Well, I have good news and bad news!
First off I would like to thank you all for your prayers and your encouragement over the last few months. For some of you that are new to the loop, sorry I may have missed you! But for those new to the loop, here is the brief down low. Back in September a lump was found in my uterus, that was 7 cm in size and was causing me a great deal of pain. I went to see the specialist in November, and felt very discouraged as they didn't seem keen on doing surgery. They put me on drugs, hoping that the problem would heal itself, or what some would say...just masked the problem, in hoping that it took away the pain but also being put on pain killers that made me just slightly silly! They explained the risk of surgery, was that complications would lead to a possible hysterectory because of its location and size, thus making the drugs the better option. Many have asked me what the pain feels like, its hard to describe but imagine a foreign object sitting in the middle of your organs trying to grow, pushing and being uncomfortable in the midst of it, I would almost say like a tennis ball size uncomfortable.
This week I got great news. I went to see the doctor on monday, I had pushed my appt up from February because I was ready to have surgery. I have been more disappointed that I have been unable to function as I want to, I haven't been able to get out cycling, or skiing, and I have cut back in my working at Starbucks and limited to what I can do at the church. The doctor, this time, was pro-surgery I barely had opened my mouth and he was like, are you going to do this or not? So the good news, I have surgery booked for March 27. And, this time the doctor described it totally different, the lump is actually protruding outside of my uterus, but attached to it still, but less complicated and it is possible that it will be done in a quick day surgery procedure or it is possible that it will be a full surgery deal.
The not so great news, is that I am off of work at the church and on medical leave as of February 1st until after my surgery, until possibly May.
So continued prayers would be great! Definitely for rest and some patience...I have a feeling I will be bored in the first few weeks!
Darcy and I are very excited and feeling great about this and can't wait for this to be over!
Thank you all!
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Thursday, January 3, 2013
Highlights of 2012
So just a few of the things accomplished in 2012
- Trip to Israel (Oh yeah)
- Trip to London (2012 Olympics!)
- Buying a Road bike
- Surviving a bike ride from Lake Louise to Field, BC and back again!
- Cleaning out 90% of my parents house (managed to get everything to one bedroom, not to mention the crawlspace that is full of stuff)
- my friend Marylee getting engaged
- annual camping trip with the girls
- tobogganing the Lake Agnes teahouse trail, in -27 temperatures with windchill and flying over a cliff and surviving to tell the story! And doing it all over again at Chester Lake, but a little warmer!
- many many bike trips with Darcy (not to mention the ones that I was so sick)
- Vancouver missions trip with teenagers (not sure I need to say more)
- cooking Christmas dinner for the family!
- Celebrating one year with the one I love!
- being diagnosed with a lump so large it has a name, we welcomed Wilbur into my life to make me miserable!
Just a few of the big things that happened this year!
- Trip to Israel (Oh yeah)
- Trip to London (2012 Olympics!)
- Buying a Road bike
- Surviving a bike ride from Lake Louise to Field, BC and back again!
- Cleaning out 90% of my parents house (managed to get everything to one bedroom, not to mention the crawlspace that is full of stuff)
- my friend Marylee getting engaged
- annual camping trip with the girls
- tobogganing the Lake Agnes teahouse trail, in -27 temperatures with windchill and flying over a cliff and surviving to tell the story! And doing it all over again at Chester Lake, but a little warmer!
- many many bike trips with Darcy (not to mention the ones that I was so sick)
- Vancouver missions trip with teenagers (not sure I need to say more)
- cooking Christmas dinner for the family!
- Celebrating one year with the one I love!
- being diagnosed with a lump so large it has a name, we welcomed Wilbur into my life to make me miserable!
Just a few of the big things that happened this year!
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Praying for a Miracle
So, I know...no blog post for months...and then bam! Well, here it is. I haven't been too sure one tells everyone this. But I do know that as a day to day thing, it is obvious I am not feeling well, and for those that think I can do everything, and when I say no, it seems that I don't care, that is definitely not the case. I have definitely, haven't been myself at all over the last few months.
I don’t see most of you on a day to day basis. So for that you wouldn’t have notice that I am sick. Others have be lucky enough to see me keel over in pain or slow down enough that you can tell something is wrong.
After months of not feeling well, I was diagnosed in September with having a lump found in my uterus, known as a Fibroid, it was 7 cm in diameter at that time. Since then, I had been waiting to get in to see a specialist, and hopeful for surgery. I recently found out that the where the lump is positioned and the size of it, that surgery would be too risky in fear that they would have to do a whole hysterectomy. The fibroid is pushing within my uterus and within my body and they figure that I try to cope with it before we just remove it. I have compared to the feeling that I am in my first trimester of pregnancy (and no I am not pregnant) with feeling nausea, lack of energy, and unusual cramping, it’s known as my alien baby that doesn’t have a name. I do know that it is very common for females to have lumps in their uterus, and some basically don’t even know they are there or are easily treatable.
So coping with it, means that I am on a drug treatment, of hormones and narcotics, which I am more frustrated about because ultimately I want the pain to be gone, and not just mask the problems. It has also, been getting drastically worse since September, I am finding each day there is different pain, or even unable to get out of bed some days with lack of energy. Darcy and I have found peace with God about long term affects this may have but ultimately have to be patient with myself as my day to day functions have been limited, which also means, no cycling, and no physical activity. Right now the doctors are hopeful that long term I would still be able to get pregnant but they don't want to do anything that will change it without trying first!
So I ask that you join me in praying for me, as I experience pain and patience as I “wait this out” as I physically am unable to do things and mentally distracted. And also, my sincere apologies if I seem distant (my painkillers are great).
Thanks in advance for your prayers and understanding.
I don’t see most of you on a day to day basis. So for that you wouldn’t have notice that I am sick. Others have be lucky enough to see me keel over in pain or slow down enough that you can tell something is wrong.
After months of not feeling well, I was diagnosed in September with having a lump found in my uterus, known as a Fibroid, it was 7 cm in diameter at that time. Since then, I had been waiting to get in to see a specialist, and hopeful for surgery. I recently found out that the where the lump is positioned and the size of it, that surgery would be too risky in fear that they would have to do a whole hysterectomy. The fibroid is pushing within my uterus and within my body and they figure that I try to cope with it before we just remove it. I have compared to the feeling that I am in my first trimester of pregnancy (and no I am not pregnant) with feeling nausea, lack of energy, and unusual cramping, it’s known as my alien baby that doesn’t have a name. I do know that it is very common for females to have lumps in their uterus, and some basically don’t even know they are there or are easily treatable.
So coping with it, means that I am on a drug treatment, of hormones and narcotics, which I am more frustrated about because ultimately I want the pain to be gone, and not just mask the problems. It has also, been getting drastically worse since September, I am finding each day there is different pain, or even unable to get out of bed some days with lack of energy. Darcy and I have found peace with God about long term affects this may have but ultimately have to be patient with myself as my day to day functions have been limited, which also means, no cycling, and no physical activity. Right now the doctors are hopeful that long term I would still be able to get pregnant but they don't want to do anything that will change it without trying first!
So I ask that you join me in praying for me, as I experience pain and patience as I “wait this out” as I physically am unable to do things and mentally distracted. And also, my sincere apologies if I seem distant (my painkillers are great).
Thanks in advance for your prayers and understanding.
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Waterton
My annual trip to Waterton...one of the most beautiful places on Earth! Ok, I have to thank my friend Megan for the best discovery in Alberta, I love this place, even more than Banff! I just don't get there enough but this Summer we managed to fit in a trip! Nothing like experiencing everything about this in a day! I think the only thing we didn't see was Cameron Lake and Red Rock Canyon but we did get down to the US side of the Lake and almost freeze on the boat ride!
Camping trip - annual reunions of friends
Well the epic Summer continues on with the annual camping trip with some of the greatest friends ever!
Our trip started off with amazing and it was perfect for a weekend of camping. It's always great to be able to reconnect with friends that you don't see forever at times and catch up over a weekend just like that. Not to mention the great gifts that randomly appear during these yearly reunions.
Random Gift Part 1
So this was the most beautiful gifts of the Eagle, and the beautiful multi coloured afghan. Seriously, this cracks me up, we have had the afghan roaming around for years. It started at a Christmas gift exchange and then it became the gift that keeps on giving! The Eagle just presented to our group a couple years ago, as a gift since we all appreciate great gifts!
Well during our weekend, these gifts made their way throughout the group, from being in one sleeping bag to finding them in the back seat of my car, to stashing the eagle twice in two different cars, it finally made its way home with those that would appreciate the surprise gift!
This fun, is like we are little kids and love the element of surprise, being sneaky and deceiving! We love it...and get giddy about it!
But all this to realize how much we love this and that we have teh best times getting together, if is making fun of each other or saying Joelle would be the one most likely to join a polgamy colony, much to my dismay! Ha ha! Or games that we are going skinny dipping or what people think will happen.
Our trip started off with amazing and it was perfect for a weekend of camping. It's always great to be able to reconnect with friends that you don't see forever at times and catch up over a weekend just like that. Not to mention the great gifts that randomly appear during these yearly reunions.
Random Gift Part 1
So this was the most beautiful gifts of the Eagle, and the beautiful multi coloured afghan. Seriously, this cracks me up, we have had the afghan roaming around for years. It started at a Christmas gift exchange and then it became the gift that keeps on giving! The Eagle just presented to our group a couple years ago, as a gift since we all appreciate great gifts!
Well during our weekend, these gifts made their way throughout the group, from being in one sleeping bag to finding them in the back seat of my car, to stashing the eagle twice in two different cars, it finally made its way home with those that would appreciate the surprise gift!
This fun, is like we are little kids and love the element of surprise, being sneaky and deceiving! We love it...and get giddy about it!
But all this to realize how much we love this and that we have teh best times getting together, if is making fun of each other or saying Joelle would be the one most likely to join a polgamy colony, much to my dismay! Ha ha! Or games that we are going skinny dipping or what people think will happen.
So thanks to great friends and a great weekend of laughter and tears and more laughter! Here is to next Summer, or if we meet sooner at that life event that |Laura is planning!
Love you ladies!
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
The Summer of 2012 ...
Well this can be a long post if you are settled in with a coffee, get comfy and here we go!
Well, this Summer started off with a bang...considering Summer in Calgary starts in July...I will have to save my Israel trip highlights for another blog post.
Vancouver Missions Trip
So, it seems kinda weird, growing up on the West Coast, and going back several years later, on a missions trip! Yep, East Van...to the core! I was a little half hearted into going, spending a week with 14 year olds, was my first challenge, the second was that my dear Darcy was going to France, and I so badly wanted to go along.
Seemingly, that being the case, God had me experience the most amazing week, even wishing I could be somewhere else, I couldn't have been more blessed or in a better place at that time! There was several opportunites for ministry placement that week, I kept saying I will be comfortable doing anything, so I was open to where I needed to be. My placement, was in a church just off of Hastings, working with Shining Stars VBS, this unique experience had the students working with children, doing summer school type classes, there was science experiments, math problems, french language! It was truly fun to see the students I was with stretched, some of them were like, 'these kids know more than I do' but I reassured them that they were still making a difference. My role was much different, nothing like being the camp chef for a week. Yep, something that I love to do, and enjoy challenges of it all. I made meals of a picnic lunch, to Shepards Pie, to Inumpu (sounds like I made a Nun poo), to some dish that was called Beans and Bananas. It was African' themed week as we learnt about Burundi. Oh yes, it was crazy, I was challenged every day, but to see the rewards of it in the moment was a true blessing. I have to say the best dish all week...the Inumpu...no kidding! The dish that I have never made before in my life, was delicious, kids and students couldn't get enough of it! The Lake and the beach wasn't a bad part of the week either, nothing like getting to enjoy BC to the fullest! Only regrets, was not getting to see family and friends.
The best part of the trip, was the lady I was working with there, she was such an encouragement, a blessing and a wise woman of God. She barely knew me, but she knew my heart. I will be forever changed and reminded of her love.
So in July, that was my exciting summer plans, Darcy headed out to France on a dream of a lifetime trip to see the Tour de France. Two weeks of Summer in Southern France, cycling some of the stages that are in the Tour, was definitely his dream. Totally wished I was able to go, but realized that there was more for me here too.
Surprise Trip to London
For some of you, you may have forgotten about my trip to London I had planned this Summer. Well, surprise, I didn't even know. I like to be spontaneous once and a while and one time...it got me in trouble, I became a little more responsible in those choices. This time...it was totally not as troublesome. After much thinking, saying no, and then turning around and jumping at an opportunity...I was on a plane to London, during the Olympics. I was nuts...well some may choose to agree but I was so in need of a holiday, and a chance to see my best friend Megan.
Olympic Events were not even on the agenda, not for lack of trying, we looked at getting tickets...but $150 could be spend in better ways. the best moment, was our not for lacking story of how we went to see the Triathalon, motto of the day...five minuites is all we missed it by....even the medal ceremony! Makes a good story!
Sightseeing was on the agenda, and we got to see places, no lineups....St. Paul's, Shakespeare's Globe, Canterbury Cathedral, St. Bartholemew Cathedral, London Bridge, Clink Prisons, and the Old Operating Theatre. Only downfall, was the numerous blisters in one that I got on my foot, I could barely walk by day three (but that didn't even stop me). I will add in pictures of the sights when I get a chance....not of my foot!
this is all for now...I have some more exciting experiences to share....stay tuned for more!
Well, this Summer started off with a bang...considering Summer in Calgary starts in July...I will have to save my Israel trip highlights for another blog post.
Vancouver Missions Trip
So, it seems kinda weird, growing up on the West Coast, and going back several years later, on a missions trip! Yep, East Van...to the core! I was a little half hearted into going, spending a week with 14 year olds, was my first challenge, the second was that my dear Darcy was going to France, and I so badly wanted to go along.
Seemingly, that being the case, God had me experience the most amazing week, even wishing I could be somewhere else, I couldn't have been more blessed or in a better place at that time! There was several opportunites for ministry placement that week, I kept saying I will be comfortable doing anything, so I was open to where I needed to be. My placement, was in a church just off of Hastings, working with Shining Stars VBS, this unique experience had the students working with children, doing summer school type classes, there was science experiments, math problems, french language! It was truly fun to see the students I was with stretched, some of them were like, 'these kids know more than I do' but I reassured them that they were still making a difference. My role was much different, nothing like being the camp chef for a week. Yep, something that I love to do, and enjoy challenges of it all. I made meals of a picnic lunch, to Shepards Pie, to Inumpu (sounds like I made a Nun poo), to some dish that was called Beans and Bananas. It was African' themed week as we learnt about Burundi. Oh yes, it was crazy, I was challenged every day, but to see the rewards of it in the moment was a true blessing. I have to say the best dish all week...the Inumpu...no kidding! The dish that I have never made before in my life, was delicious, kids and students couldn't get enough of it! The Lake and the beach wasn't a bad part of the week either, nothing like getting to enjoy BC to the fullest! Only regrets, was not getting to see family and friends.
The best part of the trip, was the lady I was working with there, she was such an encouragement, a blessing and a wise woman of God. She barely knew me, but she knew my heart. I will be forever changed and reminded of her love.
So in July, that was my exciting summer plans, Darcy headed out to France on a dream of a lifetime trip to see the Tour de France. Two weeks of Summer in Southern France, cycling some of the stages that are in the Tour, was definitely his dream. Totally wished I was able to go, but realized that there was more for me here too.
Surprise Trip to London
For some of you, you may have forgotten about my trip to London I had planned this Summer. Well, surprise, I didn't even know. I like to be spontaneous once and a while and one time...it got me in trouble, I became a little more responsible in those choices. This time...it was totally not as troublesome. After much thinking, saying no, and then turning around and jumping at an opportunity...I was on a plane to London, during the Olympics. I was nuts...well some may choose to agree but I was so in need of a holiday, and a chance to see my best friend Megan.
Olympic Events were not even on the agenda, not for lack of trying, we looked at getting tickets...but $150 could be spend in better ways. the best moment, was our not for lacking story of how we went to see the Triathalon, motto of the day...five minuites is all we missed it by....even the medal ceremony! Makes a good story!
Sightseeing was on the agenda, and we got to see places, no lineups....St. Paul's, Shakespeare's Globe, Canterbury Cathedral, St. Bartholemew Cathedral, London Bridge, Clink Prisons, and the Old Operating Theatre. Only downfall, was the numerous blisters in one that I got on my foot, I could barely walk by day three (but that didn't even stop me). I will add in pictures of the sights when I get a chance....not of my foot!
this is all for now...I have some more exciting experiences to share....stay tuned for more!
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