Uga VI

Well today I got the news that Uga VI died from heart faliure. I really didn't know that one could determine that from a dog. Go modern technology.

Well I had to share the news to Baby O. She didn't seem too bummed - I really don't think she understood. Anyway, I took this opportunity to let her know that the lineage is still secure with other offspring. She can still do her rally call with confidence.

Treatment Update

Yesterday I took my second dose of the Interferon shot. If you remember, last week didn't go so well. I was looking for a shovel to dig a grave in the backyard! Argh! Well, this week has been much better. Hot Wife gave me the shot yesterday after dinner with the goal being for the side effects to occur while I slept. Overall, the side effects were much reduced. I remember some fever last night be not nearly as much as the week before. I am still a little achy today, but trust me, I'll take it!

We have been getting so many notes and emails from friends and family over the last few weeks. Let me tell you, they encourage us so much!

Otherwise, all is good. Baby O has been really into cups lately. There are three plastic tumblers that she's carrying all over the house. I just don't get it though. Baby O has hundreds of toys, but desires to play with cups. I remember Michael and Cole did the same thing. I guess it's just a kid tradition.

Fame! I'm gonna live forever.

Baby O put on some of her Mom's socks. I really think she getting dressed up for "Fame" auditions. Can you hear the theme song?

The Juice: Update

Okay you all... So shortly after my my first post about treatment, my body took a turn for the worst. I was feeling pretty okay when I was writing the post, but about two hours afterwards, it hit me like a Chuck Norris kick to the temple. Wow! About 6pm through out the rest of the night I felt like I never have felt before. They say it's like the flu -- I say worse. Aches were pretty tough, but the fever and chills were horrible. It was like hours and hours of the stuff they put in you for a contrast CT scan. I think it is bromine???

I'm done with my rant. This morning brought a much better outcome. I still have some soreness, but the fever and chills are gone. Yea! I feel like I can at least be somewhat productive. Maybe enjoy Hot Wife and Baby O a little. I think I should still take it easy for precaution, but I feel like a party in comparision to last night.

The Post-Man has appeared

So boys and girls we all want to know where Mr. Postman has been. Well today Sambeaux,Baby O ,and myself were walking, before Sambeaux started to feel Real Bad from the juice, and we saw Mr. Postman. However he was not delivering mail. Instead he and a friend were cruising the neighborhood with windows rolled down, loving life, or so it seemed. We heard a nice hey D's and he zoomed right by. I will be sure to keep you posted on this "trusty" mail deliverer. I am just glad to know he is alive and seems to be well.

The Juice

Alright, so today is my first day for "the juice". Hot Wife and I went to UAB and to get instructions about how to administer the interferon. The nurse went over the process with us of how to work the "shot". It is kind of like a really high-tech epi-pen. Boy I remember the epi-pen. We had some at camp when we took the young boys on a multi-day hike just in case someone had a reaction to a bite or something. Even though I never had to use one or saw one being used, we all secretely wanted to "pop" one of those puppies in for fun.

I am so thankful for Hot Wife being a nurse, but bless her heart, she was shaking like a leaf when giving me my first shot. I guess it's a lot different when it's one of your own your caring for. She did very well and didn't even miss a step of the process. The shot stung only very little which is probably normal for any instrument that breaks the sub-q tissue. Yeah baby! I learned the "sub-q" terminology today. There was even a little mark from the shot that was in the shape of a "V". I think it stands for VICTORY! I tried to take a picture, but it turned out fuzzy.

We've officialy started the treatment for the next year. We don't know what is ahead, but at least we're not waiting anymore.

Hanging with Poppy

Update: Best Postman Ever

Did I call him Rob or Ron in the previous posts? Hmm... Anyway, Hot Wife was working some reconnsiance and found out that "Rob" will be back in a few weeks. Yea!!! But where has he been for multiple months? Should I ask or just welcome him back.

Anyway, "Rob" delivers the mail to a much better quality than his co-workers. We are anxious to have him back.

What's the Goal here?

Why do we pray for healing? Hot Wife and I were faced with this question after an anointing service given to me by some pastors and elders of our church. The pastor explained that the oil has no supernatural or medicinal properties and then administers it to my head all the while the other men are laying hands on me and praying. The instruction for this service comes from the Book of James

14Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. 15And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. 16Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.

The prayers were for (1) supernatural healing, (2) healing through the medications, and (3) glory for God's kingdom.

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On our way home, Hot Wife and I were wondering why we pray for healing when ultimately our glory (heaven) is only by way of death. In light of that, why do we pray for healing, when healing would only prolong one from reaching glory with our Savior?

Is death the goal? No. Death is victory, not the goal. In light of the truth and benefits of heaven that which I believe, I would not want me, Hot Wife, Baby O, or any believer to spend one extra second here on earth if it meant that it was one less second that they could spend with their savior. So again, why do we pray for health? Well, death is not the goal, and guess what, life isn't either. So what's the goal here?

Glorification of Jesus.

Our goal no matter what is to be a vessel through which God can bring glorification to His kingdom. That it. Complete. Nothing more. Nothing less.

I am reminded of my marriage vows. You know... Rich. Poor. Sickness. Health. And so on. God made ALL types of people. Rich ones. Poor ones. Big, small, healthy, sick, black, white, smart, and not so. All of which He has given abundant ability to bring glory to Himself. In simple terms it's not about us, it's about Him.

So when we pray for health, we pray for God to use every bit of us that He ordains to glorify Him. There's absolutely nothing wrong about praying for good things all as long as it's surrounded by the trust that we have in the belief that through ALL things He will be glorified. Successful or unsuccessful with these treatments??? We don't know. But in all things; in my house, He will be glorified and we will trust His provisions and sovereignty over our lives.

Guys and girls, sorry again for the deep message here. I'll try to lighten it up a little in future posts. I just had it on my heart to share.

Covered with the presence of prayer.

Okay guys and gals, I know I am usually pretty low-key and light-hearted with the blog, but today I feel inspired to share a little more.

A few weeks ago, you might remember that I am walking steps to take off weight in preparation for some medical treatment. Well, the details are probably important... I have a liver disease known as Hepatitis C. It's a pretty undetectable disease since those that have it usually show no outward signs. I discovered it about eight years ago when applying for life insurance. Don't apply for life insurance, it will hurt your health! Just kidding. Okay so I absolutely can't blog a completely serious post! Anyway, since finding out about the disease, I have been paying much attention to eating and drinking things that will not harm my liver any further. That has shown very good results, however, the disease has continued to attack my liver.

A month ago, I went to the doctor who runs annual test which usually consist of just blood work. This year we had decided to take the test an extra step and have a biopsy administered to conclusively show the stage of the disease. In preparation for the biopsy, I had a CT Scan to show a picture of my liver. To make a long story shorter, the CT Scan showed evidence that more damage had been done than we expected. Whoa! No biopsy needed and that's not necessarily a good thing.

The recommendation of the doctor is to not prolong any longer taking the treatment which consists of two medications for a combination therapy. Well, that messed up "our" plans. We wanted another baby or two before addressing treatment, but we trust the doctor and will follow his advise.

Anyway, that is the background about what's going on. But, the most important message I have for today is that I feel completely surrounded by prayer. For weeks now our Sunday school class has been praying and including the information about me in our newsletter. Additionally, this week the pastor over my class asked me to go to lunch and pray, and just last night, our community pastor called for prayer. I know that seems like a lot of pastors et.al., but you've got to understand that we go to a church with over 4,000 members, I am truly impressed how organized they all are!

That's it; right? Nope. Just this morning a lady from the church who's husband serves at the missions pastor called to share with me her experiences. Her brother has battled the disease. Successfully! She contacted him and he has offered his support. I feel her prayers as well.

Ya'll, I absolutely have never felt this way before. I actually feel my church, local and universal, supporting me and I am so thankful that God has provided his church for me. My message is very simple, if you have a friend in need of ANYTHING, pray for them. I am on the receiving end today -- it's the truth I feel it.