I’m writing to let you know that I’m still alive after my scan yesterday afternoon! 😉

Seriously, there wasn’t much doubt in my mind that I’d make it through fine, even if I experienced an unlikely allergic reaction … but I did pray a lot, and I made sure to tell all the medical folks there that I wasn’t pre-medicated so they’d be prepared to deal with any reaction that might occur.

I had a rough morning yesterday: an unusual amount of nausea. I have pills that I can take for nausea, but I don’t unless I really need them. Thankfully the nausea passed around lunchtime.

It seems like every time I have a scan, there’s a slightly different procedure before the event. There is awful tasting liquid that we usually have to drink before a scan. I assume it serves a purpose, but I don’t know exactly what it is. 🙂 It makes for a good conversation starter in the waiting room, though, since everyone likes to comment on how terrible the drink tastes. The amount I’m told to drink varies from scan to scan. Usually it’s two cups worth, sometimes about a cup. Once I think I didn’t need any at all, and a couple of times it’s been a quick few sips on the table right before the procedure.

I was rather excited because the info they’d sent informed me that it was only a short drink on the table this time. Yay! When I was brought into the room, the technician and I had a nice little chat. She and I share the same birthdate, and apparently several people who work there have birthdays that week. If you’re ever craving cake mid-June, I can tell you a place where you’re likely to find some! 🙂 Naturally I told her I wasn’t pre-medicated (in case I had a reaction during the test). I lay down, raised my arms over my head, gave thanks that my shoulder has improved so much that I didn’t feel much pain doing that, and prepared for the test.

The technician left the room and the scan was about to start. Suddenly I remembered the drink, and started waving my arm (that wasn’t attached to the IV) and calling her name. Thankfully she heard me and came to ask why I wanted her. She re-checked the notes, and while one scan called for no drink, the second I was having called for a short drink on the table. So, she detached my IV, pulled the table out of the “doughnut” part of the machine so I could sit up and drink a few sips. It didn’t taste all that bad. I lay down and got hooked up again. I gave thanks that I remembered the drink so the scan would clearly show what it’s meant to show, and asked once again for protection from allergic reactions. I breathed deeply and the scan was over in a few minutes without incident. I gave thanks again!

Off to the waiting room, where they kept me for a good half hour to make sure I didn’t react. I felt very well cared for, and I am so grateful to live in a place where I get good medical care from people who generally treat me with kindness.

It looks like I won’t need to pre-medicate with prednisone prior to CT-Scans any more. Since this time was free from any reaction, we conclude that my little reaction many months ago was likely from the adhesive on the bandage covering my IV, and unrelated to the contrast dye they insert. I’m very thankful, because I prefer to avoid unnecessary medications.

I was tired after the procedure, though! I came home and spent some time with my kids. I cooked dinner, ate, then snuggled up on the couch to watch a bit of netflix with my daughter. I slept for an hour and a half, then got ready for bed and had a good, long sleep. I slept for about 13 hours all totalled last night, and I’m feeling much better this morning.

God is good!

Back to school has mostly been smooth for our family. The children are all at the same schools they were at last year, and everyone is settling into the September rhythms! I was back to the hospital for appointments this week, and everything seems fine. Cycle 24 has begun!

We shared a lovely few days with friends at a cottage last month: an annual tradition where we get together with a friend from University and his family. They have two kids who are about the same ages as ours, and the nine of us enjoy being together! It’s great to have long-time friends who feel like family, and we are thankful for these friends and our annual cottage holidays with them! We’re also grateful for the friends who generously let us use their cottage during the week. It’s a gorgeous cottage in a beautiful spot!

We swam every day, ate well, played lots of games and had good conversations about things that really matter! What a great and refreshing gift! I love being near the water, and sometimes dream of having our own little spot! Probably better to not add another level of complication to our lives, though! 🙂

I’m amazed by how much our children have grown up. They are loving, responsible and independent, and I’m very proud of them! They can pretty much get themselves ready and out the door in the morning…

… which is convenient, given the fact that I am getting over another round of pneumonia! I caught an ordinary cold, but couldn’t fight it off. To make a long story short, I’m on some good antibiotics and feeling much better now!

This month marks my last scheduled appointment with my lovely OT. I’m pleased with how our sessions have gone, and I’ve been developing and applying strategies which are helping make up for my current weaknesses and challenges. My post-concussion type symptoms are better, but I’m still suffering from them to a lesser degree. I’m hopeful that things will continue to improve!

I’m also hopeful that I may one day work again. I’m still not ready: too much fatigue and too little capacity, but I continue to work at stretching myself with the hope of increasing my abilities!

I continue to lead my weekly Bible study, which I immensely enjoy. I do music at church about once a month, occasionally speak at events and sporadically volunteer. I’m looking for another small, semi-regular challenge to take on.

There’s my quick September update! I hope this month is going well (so far!) for you and yours! Thank you for walking with our family. We continue to be grateful for your prayers, encouragement and support!