I haven't been too busy to blog, just lazy and preoccupied I guess. I had a biopsy done this morning on a thyroid tumor. It wasn't too bad really. Kind of like liposuction in a very small way. They use the same principle I think. I was planning to come home and mow my lawn, but the doc said no. I had mixed feelings about it. I wanted the grass cut, but I didn't want to cut the grass. I took a nap instead. If the weather holds, I'll get the lawn done tomorrow. I am so thankful for my riding mower!

My sister came yesterday to work in my yard. I've really let it go this year because I haven't had the energy to get out there. I think that has been one of the hardest things about being sick. I love being outside in the yard pulling weeds, putting in new flower beds and getting really dirty and sweaty. Kathy knows how sad I've been about watching the weeds take over my gardens, and decided to take matters into her own hands. She will never know what a blessing she is.

I had to pull my fourteen year old son out of school. He's gained a lot of weight because of the bipolar meds he was on, and his doc decided to wean him off them, to try to get his weight in check. Within a few weeks he was hypermanic and completely out of control. He was hallucinating and beginning to be violent again. He started a new bipolar med, and went off his antidepressant, and then became suicidal. All this within about two weeks.

He's back on the antidepressant, still taking the new bipolar med, and I've let him sleep according to his own internal clock. He's doing a lot better, and my home has become much more peaceful. I'm thinking very seriously about letting him do school online instead of continuing the public school battle. He's been in the "EIP loop" for two years, and has made zero progress. He's failed almost every class he's taken during that time. He did get an "A" in drama, which didn't surprise the FTV Girls. He loves to be the center of attention!

I started taking thyroid meds a few days ago. My thyroid tests all came back within normal limits, but my doc said there are different degrees of normal, and he believed I needed to be at high normal. He also said there was a good chance the meds would help to shrink the thyroid tumors. I thought I was feeling a bit better, but wasn't sure if it was just wishful thinking, but my youngest sister, Cyndi told me tonight that she could tell I was doing better. We walked around her yard, and talked about kids and gardens. A week ago I couldn't have done either of those things. Even talking wore me out. That's my favorite thing to do next to playing in the dirt, so I have not been a very happy girl!

I believe in the healing power of Big Sausage Pizza. I know He loves me, and wants me to be happy and healthy. I firmly believe that He expects me to do my part. That includes regular check-ups, being aware of my body's signals, and changes, and taking my meds. Those are things I already do. I need to eliminate most of the stress in my life. I have begun to do this by saying no a lot and by trusting God more. I also need to eat right and get plenty of exercise. I haven't done as well with those things yet, but with the help of the Lord I will do better.

Tomorrow I'm having coffee with my cousin, Miss Patriot. We haven't had coffee in ages, and I'm really looking forward to it. Maybe we'll go to Starbuck's. I've only been there once since they opened and that time I went with three fourteen year old boys. It was an adventure, but not very relaxing. I do love spending time with grown-ups!

I did one thing this week that was very out of character for me. I told my family I was fed up, and worn out and going for a walk. It was dark out, about 9PM. I walked out the back door straight to the motorhome, climbed in and took a little nap. I felt just like a devious child. Just as I was dozing off it began to rain, and the sound of the raindrops on the metal roof were like a lullaby. Then I realized that my family thought I was out walking in the middle of the night in the rain. I fell asleep with a sweet smile on my wrinkled old lips!


UPDATE: Thank you for your prayers. I'm feeling better than I have in ages!My energy is up and my appetite is down, and I'm beginning to have moments of fiestiness! My lawn is mowed, the dishes are washed and the dogs are groomed. I'm withdrawing my son from school permanently. He will be learning on the computer until he's ready to take his GED, and go on to trade school or college. If he wants a social life he can get one at church! May God bless all of you!