I Appreciate My Family & Friends So Much!

I can't tell you how much I appreciate all the cards, letters, e-mails, and phone calls I continue to receive. This means the world to me - you will never know how much as I just can't explain it in words. I truly have the kindest and dearest people in my life!

So many of you ask how I am doing, and so often I change the subject. It's much easier for me to focus on the good and sure things in life (like who's going to win American Idol - LOL!). I have really enjoyed taking my time getting ready for my Open House this weekend, and I look forward to seeing those that can make it. I guess my life's been about making adjustments.

I had my doctor's appointment this afternoon, and I learned quite a bit. It's always good to connect with her. I truly do have one of the most compassionate neurologists that exists. But I still really didn't know the full results of my hospital visit, so this was visit was essential. It appears as if I do have more difficult seizures to conquer. They are not acting "normal" (as if there is a normal seizure), so it is more difficult to treat them. So as I go about my life having these clinical seizures that aren't "normal," I've got no other choice but to put my brain in my doctor's hands.

I did get some interesting results from another round of tests. It turns out that some processes in my brain are declining. My focus, concentration, word finding, retention, and memory - all of that. I knew this, and that is why I was having such a hard time teaching. I've always been a "finish what you started" girl when it comes to work, and I just couldn't do that anymore. Too much energy goes into staying with a task.

There is good news! This decline is most likely caused by one of my medicines. And yippee! The FDA is approving a new medication as I type. God bless those who research!! I have tried every other drug on the market, so this is it for me. You don't know how hard I am praying that this will work for me and be a good substitute. I covet your prayers as well...

In the meantime, my doctor says it pretty important that I live low-key. The more I can do to control seizures, the better off I will be. So I guess it's not so bad that I've just been creating as I please. Not so easy to do, though, after the pace I've kept for the past three years! It also seems more than a little selfish to focus on me, but if it's just for this little while to get things under control, well, okay, I can do it.

That's my update! Thank you again, so much, for being such great friends! Now, on to a lighter side - on Monday, May 11, I'm going to start daily artwork on my blog. I'll teach as much as I can through those postings. Be sure to bookmark my blog and check back every day!