Walking Through Faith in Hard Times
November 18-20, 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 18
6:30 woke to another headache. Sneezing. Watery eyes. Bad taste in mouth. Sinuses congested.
Scripture: John 17:17; Acts 4-6; Romans 15:13
8:00 Dr appt with chiropractor. Gave Dr copy of my recent blood work and PET scan. He said that it looked like the chemo did a number on my liver and decided to treat with acupuncture. Used about 10 needles for my liver channel. Spots in my abdomen are very sore. Spot in my leg made my whole leg jump. Lol. Adjusted well. Told him it felt like my left shoulder is popping out of place again. He checked and it popped. He said it was definitely out of place. Able to put it back in. Joe mentioned about me visiting with the radiologist. Explained that while he answered some questions, he wasn’t able to answer all of them because some of treatment going forward will be determined by how surgery goes. He asked what other questions I had. I also told him that I asked what the increased life expectancy would be if I got radiation. Answer was 2-3%. I said that small of a % didn’t seem as if radiation was going to be worth it. He agreed. Thank you, Lord, for your blessings on me.
10:30 Dermatologist appointment went well. I have two cysts on my head that are bothering me. As expected, the Dr said that they’re too large to lance and will have to be cut out. I can only get one done at a time due to my insurance. My first one is scheduled for mid-January. Dr was very pleasant. Nurse is also fighting cancer – a type of skin cancer. She’s been battling it for ten years. Shared info about American Ginseng helping with energy and naturally fights cancer. Told her I’d pray for her.
11:30 PCP appointment for bloodwork. The bloodwork is to check my thyroid function because the PET scan showed possible thyroid goiter. Saw this photo on the wall while getting my blood drawn. It was encouraging.
It reminded me of promises in Scripture that God will never give you more than you can handle (1 Corinthians 10:13); He will give you the strength you need to endure (Isaiah 40:10); and He will be with you wherever you go (Joshua 1:9).
God’s power has the ability to continuously strengthen us since it is a part of our connection with Him, even though we are frail. In our walk with God, He understands our fragility and even encourages us to cast our cares (concerns for the past, present, and future, as well as for oneself, others, and the church) on Him since He is able to support us (1 Peter 5:7).
4:30 just learned that chemo can cause thyroid problems. https://www.cancer.net/coping-with-cancer/physical-emotional-and-social-effects-cancer/managing-physical-side-effects/thyroid-problems.
Asked for help in Toxic Free Thrivers Facebook group (owned by Marnie Clark). She shares following info with me
https://draxe.com/health/goiter/
Fermented foods for gut health https://draxe.com/nutrition/fermented-foods/
November 19
4:00 wen by severe an throughout body. Migraine, severe pain in all bones in body. Used restroom but had to hold onto bed and dresser as balance was way off and I almost fell couple times to and from bed. Deep breathing exercises once back in bed. Took a bit to fall back to sleep.
5:30 jerked awake from bad dream – twas about to be side swiped by a black SUV on my passenger side. Think I jerked so bad that it woke Joe. I snuggled closer to him for comfort. Asked God to calm my spirit. Prayed for those whom I could remember that are going through tough times. Fell asleep with random pieces of hymns playing in my head.
6:30 Joe’s alarm went off. I had just fallen back to sleep. My whole body is still in severe pain. Weather notice on phone says that it’s fixing to rain.
Scripture: Psalm 1:1-2; Acts 7-8
8:00 still in a lot of pain. Took a tramadol. It seems to help take the edge off the pain. My stomach hurts something fierce. No appetite, but I know I need to drink fluids at least. Last week or so I’ve been alternating drinking decaf green tea and peppermint tea in the morning.
https://nuts.com/healthy-eating/green-tea-benefits
https://simplelooseleaf.com/blog/herbal-tea/peppermint-tea/
10:00 heading to church to get things ready for tomorrow. Joe invited all his coworkers and a lot of them said they’re coming.
November 20
6:30 didn’t sleep well last night. Not sure why. Exhausted and hurting. One point woken by severe stabbing pain in arms both were throbbing intensely and tingling. Had to reposition to get relief.
Song: ♫He is there all the time ♫
Scripture: Psalm 95:1-2; Acts 9-10
Tummy feels sour. Indigestion.
Brought Decaf Green Tea bag to brew cup of tea at church. I’m feeling really grumpy. Joe says I’m taking it out on him. I don’t know why I feel this way. Noticed I’m grouchy and touchy but didn’t realize I was throwing it at Joe.
Right eyelid twitching.
Can tell I’m behind in my fluids – yucky taste in mouth is getting stronger.
Services went well though the visitors that said they’d come didn’t show. Most of the food tasted good even though they didn’t taste as I remember they should. Seasoning on turkey didn’t taste good to me. Not a fan of green bean casserole.
Had to initiate clean up afterwards. Need to get dish gloves for the kitchen.
My whole body is throbbing like a toothache. Rt eye twitching more.
3:20 home and I’m having hard time keeping my eyes open. Playing wholetones. Taking a nap.
Slept until 5:30. I’m still exhausted and hurting all over. My arms feel like I did rigorous work out.
8:30 mustard up enough strength to debone turkey and start cooking bone broth in crockpot. My stomach is hurting and I’m feeling quite nauseous.
1000 tummy in a lot of pain. Drank chamomile tea in hopes to settle stomach and help me sleep better tonight.
Joe thinks I’m a little dehydrated. Says he’s noticed my tummy hurts when I’m dehydrated. While I know I haven’t drank enough water today, I don’t think that’s the only thing contributing to my stomach pain. Made three trips to restroom since about 8
It’s 65° inside and I’m freezing. Put heater on for little bit. Left shoulder feels like it’s out of joint again
Thankful for…
- Enjoyable services today
- Food leftovers to bring home
- God’s example of forgiveness