A Day of Rest and Relaxation

We started off the day pretty early..well early for me. It was 7:30 am here, which means 6:30am Spokane time. I can't even remember the last time I was up that early. But after some coffee and a wonderful hot breakfast, I was awake and ready to go for a walk and bask in the sunshine. It was a gorgeous day. 70 degrees. We decided to walk over to the Mayo Clinic to get our bearings and found out that we are located next to the Mayo Clinic Hospital and the actual clinic is 13 miles away..this is a giant campus. The good news is that we can take a shuttle just about anywhere and there is one that leaves at 6:30am on Monday morning so I can be at my 7:00 am registration and then doctor appointment. Today after our walk we came back to the hotel and I worked on some paperwork for my doctor visit and checked email. We then took a shuttle to the grocery store to get somethings to cook dinners etc. We have a small kitchenette and that is so great. I will be posting some pics with my blog today if I can get it to work. Ok the pics are up, but there is no where to label them..so some of them are the room we are staying in and some is from the walk we took. Birds live inside Cati. It was amazing to watch them fly in and out. We saw 2 bright red cardinals today. So cool. The grocery store was actually part of an outdoor mall. They even had lights and heaters for the cold days..never have seen anything like it. It was so sunny I just wanted to sit and soak it in. There is a swimming pool here, but seems way to cold to go swimming..but really looks pretty. Tomorrow I am going to take my bible and go sit out in the sun and soak it in. I had to take a nap today. Just that small trip to the grocery store and looking around and taking some pictures made me so tired. And I slept so good last night too.
I am glad we got here on Friday. With the bad weather, and the weekend holiday rates, we saved some serious money by coming early, even after hotel cost. I miss my kids and my friends. Karen has been so supportive and is helping me to stay positive and hopeful. She can tell when I am tired and gives me space when I need it. There are three lounge rooms here in the hotel. The 5th floor one is called the quiet room and for reading, studying, journaling, etc. The 4th floor one is the media room with large screen tv, dvd player, and computer with printer. And the third floor one is the family lounge with tons of boardgames and another tv. There is also a workout out room. I don't really plan on using that though. The free hot breakfast includes hash browns, sausages, eggs, waffles, biscuits and gravy, granola, fresh fruit, cereal and milk, pastries, bagels, and breads and toppings. Plus juice, milk and coffee. On Wednesday night they are having a free bbq for all the guests. It is an amazing place, and I am glad because if I end up being admitted to the hospital, not only will Karen be in walking distance, but she will have a comfortable room to come back to. Well my eyes are closing as I write this. We are one hour ahead here so right now it is 11:28 pm. Tomorrow is our quiet day and I want to hand journal some things and get all my lists made for the doctor so next blog will be on Monday night. Good Night my friends. Hope all is well with you and yours.
Love, Becca Ps - I hope you enjoy the pictures even though they are not labeled. I am so new at this blogging thing. The big building you see is the actual Mayo Clinic Hospital.

Yea! We are in Phoenix, AZ...

Hi friends,

Just a quick update before bed..Happy New Year to everyone. Hope you had a good time last night and a good first day of the new year. I sure did. I was up packing for my trip most of the night. I had to have to many doctors notes and pills in correct bottles and a letter giving me permission to carry my diabetic supplies, but security was not a problem. I think for once I was so organized and prepared that it was not as bad as I thought it would be. My friend Carrie stayed over me last and visited with me while I packed. We were talking and laughing and looked over at the clock and it was 1:00 am. We had totally missed the whole happy new year..but it was funny and not sad. I was so excited about the trip and getting better and finding out what I need to know concerning medications, diseases, pain management that I was restless till 4 am. When Carrie tried to wake me up to get ready to go..I could hardly respond. I was so tired. I don't remember getting ready at all. I know I brushed my hair and we stopped at Starbucks on the way to the airport. I kept wanting to fall asleep. Then after my quad latter I was finally awake and able to function. I don't usually let people see me in the morning because they can be quite ugly. But thank goodness she was there or I never would have been able to get to airport ect.

The plane ride was uneventful. We stopped to change planes in Portland. We were there for a whopping 15 minutes I think before they boarded us on our flight heading to Phoenix. The flight to Phoenix was beautiful. I saw the Grand Canyon and the sun was setting as we walked into the airport. An old friend from Karen's church met us there and gave us a ride to the hotel. We hadn't eaten all day..so we went through a drive thru called "In N Out", good hamburgers and fries. Then before Brian left, he had me $200 to put into the fund. The kindness just amazes me. I handed it over to karen. Oh and Brian paid for the hotel parking and the dinner too. There are still some good people in the world.

We are all checked into our room. It is amazing. Flat Screen TV on wall, study area, living area, kitchenn with fridge and dishwasher and the bathroom is huge. Plus there is a medical library upstairs. And they said that if we needed anything from the store they would go get it for us. Grocery lists are handed in by 9am and then cost of groceries is just added to bill. No cost for shopping service..totally amazing. The attendants and front desk is extremely nice and very helpful. I saw my first catus today and there are palm trees everywhere. We are on the top floor of hotel and can a view of the entire campus.

Traveling is very hard and tiring. Even if you are just sitting still, restless leg syndrome can really attacky I am in bed now and my legs are wide awake but my eyes keep closing. I am glad that we came today..the airline tickets were a lot more money on the weekend and it was snowing when we left Spokane. Someone in the airport told us it was cold outside..and we went out it was like 66 degrees..that is much better that the 17 degrees in Spokane..lol.

I hope you all had a happy new year. I am going to make this the best year od my life. The bible says that life and death are in the power of the tongue so choose life..I am choosing life.
I just want to take a moment and thank God for this opportunity. It is a chance of a lifetime. While I miss my kids so very much, I know I will return to be a better mother and that is a reason to be happy.

Talk again soon! Sign up to get my blogs in your email..or follow this link. www.beccamayoclinic.blogspot.com

Love to all. A big thanks to everyone who helped get me here..I will not waste it. I promise.

Love,
Becca

Tuesday, December 29th - Running Around

Today was a crazy day..I had a follow up regular doctor appointment so I could get a follow up on my burn and I could get all my prescriptions on file and a letter from the doctor saying that I needed to have all medications and insulin and needles on plane in case pump malfunctioned etc. I also had to beg for some refills of meds that are not good for me and assured the doctor that once at the Mayo Clinic the goal was to give up unnecessary meds and get a correct diagnoses with proper testing ect. So I got enough refills to get through the next 10 days. I am so excited about this change in my life because with everyone's help and support I dont want to let anyone down. I want to be healthy. I want to eat right. I want to avoid putting poisen into my body. If the doctor says no wine..then no wine. If the doctor says wine on holiday is all you get then that is all I get. I will do anything. I just feel so privledged to be on this journey of health. I know I was on a road to darkness and death. I saw it and then I had an intervention from a very dear friend, and I did a 180. Was it hard? It was the hardest thing I have ever done. Now my question is not should I eat the cream puff or not, but the question is "is this good for Becca? Will it help me in anyway?" That is a basic question..a yes or no question. If I have to justify it, then it is a wrong choice. And for every 2 steps forward, I seem to take one step back. That is why I am journaling this journey. I want people to know that you don't have to be perfect when you are sick, you don't have to have it all together to ask God to send you help from above, you don't need to do it all yourself. God's grace and mercy flows...it is the living water. On bad days..those days when I overdid the day before, so it is my own fault that I can't get up and walk around, or get on the floor and play with my son, I just ask God to redirect my foot steps. To lead me in the way and let me hear the still small voice that says 'Stop" today. You have done enough....rest in Me and I will renew your strength..."

I have been reading the airline guidelines very carefully. There are so many rules and that is just for regular travelers. I have medications, an insulin pump, and insulin and pen needles. I am not really looking forward to the airport waits and security. I know I am a red flag to them. I am wearing sweats, a t-shirt, and jacket so I can be scanned and comfy. Easy on shoes too. Tomorrow the final Christmas decorations go to the storage unit, and Benny and I are going through his toys...Feel free to write me, post comments etc. I would love to hear from you.
Thanks for your cotinued prayers,
love, becca

The Countdown Has Begun- Dec. 26th..

Hi Friends,

Wow, can't believe I leave in 6 days for Scottsdale, AZ. The final countdown has begun for me and it couldn't be at a better time. In the last week, I have been sick twice with terrible stomach pains and all kinds of sickness. After talking to my family today, I am guessing that we have over $3500 in our trip fund now. I will know numbers for sure on Monday when everything is open again. It is still not too late to contribute. Every dollar helps. Many of my friends have just given up a latte so they help. The money has literally come in dollar by dollar. But our God is a big God and He will supply the need. God is a good God. I give Him all the praise for this opportunity.

I am happy Christmas is over, so I can concentrate on what I need for the trip. Not that I don't like Christmas, but this year has been very difficult and being newly separated, and missing Becky made it a little more challenging. Airline regulations make traveling with medicine, insulin, needles, a pump, all very difficult. Of course I want to be as safe as the next person, so I don't really mind, but if you are sick and need your medications with you on the plane, you shouldn't have to fight quite so hard. On Monday I have to go visit 3 doctor's offices to request a copy of my medical records for the last 5 years and also a letter from the doctor stating what medications he/she prescribed and are of medical necessity. I then have to go back 48 hours later to pick up records and letters. Today I went to my pharmacy and requested all my refills and a list of medications from them. All my medications must fit into a regulation size zip lock bag and be see through for my carry on. Also because I wear a pump that can not go through the x-ray machine, my bags and myself will be flagged at each stop. Oh such fun..I would really hate to work in an airport. People are already tired and grumpy when traveling, but then when they flag you it really does delay things. I am definately one of those people that have to be at the airport 2 hours early because I get held up in security everytime. Last time I flew to Seattle, I had to undo my belt. It was so embarrassing. Oh well, I don't want to be on a plane with a bomb or hijackers either. So I will be patient and do my part of keeping America safe.

Today was a sick day. I was in bed till 1pm. I got to bed fairly late last night and then had such a headache I could not move this morning. When I finally did get moving it was after 3pm. I took a very hot bath and that helped my head quite a bit and then my 3 year old and I were going to head to Fred Meyer. I needed batteries for my insulin pump and a pair of slippers. We finally got into the car and no battery..dead as a door nail. It was so cold outside too. My friend had to come and get me and we had a good time shopping together. Both of us had gift cards and I got a great pair of slippers with hard soles for $8.50, I also got all my regulation size travel containers, some groceries, and a book to read on the plane. Headache is just now gone. I am back in bed and ready for tomorrow to come. Last time I looked it was 65 degrees in Scottsdale..that is a lot warmer then here.

Hope you all had an enjoyable Christmas Holiday.

Merry Christmas

Hello friends,
Just wanted to send out Christmas blessings and I hope love, peace, and joy for your new year. This Christmas is a bit bittersweet for me, as I am filled with hope for my Mayo Clinic Journey that begins next week and sad as this is the first Christmas for my mom and I to face some tough situations in our lives. I am so glad that we are able to be together to support and strengthen each other through this day. My husband and I officially separated as he finally did find a place of his own and will be moving from our home of three years this weekend. I moved last month and am settled into a wonderful apartment that is such a blessing to live in. But it didn't feel real until he actually got his own place with his own lease also. Now I know that this is really happening and have to just go forward and try not to focus on the negative. He is spending Christmas day here in my place, which will benefit our son greatly, while there is still pain that we both feel I know that we can all be adults and get through this tough time together. This is not any easier on him I am sure. It was his decision and I am sure it was a very hard one for him to make, but I respect that and truthfully our marriage has been troubled for a long time. I just kept hoping for change..and so did he, but neither of us were really willing to change and that brought division and separation into our marriage. The good news is that we don't fight, the kids come first, and he is a good friend. He is a good father and helps with money whenever I ask. I am blessed by that, as lot of wives going through separation and ultimately divorce are not that lucky. I will not go into reasons why we have come to the conclusion that separation is best at this time, as it affects more than me, but our counselor were in agreement with it and the time has just come. Maybe we will just stay separated for a year and then re-evaluate, or maybe when I come back from the Mayo Clinic we will just know and have direction. All I know is that with all these medications in me I am in no shape to make any life changing decisions at this time. Also I can not force anyone else to change or make life changing decisions, So I will patiently wait on the Lord. God always wants what is best for us and I just have to trust and believe that. Isn't that what faith is? Merry Christmas to you all. I hope as more people find this blog it will carry a message of hope and of healing. I am going to share myself and be real like I never have before. This is scary to me, but transparency is what God wants and I want to be a light for others and help people that struggle with having a chronic illness or many chronic illnesses and still walk in faith toward God. The bible says we all have a measure of faith in us, we just need to find it. Christmas is about a virgin that believed the Angel Gabriel with his tidings of great joy...Christmas is about shepherds out keeping their sheep and seeing a multitude of angels light up the sky singing God's glory...Christmas is about giving ...as God gave us His son in the flesh...Merry Christmas to you. Thank you to all who have donated to the Becca Fund. We are still raising money, and God continues to provide. I am humbled by the outpouring of love from people I never expected to hear from and continue to see God working in the hearts of others. Praise God that He never gives up on us.
Merry Christmas, and God Bless you!
becca

December 22, 2009

Hi there,

I am happy to finally be writing my first blog. In the last couple of weeks my family and friends have been raising funds to get myself and my care giver to the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, AZ. I have medical insurance, but it does not pay for air fare, hotel rooms, or food expenses. We are staying at the Inn right on the Mayo Clinic campus and there is a shuttle that will take us to several different places. That will be a blessing as we will not need to rent a car.

We leave Friday, January 1st, 2010. What a great way to start a new year. Last time I checked it was 71 degrees in Phoenix and 18 degrees here. I have to go to my storage unit in order to pack because all my summer clothes are packed away..lol
So far we have raised a little over $2000 for the fund. The airfare was $550 for 2 round trip tickets and will charge a fee if we need to change dates for coming home. Three weeks at the hotel will cost $3000.00 but includes a hot breakfast each morning and an evening snack each night. Also our room is set up like a studio apartment with a kitchen, living area and then bed and bath. So we can buy groceries and have healthy food. The pictures of the clinic and hotel are incredible and I feel extremely blessed to be staying there. In the lobby there are "pod" areas where you can hook up your laptop, charge your phone, or just sit and have quiet time. I am really happy with this as I am not sure yet, what the doctors will be doing and if I will be allowed out of bed, or if I will even want out of bed, but at least my care giver will have soem breathing space. Only 10 days till we arrive in AZ. My first appointment is at 7am on Monday the 4th. We are leaving on Friday because the airfare was less money and also if it snows or weather is bad, we have some wiggle room for another flight. I am happy that we will have time to get settled in our hotel and perhaps even find a church/chapel on the campus that we can visit. My care giver is my best friend's mom. She is a wonderful woman of God and will take good care of me as I withdraw off some meds and get used to new ones.

I am a little sad for my kids at this time. My husband and I seperated in October and my little boy is really struggling to understand. The last thing I want to do is leave him for 2 to 3 weeks..but I know God has a plan and I will come home healthier and a better mom for it. Check back for updates..I will tall how daily how things are going and what my experiences are like. It will be fun to share this journey.