June 17, 2020 · from Lesley’s original CaringBridge journal
The first two adjectives have been how I have replied to friends asking how I felt being home. Another friend and I have talked before about how we fantasize about being alone in a blank, quiet room for a while – how wonderful that would be. Well…I’ve had that for two months and I must say some parts of it were wonderful. Then I came home. Don’t get me wrong, I am SOOOOOO thankful to be home with my guys and am right where I want to be but ya’ll….there’s like, a BUNCH of boys here! Three teenagers and a three-year-old! And if you can’t imagine what that is like, it is loud, rambunctious, dirty, energetic, and pretty much non-stop questions from someone. My ears have been overwhelmed and the mental exhaustion has been almost worse than the physical! Plus I see all the tasks that I need to be working on and have NO energy to complete. It is taking a bit of adjusting.
I had my first clinic visit yesterday since my hospital discharge. Once again, the Lord decided to show out. I aced my bloodwork! So well in fact that they were able to cancel all sorts of things they had scheduled for me because that is the usual course for transplant patients: an infusion of some sorts (fluid, electrolytes, etc.) after my appointment yesterday, home health services for infusions at home, AND my appointment on Thursday. They were surprised and happy that my numbers were “perfect,” all in the normal range and right where they wanted them. They said I looked great and there was no need to see me until next week! “Keep doing whatever you are doing!” my doctor said. The only complaint I have is that they didn’t lower my dose of Tacrolimus, one of my anti-rejection medications. One of the main side effects of this drug is tremors. I am having those, mostly noticeable in my hands but I also just feel shaky all over. It feels to me like low blood sugar, so I eat something but that doesn’t help (because it isn’t low blood sugar!) it just makes me gain weight! They test the level of this drug in my blood and want to keep it at a certain level to help my body accept the “graft” (transplant). Unfortunately for me, my levels were again, “perfect” so I have to stay at the dose I’m already on. He said my body will adjust to it but probably by then, it will be time to lower my dose anyway. But hey, not too shabby for less than one week home!
So yes, while I am exhausted and overwhelmed, I can’t help but be encouraged. God keeps showing us His hand and is assuring us day by day that He is going to provide for us. When the thoughts of doubt and fear start circling like buzzards on roadkill (sorry, that popped in my head and I couldn’t resist the analogy) I have to keep reminding myself of what I know to be the truth – what I have seen God do – His character. He is not a God who does wonderful things just to turn around and trick us with something bad. He always has our good and His glory as His purpose. And it is to that God that I give ALL the glory to for what He has done in my little ‘ol body the past two and a half months! I may have trouble typing this because my hands are shaky. I may drop my food because my hands are shaking. I may eat too many snacks and leggings are the only thing that fits because my insides are shaking 😂 BUT God is still good. And He always will be.
Comments from CaringBridge
Judy Rogers — 6/19/20
So encouraging!! Still praying!!
Laura Lee Sims — 6/19/20
I love how you give glory to God, the words that flow out of you. Yes!!! He is worthy. He is good and He doeth good. (Love that Old English sometimes). “He keepeth him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Thee because he (she) trusts in Thee.” The Lord bless you, sweet sister in Christ. You are engraved on the palm of His hand and in His grip.
alan motter — 6/18/20
God is holding your hand every day 😊 All of your Family and Friends are supporting and praying for these amazing results. Yeppers Wonder woman is back 😊
Karen Fincher — 6/18/20
Prayers continue for you daily and I pray those tremors subside.
Patti Garretson — 6/17/20
Lesley, all of that is absolutely the best news. I know the tremors are really irritating but thankfully these too will pass. I couldn’t be more thrilled for you and your family.
Gerry Brooks — 6/17/20
Stay strong, God is always with you and your family. We will continue to pray for you and your family.
Cindy Clark — 6/17/20
God is so faithful to us His children! How encouraging to hear your numbers are right where they should be and to see God’s hand upon you, Lesley! Continuing to pray for your complete healing. The LORD bless you with strength and energy and grace for each day AND abundant joy in Him! ❤️🙏🏻
Ellen Smith — 6/17/20
I remember so well coming home after my hysterectomy. 3 teenagers and usually more. Quiet was a dream from the past, but take heart, dear one, it becomes the wonderful norm and as I gained strength I think I did it in record time. Sounds like you are responding the same.
Martha Lee — 6/17/20
So. thankful that you are doing so well. We have a mutual friend, Pam Cook. You are in my prayers
Renee’ Tew — 6/17/20
God bless you Leslie! I am so happy to hear your report! I know it’s wonderful to be home,And I’m so happy for you and your family that you are. It’s pretty awesome when God shows out, isn’t it! He is so wonderfully awesome! Keep up the good work Leslie! Love you my friend.
Carol Churi — 6/17/20
So happy that you are progressing so perfectly and right on or ahead of schedule. A++++ Praise the Lord for all He is doing in your life! Praying for you!
Nancy Sullivan — 6/17/20
when Terry prays the intercessory prayer on Sunday nights, he prays Fervently for you! We all do
Emily Johnson — 6/17/20
I’m glad you told her too, Nancy!! Lesley & her fellas are on his heart ❤️
Cancermamma 