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| See those two lines between my eyebrows? Fear left its mark. |
Isaiah 41:13 (NIV)
13 For I am the Lord your God
who takes hold of your right hand
and says to you, Do not fear;
I will help you.
who takes hold of your right hand
and says to you, Do not fear;
I will help you.
Then I got dressed and I later realized the significance of the shirt I chose. It's a t-shirt from one of my favorite videos by The Skit Guys. It says "Original Masterpiece" on the front and "God doesn't make junk" on the back. How about that? With all our imperfections! We're still a masterpiece and I am reminded to go into this week with confidence, heart and faith.
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| You are an Original Masterpiece too! |
I've been dealing with MS symptoms since 2003 and I've had steady progression. I live with chronic pain and a plethora of other typical MS symptoms but my most pressing issue is the lack of functioning in my right leg. I respect the disease and I've slowed down a good bit to listen to what it's telling me but I'm still an active mom and volunteer who loves and embraces life. It's not in my nature to be passive.
I'm one of the healthiest sick people you may ever meet. In fact, I just had my physical and the doctor was very impressed with my numbers. It looks like I should still be running marathons! This isn't by accident. I work at it! I could teach Dr. Oz a thing or two.
Back in 2009 the work of Dr. Zamboni hit the presses. Many well-meaning friends sent me links to news articles on this CCSVI condition that could have some link to MS. I immediately felt a sense of hope. It wasn't and isn't presented as a cure but a treatment that can provide relief. But then came all the doubt, skepticism, differing opinions and lack of scientific studies to back it up. I thought it sounded interesting but I gave in to all the skepticism and decided to wait. Since then my mobility has become much worse. Recently I met someone who had the procedure and it renewed my interest. I delved into the research and found several places in the U.S. now doing the procedure (before people were traveling to India, Mexico, etc). I was impressed with what I found. A couple of months ago the FDA came out with a warning about the procedure and then I was faced with more doubt and confusion. But the pieces fell into place and I'm going to give it a whirl.
Life is full of uncertainty and risks. You wouldn't believe some of the potential side effects listed on the medical drugs I'm taking (and I'm only taking two drugs at the minimum doses - an injection and one for spasticity). Thousands of people have had this procedure done and many are reporting positive results. It's a roll of the dice but heck, what do I have to lose?
I chose this doctor in Chicago because he's very reputable in the field. My husband Greg would love to come with me but someone needs to hold down the home front! My sister will be my partner in crime. Watch out Windy City, here we come!
I am comforted knowing that I'm going into this week with a lot of prayers and encouragement. I would love to have your prayers too.
Below are the details for the medical procedure. I would appreciate it so much if you would take a moment to pray over them.
Tuesday, July 24: Fly out of Atlanta to Chicago, meet my sister who is
traveling from Texas, take a taxi straight to Rush Hospital for a 2 PM
Ultrasound (the diagnostic tool) and consultation with Dr. Arslan.
Wednesday, July 25: 11 am CCSVI Procedure
Prayer draws us closer to the light and helps us to march on even when we're scared. Thank you for the prayers!
Psalm 27
Of David.
1 The Lord is my light and my salvation —whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life—
of whom shall I be afraid?
I know what fear looks like. Fear is dark and ugly but a part of us. I have the lines between my eyebrows to prove it. But God doesn't make junk, remember? Lines and all!
I love how you are going to "give it a whirl" :-) If only you could feel as casual and fun as that statement.
ReplyDeleteLord, give Marjorie comfort and peace through this procedure and through this week. Provide safe travels for her and her sister. And grant Marjorie the greatness of your will being done to her and all around her. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
Thank you Cheri! :))
DeleteYou are awesome! And so is God. I pray that your fears will be replaced with peace, and that you will have a safe and successful journey. I trust that you are one of the sparrows He's keeping an eye on!
ReplyDeleteThank you Lynn! :))
DeleteMargie- That doesn't sound like fear-Sounds like you have done your research and have a plan. Here are some verses that give me hope.
ReplyDelete"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future". Jeremiah 29:11
And, the favorite verse of both me and my wife, Romans 8:37-39:
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
I wrote these down on a piece of paper and smuggled them into the operating room when I had my cancer surgery(they told me I couldn't take it in).
I hope you don't mind if our small group prays for you (cause we will, anyway). I have a good feeling about this procedure. And, don't forget that He is going thru this with you-"I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matt. 28
Pat
Thank you Pat. This means a lot! I will cut and paste this onto the list of prayers, verses and words of encouragement that I'm taking with me. Thank you for the prayers.
ReplyDelete