The Story So Far

Today it is 5 weeks since this all began. Started with a sore throat for three days then fever up to 103/104. After four days of that we went to ER. They ruled out strep and mono. Saw my regular doc two days later (Memorial day got in the way). She recommended a chest x-ray. That came back with a "possible nodule, cat scan recommended." All along fever still came and went. By now we're up to week 3. Doc says go see a pulmonary/infectious disease specialist. Specialist says go into hospital for lots of tests, easier than scheduling as outpatient. There for 4 days as they draw lots o' blood, cat scan, audiogram of heart, sonogram of abdomen, more blood, fever continues, finally bone marrow extraction. Sent home with 24 hour a day fever meds and "see you in a week." So far they have ruled out HIV, one form of cancer (still not sure if that is a total negative), Lyme's disease, bug bite, West Nile, Valley Fever, Epstein-Barr and many fungi. Most of the ruling out of various diseases is through, "No, if you had that you'd be really sick!"  (other symptoms). Today I saw the specialist again. The fever returned yesterday (even with the meds, although I slept through one dosage two days ago). Now, with fever meds I'm just tired all the time, wake up, eat breakfast, go back to bed, up for lunch, watch some tv, back to bed, eat dinner. After seeing the Specialist today came home and slept from about 2 pm to 10 pm (thus the late night posting).

That's all for now. I'm going to try and post updates that include the inner process I'm going through as well as the physical. For now I would like to share one prayer/quote that I am working with. This comes from St. Paul of the Cross:

“Oh, what beautiful virtues can be practiced in sickness!  Above all, love of humiliation, helplessness, gratitude and gentleness of heart towards those who take care of you, blind obedience to the doctor and the nurses.  Keep your countenance cheerful and remain in bed as on the Cross of the Savior.  Love to suffer those pains and fevers as the Lord sends them.”

Thanks to all of you who are holding us in your prayers and thoughts. Blessings upon you all.