Outside my window...
...snow flurries and heavier snow predicted in a little while. It's been snowing off and on for a few days -- nothing heavy, just an occasional tumble of flurries to remind us it's still winter. I love to look out the window and see the snow falling softly. When the flakes fall so gently, it reminds me of grace falling down upon us, coating us with peace and tranquility.
I am thinking...
...I have such nice readers. I apologize for not posting over the weekend about my doctor's appointment, especially to you sweet ladies who emailed me and inquired about me. You are so very kind and I appreciate, immensely, your prayers. I have been so calm through all this medical mystery and I know it is prayer and My Blessed Mother keeping me calm.
The gynecology oncologist is not concerned about the cyst. Apparently ovarian cysts do come and go, especially before and during menopause. It seems my ovary is just over-achieving right now. The cyst which was present in September did go away. There were some smaller ones the ultrasound tech saw in December, one of which grew into a large one in January. Dr. V (who besides being a well-respected oncologist is also a very handsome and caring Italian man) said they are not complex and he is confident they are nothing to worry about.
The clot, on the other hand, is somewhat worrisome because it came up unprovoked (no surgery or medical event causing me to stay in bed). I will probably be on coumadin for three to six months, but in the meantime I will have to see a hematology oncologist to see if there is a malignancy somewhere to provoke the clot. I have had blood work before and did not test positive for any of the "better known" clotting issues, so I'll keep hunting. My brother developed a DVT, and my uncle is on coumadin for life because of them, so I suspect there may be a family connection. I am praying for that!
The gynecology oncologist is not concerned about the cyst. Apparently ovarian cysts do come and go, especially before and during menopause. It seems my ovary is just over-achieving right now. The cyst which was present in September did go away. There were some smaller ones the ultrasound tech saw in December, one of which grew into a large one in January. Dr. V (who besides being a well-respected oncologist is also a very handsome and caring Italian man) said they are not complex and he is confident they are nothing to worry about.
The clot, on the other hand, is somewhat worrisome because it came up unprovoked (no surgery or medical event causing me to stay in bed). I will probably be on coumadin for three to six months, but in the meantime I will have to see a hematology oncologist to see if there is a malignancy somewhere to provoke the clot. I have had blood work before and did not test positive for any of the "better known" clotting issues, so I'll keep hunting. My brother developed a DVT, and my uncle is on coumadin for life because of them, so I suspect there may be a family connection. I am praying for that!
Thank you for your prayers, ladies. You are awesome!
From the lesson plans...
...just rolling along in most subjects. I need to spend some time on the library website reserving new books to brighten our school days. Also, I bought Faith a FlashMaster and it has been a big help in math class. If you have a child who has difficulty memorizing math facts, I highly recommend. It's not inexpensive, but it works well, better than any app I've found. No frills, just to the point.
From the kitchen..
...toast with grapefruit marmalade. I made the marmalade on Saturday and it's so yummy -- bright and sweet for winter toast and coffee. Homemade bread and homemade jam...yum.
I still have to create this week's menu for dinners.
I still have to create this week's menu for dinners.
I am wearing...
...a grey skirt, grey leggings (my lovely compression stocking underneath), navy turtleneck and, for the moment, purple bedroom slippers (these are the nicest slippers I've ever owned!).
I am creating...
...a sweater for Faith, rosaries, scapulars, quilts, doll bedding for Faith's belated Christmas gift, a skirt for me, pajamas and pillowcases for Faith's birthday.
The only thing I finished was the skirt for me, which I wore yesterday. It needs to be hemmed up another inch or so, but I like it.
The number of projects I have going is stressing me because I hate the thought of letting anyone down, including those who are waiting for scapulars. Self-imposed stress is what that is -- oldest child syndrome.
...I am also creating a Downton Abbey basket for the hospital foundation gala. It deserves an entire post, so stay tuned. Too Much Fun!
The only thing I finished was the skirt for me, which I wore yesterday. It needs to be hemmed up another inch or so, but I like it.
The number of projects I have going is stressing me because I hate the thought of letting anyone down, including those who are waiting for scapulars. Self-imposed stress is what that is -- oldest child syndrome.
...I am also creating a Downton Abbey basket for the hospital foundation gala. It deserves an entire post, so stay tuned. Too Much Fun!
I am planning...
...well, I said I was going to start exercising last week, but my doctor wants me to wait another two weeks. Sigh. The bike arrived, and is in the basement rec room, but Doug won't put it together until I am allowed to use it, because he knows me. Thus, I am planning to start exercising in two weeks! In the meantime, when I'm sitting I have to have my leg up and shouldn't be standing still for long (it was too long in the kitchen yesterday making Super Bowl treats, for sure).
...Doug and I have had three black tie events to attend in four weeks, and we have one more -- the big one, the hospital foundation's event -- this Saturday. Then I hope it is many months before I have to don a gown and pinchy shoes.
...Peach's birthday is in two weeks so we are planning her party...an American Girl party. Cute, cute.
...Doug and I have had three black tie events to attend in four weeks, and we have one more -- the big one, the hospital foundation's event -- this Saturday. Then I hope it is many months before I have to don a gown and pinchy shoes.
...Peach's birthday is in two weeks so we are planning her party...an American Girl party. Cute, cute.
I am hoping thankful...
...for good doctors and especially for a caring gynecology oncologist who gave me nothing to worry about last week. He said he could certainly take my ovaries out, but he doesn't think I need to have a surgery right now. I agree.
Around the house...
...Just laundry for the week, the house was cleaned over the weekend, but we are still talking about that bathroom project, and possibly wood floors for the living room and dining room. If I could get rid of the carpet in the entire house, I would.
I am going...
...to pick up Noah from school today, probably go to the library and to have my INR checked tomorrow, and that's as far as I am projecting. It shouldn't be a busy week though (crossing fingers).
I am praying for...
...my children, and my husband
...my dear friend Gina who has radiation appointments every week day for six weeks. I pray for her strength and peace in her heart.
...for our Kelly.
...for our Kelly.
...our priests and all religious, especially those who have strayed from the teachings of the Church
...all of the babies whose mothers are contemplating abortion this week, and for a change of heart for their mothers. We have another abortion mill going in less than a mile from a Catholic Church in a suburb of Columbus. PDHC HAS decided to put an office in across the street, they just need continued funding. Praying for more regular donors.
Thought for the day -- such a beautiful reminder in yesterday's Mass readings...
It is not jealous, it is not pompous,
It is not inflated, it is not rude,
it does not seek its own interests,
it is not quick-tempered, it does not brood over injury,
it does not rejoice over wrongdoing
but rejoices with the truth.
It bears all things, believes all things,
hopes all things, endures all things." 1 Cor 13:4-7
From the camera...
Oh, we're going to pray about that clinic and hopefully put it ou of business SOON! I can't believe it. And the website just makes the docs look so slimey...ugh.
ReplyDeleteOf course he's not honest about what he does, it's hidden under "other services."
Pray, pray, pray....
Glad to know you have good doctors who are on the case!
Continued prayers for your health Barbara.
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to see that Downton Abbey basket! That print looks kind of Downton Abbeyish....
Oh, I forgot to say I love your header!
ReplyDeleteSo glad to hear that your doctor appointment was (mostly) positive news. Yes, cysts can and do come & go. If you're not in pain from it, you're probably better off just leaving it alone. It sounds good that the doctor isn't planning to rush you right into another surgery.
ReplyDeleteContinued prayers that the DVT issue is resolved and for good results with the hematologist.
You sounded very upbeat in your post today. I am glad you got some good news from one of your doctors. I was thinking about your appointment but did not want to bother you to ask about it. I will continue to send thoughts and prayers your way for the DVT issue. I love when I get good recommendations from blogs and I really appreciate your recommendation of the flashmaster. My granddaughter is having a very hard time mastering her math facts. I think she might enjoy this game and I am going to order her one today.
ReplyDeleteIt's so good to see your post today. I am thankful for your good news from your doctor, and will keep praying for a good outcome. I, too, forgot to remark on your new background photo. Love it! The to do list you posted is astonishing; I'm tired just reading it! Thank you for the link to the slippers. They look comfy, and I need some for myself, and as a gift for someone else. Hope you are able to have a bit of fun at the gala, even with the "pinchy" shoes. Prayers continue. --- Rosemary
ReplyDeleteEveryone else beat me to it! I saw your header last week and loved it. Mary looks so sweet in the snow!
ReplyDeleteMom's picture looks great. I wish I knew who has the original! Where did you hang that tiny piece of art?
I, too, can't wait to see the Downton Abbey basket!
Great news! I've been praying for you, specially with another concerning appointment, and INR testings you'll be a regular on due to the coumadin. One also has to love hormones at our age, with those silly cysts, fibroids and polyps coming and going. Hugs to you! Love the header, and the picture.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to see your Downton basket. Fun! :)
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear the good news, and we'll all just keep holding you in prayer!
OK, I'm shelling out those big bucks for that FlashMaster thing...unless you tell me she's already tired of it...but I must do SOMETHING. Maybe I can rent it to other moms over the summer to get my money back...I mean, holy cow, couldn't I buy a DS for less?
ReplyDelete