Friday Appointments

Friday visits were interesting.  We went from one doctor who seemed quite passive in helping Terry with his problems to another doctor who was so intense in trying to find out what these problems are and how he can help fix them.  We love the feeling we had with our infectious disease doctor. 

Terry woke up in the middle of the night Wednesday with very large swollen glands on his neck.  They were painful and made eating very difficult (soft foods is definitely on the menu).  This problem is additional to the leg pains and other pains and discomfort Terry is going through right now so it seems to me that it would be pretty miserable and I wanted some help for him (more than just pain reliever - I wanted some help in trying to clear it up).

First doctor suggested that CLL (or Lymphoma) could be coming back at this point, and that was all that was mentioned about it except for "do you have enough pain medication?"

Second doctor asked when and how fast it came on, and a few other questions to help diagnose the problem.  He then suggested it could be internal bleeding, especially since it came on so suddenly, and CLL would have swollen a little at a time instead of all at once within a few short hours.
This doctor also thought that the leg pains were due to the same thing - more internal bleeding and he then suggested that it could be one of the IV meds causing it. 
That medication was stopped immediately and an oral med replaced it.  We hope to see less of this swelling and pain in a few days, though we are somewhat skeptical of the added oral medication because it is something Terry had previous to the hospital stay.  But we continue in faith.

We feel like we have a doctor on our side and that we are doing the best we can do for the moment.  Another thing we have on our side is our faith and trust in the Lord.  We know the Lord is with us every step of the way.  Sometimes it seems a little difficult to see and feel, but we know it and we need it and we love it. 


Here is part of a special message from Donald L. Hallstrom. 

"In the most difficult circumstances of life, there is often only one source of peace. The Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ, extends His grace with the invitation “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). He further promises, “My peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you” (John 14:27).    

image from here

His most exemplary act, the Atonement, required Jesus to descend “below all things” (D&C 88:6) and suffer “the pains of all men” (2 Nephi 9:21). Thus we understand the Atonement has broader purpose than providing a means to overcome sin. This greatest of all earthly accomplishments gives the Savior the power to fulfill this promise: “If ye will turn to the Lord with full purpose of heart, and put your trust in him, and serve him with all diligence … , if ye do this, he will … deliver you out of bondage” (Mosiah 7:33).

... let us turn to the Lord, our “bright and morning star” (Revelation 22:16). ... He will forever light our way, our truth, and our life (see John 14:6) ...

 Full Message by Donald L. Hallstrom HERE


In our most recent General Conference of The Church Of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Dallin H. Oaks reminded us that "The Savior is the Prince of Peace".  (HERE)
I have been listening to Christmas music for a few weeks now and when I hear that sung or said in any way lately it touches my heart more than any other time in my life.  I have heard it over and over and always believed it for many years, but at this moment in my life I feel it more powerfully than ever before, and associate it with inner peace instead of worldly peace, and I wholly rely on it.  I wholly rely on Him, The Prince of Peace.  I love the Lord, our Savior, The Prince of Peace!