Heather will be seeing a Lyme Literate Medical Doctor (LLMD) March 9, 2016. They will review her medical history and determine the best treatment plan for her.
Prayers, positive thoughts, and love please. I am determined to make sure that Heather gets the best care possible. She is my everything. I love you Heather. We will beat this disease.
June 27th - Heather and I would like to sincerely thank everyone who sent messages and offered prayers during her hospital stay and recovery from surgery. Your kind words, thoughts, and support truly lifted her spirits and brought comfort during a challenging time. Heather feels incredibly grateful and blessed to have such thoughtful, caring people in her life. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Heather came home on June 22nd. The first few days were pretty rough. Lots of pain and discomfort. It broke my heart to hear her crying. She was such a trooper and followed the surgeons instructions to move, walk, and listen to your body. On the 26th, we spoke with the surgeons office about some of her symptoms and they decided to see her. He said she was doing well and to expect some tough days, but reassured her that each day would get a bit better. The bonus was they took her staples out a few days earlier than planned - YAY. ...
It has been a long few days for Heather. She continues to heal, but still has significant pain. In addition, her poor veins keep blowing. They can no longer use her left arm, and her right arm looks like a pin cushion. OUCH OUCH OUCH. Fortunately, they call in a specialist to insert her IVs using doppler scanning to make sure they find/hit the best vein. Yesterday, they had to reinsert within 4 hours after placing a new IV. For the first time in 12 days, she had a popsicle. Grape to be specific, that is considered clear liquids. Who knew? She had choices between cardboard Jello, broths, juices, sodas (she avoided yesterday due to carbonation), and popsicles. For a few minutes, she had some relief. We are hopeful that today she can try soft foods!!!! Yesterday, there was a fast-moving thunder and lightning storm that moved through the DC area. Sadly. her hospital lost power for 3 hours. Yes, you read that correctly. ...
When my 85-year-old dad moved in with me in 2019—just months before the world shut down—I truly thought I was preparing to help an aging parent with the normal things that come with growing older. I had no idea what was ahead. I didn’t know our home would become a small, fierce pod where three of the people I love most would fight battles I never could have imagined. I didn’t know how much strength I would need—or how much love would carry us through. I always say caregiving came for me in layers. In 2021, my boyfriend was diagnosed with Stage 3C colon cancer—already metastatic. He went through major surgery, rounds of chemotherapy, endless appointments, terrifying uncertainty, and the slow, painful rebuilding of strength. And he fought through all of it. Through nausea, weakness, and fear, he kept going. And in the end, he survived what could have taken him. He won. What still amazes me is that even in the middle of chemo and recovery, he would help Dad when he could—two different gen...