it up.  That medicine didn't help.  I even took Tylenol (the generic brand), that also didn't help. Monday,  I took Aleeve, that helped my knees and bone spur, but nothing else.  Tuesday afternoon, I spent about 3 hours shaking both on the inside and the outside.  I wasn't completely cold, but I did have the chills.

  Finally, Wednesday or Thursday, I figured out the pain was probably due to the stint, and it is.  The pain varies.  I took   pain pills the last two nights, the generic for Percocet.  That made me itch and difficult to go back to sleep.  I think I am allergic to that.  This afternoon, I was in major pain.  Instead of calling the doctor, I went to the ER.  Besides the stint bothering me, I also have a bladder infection.  They gave me morphine at the ER, so after spending two hours, there, Mom came and picked me up.  I was given a prescription for an antibiotic, a pain pill and a ibuprofen.  I am staying home from church tomorrow, since I have two days of school this week. 

  I see the   doctor Tuesday afternoon, and I so do hope he takes the stint out.  I can not go too much longer with it in!

Mammogram and Kidney Stone Surgery #3

  I was scheduled for a diagnostic mammogram and ultrasound at 9:30 this morning.  Dad had me there by 9:15.  I had four pictures taken of my left breast, then I had to sit and wait a bit before the ultrasound of my left breast.  I was done there by 10:45ish.  I was told by the ultrasound technician  that she was to look for two things, and she only found one, a cyst.  She couldn't find the other one, so the doctor on duty read the films and said they look benign.  That means no biopsy.  I am glad for that.

  I walked over to out patient surgery and didn't have to wait long to be called back.  I was surprised that I wasn't taken to have an x-ray done this morning, since I was expecting it.  My port was accessed, but the initial blood flow was slow, and my port continued to run slow.  It was slow on Tuesday, when I had it flushed and had blood work done for today.

   Mom, Dad, and my best friend, Elaine came back around 12:30 to see me before my surgery.  Having Elaine come by, was a nice surprise.  I enjoyed my visit with her.  I even received my birthday present from her, all Pittsburgh Steelers stuff.  Thank you Elaine for coming to see me.

   I go to the operating room, and with my port running slow, the antheisologist says that she wants to access a vein, and I told her that might not be possible.  She said that she will wait until after I am asleep to do so.  They give me the medicine, and she did start an IV in a vein in my right arm, at my elbow.  I didn't like waiting up to that.  The surgery was a quick one.  The doctor told mom, that he had a hard time using the laser to break up the stone.  It was being very stubborn!! He broke up the stone and removed it, and   placed a stint in the tube.  He will remove the stint in a couple of weeks in  his office.

  I came home with five prescriptions.  Only got four filled, since one is for pain meds.  I have an antibiotic to take this weekend, Flomax to take for twenty days, and two other kinda pain meds, depending on if I have certain pains with bathroom stuff. 

  I hope it is another twenty years or longer before I get another kidney stone, or never again.

Pesky Port Problems

Since I am scheduled to have surgery next week on the 8th, I had to have pre-surgical testing this afternoon.  The nurse went to go and access my port to draw blood, and NOTHING.  I did have a bag of ice there for quite some time, so I hope that had nothing to do with it.  I am keeping Tuesday's appointment to flush my port, to see if they can get blood return.  If not, I do not know what I am going to for surgery.  There is no guarantee that one will be able to find a vein and access it to get blood or to start an IV.  I hope this is not the beginning of things and go through what I went through last November and December.

Yearly Mammogram

    Last week, I had my yearly mammogram.  I had a couple of messages in my voice mail yesterday after school, telling me that I need to have another one.  On Thursday, November 8, at 9:30 am, I am scheduled for a diagnostic mammogram and an ultrasound on my left breast.  A mass was found in my left breast.  I am not worried for I have left it in God's hands.

    This is my third time having to get a diagnostic mammogram and an ultrasound of my left breast.  The other times were in 2008 and in 2010.

Cleveland Museum of Natural History

                                                   This one totally scares the living daylights out of me.

Last Saturday, October 13, myself and two others from Real Life went up to Cleveland to go to the Museum of Natural History.  I do not remember ever going there.  The animals that had been stuffed, their habitats, the heads, bones, and other displays were really cool.  They even had live animals outside, but these animals  have some thing wrong with them, and will never be able to live in the wild.  

Kidney Stone surgery #3

I am now scheduled for my third surgery for this year.  Each one has dealt with the same kidney stone, that I have had for about a year and a half.  I will have surgery, on Thursday, November 8 at 1 pm. I wanted it done on a Friday, since it one be an easy day for my sub, but is not.  I am supposed to be able to go back to school the next day.  But I will be prepared for a sub for the next day, just in case. 

The Kidney Stone is Stuck

The title says it all.  Nobody knew back in the spring, that my stone would not move at all.  It did get smaller by the  first shock wave surgery, but this second one last month, nada!  It just sat there.  It is stuck!  Next month, another surgery, this time to move it, unstick it, so that I will be able to pass it.  A stent will also be placed between the kidney and the bladder, to help that area heal.  Doctor is afraid that if nothing is done I will eventually have problems.  Date of the surgery will be decided on next week.

The Akron Zoo

I spent a couple of hours at the Akron Zoo today.  I had to see the new exhibit, Journey to the Reef.  They have a real live octopus in a tank.  I don't think the komodo dragon ever moves.  Every time I am there, it is always in the same place.  I had just missed seeing the new baby snow leopards.  They are only in display this week during the first 45 minutes the zoo is opened.  Here are a few of the pics I took today.

Kidney Stone Blasting Surgery #2

   Two surgeries in the same year.  Mom dropped me off around 9, since she worked from 9-12.  I got called back around 9:30 am.  I had to give a urine sample, even though I gave one on Friday.  After changing into a gown, I was taken down to x-ray, and had a couple taken.  Radiology had a hard time getting hold of the volunteers to come and get me, so some one from there took me back up to out patient surgery.  I got back around 10 and dad showed up.  He couldn't come back until after my port had been accessed and blood was drawn.  The doctor came by around 11 am, and dad stayed with em until I was taken back to surgery.  I opened my eyes around 1:20 pm in recovery and was discharged by 2 pm.  Mom and I got home a little before 3 pm.  I have felt a bit woozy, but other wise good.

   I see the doctor in about a month for a follow-up and will have an x-ray a couple of days before hand.  Hopefully, this will send the stubborn stone out of my body for good.

Pre-Surgery Testing

  The hospital called me yesterday to pre-registered me for Monday's surgery.  Turns out, I had to have some testing done, that is actually supposed to be done seven days in advance.  Not possible, since surgery is Monday.  I scheduled the appointment for 8:15 am.  I was up at 6:30.  They took my health history.  For someone is a cancer survivor and has a few other things, I am pretty healthy.  I had a physical done, blood pressure, was a bit high, took it three times, the nurse had a hard time hearing it, but let it go.  I had to go down to the lab for urine test and bloodwork.  Bloodwork wasn't done, because this lab doesn't  access ports.  So, my bloodwork will be done on Monday morning.  That was weird. 

Allergic Reaction and Infection

For the first time in a lot of years, I broke out with a couple of pimples.  I thought it was due to eating way too many Twizzlers in the past two weeks.  So after visiting with my brother, we stopped at the dollar store for a couple of things.  I bought Clearasil, the pads for the four hour stuff.  This was going to be the first time I ever used Clearasil.  Turns out I am allergic to Clearasil.  I started using it Thursday night and stopped Tuesday afternoon.  Let me just say, my chin is not fun to look at.  It hurts, itches, and feels tight!  Last night I decided that I was going to call my dermatologist this morning.  I did, no doctors are in the office this week.  Thankfully, I was able to get an appointment with my personal doctor this morning.  Besides being allergic to Clearasil,  I have an infection.  I was given a prescription for penicillin and a cream to put on my chin. 

Because of the starting penicillin, I had to call my urologist because of the kidney stone surgery on Monday.  I was told it will not be a problem to be taking penicillin and have the blasting surgery on Monday.  Very thankful for that.

Ballon Festival and Fireworks 2012

This weekend was the balloon festival.  The balloon festival is usually the week before Hall of Fame week (football), but this year, it is a week early, due to some competition for the balloons down in TX next weekend.  The balloons didn't go up Friday night, but did go up yesterday morning, last night (with very little wind), and again this morning.  I went to see it last night, so I could see the fireworks afterwards.  The fireworks were cool, and last about 25 minutes.  There was a red star shaped fireworks.  Very enjoyable evening with a couple of friends who were there also. 

Kidney Stone Surgery #2

I got a call from the doctor's office this morning.  Kidney stone blasting surgery #2 has been scheduled for Monday, August 6 at 11:30 am over at Western Reserve Hospital  in the Falls. 

Stubborn Stone

I still have the kidney stone.  I think it likes me, so it has chosen not to leave.  I had an x-ray on Friday,  June 29, and my doctor called to say it is still there.  It has gotten smaller.  We have decided to shock it again in August, before school starts.  The doctor did say I could let it stay, but then it has a chance to grow again. 

Kidney Stone When are you Going to Leave?

The title says it all, I still have part of the stone.  I had two x-rays last month, and each one shows that I still have part of the stone.  When I get back from TX, at the end of the month, I will have another x-ray.  If I still have the stone, then in July I will have another surgery to have stone blasted again.  Hopefully,  I will pass it this month.

   Today is the last day of the school year! No more kids till the end of August!

Kidney Stone Fun

I was told for a year that I had a kidney stone.  Last Friday morning, while I was getting a CT of my sinuses, I started to feel nausea and then pain in my lower right back.  Aleve didn't help.  Mom took me to the ER that afternoon, and I spent 5 hours there.  I was told my kidney stone was 8 mm and above my kidney and I would not be able to pass it.  They gave me a name and a number of an urologist. 

    I went to the store on Saturday morning, and haven't driven since.  I was in pain. I called off sick for Monday and Tuesday.  I saw the urologist Tuesday afternoon, and he said I needed surgery, they would try to get me in as soon as possible and would call me the next day.  Mom took me up to school after my doctor's appointment.  Dad took me to school the next day and picked me up.  Got an x-ray that evening.

  The doctor's office called me Wednesday morning, and told me  I was scheduled for surgery on Thursday, the next day, at Western Reserve Hospital for 2:30 pm. I had to be there by 12:30 pm.  I had to have an x-ray before the surgery to see where the stone was.  The machine the doctor used rotates on a daily basis from hospital to hospital.  So which hospital had the earliest opening with that machine, they got me in.  It could've been up to a two week wait.  This machine is placed up to the body and a shock wave is sent through the body to break up the stone. This makes the stone easier to pass.  I was home by 6 pm last night.  I was groggy most of the night.

  I stayed home today.  I seemed a little out of it still this morning.  I got all of my grading done that I brought home on Wednesday.  My throat hurts.  My voice is still bad, and has been for over two weeks.  I lost half of it with this last sinus infection.

Too Many Doctors

I am forty years old, and I have way too many doctors.  I have more doctors than my mom has.
1. personal doctor
2. chiropractor
3. eye doctor
4. dentist
5. dermatologist
6. oncologist
7. lung doctor
8.ears, nose, & throat
9. urologist

Numbers 8 and 9 are the newest ones.  I saw two different surgeons last year.

At 40, I should not have these many doctors.

Kidney Stone Fun

   I have been told three times over the past year, by my onc, that I had a kidney stone.   I have had no problems during this past year.  This morning,  I had to get a CT of my sinuses, during that CT,  I started to feel nauseous, and when I got up, I had  pain in my back.  I took some Aleve and still went to work out.  Came home, and my pain got worse. Around 2 pm, mom and I left for the ER.  We were there for a good five hours.  I had to have a CT of my abdomen,  and blood work. 

   My kidney stone has moved and is now just below my kidney, and the stone is 8 mm in size.  The doctor doesn't think I will pass it.  I was given three prescriptions and a phone number for a urologist, that I have to call on Monday morning to schedule an appointment. 

Jesus Calling-April 12

Here is today's devotional from "Jesus Calling" by Sarah Young.

       "Trusting Me is a moment-by-moment choice.   My people have not always understood this truth.  After I performed miracles in the wilderness, My chosen children trusted Me intensely--but only temporarily.  Soon the grumbling began again, testing My patience to the utmost.

       Isn't it often the same way with you?  You trust Me when things go well, when you see Me working on your behalf.  This type of trust flows readily within you, requiring no exertion of your will.  When things go wrong, your trust-flow slows down and solidifies.  You are forced to choose between trusting Me intentionally or rebelling: resenting My ways with you.  This choice constitutes a fork in the road.  Stay on the path of life with Me, enjoying My Presence.  Choose to trust Me in all circumstances."

                                     Exodus 15:22-25; Psalms 31:14

Dissection

Here are some dissection pictures from last month.  My students did both an owl pellet and a worm.

ENT-First Visit

  I saw the ENT (ears, nose and throat doctor) this afternoon. I wasn't with him for long.  Sounds like my throat and sinuses don't look as bad as they did last week.  He did asked if I still had my tonsils, which I do.  I will be getting an X-Ray of my sinuses later this week, and will see him again on the 23rd at 4 pm.  He said he doesn't think I should have to have the surgery again.  Yeah!!!  Cause if I do, I will see about getting it done right after school gets out.  The doctor did call in 3 prescriptions, yes 3.   I will finish my antibiotic tomorrow night.  I now have a Zpack, Singular and another drug. 

   This sinus infection has gotten into my voice, still blowing my nose and still coughing quite a bit, especially during the day. 

   After taking three weeks off, have gotten back to working out again at Curves.

Opening Day-2012

  Today was Opening Day and Season Opener all wrapped into one!  First pitch was at 3:05 pm, and I was still at school.  When I left it was bottom of the second.  The Indians batted around in the 2nd and scored 4 runs.  Shelly Duncan got the first hit of the season.  Justin Masterson got the nod to pitch in the first game of the season.  By the end of the 2nd, the score was 4-0.  By the time I got home, the score was 4-1.

   After eight innings, the score was 4-1, and Justin had gotten 10 strikeouts.  Sat down for supper at the top the 9th inning, with the closer, Chris Perez, coming out to pitch.  I, personally, thought that Justin should've been allowed to pitch the 9th and get to throw a complete game. After supper, dad, looked at the tv, and said the score was 4-4, in the 10th inning.  Chris Perez blew the save.  At this writing, the game is tied at 4-4 with the game in the 12th inning.

This week's doctor's appointments

While I was in Indy last week,  I got a sore throat, and while driving home on Sunday, I felt it go into my sinuses.  That means I have my fourth sinus infection since December.  Basically, we had a TX winter, and the winter did a number on my sinuses.  I went to school on Monday, and by the end of the day, felt miserable.  I called and made an appointment to see my doctor yesterday.  I am  on an antibiotic now.  She gave me a name of an ENT (ears, nose, & throat doctor) that she wants me to see.  I called and will see him next Wednesday, during my spring break.

Monday afternoon, I had an appointment with my lung doctor.  He is taking me off the inhaler he put me on last May.  He said, that I do have Sarcoid.  I will have another breathing test in October and will see him the next week.

NSTA-Indy

March 28-April 1 were the dates for this year's NSTA's national conference.  The conference was in Indianapolis, IN.  I heard Bill Nye speak.  At the beginning of his lecture, he asked, how many classrooms was he teaching that day?  Probably more than  half of the hands of people in the room went up in the air.  He is hilarious.  After his lecture, he stayed around for people to have their picture taken with him.  I had my pic taken with him.

I visited the exhibit hall, and talked to a lot of people from small companies, to textbook companies, to museums.  I bought stuff, got things for free.  I went to about 10-12 workshops over three days.  Most of them were very good.  I got a lot of info.  I spent Friday afternoon, at the Indianapolis zoo.  I took a lot of pics at the zoo, and saw a dolphin show.

Saturday evening, I spent time with my seventh grade teacher.  I hadn't seen her since August 1994, a couple of weeks before I started my student teaching.  It was good to see her.

My Weekend

This was my scrapbooking weekend.  It had been planned since the last one, back in October.  I took Friday off from school.  We were able to check in starting at 3 pm, and could start working on our albums at 4 pm.  I left the house about 2:50 pm.  I was only going about an hour away.  I got off the exit fine, turned right, sitting at the light, when I was given the arrow to turn left, nothing, and I mean nothing.  My car wouldn't move.

  About 30 minutes later,  or so, a police officer pushed my car, with his, out of the intersection.  I wanted to go left, but he turned me right.  Another police officer stopped traffic, so I could be pushed off the road.  While that was going on, I was on the phone with AAA to have my car towed home.  I was told up to an hour an half of a wait.  The tow truck guy was there within 15 minutes.  I called my friend, and she sent somebody from the hotel, (about 1/2 mile away) to come and get me and my stuff.  My car was towed to a shop in Norton, and I stayed put in Mayfield Heights.  I completed my two books and somebody from there brought me home.

   I had to get my transmission rebuilt and they did a few other repairs also.  The first police officer who stopped to see about helping me, had chew in his bottom lip, you could see the bulge.  The tow truck guy had dropping pants.

CT Results and other Medical Stuff

   I saw my oncologist this morning. I had a long wait in the room to see him, which is unusual. I was weighed and it was different to Curves weight and when I was weighed at a different doctor's office this afternoon. Even my blood pressure was different at each place. The CT results: minor lymph node changes, kidney stone, minor lung changes, spleen slightly abnormal. Labs said I was slightly anemic, but that is due to having blood drawn just after finishing my period. Overall, my oncologist was pleased, and I do not have to see him or have another CT scan for a year. I am scheduled for next February. I can always call him and schedule an appointment if I need to. He also, asked about what I want to do with my port. I said I want to keep it, since I do not trust my veins, they are very hard to access.
     I saw my personal physician after lunch for my yearly physical. I do have to leave another urine sample in a couple of weeks, since she saw blood in this sample. My left ear was cleaned back in December, and had to be cleaned out again today. I got a prescription for another antibiotic for my third sinus infection in two months. I was given a stronger one this time. If I get continue to get sinus infections, then she will schedule me to have a scans done of my sinuses. I told her that I thought I had a bone spur, so she gave me orders to have my left ankle/heel x-rayed. When I left her office, I went over to the Wellness Center to get an x-ray. I do have a heel spur. I will wait to hear from my doctor about what she wants to do about that. I did buy new shoes on Saturday, hoping they will help with the spur. I also have a small mass in my left breast I found and she felt it also. For that, will just be keeping an eye on it myself. If it gets bigger, then I am to call my doctor.
      In between my doctor appointments, I went to Curves. Today, was my 9th visit of the month and my 104th visit since I started in December 2010. I was weighed and measured this morning. According to their records, I hadn't lost weight in the past month, but lost inches all over. I lost between 1/4 inch to 2 inches.

February Follow-up Tests

The yucky stuff went into the fridge Monday night, I think. My first dose was last night at 9 pm and two more doses this morning. My CT scan was scheduled for 9 am this morning, but I was about 20 minutes early. (Drinking contrast is a good way to clean out your system, along with drinking water.) I was done by 9:30. I had no problems in accessing my port. Then I had to walk to a different building for a lung function test. This time, the tests were like the ones I had for the first time, back in May of last year. You take in a deep breath and then let it all out and forcing it out. There was a test where you would just pant for about 10 seconds or so. Another one in taking in a deep breath and just holding it, then letting it out. I was given a breathing treatment and did the first test again. Again, there was no difference in the results of the first test before and after the breathing treatment. I see my oncologist Monday morning, and my lung doctor in March after school. I started going to Curves in December 2010, and at the beginning of this week, I made my 100th visit to Curves.