"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever."
-Hebrews 13: eight-
What a profound comfort this simple yet prfound verse is to me. No matter what the changes or circumstances around me I can cling to this truth and know without a shadow of a doubt it is true. What beautiful hope there is in this!
As I mentioned in my last Notes from the Porch update there have been several things that have taken place. I am first so overwhelmingly humbled and grateful for two amazingly generous donations to my go fund me page from the Warren's and from Laura. Your generous gifts and thoughtfulness was a miracle answer to prayer and showed me once again that the Lord always provides. THANK YOU so much!!!
In addition to the updates I mentioned last time there have been several changes that have come about and I would covet your prayers as I take things day by day.
(one) As y'all might remember from a couple of months ago I was a little surprised ... ok, blindsided to learn that I was also dealing with an environmental illness on top of the Lyme Disease. I started a medication (and some supplements) specifically for this and the goal was from my last doctors visit (phone call) to the next one (which was on Monday- so approximately 6 weeks) that I would be able to get at 1/2 of a dose of this particular medicine. Well we all know how uncooperative my stomach likes to be (*smiles*) so I want to preface the following statements saying that I am so thankful that I have not had an allergic reaction to this new medicine!! But to be frank a 1/2 dose in this case is two packages (approximately 12 teaspoons) and after 5 weeks I am only able to take 1 teaspoon. Yes, you read that correctly. (I am not going to go into all of the details here but yes, this medicine is the correct medicine, yes, this is common for Lyme Disease patients to struggle with medicines, and yes, I am very disappointed.) My body seems to be able to handle upping the medicine by 1/16 every 3-4 days and this keeps me feeling pretty sick but not to the point where I need to go to the hospital. The original goal was that I would be able to get to a full dose by the end of the summer (24 teaspoons) and this is not going to be feasible at this moment. In addition to this...
(two) I am in the process of "correcting" the MTHFR mutation. For someone who is as seriously ill as I am this is a critical part in the healing process. Without my body being able to detoxify the bad things in my body and without it being able to distinguish between the bad and the good there is obviously lots and lots of toxins in my body. SO during this process of "correcting" the MTHFR I am on a number of supplements and medications to help with this. This puts my body in a detoxifying state which is a great thing but unfortunately as the toxins are released into my body and my body learns how to "properly" release things my fragile little body struggles. I feel pretty poorly due to both of these things and due to that some new summer plans have been made...
(three) At this point I have made the decision not to get Vitamin C IV therapy. I just don't think with all of the things that we are trying to get my body to do it will be able to handle that on top of it. We have decided that I will be making a trip out to California in October to receive two weeks of hard cover hyperbaric oxygen and vitamin c therapy out there. This will coincide with about the same timing that we will be heading home to the south and will be a perfect time for me to get a boost as my goal (now) is to be at the 1/2 dosage point of this medicine.
(four) I will be heading back out to Pacific Frontier Medical to see my doctors in September (I go every six months) and at this point the goal is for me to add in Antibiotic Shots (so the picc line will wait until March) to start killing the Lyme.
(five) a HUGE prayer request is that my entire digestive system will remain stable enough for #'s 3 & 4 to happen. This really is the key to moving forward and I would continue to covet your prayers that all of the supplements, medications, diet, detox baths, oils, ETC. that I do every day will continue to keep my digestive system calm and that the inflammation will go down and of course for healing.
(six) Due to the fact that I will not be needing the Vitamin C IV therapy this summer I have adjusted the go fund me page needs to the lesser amount that I need. Again, I am so thankful for all of your support financially and all of your prayers for me during this journey.
The verse above has brought me such comfort as I rest in the unchanging truth that the Lord never changes despite the plans that seem to constantly change with my health. I am beyond thankful for my doctor who has been such an incredible blessing, the kindness of the entire medical staff at Pacific Frontier Medical, all of your prayers and support, and the thousands of daily blessings that the Lord provides. In my disappointment that this journey of healing is not going "as fast as I would like" I am reminded once again of the greatest blessing. And that is the unchanging truth that the Lord is close to the broken hearted and that He NEVER changes.
These last couple of weeks I have absorbed, wrestled with, encountered, and am at peace with the truth of this quote:
While I may see this setback or delay as a "waste" my life is in God's hands and He is free to "waste" it in anyway He chooses. This is not a depressing thought as I once imagined or one that I thought was "mean" as I cried through it in the last couple of weeks. Instead there is a joy to surrendering in a deeper ways than we could ever have imagined and a peace that comes with the knowledge that I am in the palm of His hands... the palm of a God who has never done anything wrong, loves me completely, and has sacrificed everything for me.
Thank you so much for all of your continued prayers friends. What a blessing you are on this journey!
With lots of love,
Rebecca
Last summer one of the most special things to celebrate was the marriage of my cousin Brendan to his adorable and charming wife Naoko. We first met Naoko in 2010 during the holidays and honestly she is just one of the classiest ladies I have ever met. She has the beautiful way of putting you immediately at ease and assuring you that as you speak to her what you are saying is important. She really listens. As we celebrated on the porch last summer it was delightful to spend a little bit of time with this couple. They are wonderful. A couple of weeks ago they held another wedding (and beautiful reception) in Japan in Naoko's hometown. We wished with all of our hearts we could have gone but financially (and with my health) it just wasn't possible. I wanted to create a beautiful wedding card for them though and let them know once again that we love them, wish them the absolute best, and are honored to know them as a couple! Congratulations again Brendan and Naoko! We love y'all!
I loved these vintage bingo card words from the moment that I saw them! They were the perfect little addition (with the vintage jewels!) for the front of the card!
Y'all know that I love to always add in extra details like this hand-stitching. I loved how this meshed the two very different patterns and brought together a very unique looking card!
Congrats again Brendan and Naoko!
___________________________________________________
I have received several emails about to request a "custom order" for cards (aside from The Parcel Post Tribe Membership ) and how to go about this. You can go directly to my shop to easily order! Here are the links for the different cards:
Birthday: Click HERE
Sympathy: Click HERE
Special Holiday/Occasion: Click HERE
Thinking of You: Click HERE
Wedding: Click HERE
** ALL Custom Card orders come with the correct amount of postage!!**
Y'all, I have fallen in love with this gorgeous pink,white, cheery reds, & black bunting that I am sharing today. It has some of my favorite qualities: a sweet vintage look, lovely colors, adorable prints, lovely twine, and pretty scrapbook paper. *happy sigh*
This beautiful paper bunting measures approximately 35 feet long and is hand strung together with white & pink twine.
This gorgeous bunting is a rare treasure as it can be used to decorate for a party, bridal shower, engagement party, used as decor in a child's bedroom, used as decoration for a wedding or a wedding reception, or for everyday use or any event that you are hosting. Looking for a lovely gift to give someone? This would be perfect!
I only use scrapbook paper that is not only acid free but has card stock tendencies. This allows for the paper bunting to be easily used in a variety of "natural elements"- including windy days outside (as you can tell by the picture below!) Because this bunting is double sided it still looks beautiful blowing in the wind (from either direction)!!
Each tag has been carefully cut so that words and patters are easy to not only see but give this bunting a very unique and vivid look.
I love this airmail tag!!
As I mentioned above this bunting is double-sided so it looks beautiful from "behind" also!
I love wrapping up each of my handmade items to ensure that they not only arrive to the buyer safely but beautifully too!
Bunting is carefully wrapped around vintage Bingo cards, vintage lace and embellishments.
(Side views once the bunting is all wrapped up!)
These pictures give excellent views of some of those gorgeous tags I mentioned above!!
If you are interested in purchasing this simply click HERE!
**Do you like this idea but not the colors, length, design, or book? I am happy to work with you to create your perfect look! If you are interested in a custom or bulk order please contact me! I would be happy to work with you!**
Sweet friends, I just wanted to share with y'all a mini update that I posted on my "go fund me page" last night:
Thank you so much for all of your continued prayers and support on this journey. Today was a long day as we traveled to a doctors appointment (about an hour and a half away) and then home. I find in some ways that there are very small bits and pieces of improvement in my health and yet there is still SO far to go. In this long journey I am incredibly grateful for all of your prayers and support.
This past week has brought some discouraging news as I have been in the process of social security disability (something I never imagined myself doing at 34 years old!!) and have been denied. To be frank the entire process has been extremely emotional, humbling, and frustrating. At this point the state of Tennessee does not recognize Lyme as a "viable" reason for disability. (It is baffling and frustrating and someday I hope to work to change this for others!!) This 7 month process has been very time consuming and difficult as we had been praying for this to come to fruition to help cover the cost of several immediate bills and upcoming expenses (including help with daily necessities). In addition to this I found out today that the vitamin c treatments will not be covered by insurance.
As I rode home earlier this evening and stared at the beautiful view before me I am once again reminded that the Lord will provide each and every need. I have been working on memorizing psalm 59 recently and the words from the first part of verse 10 touch my heart:
"my God on whom I can rely. God will go before me..."
My God on whom I can rely.... truly He is a God that I can rely on. Each and everyday He shows Himself in so many thousands of ways and has never failed in the provision for all of my needs.
I will be writing more in a blog post later on next week and give a more detailed update but in the meantime I thank you for all of your prayers and support. Truly each day so many of you show me in tangible and loving ways amazing gifts of love. Thank you for your prayers and I thank you for your prayers for praying that the Lord will meet each need that I have before me.
Truly He is a God on whom we can rely! Thank you again so much for all of your support and love!
Happy Tuesday y'all! I am so excited to team up with these lovely ladies to offer one lucky winner a variety of prizes!
The wonderful thing about this giveaway is that there are multiple prizes! Are you still looking for a graduation gift? A wedding gift? You could win it here! Looking to try out Arboone? Looking for a fun summer book? These prizes will give you some options! Or win a Starbucks or Visa gift card for you or a friend! All you have to do is enter via the rafflecopter below!
Good Luck y'all and Happy Summer!!
Good Luck y'all and Happy Summer!!
We remember with humble gratitude all of those who served 70 years ago and those that continue to show us what true heroism is today. Thank you to all who served and to all who continue to serve.
** all pictures are from various sources off of google images**
Thursday Health Thoughts: Doctors out of State/Country Series- Part Two- How to Find a Doctor Out of State/Country
June 5, 2014
{Disclaimer: The information included on this site is for educational purposes only. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. The reader should always consult his or her health care provider to determine the appropriateness of the information for their own situation or if they have any questions regarding a medical condition or treatment plan. Reading the information on this website does not create a physician-patient relationship.}
Happy Thursday y'all!! I am so excited to continue this six part series on Thursdays dealing with topics related to seeing doctors out of state or country. Last week (in part one) we talked about Making the decision to go out of state/country) and as I mentioned I will be talking about this subject (and sharing some of my own experiences) in the following weeks and am excited to have several guest bloggers who have chosen this option for various reasons and are going to share their experiences too! Here is the list of the topics for the series and the coming weeks:
June 5th- Part Two- How to find a doctor (general)
June 12th- Guest Blogger- Katie from Always, Katie
Today I want to talk with y'all about how to find a doctor who is out of state or country. This is probably one of the questions that I receive the most from people who read my story and I am excited to share but also hear from y'all who have experience with this! (Side note: No offense to any of my doctors but NONE of them have ever looked like this guy*smiles*But this single gal can dream right? Either way I hope it brings a smile to your face! *smiles*)
So how do you find a doctor who is out of state or country for your illness? Here are just a few ideas:
(one) If possible, contact the non-profit organization that deals with your disease. This is one of the simplest ways to find a doctor who might be located out of state or country. You can easily do a search for your illness in Google and it should bring up several options of organizations. You could call or email them and ask for suggestions in your state and if they don't have any ideas they might be able to suggest some doctors out of state who could help you. Some organizations might also have suggestions of "sister organizations" in other countries that you could check out!
(two) Ask your current doctor for any suggestions. This also is a really simple idea but sometimes very effective. One of my friends found her specialist through her current general practitioner. It turned out that they had gone to college together and they had kept in touch! You never know who someone might know in the age of linked in and facebook so don't be shy to ask for suggestions!
(three) Ask friends, family members, co-workers, etc. for suggestions. Sometimes you are not ready to discuss the specifics with your illness (which is completely understandable!!) but if you are at a point where you feel comfortable you might find some great suggestions within your personal network. Be specific for what you are looking for and ask around to see if anyone might know someone. You might be just as surprised as a friend of mine that her brother-in-laws sister's best friend had the same disease and had a suggestion of a wonderful specialist!
(four) Contact major hospitals for suggestions. This point can be really helpful depending on the disease or chronic illness you are dealing with. I have been able to get tons of helpful suggestions for qualified skin cancer doctors, BUT have really been given no significant help with Lyme Doctors. So for some people this might be a really helpful suggestion and for others you might want to pass on it! *smiles* (Just a little side note: don't be discouraged if you the "top doctors" you are recommended aren't able to help you. Keep pressing on till you find a doctor who is willing to work with you for your health!)
(five) Research. Research. Research. I sometimes joke that while obtaining my PhD in History might be on hold I have gained a Masters (soon to be a PhD) in Lyme Disease. Truly. I have read over 350 books and articles on Lyme Disease alone this past year (including those from abroad) and that is not including the other 240 books on Cancer, Sojourn's, IBD, nutrition, herbs, supplements, etc that I have also read. In the midst of all of this I have hundreds of doctors names who have made comments that I have found particularly interesting or noteworthy on an idea that might be helpful and any contact information that I can find about them. Since some of the books were written decades ago these practitioners are not still in practice BUT it is amazing how contacting them can bring about different suggestions and ideas of other doctors! SERIOUSLY amazing. I highly suggest keeping a notebook of any doctor or practitioner that you hear about and keeping this with you to contact or to reference.
(six) Be open to ideas your research brings! When my first choice doctor for Lyme Disease stopped taking new patients I was desperate to find a new solution and doctor. I thought about calling the doctor and now begging to have some ideas of who he would recommend seeing. I called the office numerous times and after I didn't get anywhere with that I was at a loss of what to do as I believed this particular doctors treatment would be the best for my case (after all of my research). One night when I couldn't sleep due to pain I started thinking about all of the research that I had done and started pouring back over it. My idea was to find any doctor who had collaborated with, written an article with, gone to a reception with, or ANYTHING with my "first choice" doctor. *smiles* I came across a particular doctor who kept showing up in several articles, had written a book, had mentioned similar treatment techniques, etc. and called the next morning. It is amazing to see how God orchestrated everything because at the time I had no idea that I would also be dealing with an environmental illness and have a specialist in the clinic that deals with that and Lyme Disease together! Honestly I look back now and see that the "closed" door that I had thought was truly traumatic turned out to be a blessing in disguise. I LOVE my doctor and no offense to the original first choice but I wouldn't trade them at all! I respect their treatment plan and am blown away by the professionalism of their office. TRULY amazing! My suggestion is to keep knocking down every door you can until you find your doctor! You can do it!!
(two) Ask your current doctor for any suggestions. This also is a really simple idea but sometimes very effective. One of my friends found her specialist through her current general practitioner. It turned out that they had gone to college together and they had kept in touch! You never know who someone might know in the age of linked in and facebook so don't be shy to ask for suggestions!
(three) Ask friends, family members, co-workers, etc. for suggestions. Sometimes you are not ready to discuss the specifics with your illness (which is completely understandable!!) but if you are at a point where you feel comfortable you might find some great suggestions within your personal network. Be specific for what you are looking for and ask around to see if anyone might know someone. You might be just as surprised as a friend of mine that her brother-in-laws sister's best friend had the same disease and had a suggestion of a wonderful specialist!
(four) Contact major hospitals for suggestions. This point can be really helpful depending on the disease or chronic illness you are dealing with. I have been able to get tons of helpful suggestions for qualified skin cancer doctors, BUT have really been given no significant help with Lyme Doctors. So for some people this might be a really helpful suggestion and for others you might want to pass on it! *smiles* (Just a little side note: don't be discouraged if you the "top doctors" you are recommended aren't able to help you. Keep pressing on till you find a doctor who is willing to work with you for your health!)
(five) Research. Research. Research. I sometimes joke that while obtaining my PhD in History might be on hold I have gained a Masters (soon to be a PhD) in Lyme Disease. Truly. I have read over 350 books and articles on Lyme Disease alone this past year (including those from abroad) and that is not including the other 240 books on Cancer, Sojourn's, IBD, nutrition, herbs, supplements, etc that I have also read. In the midst of all of this I have hundreds of doctors names who have made comments that I have found particularly interesting or noteworthy on an idea that might be helpful and any contact information that I can find about them. Since some of the books were written decades ago these practitioners are not still in practice BUT it is amazing how contacting them can bring about different suggestions and ideas of other doctors! SERIOUSLY amazing. I highly suggest keeping a notebook of any doctor or practitioner that you hear about and keeping this with you to contact or to reference.
(six) Be open to ideas your research brings! When my first choice doctor for Lyme Disease stopped taking new patients I was desperate to find a new solution and doctor. I thought about calling the doctor and now begging to have some ideas of who he would recommend seeing. I called the office numerous times and after I didn't get anywhere with that I was at a loss of what to do as I believed this particular doctors treatment would be the best for my case (after all of my research). One night when I couldn't sleep due to pain I started thinking about all of the research that I had done and started pouring back over it. My idea was to find any doctor who had collaborated with, written an article with, gone to a reception with, or ANYTHING with my "first choice" doctor. *smiles* I came across a particular doctor who kept showing up in several articles, had written a book, had mentioned similar treatment techniques, etc. and called the next morning. It is amazing to see how God orchestrated everything because at the time I had no idea that I would also be dealing with an environmental illness and have a specialist in the clinic that deals with that and Lyme Disease together! Honestly I look back now and see that the "closed" door that I had thought was truly traumatic turned out to be a blessing in disguise. I LOVE my doctor and no offense to the original first choice but I wouldn't trade them at all! I respect their treatment plan and am blown away by the professionalism of their office. TRULY amazing! My suggestion is to keep knocking down every door you can until you find your doctor! You can do it!!
(seven) Sometimes "Mr. Google" is the best way to obtain information. I have had many friends who due to specific illnesses and health reasons have no way of finding out information besides Mr. Google. Sometimes this is the best research tool.
(eight) Use social media to your advantage! Sometimes social media can be an amazing tool to find a new health practitioner- specifically one that is out of state or country. This is very similar to number three above except that you might not know the person who is suggesting the information. Sometimes though the best resources can come from someone going through our particular circumstances. As with number seven I would highly suggest that you research fully any and all information found but this might be a great suggestion for those that can't use any of the other ideas mentioned.
(eight) Use social media to your advantage! Sometimes social media can be an amazing tool to find a new health practitioner- specifically one that is out of state or country. This is very similar to number three above except that you might not know the person who is suggesting the information. Sometimes though the best resources can come from someone going through our particular circumstances. As with number seven I would highly suggest that you research fully any and all information found but this might be a great suggestion for those that can't use any of the other ideas mentioned.
Thanks so much for reading y'all! I hope that this series will be a help to you or a friend! If you have experience of finding a doctor who is out of state or country could you share in the comments your ideas? I would love to learn new ideas and thoughts! Also I am so excited that Next Thursday I will be having a special guest blogger share her AMAZING story!!! Happy Thursday y'all!
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