I hope you all are having a wonderful Christmas season as we all turn our eyes to the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus.  He is the reason for this season.  

It has been a crazy week at our home.  Last weekend, Megane had her birthday party on Saturday and attended her first high school dance on Sunday.  She turned 15 on Monday and got her driving permit on Wednesday.

I had labs on Tuesday, for my thyroid (recently changed medication and checking levels).  

Wednesday I had my monthly labs for my oncologist.  All the labs look good and my light chains moved only slightly up to 9.3 (normal range is 3-19).  

On Tuesday, I heard from my oncologist that my IV IG had been approved.  I panicked a little as I wanted to get it done this week so that insurance would cover it 100%.  By God's grace, I was able to have that infusion yesterday. 

Wednesday was my prep for my colonoscopy and endoscopy (IYKYK).  The procedure on Thursday went well and there was nothing found of concern.  2 polyps were removed from my colon but were benign.  Esophagitis was discovered in my esophagus so I am on medication to help with the reflux.  (my dad had esophageal cancer so this is definitely something to address)

Friday, I got my IV IG.  It was a six hour infusion.  All was going well until they upped the titration and I had a bad reaction.  I had nausea, headache and my body started shaking uncontrollably.  It was scary for a bit.  My nurse was amazing and even stopped to pray over me as I was crying and shaking so bad.  She prayed for peace and that my body would settle.  Eventually the meds she gave me worked and I stopped shaking.  The shaking went on for 30 minutes and I am sore today from my muscles tightening up.  She paused the drip while all that went on, and once the meds kicked in she restarted the IV IG.  

The hope is that this IV will boost my IgG blood levels and in turn boost my immune system.  The IgG levels tanked after my chemo in the spring, and just hadn't rebounded like they should have.  We will see how well it worked when I have my labs in January.

Family news:

Valya passed her written exam last week and this past Wednesday, she passed her practical exam.  She is now licensed to practice cosmetology in Texas!!  Please pray she will listen to our advice on next steps.  Our hope is that she would get hired on at a salon to practice her craft and improve her skills and confidence.

We leave for Mississippi on Tuesday, to visit David’s family.  We are all looking forward to our time with them.  It has been a year since our last visit.

Praises:

1. My light chains still in normal range
2. I was able to get 2 major procedures done before year end, so they were covered by insurance
3. Colonoscopy and EGD are complete and nothing of concern was found.
4. Valya has passed all of her exams and finished her cosmetology school.
5. David is off for a few weeks of much needed rest.

Prayer Requests:

1. The IV IG will work and my IgG levels will get a boost
2. Safe travels for our family as we drive to MS on Tuesday
3. Valya will find a job soon.  She also needs a new place to live.
4. Our family will stay healthy during this winter season.

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!