Catching up. . . .
Monday – Inflectra biologic IV infusion, offering hope (along with side effects)
Tuesday – Still foggy from Benadryl given (IV) before the infusion, but okay
Wednesday – Dr. Flores called to see how I’m doing. She expected the Inflectra to be at work already, which is why she chose it over another biologic. Although I was skeptical that the drug would work so soon, it was an amazingly quiet day. After everything that hadn’t worked and/or made things worse, this seemed like such a wonder.
Thursday – Exhausted but “miserable middle” still calm. Miracle.
Friday – Ran into Dr. Flores in Mercy’s lobby as I headed for another CT scan. She’s also encouraged by how well I’m doing. She added another med (more side effects) to keep me from rejecting the infusion.
Bonus: Lunch after the CT scan at the Machine Shed. If you can enjoy your food, thank God every single day. How awesome it is not to have to worry about what could happen if I eat solid food. As we were leaving, we noticed half a dozen autographed copies of Meadowlark Songs prominently displayed in the gift area. (*Wish I’d taken a photo.)
One of the themes in Meadowlark Songs is great losses. Mine include loss of health, starting a couple of dozen years ago with fibromyalgia. This year that loss broadened and deepened with the onset of Crohn’s.
Another theme in the book is faith in God and thankfulness. Both have also broadened and deepened during these physically miserable months. The Lord has been with me through it all, offering hope for this world and the next.
Another blessing: Amazon orders for July will pay for my next ad in Iowa History Journal.
No needles until August 11, when the next infusion is scheduled.
I’m so grateful for your prayers and well-wishes on this new journey.
So glad you’re feeling somewhat better and getting positive results from the treatments. Your attitude and ability to see God at work in even the negatives of life is an encouraging example for us all. Still praying for you.
Thank you, Dennis. Some costly tradeoffs but I couldn’t keep on the way things were. I’m so thankful for relief, even with a tricky future!
I am so very happy for you, Joy!!
Thanks, GP!
So glad prayers for relief have been answered! But our prayers for you and Guy will continue! Blessings! Jeani and Ken
Thank you, Jeani.
What a week, dear Joy. I love how you draw strength and positivity close to you. Cheers to enjoying a meal…the continued success of your books, your generous storytelling. Love you oodles! Take care! 🥰❤️🥰
You are dear, Vicki. Basking in your encouragement!
Love you, Joy! Sending healing hugs! Big ones! 🥰
🩵🩵🩵 Continuing to pray. And yes, it’s easy to take for granted the blessing of being able to actually eat and enjoy your food! You are stewarding your afflictions well.
Stewarding my afflictions, hmmmm. Pondering that one. Oh, and I slogged the entire 10-block loop this morning (first time in a month). . . . which led to a nap.
Great news!
Love how you identify those threads, Joy. Glad you got some relief!
Thank you, Wynne!
So glad for relief. And your amazing attitude of gratitude for the small victories!! Hugs, love, and continued prayers.
Bless you, Judy! I walked/slogged the entire 10-block loop this morning, first time in about a month! Makin’ progress.
Fingers crossed.
Thanks, Don! Cautiously hopeful. . .
Such a promising respite in your health journey, Joy. Add my voice to the chorus singing prayerfully for the best for you.
Oh, bless you, John. This might just mean an interview soon! One of the themes in Meadowlark Songs is great losses. Mine includes loss of health, but Crohn’s didn’t even make the cut. I was in the throes of a diagnosis and attempts at solving things as the little book was published.
Excellent report, Joy. I bet you’re feeling the way many of us are for you—happy and cautiously optimistic. Many people, myself included, take the joy of eating for granted.
Thank you, Pete! Joyous and cautiously optimistic. And now contemplating how suffering elbows its way into living and where to nestle it going forward. hmmm
Great news, Joy. So happy.
Thank you, John. I certainly hope it lasts a good while!
Thank you for sharing your good news, Joy! It made my day!!!
Thanks for sharing your journey, Joy. Apart from thanking God for your progress, it’s an encouragement to us too.
I’m thankful for your encouragement as well, Malcolm.
It’s good to hear that you’re doing better, Joy. I hope and pray that your health does as well as possible.
Thank you, Tim. I’m cautiously optimistic!
Raising you up girlfriend in gratitude! I can see the light at the end of those wacky tunnels and I know that as the dust settles in so many areas, your life improves greatly! <3
Bless you, Annette! Cautiously optimistic as it all comes at a cost (side effects), but such a relief!
This is such wonderful news, Joy. I hope it continues. Sending hugs. xo
Thanks, Darlene. Another one Monday, then I get to wait a month. So far, I’m enjoying food again!
So glad that you are feeling better! I am keeping you in my prayers!!!
Thank you, Linda. Cautiously optimistic!
I pray you had a successful infusion today. Thank the LORD your first one gave you relief from the pain. Hopefully, your Crohn’s will go into remission and stay there!
Oh, bless you, Nancy!
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