Third Time is a Charm!

Ever have one of those days or weeks even where it seems like everything is going by at lightning speed?

Well this has been one of those weeks for me. I thought I would take this moment to update you all on what is going on besides all my book reviews. Thank you sincerely for all of you that stop by and take the time to read those reviews. I haven't yet come across one that I really don't care for.

Doctor's Update: Here is what we know so far, I love my new doctor even though I have to drive almost 2 hours to see him and that is with no traffic. I have to time my doctor's visits well to avoid that whenever possible as traffic on Southern California's freeways is not fun at all. Thankfully God has blessed me with amazing patience to deal with it no matter how bad it gets. Let's just hope I always keep enough pain meds with me at all times.

So doctor number three is a keeper! Here is why! After 12 years of dealing with what I call nightmare monthly cycles, and most of my other OB GYN's over the years tell me are quite normal as you age, Doctor Alan does not.

Finally can I get an AMEN to that alone? A doctor who doesn't believe that a woman should have to tote around more monthly protection than most retail stores carry, and doesn't think you should have to spend those times of your month, curled up in a fetal position and sometimes wish for death to come quickly, while inhaling as many pain meds is medically safe? You mean there is a light out there for me? For women everywhere?

Honestly I wanted to hug this man when he said that to me, but I restrained myself quite well. I smiled from ear to ear when he said that is no quality of life for anyone. AMEN!

So after hearing him tell me about himself, his medical history and what he thinks of the information I provided him, we've come to a couple of conclusions. I am dealing with 3 different issues:

1. The mass on my left ovary. Since no doctor thus far has been able to tell me what is going on, and through countless tests, Xrays, ultrasounds, and CT scans, there still is no definite answer as to what it is, just what is might be.

2. The pain. Not sure if this is something attributed to the mass on my left ovary, the fibroid tumors in my uterus, or what he calls stretching or twisting of this mass to the point where it causes me severe, eyes tearing up, pain.

3. Fibroids in my uterus. These depending on where they are growing can cause me to carry around that utility supply of monthly woman's products with me wherever I go just in case.

As you can see the quality of life that Dr. Alan is talking about is broken down into three areas. Now he said most of the time in his dealings with women, he usually only deals with one, but I am dealing with all three at the same time.

So here is how he would like to proceed and I have agreed.

1. We are getting blood work complete to look for cancers and tumor markers. - Completed the same day and on Friday, I received word that everything is in the normal range aside from being anemic. Taking iron supplements for that.

2. Since my monthly visitor was due to show up this week right on schedule, I had to delay the latest ultrasound tests to Friday, February 26. He wants to get an updated look on what is going on before he makes any other decisions.

3. Based on the findings of the ultrasound, more than likely because I am dealing with a multitude of symptoms and except for the pain since November, I have dealt with all the other things for over 11 years now, a hysterectomy is looking like our best option. There are so lesser evasive options but since I've been struggling with all of this except the extreme pain for over 11 years, I would like to have some of my life back.

My opinion on it all: I love this doctor and based on his recommendations and the quality of my life for the last 11 years, I say it's time to carve this pumpkin before Halloween and call it done.

Here is how you can help me specifically with prayer:

Please, please continue to pray that all the findings of the ultrasound on February 26th will lead them to some solid answers regarding what is causing all this tremendous pain.

I ask that you also pray for any reduction in the amount of pain I am currently dealing with in regards to my monthly visitor. Since the mystery pain arrived in November, it's twice as bad when this time of the month rolls around and requires me to take 8 to 12 Norco pain pills a day. NOT GOOD!

Please pray that Steve's job will work out according to what he needs and they are understanding with this situation. We've filled out Intermittent Family Leave paperwork to make sure his job stays secure, despite the fact they are not happy that he can't travel out of state right now, and there is no retaliation by his employers.

Please pray for peace over both of us as we've been under major spiritual attack for the last two weeks, our relationship, my health and our marriage are under constant bombardment from the enemy. The more we draw near to God, the more something else pops us like me coming down with Bronchitis just before my doctor's appointment. I went anyway despite being doped up on pain meds and cold medicines. As you can see the storm hasn't been easy.

Thank you my dear friends for all your cards, well wishes, emails, and phone calls. They have meant the world to me.

If you haven't had the opportunity to sign up for the book giveaway that I am scheduling for Friday, please click here for more information. Since this has received so many comments, I am going to give away two copies of the books so there will be two winners!