Emergency Landings, Aquariums & Falling Trees

This was BEFORE Mom and Dad's day got reeeeaallly crazy!

 Mom and Dad left our house yesterday morning at 9 to catch their usual two hour flight back home. Well, after ONE thought-to-be engine on fire, ONE emergency landing (thankful it didn't turn into a crash landing!), TWO aircraft swaps, FOUR mechanical issues, basically no food all day, and a worn out/stressed out  (for good reason!) Nana and Papa D- they finally made it back home 12 hours later! We miss you already, but are so thankful you're back home safe and sound.  The girls have been having fun finding your "love notes" all over the house that you left them. It's like another Easter egg hunt!

In the midst of all mom's calls and texts of keeping us in the loop of their oh-so-wonderful-trying-to-get home I'm listening to chainsaws, TIIIIIIIIIIIIIIMBER, and a wood chipper all day long.  Nope, didn't get much rest yesterday.  Well, actually, I did.  David was at work. and my sister took the girls to the airport, park, Chick-Fil-A, bookstore, and shopping to give me some down time...ahhh, very nice.  That's a good big sister!

Okay, so the tree pics aren't probably interesting to anyone but our family, BUT it was SO cool to watch 100+foot trees come crashing down!  I have to admit I jumped a few times thinking they had hit our house!  They didn't...they're just so HUGE the thud of them hitting the ground sounded like they were hitting our house!

Ok...that's just a long way up there!

George of the Jungle climbing the tree!

Let there be LIGHT (and less mildew and less squirrels-well... maybe!?!)  Yay for vitamin D in the front and back yard!

Debs took the girls to a very special treat today....the Aquarium.  We've never been since we lived here, and they were SO excited to go.  THANK YOU, Debs!  I'm glad you're getting some "girlie time" with your nieces.  They've missed you terribly.  You know I love my nephews, but I know you must need some more estrogen in your life ...just sayin'.

 Medical update:
*Blood Tests came back on Tuesday.  CPK is down to 1075 (from 1875 on April 4 right before we flew home....so that's good news!)  I thought it would have increased with all the crazy activity going on in the last three weeks, but it did the opposite.  Praise the Lord!  Aldolase (another muscle enzyme that is elevated to 24.2- I'm not even sure this one was tested overseas because I can't find it in my records)....trying to not focus on what I'm reading about this one! "Normal" is 1-8). Tests also show I'm very low in Vitamin D (see!!!!  I told you I NEED sunshine!!!!!  I'm starting a Rx for that and will take for at least 3 months).
*Antibiotics ARE healing up my "holes" in my hands!  It's a bit too soon to see an overall improvement....but that's ok.  Improvement of ANY kind is a warm welcome!
*I'm not having adverse reactions (headaches) from antibiotics!
* Got word that we're finally receiving some health insurance reimbursement that David's been working on for the past 10 months!
*Took both girls for pediatric check ups.  Abigail had some baseline blood testing this morning  to make sure her issues from last summer are all ok.  Audrey An is all clear except for needing to see an opthamologist and both girls have appointments for that in about a week.  We just might have four, four eyes in the family soon.
* All four of us have had dental checks...no cavities!
*David had his FAA medical on Monday....all clear! 
*Pulmonologist appointment for me in the morning...

So....things are rockin' and rollin!  Busy, busy, busy...with all that's going on, I'm trying to keep my emotions in check which is really hard to do to be quite honest.  Taking one day at a time while TRYING to accept that I have a disability is quite challenging to say the least, BUT I know "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength!"  HE has placed my wonderful family in my path to help lighten my load and deal with my C.R.A.Z.Y emotions!

Off to cap off the evening watching, "Dolphin's Tale!"

Operation Rheumatologist!

This above verse was on my mind when I woke this morning!  OH, OH, OH...feeling SOOOOO blessed and thankful for answered prayer today!  I had my first appointment with my new rheumatologist today and was so pleased with how it went!  We waited two hours before I even saw him, but he was worth the wait. He spent an hour with me then I had bloodwork drawn.   He couldn't have been more personable, knowledgeable, professional, and OPEN to WHATEVER IT TAKES to get me better!!!!  These attributes were all specific answers to prayer.  I took all my records and MRIs from Vietnam and Thailand (as David called my MRI...he saw my "Thai thighs"!) plus my brief summary I had typed up for him-a pretty thick file!  He perused all my information while cracking jokes, inquiring about our time overseas, and, of course, examining me.  He said the "holes" on my knuckles are not typical of DM and felt they were infected.  HE (not even us!)  mentioned the Antibiotic Protocol Therapy...not us! WOOHOO!  He said, "We'll try it, and if it doesn't work, we'll try something else!"  Long story short, we all left hopeful and thrilled he was open to other treatment options (which has been a biggie to me since what I've been on hasn't worked too well!). So, I'm waiting on test results and will return to him on May 9, will start an antibiotic tomorrow and continue to reduce my steroid dosage (hopefully!  that depends on my CPK number though).  He referred me to a pulmonologist due to my  continued shortness of breath/chest tightness and diagnosis of mild reactive airway disease from last year.  I'm already scheduled for next Friday with that doctor.  He indicated this doctor researches a lot on auto-immune diseases, too.  He felt like she would be a great asset to my treatment so I said, "Sign me up!"

Another HUGE praise was that David was able to go with me to the appointment.  As you know, he's just started back to work on Tuesday.  We weren't sure if they'd be very flexible, but they were and I'm SO very grateful!  Mom and Dad are still in town, and they went with us to the appointment.  Mom went into the appointment with us and was my "scribe" while Dad hung out with the girls in the waiting area.  The girls took their school stuff with them and went to "Papa D Home School"...what a guy!  What patient little girls to wait on mommy AGAIN at another doctor's appointment!  Audrey An got a little ansy at the end (but who wouldn't after being there for 3 1/2 hours) dad said, but she attributed it to her having a bad hair day...lol!!! She is SO my girlie girl!  After the appointment we went to celebrate answered prayer by eating what else- our favorite mexican food in the city...Uncles Julio's!  Ahhhhh, it tasted so good ;-)

THANK YOU to  all who have called and emailed me yesterday and today as we've been anticipating this appointment for quite awhile now.  It means so very much to hear from those who are praying and supporting not only me but my entire family through this health crisis.  Our transition back to the States has been very busy and crazy, but I have felt the covering of prayers for sure so don't stop!  I had my first little meltdown last night since we've returned to the States.  I think it was just a culmination of anticipation for today's appointment, insomnia, exhaustion, and plain READINESS to be well! But today was a new day...and I'm REJOICING!!!  Thank you, God, for hope.  Thank you, God, for answered prayer!

*Current requests:
*That that antibiotic will not only heal my sores (and reduce pain) on the holes on my knuckles but will have a significant role in my complete healing.
*That I will not have adverse side affects from this antibiotic (in my college years I had horrible headaches from this one).   Many times patients will have a worsening of symptoms before getting better.  I would just love it if I could just skip right over that phase!
*That I can continue to reduce my steroid.  I'm MORE THAN ready to be OFF of my built in "puffy machine"!!!
* Sweet sleep each night.  I just continue to be so tired from lack of sleep.
*Appointment next week will shed even more light on the situation.

Again, thankful for answered prayers!!!!!!

Nana & Papa D 101!

Aren't we a sight to see...Mom and daughter having scooter races at Target this week!  Yep, that's what you get when you have a momma who's still recovering from back surgery from a year ago and me...well, you know.  We had fun though (didn't even embarrass the Miracles)!

Papa D ironed ALL of our clothes...yes, ALL of them!!!  Dad has been a crazy ironing MACHINE the past few days!  He also spent 3 full days of car shopping with David and has been a great help.  Now that's a good daddy!!!!  Glad it was him and not me...uggh!    Mission accomplished though- yay!  We have wheels now- so grateful. 

Nana has been chef and home school teacher (and everything else needed!)...Mom and Dad have been GREAT help to us since we got home! (Look at dad in the background...he's still ironing, bless his heart!)

On Sunday, we were able to go back to our home church.  I didn't really feel strong enough to attend, but I couldn't imagine not going our first week home.  It was great to be there.  It was great seeing old friends.  It was great seeing the girls reunite with their friends. I had a hard time holding back the tears during the first part of the worship service.  I was just overcome with thankfulness to God that He had answered our prayers for direction in getting us home in His timing and worshiping with others.

I can't believe it's already been a week since we've been home.  It's been super busy trying to get our lives back in order (car shopping, school looking, unpacking, setting up appointments, etc.) but trying to balance getting caught up on sleep from jetlag.  WOW...still can't say enough thanks to our friends who did SO much for us prior to us even arriving!!!!  The to do lists just keep getting longer and longer...

THANK YOU, Mom and Dad, for ALLLLLLLL you've done already to help us get back on our feet!  It's been great to have you here- not just for the help either ;-)

Nana and Papa D with their girls!

Requests for this week:

*Smooth transition for David back to work on Tuesday.

*No problems with health benefits being activated on Tuesday.

*Wisdom and enlightenment for doctor's appointment on Thursday.  Proverbs 2:6 "For the Lord gives wisdom."

*Correct results in testing and rule in or out anything else going on in my body that needs to be dealt with asap.

*Physical strength and rest for mom. As you know, she's struggles with health issues of her own.  She obviously wants to be helping us (and is!), but we don't want to put her flat on her back either!
* Insurance Reimbursement from "overseas" to be resolved.

The Eagle Has Landed!

We arrived Stateside on Sunday morning- safe and sound!  Praises are that we had no issues at check in, during flight, and getting through Customs (NO chest pain, NO ear aches, NO blood clots, physical strength -despite NO sleep in flight! wheelchairs awaited me at each leg of the trip ready to whisk me away!).   So this is what our Saturday afternoon until Tuesday looked like (but leaving out our VERY sleep deprived looks!!!).

Our last day with Tham was Friday, but we all couldn't quite bring ourselves to say "goodbye" so we asked her if she'd come by after her work on Saturday and we'd take her to lunch.  She did, but then it was even harder to say "bye"!  SO....it didn't stop there.  I had to text her on the way to the airport one last time, and she was one of the first emails I received when we got home, too!  Yes, we are totally going to miss our sweet friend. She had truly become part of our family.  She was such an unexpected friend, blessing, and helper, but at the same time she was a direct answer to prayer and a big sister type to Abigail and Audrey An!

 Abigail with her best little buddy, Brittany.  Brittany and her parents came by the house right before left for the airport to say goodbye and to pray for us.  It was hard for the girls to leave each other because they really struck up a very kindred friendship this past year.  Brittany, YOU were a very direct answer to prayer for Abigail!  Look, they even match and they didn't plan it either! 

When we got into the van headed for the airport I turned to the girls and said, "We are so proud of you, girls.  It's been a hard year."  Abigail said it best, "Mommy, we did it!".  She said it so matter of fact, but she's right.  I think we finished strong like we had hoped and prayed.  I love how you said it, Abigail!  
 Yes, Abs and I were about the only blondies around (and have been for the past year and a half!).  Yes, that would be 4 backpacks, 4 rice hats (which were NOT easy traveling companions!), 4 carry-ons, and 8 checked suitcases.

Have a Coke and a Smile (during our 5 hour layover in Seoul).

Do NOT let her fool you!!!!!!  Yep, she's lookin' all cute and everything like she's sleeping- ummmm, not so!  She's posin'!!  This little squirt slept for about one hour during the first leg of the trip and no hours during the layover!  Energizer bunny just keeps goin' and goin' and goin'....

We're home!  This is in our living room with all of our goodies.  The other major praise was that a sweet friend Julie from our church set up transportation for  from the airport through another good friend (and prayer warrior!), Rob (and why didn't I get your picture!?) who picked us up with all our loot in Phil's (thank you!) truck!  Right when we landed I got a call from Rachel, and she was at the airport, too!   The girls were MORE than thrilled to ride back to the house with Miss Rachel...Sweet sweet sweet!!! 

This is one of the many blessings we came home to...stocked refrigerator!

...stocked pantry!

...and David and Ab's favorite cereal (and lots of it, too- yay!)!

...and AA's favorite- NOODLES (and lots of those, too- yay!)!

Then we began to destroy all their hard work in our once very clean house they had prepared for us...the unpacking began!

We had time for "Chubby Bunny" with Miss Rachel though...

How many marshmellows can one stuff into one's mouth??  Remember this post from a year ago?

We love you, Rachel, and are so blessed to have you in our lives!  You're a great "big sister" and role model to my girls and sweet friend to us all!

Monday morning my man enjoyed his cup of joe with his view from our dining room table (with rice hat on no less!)...wow, no whizzing of motorbikes, no roosters crowing- just birds chirping and hundred of tall trees in which to stare.  He later went in to work to get reactivated. Today he goes in for his required medical physical, and hopefully by the weekend we'll be in the "clear" and all our benefits will be back in place and ready for my appointment next week.  I tell ya this industry sure does lots of poking, prodding, checking, and examining...that's for sure!

Then Miracle #1 and Miracle #2 decide to leave their daddy a sweet note...awwww!

Mom and dad arrive today and aren't I so very nice to leave this pile of laundry for them?!?!  I'm just obeying orders (seriously!) of leaving it for them to deal with- yay! I can't wait to see them!!!

Significant Weekend

Well, if you're following our journey this past year, you know that we're leaving on a jet plane late Saturday night to return to the USA after many months of waiting and prayers for wisdom and direction in regards to my health.  Yes, we'll be boarding a big metal tube in about a day to make the 24+hour trek home to our home country.  There's a huge mix of emotions balled up in all four of us...all for different reasons, but all very real to each of us.  David's co-workers gave us a goodbye party tonight, and I kinda felt in a daze to be real honest.  Our house is spick and span, packed up and overflowing with 4 stuffed backpacks, a flight case, eleven suitcases (that WE are taking) and two more suitcases that friends (thanks, Shaun and Michael!) have graciously offered to return with next month.  Since I woke up at 2am and am now running on pure adrenaline I do look back at this day and feel completely exhausted knowing what all has been accomplished!  SURELY converting that many suitcases from kilos to pounds counts for some type of homeschooling this week????  I do praise God that he truly has just picked me up and carried me through this week.  He's given me extra spirts of strength and energy that ONLY could come from Him and from ALL the prayers that have been lifted on my behalf from so many different people and places!

Okay...the clinic was calling my name again this morning (haha!).  I told Dr. Nathalie and Nurse Lee I'd pop in one last time so they could say "goodbye" to the girls (and I'd have my better camera with me!).    They were greeted with their favorite lollipop and  goodbye hugs and kisses...so sweet!

While the girls and I went back home to continue packing, David had to tie up some loose ends at the office, close out a bank account, run errands for me (isn't he so awesome!), and all kinds of other stuff!  These are some of his co-workers on the administrative part of the operation.

It wouldn't be a normal walk home without enjoying the beautiful "flower bike ladies"!  We are going to miss this!  I love walking down the street and see the bikes all lined up with incredibly beautiful flowers!

David comes home for lunch, and we're trying to figure out HOW in the world to get our rice hats home!?!?  I cannot leave them here, ya know ;-)  Maybe we'll wear them????

Our sweet, sweet friend and helper who we are going to miss terribly!  We decided to be goofy because I think we'd have all cried (she and I both cried when I told her last month we'd be moving home).  She's become part of our family, and we truly are sad to say goodbye.  She's been my hand and feet for almost a year now.

Then, fast forward a few hours (and some TIRED bodies...no deliriously tired bodies (!) since I've been up since 2am!)...met with our landlord at 6pm (praise: we were returned our full security deposit!  We weren't quite sure how all that was going to turn out, but we're so thankful it was refunded!).  Then slipped off to a goodbye party with David's co-workers/friends.  This is my sweet Paula who kept Audrey An this afternoon for one last playdate with her precious daughter, Juno.  Her husband is management with David and even took David's flight today (and wasn't even feeling well!) due to his kind heart and us trying to get our lives in order to leave country!  Thank you!!

We were one of the few families in the group until Chrissy, Dejan and their cutie-pie baby, Marko, became a threesome.  We'll miss you guys!

Some of the pilots who weren't "on-duty" tonight.  David's has thoroughly enjoyed working with these guys....fun group, great experiences!

As you can see, Michael is SO excited to take the extra suitcase back for us next month!

Okay, so now you can see why I'm completely worn out tonight (and why am I blogging at now midnight??? Oh, yeah, because I'm a major insomniac, that's why!).  I honestly dread going to bed when I know the record shows like clock-work I wake up at 2, toss and turn for hours, then start the entire process over again...woohoo!

Okay, now for the "significant" part of the weekend.  Although it's been a crazy, nutty, busy week I've tried to keep in focus the importance of what Good Friday and Resurrection Day means to me (to all of our family).  You see, for me, it's the second and third part of a very important story that started out with part one (a birth).  Good Friday to a Ch ristian is significant because we reflect on Jesus' Death on the Cross for us (you, me...everyone!) and our sin.  Resurrection Day is celebrated for exactly what it states: Jesus was resurrected from the dead (as promised in scripture).  His birth (Christmas), death and resurrection (Easter or Resurrection Day) are the reason I've had HOPE this past year in this horrific health trial. 

So, if you go on an egg hunt this weekend or enjoy some jelly beans, just remember the significance of the different colors (I received this in an email about 7 years ago, but I'm sorry I cannot remember who sent it to me):

*Gold egg — reminds us of heaven. It is a beautiful place with golden streets where no one ever gets sick or dies. It is always daylight, and everything there is perfect. God is there with His Son, Jesus, and He wants us to be there, too. But there is one thing we have that can never go into heaven. (Revelation 21:4, 21,23)

*Black egg — reminds us that we are all have sin (doing things our way instead of God’s way) that separates us from God. Sin can never enter heaven, but we can’t get rid of our own sin. (Romans 3:23 and 6:23a)

*Red egg (or pink) — reminds us that God loves us so much He sent His son, Jesus, to show us how to live and then, even though He was perfect and without any sin, Jesus died for us, taking the punishment for our sin. (Hebrews 9:22, 1 Corinthians 15:3)

*White egg — reminds us that we can be cleansed from sin if we will believe that Jesus wiped away our sin when He died on the cross. When we trust Jesus to forgive all our sins, we are no longer separated from God. Heaven is a place where we will one day be welcomed. (John 3:16, Psalm 51:7)

*Green egg — reminds us that when we trust Jesus, we begin growing more like Him. The life He gives us will go on forever and ever. (2 Peter 3:18, Romans 6:23b)

Now, THAT'S why it's a significant weekend!  I celebrate the One who died for me in all of my ugliness, but was raised from the dead because He said He would.  He keeps His promises, and I know He loves me; therefore, I have hope, and I will live forever with Him because I have trusted in Him and in His promises!

Okay, off to get (TRY) to get some zzzzzzzzzzzzzz....next post will probably be from the USA!!!!

**oh, and don't forget to keep praying the specifics
from last post ;-) **

LAST doctor visit in this country!

Today, I had my last appointment with Dr. Nathalie.  Although I really like her, I will not miss walking through the doors of the International Clinic ;-)  It truly had become my second home while living over here.

My two angels at the clinic, Dr. Nathalie and Nurse Lee.  THANK YOU for all you've done for me this past year.  Your kindness and concern has been greatly appreciated- not only by me but by  my entire family.   I think Dr. Nathalie knows all my CPK numbers from memory, has written more medical reports for our insurance company, consulted with doctors in Thailand and France, and probably knows more than desired about dermatomyositis!  We've shared lots of laughs and good conversations, but she's also witnessed a few tears, frustration and questions from me.   Nurse Lee has taken more vials of blood on this one patient than she probably ever has!   I am grateful for each of you- truly.  It's rare to have a physician who takes the time to explain things to you, research questions I have, and have a great bedside manner all at the same time!  YOU should be the Director of the Clinic! I am your biggest fan (aka Mrs. Dermatomyositis!).  I pray many, many blessings on you and your family.  God has given you a wonderful gift!  He has used you to help get me through this year with this disease, and I can't wait to email you and tell you how God has healed me...completely!

Updated requests/praises from my March 8 post:
1.  That the IV steroid treatments of the past few weeks will hold me and God's Grace will be sufficient for me- especially for the 24+hour trip home. HE ALREADY KNOWS! update: CPK decreased to 1861 (from 2575 two weeks ago at last IV steroid treatment) and other levels were normal.  Dr. Nathalie said I looked better today (face less puffy and rash less red.  Glad she could see it because I can't!).  My knuckles look horrible and are very painful along with cracks in my mouth...ouch.  Muscle weakness is slightly improved from two weeks ago, but I'm still very weak.  She didn't see the need for another IV steroid treatment prior to departure and is lowering my steroid- yay! (I teased her that maybe I can stop shaving my face now...lol!).  Pray no chest tightness, no ear aches, and no blood clots on flight .  Pray for physical strength and sleep during flight.

2.  God's provision for our travel home- specifically, a first class ticket for me so I can even make the 24+ hour trip.   HE ALREADY KNOWS! update: we were able to get a slight discount on my business class ticket- Now I'll be able to be "horizontal" the entire time and be a bit more comfortable for the long haul home!

3.  God would lead me to just the right doctor back in the States to take over my treatment- someone who specifically treats dermatomyositis.  HE ALREADY KNOWS! update: I have appointment with the head of rheumatology at one of the major hospitals in our city on April 19 and have one more doctor lined up out of state if needed.

4.  God would lift David's burden in leading our family right now and ease his mind/heart about returning to work back home.  Another LOOOOONG story...yes, he has a job when he returns (YAY!).   He truly has so much on his plate right now...wow.  God KNOWS THE BEST PLAN FOR OUR FAMILY AND HIS CAREER.  I keep asking God to AMAZE US with His plan!!! (not only in regard to my health but with David's career!)  Again, HE ALREADY KNOWS!!  update:  David's boss has received many accolades from his peers for the great job he did with the new hire training.  As a result there are some "ideas" bouncing around for David stateside!

5.  The girls would see God's power and peace through this difficult family trial.  May their faith be increased and they would see God's tangible answer to their earnest prayers for their mommy's healing.  HE ALREADY KNOWS! update: still waiting on my miracle, but they are steadily seeing God answer prayers about the details of our return!

6. Girl's schooling for next school year.  I can't EVEN think about it right now, but I know I'm not home schooling anymore....simply just cannot do it being this sick.   Schools are starting to take applications/registration fees for next year and we don't even know where will be next school year again.  HE ALREADY KNOWS! update: ummm, haven't even touched this one yet-TOO MUCH other stuff going on!

7.  That we'd finish our time out here STRONG.  We want to leave this assignment with our heads held high.  I know that may sound odd to you, but it's a big deal to us.  It's been a trying year and we've definitely had our "moments" of not-so-pretty times, but we're learning.  We want God to be pleased with how we've handled things.  HE ALREADY KNOWS! update: it's been nice to know people are sad to see us go, David will be missed at work, and the girls have had some great playdates the past couple of weeks.  I'm so proud of David and the great job he has done in his new position of Director of Training.  He's a great instructor, and many of the new hires have told him it was the best ground school they had ever been through...yay, David!

8.  All the details of re-entry to life back "home"...oh, I can't even begin to name them all!  HE ALREADY KNOWS! update:  friends have stepped up to the plate and offered to clean our house, stock our pantry, lend us a car, clean up the yard, prepare freezer meals, and my parents and my sister will come (at different times) to help out.  Friends here have helped me pack, and we've been able to bequeath all our household items, bicycles, and motorbikes here to four different families!
 
9.  Health and flight benefits will go into effect asap when we return so we can get going (literally!) on my treatment!  HE ALREADY KNOWS! update:  flight benefits (prior to us leaving here) was a "no"- but that's an answer, too!  It truly was best in our situation anyway.  It would have been a tad stressful to get bumped from a flight with 11 suitcases and one sick momma!  Health benefits will go back into effect two days prior to my appointment, but we have coverage for 10 days with current company after we leave here (just praying we'll not need them because that will be another nightmare!). Pray no hiccups in this process!

10.  Whatever else you can think of because my brain is in such a fog I can't think straight! HE KNOWS THAT, TOO!!! update:  * still need insurance reimbursement resolve prior to our departure! *landlord will honor her commitment to refund security deposit on Friday (she's changed her mind a few times).  *need ride from airport to home....didn't realize super shuttles would cost $160 one way (I guess with that much luggage??)...wow.

11.  Well, I need to put this on here, too- SLEEP!  With increased steroid dosage plus a steroid inhaler for chest tightness I am having trouble sleeping at night!  HE ALREADY KNOWS! update: still having lots of sleep issues- can't turn my brain off with all my to do lists!  Chest tightness and shortness of breath are some better though!  

Despite maintenance delays for David today, he still got to enjoy this view at 41, 000 feet! Bless his heart...not a real good week to be crunched on time.  Tomorrow is a new day.  May the Lord multiply our time as we tie up all the loose ends we have this week!

My walk from our house to the clinic.  I'll kind of miss this peaceful, little alley;-)