update on treatment round #4

December 18, 2016

I wanted to take a moment to say thank you so much for all of your sweet words and kind encouragement this past week as I asked for prayer due to an infection that I have been fighting. It has been a very long week with very intense pain and I have struggled to keep food and liquids in due to the infection and a small reaction to the medication that I need to take for the infection. 

On Thursday and Friday I spoke with my main medical team and on Friday it was decided that another medication would be added into the mix for this infection. I added this on Friday evening but unfortunately had a reaction to it but thankfully not a severe one. At this point I do feel some small improvement but still definitely have an infection and I appreciate your continued prayers. As with everything with Lyme Disease when you have something like this happen it can affect lots of different areas and for me these meds (especially the oral ones) has been playing havoc on my digestive system and causing lots of issues and I am unfortunately dealing with symptoms that I haven't had in years due to the fragile healing state my body is in.

I have been a mixture of emotions these past few days, mostly struggling with the fact that just a short time ago I was able to do so much more and now I find myself spending more time resting and recovering again. I have struggled with dealing with intense pain again as I have gotten used to not having that be a constant in my life anymore and something that I don't miss. And mostly I have struggled with the fact that it seems just as we start to move forward with a new treatment round "something always happens".  I was crying and complaining about this to several people in the last few days and while everyone listened kindly and patiently reminding me that this won't last forever, I admit that I still struggled to see what good of a purpose this newest delay that has caused so much pain and sickness could possibly bring. 

As I went to pick up the refills for the meds that I have to be on (most normal people would be on them for 7-10 days but I will be on them for about two more weeks) my pharmacist (I truly believe who was trying to be kind) said, "WOW. Really? A couple of more weeks of this? That is rough I would have thought you would be feeling better by now like most people do."  To which I promptly started to cry.

It is easy to get lost in the world of "what if" or comparison and think that we deserve our life and our circumstances to go a certain way. I find myself guilty of this a lot - more often than I care to admit. Oh, I hide it well, but behind the scenes it is a struggle. It can be easy to think that if I had someone else's life or struggles that would be so much easier than my own. But I am learning an ancient and old lesson again and again this week- trusting the Lord when we don't see the the outcome or what we are hoping for most in front of us. Trusting in His love and His mercy and His faithfulness in every step.

When I was teaching years ago I had a Bible verse up on the front of my classroom which is from the Psalms that says, "Those who are wise will see in our History the faithful love of the Lord". And so I turn back to History and see the amazing faithful love of God throughout scripture and throughout my own personal life and even this journey. Never once has He abandoned me and never once will He. 

This treatment round is starting off very differently than I had planned and won't slow down. Starting Monday I will be adding in a couple of additional meds to help keep fighting Lyme and while I may have tears I am at peace. Slowly and surely I am healing (I even see this in BIG ways this Christmas season despite the pain) and I see everyday the faithful love of the Lord who carries me in the darkest of days. 

Thank you again for all of your love, support, and prayers for this season, for this infection, and for this treatment round. I love this picture at the top of the post that I found on the internet- I wish I could sit down personally with each of you one-on-one and express over coffee my gratitude for your love and prayers. They are such an incredible gift to me- especially in the difficult moments. Thank you dear friends! May our faithful God bless you abundantly for your kindness and compassion.

11 comments

  1. I think my comment got deleted :( I am so sorry for the comment you got from that stranger. Those hurt so bad sometimes. So glad you are doing what is best for you to get healthy!

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    1. Thank you Caroline!! I appreciate your prayers and your encouragement!!
      Merry Christmas!
      Rebecca :)

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  2. You are such an inspiration to me, Rebecca. You always look for Christ during the tough times and have faith in His plan. Praying for you, dear friend!

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    1. Oh Bailey, Your words are ALWAYS such an encouragement to me. THANK YOU for taking the time to comment and to leave such thoughtful encouraging words. Thank you also for your prayers- they are SUCH a blessing! I hope that y'all have a WONDERFUL first married Christmas!! :)
      With Love,
      Rebecca

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  3. The Lord is indeed with us. Glad you are staying in faith Rebecca. Merry Christmas.

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    1. Thank you so much!! Yes, God is with us. A beautiful reminder this time of year that He truly is Emmanuel, God with us!
      Merry Christmas!
      Rebecca :)

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  4. I'm so sorry Rebecca. Oh how my heart knows this pain as well. I am marching along side you in this chronic illness battle. We are struck down but not destroyed, persecuted but not abandoned. These weak, fleshly bodies carry around a super-abounding glorious light that stands victorious over all the enemies schemes. When we have done all we can do, Stand therefore! Sending you lots of love and prayers!

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    1. Kristin,

      Thank you so much for stopping by and taking the time to leave a comment. It truly blessed me! I would love to connect with you more- and please know that you are in my prayers. Sending lots of love and prayers to you too. I hope and pray that you have a wonderful Christmas season.

      Merry Christmas,
      Rebecca :)

      PS- I would have loved to reply directly to you but you are a "no reply blogger". I truly hope to connect with you more in the future!

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  5. Yes let's definitely connect! I'm sorry I accidentally signed in on my old blogging account. I don't use this one as much as I should but it is more current. :-) And you can always email me at: kmarieleach@gmail.com

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    1. AHHH!! I thought I had responded to this and realized I didn't and didn't connect right away that it was you from IG!! :) LOVELY to connect more here. I am hoping and praying that you have a wonderful beginning to the new year!
      Blessings, Rebecca :)

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  6. You have inspired me so much! There are so many times when we think we are the only ones with problems. But the way you have put yourself out here with such grace is big learning to me. It’s my first visit to your blog and so far I have read 3-5 articles. Good Going Girl!! Please continue to be the same. Much love and prayers to you Rebecca.


    Lots of love,
    Sruthi

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