Walking Through Faith in Hard Times
November 4-6, 2022
Walking through Faith in Hard Times is challenging, especially when facing illness, fatigue, and uncertainty. In these journal entries from a few days in November 2022, I share my personal experiences of living out faith in hard times each day, trusting God through physical trials, family responsibilities, and daily life challenges.
November 4
6:20 it’s too early. I don’t want to get up yet. Exhausted. Left eye feels cloudy. Thirsty.
Up to read Scripture and pray with Dezirae before she leaves for school. She has field trip today to the aquarium in LA. I wanted to go, but we have Dr appointments today. Maybe another time.
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 3:6; Matthew 22; Mark 12; 1 John 4:16
My eye is really bothering me. I think I’m going to have to call Dr on it. Applied warm compress. Taking Tylenol sinus to see if its allergy related.
Song: ♫In the name of the Lord♫
Center of chest hurts. Feet cold. Rt ear ringing for ten minutes then stops. Coughing. Postnasal drip. Thirsty.
12:00 PCP nurse (Tasha) called to check on me. PCP actually asked Joe about me during his appt. Lol. He told her about my left eye problem. Had nurse called to inquire what was going on. Dr calling in an eye antibiotic due to the swelling and irritation. I was pleasantly surprised and grateful.
1:00 pm PET scan appt
Nurse name is Peggy. Fasting sugar is 85. Instructions prior to scan included strict diet with no sugars including fruits. Only protein and vegetables that are grown above ground. Can only drink water 6 hours prior to testing. Fasting glucose must be under 200. Nurse said I had an excellent reading. Injected with a low dose radioactive dye. Must recline for 45 minutes. Not allowed to talk on phone but can play games or read.
Nurse informed me that once I have surgery to remove the cancer, I will not be able to have injections in my left arm anymore. Lymph nodes help circulation and having one less lymph node could hinder circulation in that arm. Hmm? I thanked her for the information.
I’m kind of sleepy so I may just close my eyes and rest a while.
The PET scan went well today.
I will get the results next Friday when I see the oncologist. I will also be meeting with the surgeon next Friday to discuss surgery and schedule a date for surgery.
I have developed an infection in my left eye. My PCP called in antibiotic eye drops. Hopefully, it will clear up quickly.
November 5
5:30 not sure how long I’ve been awake. Trouble sleeping. Sinus congested and running. Gassy stomach. Headache. Neck hurts. Back left inside of jae hurts when I yawn. Left eye feels crusty but it’s not and hurts.
Scripture: Romans 13:6; Matthew 23; Luke 20-21; Psalm 5; Proverbs 5
Worked on finishing the bulletin early so we can go to Jordon’s game tonight. Tried to eat some chocolate covered almonds. The chocolate tastes horrible to me. Boohoo! I can’t wait until my regular taste buds come back. Ate leftovers for lunch. Hot sauce gave me indigestion. Still have cough and annoying runny nose.
Joe suggested I take a nap to have energy for tonight. It’s raining and roof is dripping on something outside. I can hear everything inside the house. It’s annoying me. Decided to turn on fan for noise. Center of chest hurts from coughing.
November 6
Woke several times through the night. Got chilled to the bone from the trip which took several hours for me to get warmed back up. Headache, little bit of chest congestion, body aches as if it’s been or going to storm. Neck aches.
Scripture: Ephesians 1:9-10; Mark 13; Psalm 6; Proverbs 6
I get to go to church today. Looking forward to it and seeing my church family.
It’s a sad moment when chocolate tastes horrible to me. I’m hoping that will change when my tastes and smells return to normal.
Enjoyed a delicious lunch at Mom’s and Dad’s house for Hudson’s birthday celebration. Mom invited a couple other friends as well. Jordon made comment that he’d like some deer meat. Couple hours later the husband brought some deer meat for our families to share. Thank you, Lord.
Excited about hosting a Ladies Christmas Tea for our church. I have the theme picked and a devotional to study. Plus, I have door prizes ordered that match the theme. Just need to pick a date and time. Plus, Lord willing, I plan on starting the Ladies meetings back up in the New Year. Going to begin teaching the Ladies how to serve in the church. Lord directed me to the materials for that as well.
Took a “village” to help me help Dezirae with her math homework before church. Lol. One word problem we were all stuck on, so we asked Bro Rick how to do it. He quickly blurted out how to proceed. I never would’ve thought to do that. We all chuckled. Sometimes it really does take a village to raise a child. Lol
My left eye still hurts and watery. The swelling has come down some. Learned how to put the drops in my own eye. Exhausted. Allergies acting up. Taste buds still off. Tummy feels bloated and hurts. Took 3 papaya enzymes. They seem to help with my digestion presently. Hands and arms tingling and achy. Low back aches. Dry spot on rt side just above ear. My homemade essential oil face cream seems to be helping.
Thankful for 1. Enjoyable visit at lunch time 2. Given some deer meat 3. Help with Math homework 4. Joe’s loving me 5. Good visit with Jordon
