Day 25 - BBQ Chicken and Sweet Potatoes

My best day yet! A little slow-going in the morning still, but around 1 PM I felt more normal than I've felt in a long time and it just kept getting better throughout the day! Woo woo!!

Ventured out to Harvest Health for a few things. Picked up Coconut Flour and a great cookbook for baking with it: Cooking with Coconut Flour: A Delicious Low-Carb, Gluten-Free Alternative to Wheat I also bought organic red grapes. Yum Yum! We love organic grapes...no strange coating left in your mouth after eating them. And these were so crunchy.

Made Crockpot BBQ Chicken and Baked Sweet Potatoes with Honey and Cinnamon for dinner. Here are the easy recipes:

Crockpot BBQ Chicken

1. Place 1-2 pounds of your favorite pieces of chicken in the crockpot.
2. Pour 3/4 cup or so of BBQ sauce over the top. (We love Trader Joe's BBQ sauce for a prepared sauce.)
3. Cook on low for 5-1/2 hours.
4. Serve as is right from the crockpot or pour a little more warmed-up BBQ sauce on top per your preference.

Baked Sweet Potatoes

with Honey and Cinnamon

8 small to medium sized sweet potatoes
2 T butter **
2 T pecans, chopped
1 T honey, raw
cinnmon, to taste

1. Preheat oven to 400 F.
2. Place sweet potatoes on a cookie tray and place in oven.
3. Bake for 45 minutes.
4. Slice sweet potatoes open and put contents into a serving bowl.
5. Place 2 T butter and 2 T chopped pecans into a small sauce pot. Melt butter and coat pecans.
6. Take sauce pot off the heat. After a couple minutes add 1 T (or to taste) raw honey and stir.
7. Add cinnamon to taste. I used 3 shakes.
8. Pour honey-cinnamon sauce over sweet potatoes and stir until well combined. Let sit for about 5 minutes before serving, so sauce infuses with the potatoes. They will remain plenty hot for serving.

**Healthier and tasty option: Substitute 2 T flaxseed oil for the butter. Do not heat.

As we head into the cooler weather, I'd love hear about any easy Crock Pot Recipes you have. Post here or send me an email. :-)

Two Are Better Than One

Ecclesiastes 4:

9Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor.
10For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion.

But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up.

Years ago I wrote a book and the dedication inside read: To my husband, Jeff, who lifted me up when I couldn't reach. I haven't had a lot of difficult times in my life, but he's been there for every one in the last 17 years. Unconditionally loving me. Never a lecture...only love.

And what can I say about my beautiful Tiffani-Joi? Proverbs 31:28 says: Her children rise up and bless her. Her sweet heart is such a blessing to me. She and I have always had such a close connection. From her patting my back as a small child saying, "It's OK, ma-ma," to her bringing me a little bell to keep by my bed to call for her if I needed anything, her fruit is so sweet. I pray that her gifts of compassion and mercy continue to grow as she does...beautifully.

Day 24 - A Little Heaven on Earth

I was able to attend my Bible study this morning for the first time in 3 weeks. The first 30 minutes were difficult energy- and breathing-wise and thoughts went through my mind to just go home. But I knew I was where I needed to be and stayed put. :-)

My small group as well as others were so sweet. I want to thank Kristi, Susie, Nancy, Joann, Phyllis, Heather, Karin, Margaret, Melissa, Karen, Jacquie, Michelle, Patty, Lilian, and Liz (and any other CBS attendees whom I didn't speak with today) for their prayers over the last few weeks and their kindness today. It was Luncheon Day and the ladies made a beautiful salad. Again, I was fed healthy things, both physically and spiritually. I left refreshed and thankful I'd gotten out of the door this morning.

A special thank you to Gina, who saw me before I even walked in the door. Simply the love in her eyes brought me to tears. I've had lots of tears of joy and thankfulness over the weeks, which cover those of pain. :-) God is sooooooo good!

After the study, Tiffani and I were off to Marilyn's...
1. Cell Energy Therapy - Reaction: I nearly fell asleep.
2. Infrared Sauna - Reaction: The temperature hovered between 145 and 150 F over the 45 minutes. Finished that really interesting book about Detoxification while relaxing in the sauna today. Perspired profusely...yeah!
3. Sea-Ionic Footbath - Reaction: Acckk! (to steal a Charlie Brown exclamation)...my water was black as tar. Bizarre to see, but we now know that the liver is able to do its job and that my joints and other organs are mostly cleansed of their toxicity.

We were back home and had dinner with Jeff. Then Reverence Club (a theology book club for teens) met in our home this evening. One of Tiffani's friends leads the group. When the kids are discussing, the moms have a little time together. I feel like I've been so deprived of people for the last few weeks, that I felt like I was in heaven today!

Evenings have been the best part of my day for at least a week now...so what a blessing it was to share an evening with my sisters! Phyllis, Debbi, Linda, Sherrill, Yvonne, Bethany and Melissa: Thank you all for being so sweet and caring and letting me share what God's been doing and for making me laugh and for hugs. :-) It was so good to see all of you! I've missed you.

Day 23 - A Joyful Heart is Good Medicine

4:06 PM ~ I'm so sorry I haven't been able to update the blog in a couple days. I appreciate your phone calls! I am doing much better. Our internet router's power cord stopped working and Verizon had to send a new one. They said it would be in here in 2-3 days, but in fact it arrived yesterday (the tech blessed us by sending it Next Day Air). Thank you! :-) We got plugged in yesterday afternoon, but it took about 24 hours to configure all the computers ~ fortunately the computers configured themselves.

Sunday, October 25, 2009 ~ Thank you to Lyndi and Hannah for dropping off our "last dinner" this evening. I started feeling GREAT around 5 PM and when they came to the door around 5:30 PM, I felt like me! There were lots of HUGS! Hee hee!! The Lemon Chicken and Broccoli were so tasty. And the pumpkin bread smelled as delicious as it tasted, Tiffani tells me.

Again, our family wants to thank all of you who have been praying for us, getting Tiffani where she needed to be, grocery shopping, caring for our home, and bringing us meals. I was telling my Bible study group leader yesterday that it's been truly amazing to learn even more about how our bodies work, to watch the body of Christ in action, and to see God's love and mercy displayed in such incredible ways ~ through both physical and spiritual feeding.

I am truly in AWE!

Monday, October 26, 2009 ~ After feeling so great the night before, I woke up in a fog this morning. Stinker! Good news was that I was able to pick Jeff up at the airport as he flew in from Dallas. When we got home, Tiffani and I headed for the adjustment table. My feet and toes were so subluxated. But they were fixed and later that afternoon, I was off to see Marilyn.

1. Cell Energy Therapy - Reaction: Today, I felt like I could breathe better...no pain.

2. Infrared Sauna - Reaction: The temperature hovered between 145 and 150 F over the 45 minutes. Read a really interesting book about Detoxification while relaxing in the sauna today. I have to remember to get the title of it next time! Still love this box! I don't think I've mentioned how beautiful it smells in there...rich, warm like cedar.

3. Sea-Ionic Footbath - Reaction: My water was even lighter orange today and the tiniest bit of brown debris (liver) & black flecks (heavy metals) were released! No smell.

I hugged Marilyn when I left, as I always do. She is so sweet and caring. And speaks softly with conviction. She was wearing purple today...I love purple! I'm a sponge when I listen to all her knowledge.

Tuesday, October 27, 2009 ~ Today was pretty uneventful. I did all my "little things" ~ which a few of you have asked...

Q: What else are you doing at home to detoxify your body?

A: When I remember to do all of these things in a day it's a good thing...I've been (1) oil pulling, (2) neti potting, and (3) using American Botanical Pharmacy's Intestinal #1 and #2. According to the website: Intestinal #2 draws out old matter, toxins, poisons, bacteria, drug residues, mercury and lead. Intestinal #1 pushes everything through. I haven't been talking about the "results" of these little things for good reason! Hee hee!! That would be TMI (too much information!). (4) Green smoothies...if anyone is interested, email me and I'll send you a list of 70 recipes! (5) Taking liquid minerals in my alkalized water, which push toxins through the body. There are probably some other things, but that's all I can remember right now.

Back to TODAY! Wednesday, October 28, 2009 ~ Today I was determined to do my own grocery shopping. What normally takes me an hour, took 2 today. But I was victorious! :-) It was so fun to smile and help people in the stores again.

I was also able to make dinner and do a couple loads of laundry. And I'm looking forward to attending CBS tomorrow morning. I'm breathing well...about 90%. And have just mild bladder pain as my body continues to dump toxins. "Pink water" helps...alkalized water with a splash of 100% cranberry juice. I know I'm nearing the end of this chapter. :-)

I leave you with one of my "life verses"...

1 Thessalonians 5
16 Be joyful always;
17 pray continually;
18 give thanks in all circumstances,
for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

Sisters...a poem

Marny sent me this beautiful poem last night...adding to my joy...

Sisters

I've never walked a mile in your shoes
Tasted the tears you've cried
I've never known the deepest longings
You hold inside
But I've had my share of disenchantments
Days when I've been so low
And I'm here to say no matter the heartache
You're not alone

I will be there with you
through all the joy and sorrow
I will be there to point you to the One
who holds each tomorrow

We are sisters, sisters in the Lord
Our faith in common, sisters in the Lord
No matter how the world defines us
Nothing can break the tie that binds us
We are sisters, In the Lord

We were all little girls at one time
Full of hopes and dreams
And now as we give ourselves we're learning
What love really means

Take my hand
I'll take yours
We'll reach together
For the hand of Our Lord

Day 20 ~ A Joyful Heart!

Let all the world in every corner sing, my God and King!

The heavens are not too high, His praise may thither fly,

The earth is not too low, His praises there may grow.

Let all the world in every corner sing, my God and King!

~ George Herbert

Pictures from our backyard on this gorgeous October day...

Psalm 118:24 & 29

24This is the day which the LORD has made;

Let us rejoice and be glad in it.

29Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good;

For His lovingkindness is everlasting.

Day 19 ~ So Blessed...

2:53 PM ~ Not much to report today, which is a good thing! Woo woo!! A relaxing day ~ Breathing well as long as I don't talk! :-) Physically, I'm about 85-90%; energy level at 75-80%.

Thank you, Rick, for dropping off Angie's potato dumpling soup and chopped salad this afternoon...grandmother's recipe? Tiffani and I both say Yum Yum!! Would love this recipe, if it's not a family secret!

Lots of time in the Bible today. Word study on breath, which had me in Job, Isaiah, and the Psalms quite a bit! Here's a Psalm that touched my heart...

Psalm 33
Praise to the Creator and Preserver.

1Sing for joy in the LORD, O you righteous ones;

Praise is becoming to the upright.

2Give thanks to the LORD with the lyre;

Sing praises to Him with a harp of ten strings.

3Sing to Him a new song;

Play skillfully with a shout of joy.

4For the word of the LORD is upright,

And all His work is done in faithfulness.

5He loves righteousness and justice;

The earth is full of the lovingkindness of the LORD.

6By the word of the LORD the heavens were made,

And by the breath of His mouth all their host.

7He gathers the waters of the sea together as a heap;

He lays up the deeps in storehouses.

12Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD,

The people whom He has chosen for His own inheritance.

13The LORD looks from heaven;

He sees all the sons of men;

14From His dwelling place He looks out

On all the inhabitants of the earth,

15He who fashions the hearts of them all,

He who understands all their works.

20Our soul waits for the LORD;

He is our help and our shield.

21For our heart rejoices in Him,

Because we trust in His holy name.

22Let Your lovingkindness, O LORD, be upon us,

According as we have hoped in You.

Easy Homemade Broccoli Soup

Have to share this EASY recipe with you for homemade broccoli soup!

1 hand-sized cluster of fresh Broccoli, broken into florets (slice & use stem too)
1/2 Onion, sliced or diced
1 cup+ Vegetable Broth
Olive Oil
Bragg's Liquid Aminos

1. Steam broccoli in a little vegetable broth. Steam only until broccoli is warm (do not let broth boil). Should still be crunchy and bright green. And you shouldn't be able to smell it cooking.
2. Saute the onions in a bit of olive oil...they become so sweet.
3. When broccoli and onions are ready, pour the broccoli then onions into your Vitamix.
4. Pour vegetable broth into the Vitamix until the liquid comes to the 1 cup mark.
5. Mix on speed 5-6 for about 30 seconds...until all ingredients are combined.
6. Pour into a bowl and add about 10 drops of Bragg's Liquid Aminos. Stir and eat!
Serves 1-2.

Delicious!

Other Options:
- I think the next time I have avocado in the house, I'm going to add 1/2 an avocado to make it even creamier.
- I was also thinking about dicing some Grape Tomatoes (or Red Peppers) and tossing them in for nutrtion & color.

Day 18 - "Let It Go"

7:26 PM ~ Treatments went great this morning!

1. Cell Energy Therapy - Reaction: Today, I felt a brief pain around my liver. And I watched a video on what this therapy does to increase circulation in the body, as well as "unstick" red blood cells and create an environment for the white blood cells to communicate better with the body. What amazing technology!

2. Infrared Sauna - Reaction: The temperature hovered between 140 and 145 F over the 45 minutes. I love sitting in here...it's the one time during the day when I can breathe with no problems. And I sweat more today than I've ever sweat in my life! Yeah! Toxins are breaking through!

3. Sea-Ionic Footbath - Reaction: My water was a lighter orange today and less debris was released. The noticeable difference today was that there was no smell. Another Yeah! I left feeling rejuvenated and with a brighter outlook than I've had for the past 2 weeks.

I'd say at this time, I'm about 80%, maybe even close to 85%. Yippee!! I can breathe almost normally. And even take some deep breaths with no repercussions. No O2 Therapy today.

I had the blessing of a visit from one of my wisest friends and sisters this afternoon...thank you, Lyndi for sharing tea with me. She let me chat away. Part of this healing process is about "letting go" of stuff that my flesh still wants to take care of, but God is saying to "let it go." The more I spoke today with Lyndi, the more I was able to just "let go and let God." The Lord has seen me through this far and will be with me all the way. I pray that I can be obedient and let go of every person/entity by whom I've been wronged in this brief journey. Every day I get closer, today is my closest day of all to "keeping no record of wrongs." I don't care to be bitter. And I've learned sooooooo much through this experience that I can share with others!

Genesis 50:20 has continually come to mind over the past week or so:
20 "As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive."
[To clarify my thoughts in regard to this verse...I solely reference the enemy. I don't believe for a moment that any person/entity "meant evil against me."]

Thank you, Barb and Kaleigh for stopping by with one of our favorite dinners! Wild salmon with rice and roasted peppers/onions. And such a special treat for you to share your Canadian tomatoes in that delicious salad. Can't forget the Rice Krispie Treats for dessert! So glad you were able to stay a few minutes. It was a very good day for me. Hope we're able to get out there and hike with you very soon.

Thank you, Leslie, for taking Tiffani to Chemistry today, feeding her (lunch), and for fruit from TJ's. And Bethany G., thank you for getting her home safely.

Prayer Requests:
- That I will continue to breathe normally without labor.
- That I will remember all the little things I need to do throughout the day to further my progress.

Praises:
- Jeff had a successful speaking engagement in Chicago and his flight today to Dallas was uneventful...he arrived safe and sound.

Day 17 - Home Sweet Home

Last Saturday (Oct 17), Tiffani and I drove down to La Jolla where Jeff was to speak on Sunday. He was flying into the San Diego Airport from a seminar in Salt Lake City. And we were to meet him at the airport Saturday evening.

Strange happenings...Tiff and I were about 20 minutes from the Hyatt Regency La Jolla, when Jeff called and asked if I had Tiffani's passport. Oh no! It was at home and we needed it for her surprise. She'd used it earlier in the day as her Picture ID for her test. So we turned around and made the 2 hour drive back home...arrived home at 9 PM. Then turned around and made it back to the hotel around 11:30 PM. In bed by midnight. Jeff's flight was also cancelled due to dense fog at the San Diego Airport, so he arrived at the hotel via taxi around 10:30 Sunday morning.

Sunday, October 18 ~
Tiffani helped Jeff at his speaking engagement. I stayed in bed all day. If you have to spend ALL day in bed at a hotel, the Hyatt Regency La Jolla is the place to be. Their mattresses are amazing. Select Comfort mattresses are the best, but if they didn't exist then I'd definitely choose the Hyatt's mattress!











Monday, October 19 ~
We're up and at 'em this morning. Breakfast at The Waffle Spot. And to the San Diego Cruise Ship Terminal. Tiffani has no idea that a cruise is our "family event." As we get close, she's blindfolded. She gets out of the car, we face her toward our ship the Carnival Elation and tell her to open her eyes. Priceless!! Now you can see why this was so important that I did NOT want to cancel. Tiffani and Jeff roam the ship, attend as many activities as possible and attend the show. Activity and breathing are difficult for me this day, so I walk a deck with them, sleep, eat dinner, then go back to the room to sleep until this next morning.

Tuesday, October 20 ~
We all slept in. Spa appointments at 10:30 AM. Jeff and I had the Couple's Room, so I was blessed with an unexpected treat. Jeff's massage time was going to be longer than my reflexolgy/neck & shoulders massages, so I ended up with a free full back massage as well. Tiffani had a mani/pedi. I wanted to attend this night's evening show, so I spent most of the day at sea in the room relaxing/reading/sleeping. I made it through dinner and the show.














Wednesday, October 21 ~
Docked in Ensenada all day. I didn't get off the ship. Spent time in the sun on the deck...reading. Have any of you read At Home in Mitford? I've fallen in love with these characters! And I'm amazed at how much this book has made me laugh. And I'm excited, because I believe this is just the 1st book in a series of nine?? Had another fabulous dinner ~ always fish, vegetables and a wonderful soup and/or salad. No show tonight for me...back to bed.

I gained 3 pounds on this 3 day cruise! Woo woo!! Weighed myself and am now 109.

That brings us to today! Thursday, October 22, 2009 ~
Back to the reality of my health situation that I couldn't escape while on board. My biggest issue now remains difficulty in breathing, which leads to exhaustion if attempting to do too much. I have another detox appointment with Marilyn tomorrow morning...how I've missed her! I'll update the blog with the results of that appointment tomorrow.

I want to thank you all for your continued prayer support through this horrible ordeal. I am continually blessed in soooooo many ways! I opened a door to a spotless home...kitchen, bathrooms, bedding, floors, etc. Much love and appreciation from our whole family to Angie and Leslie! You two are unbelievable! Thank you!

And thank you for another delicious dinner...Gale and Amy...I know you're famous for your Chicken 'n Dumplin's. :-) Fresh dumplin's made right here in our kitchen with Tiffani while I slept. I'm sorry I missed you. I was exhausted after today's drive home from San Diego.

Prayer requests:
- That I will begin to breathe better...still moderately to very difficult breathing. My O2 tank will be refilled tomorrow.
- Jeff's flight from San Diego today to Chicago was uneventful...just how we like them. After he speaks in Chicago, he'll be flying to Dallas...so please pray for travel mercies.
- I will have another successful detox treatment in the morning.

Praises:
- Weight gain
- All organs (with exception of lungs) continue to be symptom-free
- Jeff and I managed to surprise Tiffani and fit in some memorable family time between Jeff's on-the-go schedule, which is just going to increase as we move into the season.

Day 12 - Goin' Fishin'

11:48 AM ~ Back home with Tiffani. Test done. Yeah! Now we wait one month for the results.

I survived driving and hanging around during test time...holding steady at 75%, so I'm hoping I'll feel even better after I eat something for more energy. :-)

So, all's well here. Thanks for checking in.

Our Family's GONE FISHIN' ~ On a REALLY BIG Boat!!
Details to come... :-)

Day 11 - Fruit and Flowers

7:20 AM ~ A brand new day...a day of new possibilities. :-)

I woke up praying for the woman who shocked me with the message she left on my cell phone yesterday. It dawned on me that it's probably just her nature...some people are just more empathetic than others.

God is so good to have always pressed His message from 1 Corinthians 13 on my heart...Love keeps no record of wrongs...so I'm blessed this morning to move forward in love and joy. And I pray that I meet this woman in-person someday (I don't know her, nor have I ever met, seen or spoken with her) and give her a hug. Because I'm a hugger. :-)

And it's a good lesson for all of us in addressing someone who is ill. We better pray for the fruit of the Spirit to overflow out of us before our encounter with them OR before leaving them a phone message, because an ill person needs our: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and self-control (Gal 5:22-23). They don't need to be told a list of things they already know. They don't care about our agenda. They are caught in their own little world of hurt and healing for a while. They need to know that you are concerned for them...and that you love them. That is all. So simple.

And onto Flowers...I forgot to mention the beautiful flowers I received on Tuesday! I have them both on my bedside table.
The first to come in are from Leslie...pretty little purple flowers. They have a name (campanula get mee), but I just call them "my purple flowers." I love all purple flowers...they always catch my eye and cheer me up. There are lots of perfect little flowers on each stem and the stems are "wild" ~ shooting everywhich way out of the little container. I love them! They make me think Life and Vibrant Health.
The other flowers came in with dinner from Marny on Tuesday night. She told Tiffani she was hoping they'd be "Birthday flowers and not Get Well flowers." I love them, Marny, for any occasion. :-) They are little pink roses...2 in full bloom, 2 waiting for the perfect moment to burst forth with blossom and fragrance. The 2 that are open smell delicious. The petals are soft and their green leaves lush. They remind me to relax. Stop and smell the roses...

This morning's Prayer Request:
1. That driving again will be no issue. I know I have plenty of help getting Tiffani where she needs to go today, but I'm going to drop her off at CoOp classes, because I have to go to my Treatment appointment right after anyway.
2. My largest request...Please begin praying for Tiffani's CHSPE test tomorrow. She only needs to take the math section to pass. And I've been a huge burden to her these 2 weeks leading up to this test. Interrupting study time, etc. Lord, I pray that you will cover any question she encounters that would have been studied for had she not been attending to me. A friend also mentioned the stress of knowing an ill mother is waiting for while she is taking the test on top of general test stress will need to be overcome...she said she knows from her own experience. So I pray for His guidance and wisdom over Tiffani...she'll be sitting for the test at 8:30 AM.

I'm feeling well this morning...I'd say about 50%. Breathing is good. Still pulling thin, slippery stuff from my lungs. Brain seems clear. Will update after my treatments today.

Q. Have you been running a fever?

A. I was until a couple days ago. Between 100.5 and 102.2. My temperature was normal yesterday when I checked. Haven't checked today.

7:32 PM ~

Treatments went great today! Marilyn is wonderful.

1. Cell Energy Therapy - Reaction: Again, didn't physically feel a lot with this one. Today, I felt a pulsing a few times around the area of my right foot injury last April.

2. Infrared Sauna - Reaction: I was in the sauna for 45 minutes. The temperature hovered between 140 and 145 F over the 45 minutes. Marilyn checked on me throughout this time. Again the warmth felt beautiful to me. I barely perspired the last time. This time, I was excreting some toxins. :-) Still not a full-sweat, but I'm working up to that.

3. Sea-Ionic Footbath - Reaction: By the end, my water was about the same color as last time indicating the same things are still being released from my body, but there was a noticeable decrease in the amount of debris. The stench was worse today...more chemicals.

I left feeling relaxed and about 65%, as the day has gone along and I've continue to drink my special water with minerals, and eat, I'd say at this time, I'm at least 75% Yippee!!

A big thank you for another great dinner! DeLora you are so sweet. I think you're the only one I've actually seen during a meal drop, so that was really special. And just so you know, Tiffani had seconds. :-) I loved the spinach salad...I personally can't use dressing right now, but it was delicious with the sweet strawberries and almonds.

I thank God for all of you. I really can't find the words to thank all of you enough for seeing my family and me through all of this with your prayers, encouragement, and practical help. I pray that you are all happy and healthy.

Much love...Traci :-)

Day 10 - Eustachian Tubes & DRIVING

10:25 AM ~ Feeling well this morning! One strange thing to the report. Around 6 this morning, I was lying on my left side and my left ear painlessly popped. Moments later I felt a burning sensation on the top of the soft roof of my mouth. I could feel something sitting up there...then it slid to the back of my throat. A little glob of gunk. Seems even my eustachian tubes want to play now. Glad they released what needed to come out and it was so easy. Whew!

Prayer request!
Safety and awareness as I DRIVE FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 11 DAYS! I will ride with Jeff to the airport. And drive back to pick up Tiffani from her activity this morning. It will be a good test for me. I'm taking my Apple Kale Green Smoothie along for the ride, as it was incredible last night! I was so AWAKE, I just wanted to chat all night long. Hee hee!! Happy cells! Talking too much takes my breath away still, so Jeff and Tiffani helped me keep my talking to a minimum.

8:11 PM ~ Morning was great...drove with no problems. Green Smoothie at hand. Felt alert...driving is kind of automatic now at this age, I guess. Had brief birthday visit from Dani and Chloe. So glad to see Chloe moving about after chiro care. :-) Praying for you sweet girl!

Had very emotional couple of hours this afternoon...first difficult "emotional" day since this whole thing began...instigated from an outside source. Nothing to do with my healing although I know to hold anything about it can affect my healing. So I've prayed it away. :-) Jeff is my hero and I know he took care of it. Thank you, Hunny.

Thank you to Shannon and Kendra for bringing our meal this evening. It was perfect. Our very own Egg Casserole and a beautifully prepared salad with broccoli...how did you know I'd been craving broccoli?? I was going to make fresh broccoli soup today, but was too tired.

Just had my O2 Treatment. Off to bed. I feel very tired tonight. Lost another pound...106. Looking forward to my treatments tomorrow!

Jeff arrived safely...thank you for praying travel mercies over him.

Apple Kale Green Smoothie

This is the Green Smoothie recipe that I tried this evening. It certainly woke me up! Caffeine has nothing on this drink. Hee hee!!

Apple Kale Green Smoothie

3 apples, cored

3 kale leaves

1/2 lemon, juiced

2 cups water

Blend all in a Vitamix.

A little love for your cells!

Varicose Vein Relief

Ladies...here's a surprising side-effect from my treatments yesterday...I wanted to share it last night, but I wanted to make sure that I was actually seeing what I was seeing. Jeff and Tiffani both confirm as well.

I have a varicose vein on the inner part of my left leg (starting just above my knee and it runs all the way down to my foot). It's been there for many years now. I've tried different techniques and supplements to get rid of it. But it's gotten worse over the years. A few times a year, it throbs in pain, but mostly it just sits there and looks ugly.

[Young ladies...I urge you...please do not cross your legs at the knee. I'm sure this is a huge factor in how mine was created. All those years sitting at a desk with my right leg crossed over my left ~ strangling my left leg's veins. Prevent varicose veins!]

Well, when I got home yesterday, I was looking at my feet and I was stunned to see the veins on my inner left foot appear normal size. I continued looking up my leg and saw a noticeable decrease the vein all the way up. And I was shocked when I got to the part above the knee! The vein at that area was so small that I had to do a double-take. I kept looking at it througout the day and today. Had Jeff and Tiffani look again.

The worst part of this vein that remains is just behind my knee and I'm excited to see what it looks like after my treatments (read about them on yesterday's October 13, 2009 post) on Friday. I'll let you know...

I know several of you will read this and are currently suffering from varicose veins much more than I am. I'm hoping I see even more change this Friday and I pray that this is a lasting change.


A new hope...for many of us. I'm beginning to wonder what other wonderful things God's going to take care of in this body as I move along back to optimum health!

Day 9 - Where The Rubber Hits The Road

7:30 AM ~ I slept through the night for the second time in the past week...until 5 AM. I awoke at 5 AM with a thick coating inside my mouth. I had to get up and brush it all out and I drank a glass of my special water. I went back to bed and fell back to sleep for awhile.

When I awoke again, I evaluated any symptoms/pain. Occasional zings of pain in my head...all over this time and not just on the right side. And now that I'm sitting up...I realize I have slightly heavy eyes due to full sinuses above my eyebrows...my neti pot should take care of that. :-) Breathing is good. Coughing less, but still bringing up slimy stuff when I do.

No stranger to a "healing crisis" that can occur after cleansing, I'm prepared for what may show up. I'm used to internal cleanses using herbs, etc. My treatments yesterday were my first external cleanses.

I still feel very relaxed. My brain seems slightly foggy, but not too bad. I hope to move more today to gain mobility and strength. And I forsee some long naps too. Legs are kind of wobbly when walking.

8:07 PM ~ Those who know me well, will understand that I attempted to do as much as I felt capable of doing today, which was probably a little more than I supposed to do! Oops!

No pain today to speak of. Drinking my special water. Drinking my Green Smoothies*. Each time I ate today, I'd have an increase in energy. But I've slowly faded as the day progressed.

*Again, due to my low body fat %, Marilyn suggested Green Smoothies as opposed to Green Juices. I guess my body needs the fiber, etc. So, I'm sure I'll be making some great ones. I'll share the recipes of the best.

So, before bed...O2 Treatment & adjustment.

Our family was blessed by 2 Bethany's today!
Thank you to Bethany C. and Julia for a delicious dinner of family favorites. (I never thought when we had a "recipe share" that someone would be making these dishes for me!) Cheesy vegetable chowder, corn casserole and salad. So comforting. And yum!
Thank you also to Bethany G. for making a special trip to Henry's Market for us. Sorry it was such a large order. Lots of stuff goes into the Vitamix for my Green Smoothies.

Prayer Requests:
- That my body continues to detox
- That I continue tomorrow with no pain
- That my energy continues to increase as I am able to eat more
- That Jeff has a safe flight

Lovingly,
Traci :-)

Day 8 Part II - Answers Beyond The Asked...

9:47 AM ~ Looks like we may not have to drive to Riverside after all. Jeff heard back from the practitioner in Rancho Mirage and it looks like I can see her at 10:30 this morning. Praying that this all works out. I don't know if it's actually raining in Riverside, but it's gorgeous here...lots of blue sky. So thankful to avoid 1hour + drive made longer by the rain.

7:30 PM ~ I think it was the hand of God keeping us from driving to Riverside today. As we drove towards Rancho Mirage this morning, the pass was completely socked in with weather and clouds. And wait until you hear the rest of the story!

When we sat down with Marilyn Miller, N.C. today, she apologized for not being able to get back to us sooner and expressed that she was glad we didn't have to drive into Riverside. She told us that she'd been called out of state for a family medical emergency and thought she'd only be away for 2-3 days. Her 2-3 days turned into 2 months and she just came back last night. She heard Jeff's urgent messages and contacted him for my appointment this morning. I am so thankful for all of your prayers. God heard them and sent her home for me. And I told her I thought exactly that when our appointment was over.

[Jeff called the practitioner in Riverside to let her know we'd gotten a call from someone out here. She was very kind, said she was glad I didn't have to be driven so far, and that she prayed that I would recover very soon. Lord, I ask that you bless her 10-fold for her sweet heart.]

We had a consultation. I filled her in on my last 2 weeks' acute history and my overall state of health prior to these conditions. She explained how toxins are stored in the body...normally choosing fat first, but due to my low body-fat %, my toxins would find my organs and joints. Interestingly, I had been having some joint pain since Saturday in my fingers and feet. Based on my history, she discussed the 3 treatments she thought would be best for my conditions.

Below I'm listing each of the therapies / their specific benefits / my reaction to them

1. Cell Energy Therapy -
Benefits: Every disease starts with an energy deficiency (ATP) in the cell. The most important basis for the efficacy of BEMER application is a significant improvement in the body's micro-circulation. As a result, utilization of oxygen in the cells increases and the body increases production of its own energy supplier (ATP). The organism becomes more stable and efficient. Toxins and waste products are more rapidly broken down. The body's natural regulatory mechanisms are reinforced and healing processes accelerated. Micro-circulation refers to the flow of blood through an organism's billions of tiny blood vessels. It is the most vital part of human blood circulation. It is here where the entire exchange of substances between the blood and the surrounding tissues (cells) takes place.

Reaction: Didn't physically feel a lot with this one, just an occasional painless zing in my fingertips. This was meant to prepare my cells for the 2 therapies that followed.

2. Infrared Sauna -
Benefits: Infrared heat is the only heat that penetrates deep enough and hot enough to melt subcutaneous fat, which is where the body stores dangerous toxins and acids, and literally shakes them lose so they can be directly expelled safely out of the body through our sweat. Perspiration removes many chemicals and heavy metals from the body.

Reaction: (first of all...that's NOT me in the picture to the left!) I was in the sauna for 45 minutes. The door opened easily from the inside so I could get out unaided if need be. The temperature hovered between 135 and 140 F over the 45 minutes. Marilyn checked on me throughout this time and made sure I knew that if I couldn't handle the whole 45 minutes, I should come out. Well, let me tell you! It was the most incredible treatment. With all the pain I'd experienced the preceeding week, this warmth felt beautiful to me. Like an intensely hot, dry summer desert day.

Marilyn had mentioned that this type of heat penetrates 1-1/2 inches into the body. Since again, little fat, it would penetrate my organs and begin a toxin release. Staying in the whole 45 minutes was easy. I could feel life returning to my brain and body throughout the time I was in there. When the time was up, I opened the door and a bit of cool air came in. I let myself get used to the change in temperature. Marilyn handed me a bottle of water to spray on my extremeties and core to cool down. She asked if I was light-headed or dizzy. I was neither. I was in awe. I walked out, looked at Jeff, and said "My brain is awake!" And I cried. What a relief.

I wish we would have video taped me walking in, then walking out. It was remarkable. Walk in hunched over and ashen, walked out alert and glowing.

I rested for about 10 minutes before beginning the third treatment, to make sure that I wanted to attempt all three today.

3. Sea-Onic Footbath
Benefits: An ion (as found in the ion foot bath is a charged atom that has gained or lost an electron, thus creating a magnetic field capable of neutralizing oppositely-charged particles (in the case of the foot bath, toxins in the human body). In my own words: the ionization is like a magnet that attracts the toxins of the body through the pores of the feet. We knew this therapy worked, as Jeff's dad had used it successfully in Canada. Marilyn also said that cleanses the lymphatic system and at this time I still have its cleansing power working in me, up to three days.

Reaction: This was so soothing...soaking my feet as this ionizer did its thing. About 10 minutes into it, the water started turning a bit yellow. By the end, my water was orange-brown with black flecks.
Orange - joint toxicity
Brown - eliminative organ toxicity (kidneys & liver); cellular debris
Black flecks - indicates heavy metals
I was happy to see all that stuff in the water and out of me! Jeff had a footbath today too. His was not even close to mine. His water didn't stink and had no black flecks. Mine smelled like skunk! Marilyn said it was from the chemical toxicity.

While I was there, I drank 4 glasses of an alkalized water. Marilyn sent me home with 3 gallons of water, each a different alkalinity for each day before I see her again on Friday. I will have all 3 treatments again.

I was told to rest when I got home, so I climbed in bed and it was the most comfortable feeling bed I'd felt in a week. My body was sooooooooo relaaaaxed, but my brain was "pedal to the metal," so I couldn't sleep at all. So I lay there. Tiffani came in for a bit and we chatted for a short while.

I'd been coughing pretty continuously for the last 3 days or so, bringing up a very thin, slimy substance that tasted horrible...more of the chemical, we suspect. It is so thin that I actually can't expel it from my mouth, and have to swallow it. Yuck! I just pray that my better functioning organs will now take care of it properly without getting bogged down. This coughing came up a few times in the sauna as well and I could really feel the substance in there.

It's 8 hours now since my treatments. I have only the occasional cough at this time. I coughed much more earlier in the day when I came home. No headaches. My brain is clear. I feel more agile. No pain in any organ. I had an appetite and was able to eat a good portion of Marny's thoughtful dinner gift tonight...roasted chicken and Greek salad. I feel my energy returning, I pray for strength as well.

Thank you, Marny and Preston, for bringing us a beautiful dinner. And thank you, Leslie, Hannah, Zack, and Gracie for stopping by with some items from Trader Joe's.

Jeff will check my spine just before I go to bed...that should be interesting to see if he needs to adjust me as much tonight.

I have a thing or two more to share, but I know what I've put in this already lengthy post is the most important. And my brain/body are coming closer together speed for speed. So think I'm ready to sleep.

Thank you all for your persistent prayers. This ordeal would be so much more difficult without you. I realized last night with all the prayer lists that I've been put on, at least a thousand people have been praying for me throughout the world. That leaves me humbled and thankful.

I LOVE YOU ALL.

Joy! (I can say this in all truth of the word)
Traci :-)

In The Still, Wee Hours Of The Morning...

very early morning ~ I just published today's post and I turned my head right, then left for a nice stretch. And I witnessed such a beautiful sight, I'd call it a gift. Have you seen the moon? It's crescent-shaped and positioned like a cradle. It's big and bright.

Psalm 136
4 To Him who alone does great wonders,
For His mercy endures forever;
5 To Him who by wisdom made the heavens,
For His mercy endures forever;
6 To Him who laid out the earth above the waters,
For His mercy endures forever;
7 To Him who made great lights,
For His mercy endures forever—
8 The sun to rule by day,
For His mercy endures forever;
9 The moon and stars to rule by night,
For His mercy endures forever.

Day 8 Part I - Was It The Calm Before The Storm?

We're stirring it up! Whatever is in my system, we're making it move. Last night I went to bed believing peaceful sleep and instead intense, intermittant, right head pain began. I grabbed my neck and shoulder on the right side and it was so tight. Jeff massaged it and I fell asleep.

I'm up right now at 1:44 AM. Breathing issues. I breathe easier sitting up than lying down.

To answer a few common questions I've received...

Q. What are you using to cleanse your body?

A. I've been using my American Botanical Pharmacy cleansers. K/B for when my Kidney/Bladder were acting up. L/G when my Liver/Gallbladder were acting up. And when all four of those major eliminative organs settled down, I began using Detox Formula, which is a blood cleanser.

Q. Any other symptoms?

A. Yes. I forgot mention that I have times of profuse perspiring (I could have used the word "sweating," but I like the alliteration!). :-) The skin is our largest eliminative organ, so I'm happy this is happening. I noticed a couple days ago that I have developed some small bumps on my torso just below my right breast down to the bottom of my ribcage. They are not bothersome or discolored in any way. I find it interesting that they are only on my right side...hmmm...right side head pain...hmmm...

Q. Are you completely anti-medicine?

A. Hee hee! No, I'm not. I think medicine is awesome when it does "what it does best." I am in awe of the "medical miracles" that happen each day to save lives. I just don't believe, in most non-traumatic cases, it's the first place to begin a trip back to health.

Q. How can you be so sure that you've been poisoned? Do you know what the substance is?

A. An unusual series of events preceded my becoming ill, which can be documented. I know the product, but not the exact substance. The company has been contacted for an Ingredients List. It was inhaled, not ingested.

Prayers for today...
- Safe Travels to appointment in Riverside. I just checked the weather report and it looks like it's going to be raining all day. Gusty winds. We're leaving a couple hours before the appointment, so we can just toodle.
- Looks like southern CA is going to get slammed by a very strong Pacific storm. Please pray for those living in the fire ravaged areas...we know what happens when rain hits them.

I Have Not Stopped Remembering You In My Prayers

Deborah sent this scripture today, she said she'd been reading it and it was for me. From...

Ephesians 1
15For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, 16I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. 17I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit[f] of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. 18I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 19and his incomparably great power for us who believe.

Day 7 - My Day of Rest

Today has been pretty uneventful...

O2 Therapy this morning set the stage for no headaches...just an occasional stab at the right side of my head.

We've researched some natural toxicity-ridding therapies. And thought we'd found a place in Rancho Mirage, but for 3 days they have not returned phone calls.

The next closest place is in Riverside...Jeff made an appointment (prayer answered!) at noon tomorrow with the Riverside practitioner. Please pray for travel mercies...hopefully we will not have much traffic.

My concerns now:
- That I will be able to eat & walk more to gain strength and lose this occasional light-headedness.
- That I will be fully healed no later than Wednesday. Our God is an awesome God! [Jeff leaves for the midwest on Thursday afternoon. I need his hands!]
- We have some previously-scheduled Family Time beginning Sunday through Thursday. Special, already-paid-for, non-refundable things. They are a secret to Tiffani, so I can't write them. Jeff and I thought it was important to have some Family Time away before his calendar fills up for the season. I don't want to be the reason this Family Time doesn't happen.

I am so sad that the DCHEA MNO had to be canceled tonight and it was such late notice. I think we all just kept thinking, I must be better by tonight. I look forward to our Welcome Back Tea in November.

Thank you, Angie, for setting up meals for a couple weeks. I could see the look of relief in Tiffani's face today when she told me. :-) Tiffani's always a such a sweet helper, but this past week stretched her a bit...keeping up with outside studies that couldn't be put on hold and taking care of minor housework and meals. Returning calls and urgent emails.

Thank you, Lauren, for bringing dinner to us tonight...Jeff and Tiffani enjoyed their Olive Garden faves. And thank you, Kristi for checking in on me and seeing how our CBS group could help...I'm so sad to be missing our study group.

It's 6:49 PM and I can breathe...all is well. :-) No intense pain to report anywhere. Just a general achiness from lying in bed a lot. Felt more hungry this evening...hoping my energy will increase with the calories.

Tiffani sent out the following Prayer Request & Praise Report for me tearlier this morning:

Specific Prayers for my mom:
- That the oxygen therapy will continue to work. Her headaches have just about disappeared after her treatments yesterday and this morning. Sometimes she has a shooting pain near her right temple.
- Stuff is coming out of her lungs. Pray that it all comes out.
- Increased appetite. She's lost weight and only weighs 107.
- God's perfect timing in getting an appointment for a treatment that will get rid of more of the toxicity.
- Physical strength. She's very weak.

Praises:
- All organs have calmed down.
- Breathing is getting easier.
- She says she loves chiropractic! Daddy adjusts her throughout the day and there is always relief.

Thank you.
Love,
Tiffani

P.S. She told me to tell you that all of your emails and phone messages really lift her spirits. She cries every time she listens or I read one to her. She's going to try and get on her email later this afternoon. SHE'S SO SAD THAT SHE CAN'T HOST MNO TONIGHT.

Days 5 & 6

Writing all of this makes it seem like such a short period of time. I'm glad that I've done this. Prior, it felt as though a month had been stolen from me.
We hopped in the car last night and took a drive up Hwy 74 with all the windows/sunroof open ~ oh happy day! :-) There is a place right around Big Horn Country Club where my lungs seemed to open up. I cried with relief. The smell of the Desert Sage was so healing.

By this time, it seems that I've worked through pain in all of the major eliminative/cleansing organs.

Yesterday and today, I have had no pain in any organ or abdomen. Lung issues now with shortness of breath and headaches.

I started O2 Therapy here in the house today. It's amazing! I can breathe! Yeah! And I know my body will have increased resistance and healing capabilities, since bad buggies can't live in an oxygen-rich environment. Gunk started being released from my lungs. You go O2! Two sessions today and my headaches go from severe to mild.

Thank you, Angie, for bringing dinner to Jeff and Tiffani. Your rosemary potatoes were a hit! :-)

Day 4

Looking back...to have gotten through this day was a huge blessing...

Bladder/Kidney pain completely gone. Difficulty breathing and abdominal pain were the issues today. Good news...abdominal pain now on the left side! No appendix worries.

At 12:30 PM, the pain was so bad and I needed prayer! I writhe in bed, grab my cell phone and text Jeff, Leslie and Lyndi: Horrible pain pls pray Left side

Jeff came in from the casita (his office) and started reflexology, because I wouldn't get out of bed. I realized whether I wanted to or not, I'd better get my tummy down on that adjustment table. So thankful I did. Two vertebra in my lower back were incredibly subluxated. I returned to bed with relief enough to fall asleep. Two hours later I had no stabbing pain, only pressure.

I got through most of the afternoon without a lot of pain. I continue to take herbal cleansers. Then the evening hits and it all comes back again...like a wave. Adjustments and reflexology until I fall asleep...

Thank you, Debbi, for sending your natural gallbladder cleansing recipe.

***Thank you to Leslie & Yvonne, who helped get Tiffani where she needed to be today. That's the worst thing about being down ~ not being available for your family.

[I know some of you reading this are wondering why I just didn't take a pain killer. Simply because I believe it's important not to cover up symptoms. And putting a toxic substance into my body is not my idea of creating health. I do have an herbal formula for pain that I've been using on occasion.]

Day 3 ~ Happy Birthday to me...

By this evening, symptoms are pointing to "chemical poisoning" ~ and fortunately we're pretty sure we know the culprit...something inhaled.

Bladder is pain free today only pressure (thank you, Lyndi, for your recommendation of d-mannose ~ it's amazing!)...Kidneys only slightly painful now. Right side very tender and painful. Praying it's not my appendix.

Oh, yes, and today is my birthday. :-) I'm told that because I had to spend the day in bed, I get to celebrate a "birthday month." I like that idea!

Prayers please...

[Monday, October 12, 2009 ~ I've had some requests to begin a Care Pages site, but decided to put my updates on our Mother-Daughter Blog instead. Some of you knew about the "simple bladder infection" last Tues and some of you were just hit with Tiffani's prayer request email this morning. At this time, Tiffani is able to help upload to the blog. I'm backing information into the correct dates, so those of you who want it, can have the full picture.]

What began yesterday (Oct 6) as a "simple" bladder issue, today moved into my kidneys. Including sharp pain just to the right of my navel. Today, I declared without thinking too much about it, "I feel like I've been poisoned."

I'm very "in tune" with my body. No medications (prescription or OTC) in this body for 17+ years, except a most-necessary numbing agent for teeth work. So I know when my body is not right.

Jeff adjusted me several times during the day, each time a different place is subluxated. Something is moving around my body. Reflexology eases the pain as well. I took my herbal cleansers for kidney/bladder and think all will be resolved in the next day or so.

Psalm 59: 16

But as for me, I shall sing of Your strength;

Yes, I shall joyfully sing of Your lovingkindness in the morning,

For You have been my stronghold

And a refuge in the day of my distress.

Aren't those beautiful words??