Friday

...of testing my serenity

During our conversation, the Endocrinologist prepared me for the next three weeks. In order to begin the I-131 treatment, my Thyroid Stimulating Hormone level, (TSH), needed to be 50. It was currently at 28.307. He instructed me to return to the lab for another TSH check, (which has to be done by collecting blood), after talking with him. Then I was to report to the Nuclear Medicine & Health Physics wing where they would give me detailed information concerning the radiation process. Dr. “Endo” also suggested that my sponsor, (Anton), apply for the Exceptional Family Member Program, (EFMP). The doctor’s reasoning for our applying had been based on the following information:

*6-12 months after first Whole Body Scan, (WBS), a second one repeated
*12-24 months later, another WBS will be done again
*With each scan, a small dose of I-131 is administered
*None of this could be done in Misawa or at any other bases in Japan, which would warrant traveling back to Hawaii.
*Lastly, I now needed the constant care of an Endocrinologist, which Misawa’s clinic lacked. However, for the time being, the Internal Medicine Physician at Misawa Air Base would be able to offer some limited care

Dr. “Endo” first made certain that I understood and then he offered to answer questions. When we were done, he gave me an appointment card to return back to him 1330 for the results of my second TSH. Off I went to the laboratory and then to Nuclear Medicine & Health Physics. Here, I found out that I’d actually be admitted as a patient on the morning I receive the
Radiation therapy. They also told me not to eat after 0800, have blood drawn at 0800, go see Endocrinologist at 0830 and then return to the 6th floor where I would be taken to my room and given I-131. Next the Nuclear Med folk told me that they would be ready to administer the radiation to me at approximately 0900. They could not tell me if it were going to be in pill or liquid form because it had to be shipped in from the mainland and it usually didn’t arrive until the day it is needed!

I thought to myself, “So basically, I’m still at a place without full capabilities!” but audibly, I grunted, shook my head as I lowered it and laughed...

“A fool shows his annoyance at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult.” Proverbs 12:16 NIV

7 comments:

  1. Larie: All I can say is, God has some outstanding, outrageous plans for you, girl. You are a threat to the devil, and more than a warrior.
    Thanks for your words of wisdom on my blog today; those helped me.
    Love you,
    Jen

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  2. I am amazed at your strength and I praise GOD for your transparency. GOD is and will continue to use your story in a powerful way.
    Blessings and prayers, andrea

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  3. Ok I am caught up now! I cannot believe how captivating your story is! What a testimony!!! I am now still anxious to hear the continuation of it. God has definitely been with you through this whole thing girl! For sure!

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  4. I must admit I had to do a little snooping around to figure out what you were talking about.

    I love the verse Job 23:10 "But He knows the way that I take, and when He has tried me, I shall come forth as gold."

    Such a beautiful promise that as God burns away all our impurities in the Refiner's fire, that we shall come out of that fire like gold. With all the impurities burned out, with a beautiful solid sheen that is the sheen of Christ!

    My prayers are with you, my friend, knowing that our Father is watching over you.

    Oh, and I read your airplane post. I don't know if you know Sharing Life With Lisa but she had a post in which she talked about how she used to have a horrible fear of flying, until she read something that told her that she couldn't die until God was finished using her.

    She said she was immediately delivered from that fear. I don't fear flying but I do have my own fears and worries that the enemy tries to use to distract me but that the Lord uses to deliver me.

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  5. Oh Larie, reading this just makes me see the incredible strength you have. You have held together through an awful lot my friend. Wow.

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  6. OK, what I want to know is whether or not everything stuck to that rigid schedule they gave you. Wondering if military hopsitals run on a "tighter ship" that regular ones.
    My experience is that they tell me to be here or there at this or that time, and when I get there I end up waiting for what seems like hours.

    Looking forward to the next installment of your journey!

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  7. Wow, so much to do. Finding out you were an in patient the same day. I agree with the others you showed remarkable strength.

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Y'all's comments are overwhelmingly encouraging. I appreciate them very much. They motivate me to continue being myself. Smooches!