3/25/18

This has been a week of highs and lows.  I want to start with the highs--because that should always be our focus in life!  Right?!

Last Monday we finally had a free day to do some sightseeing.  We visited the New York City Library in midtown.  What an amazing building.  The artwork in the museum is like a library.  The Rose Reading room is as long as a football field.
 I was enchanted by some of the book bags in the gift shop.  (Yes a gift shop in the library).  The quotes on them made me think of Rachelle and her love of books, libraries and reading.

 Is this not a perfect vision of paradise?                                                                                                                                                                                   More people should heed the advice to think before they speak.


Right behind the library is Bryant Park.  This is the location where Chad, Scott and Rachel went ice skating.  The rink is now gone, as you can see below.  It is now dirt, but I suspect they are putting in sod for the summer.

 After Bryant Park we ate at Whole Foods and then rode the subway to the 9/11 Memorial.  We weren't allowed to take photos inside the museum,  but it was fascinating.  We spent more than two hours there.  It was both sobering and inspiring.  The ponds outside are in the exact "footprint" of the two towers.  The museum actually goes under the south pond.  You can see remnants of pillars and foundations.   Spencer is standing in front of some of the metal pieces. 

On Wednesday we had our 4th Nor'easter in the last three weeks, or as some fun weather forecasters called it the "Four'easter".  This time we got about 7" of snow here.  But out on Long Island they had 20".  The side picture is when I had to venture out into the storm.  It was hard walking with the wind and storm blowing in my face!
There were two fun stories on the news on Wednesday night.  Schools were closed that day.  One was of a couple of policemen who engaged in a snowball fight with the kids in the neighborhood.  The kids were really pouncing them good.  After the fight ended, the policemen passed retrieved a bag of mittens and gloves from their patrol car and passed them out to the kids.  Another story showed a policeman lying on the ground beside a little kid while they both made snow angels.  Great PR for the police who took time to enjoy the snow and bond with children on their beats.

Unfortunately for me, I had a doctor's appointment that day.  I rode the bus across the park and walked about 10 minutes to the office.  It was snowing hard, but I trudged on.  I'm glad I went.  It was determined that I would benefit by moving forward with the septoplasty surgery--repairing my nasal septum and trimming the sinus cavities and reconstructing some so that I wouldn't continue having recurrent sinus infections.  It was scheduled for Tuesday the 27th.  I was glad to have a plan because I'm really tired of having so many infections.

The next step was my pre-op appointment to be cleared for surgery-- for blood work, EKG, and chest x-ray.  I did that on Friday morning.  By Friday afternoon I received a phone call from Dr. Ian Storper (ENT doctor) and later the PA from the pre-op appointment informing me that I was NOT a candidate for surgery.  Dr. Storper was very concerned.  He had already called a Hematologist, determined that he would take Medicare and called in some favors so that he would see me next week instead of the typical several weeks out for a new patient appointment with a specialist in NYC.  It was very challenging getting the actual appointment made.  I have to return to ENT on Monday to sign a release of information form so that the blood work can be sent to the Hematologist.

What I was told was that my blood work is indicative of CLL or Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia.  For those of you who are numbers people, here are the numbers shared with me over the phone (I hope I wrote them down correctly--I'll get an actual copy tomorrow).  My hemoglobin is 8.9 (norms are 12-15), hematocrit 28.9 (norms 34-45), platelets 65 (norm 115-400) and RBC 2.42 (norms 3.8-5.5).

I will see the hematologist, Dr. Gregory Mears, on Wednesday at 1 PM.  I don't anticipate that I will have lots of answers on Wednesday.   I suspect I will undergo additional testing--probably a bone marrow test and more blood work.

This has been very sobering and I have felt somewhat weepy on occasion.  But most of the time I try to stay upbeat and either distract myself or look at the positive.  I'm in Manhattan where specialists are available and known to be highly skilled.  I know everything is in the Lord's hands.  But I have the responsibility to follow through and meet the situation head on.  I appreciate the addition of your faith and prayers in my behalf.

Love,
Jeanine

March 18, 2018

This week I heard loud voices outside (I'm up on the 6th floor, mind you), so I went to the window to investigate.  It was students marching toward Central Park on the day that students across the nation were marching for gun control and/or school safety.  It was sort of interesting.  They went up and down the block about three times before they disappeared from hearing and vision.

I don't know if any of the rest of you saw them in your communities.

It is still cold here!  Several people have asked about the weather.  The three nor'easters in 10 days did a number on people across the river in New Jersey and on Long Island.  I think the big buildings protect us.  We had some snow, but mostly just bitter, cold winds.

Our coordinators on Friday night said they were without power for 5 1/2 days.  That included electricity, heat and water (they are on a well).
Additionally, their property is on an old Christmas tree farm.  The trees have been growing for many years.  Two 80' trees came down from the weight of the snow--taking many trees with them.  The two 20' trees by the driveway came down--one landing on his truck.  He had been cutting trees for a week because so many had blown over from the ice and wind.  He stopped counting at 64 trees.  It will be a long project to clean up after the storm.  It really cut temple attendance down of the really stormy days.

The worst consequence for us is the cold wind causing runny noses, coughs and sneezes.  I have had some severe health days.  I was reassigned one night so that I didn't have physical contact with patrons, since I couldn't keep from sneezing, coughing and blowing.  I did lots of laundry that shift!!
The cold wind has clipped my wings once again so that I have a hard time getting enough steps in during the day.  But I have heard that spring is on its way--someday!

I love hearing from you.  Currently, Adam gets the prize for calling the most often.  I'm not sure what the prize is, but surely some of you want to compete for it!

I also love emails and reports.  They brighten my day and I check at least twice a day to see what is in the inbox.  We miss hearing from home. 

Love to all of you,
Jeanine

March 11, 2018

Last week I told you about the visit from apostles and others to the temple.  There is already work being done.  One day we went to the temple and there was scaffolding up at the corner.  Another missionary asked the temple president what was going on and he said, "I don't know!  Know one told me anything about it!"  I guess the ecclesiastical side and business side of the church don't always get the same memos.  :)  Apparently the pieces of granite on the fascia that has cracks and chunks out are being replaced.  I hadn't noticed them until our surprise visit.  But when you really look, there are quite a few areas that would look better if they were replaced.

Monday I went for the CT scan of my sinuses and a follow-up visit with the ENT doctor.  It was interesting.  My nasal septum is REALLY  deviated and as we went deeper, one layer at a time, the sinus walls were thicker on each film.  He said it is a great breeding bed for infection, since the mucous can never really drain.  It is no wonder that I get repeated sinus infections and colds.  My allergies probably contribute to a depressed immune system (my assessment, not his).  I am on a strong sulfa based antibiotic for 10 days.  I see him in a couple of weeks.  I may have to have the "roto-rooter" (sp?) surgery to clear the sinuses out and that would straighten the septum up as well.  I will be happy to do it, if I can stop being sick!!

Tomorrow Spencer has an appointment regarding his MRI of his sinus.  I'm glad my referral was to someone close by.  I don't envy his trek to get there.

Currently he isn't teaching temple prep.  He is waiting for the bishopric to call more people to attend.  It is nice for me to have him attend Gospel Doctrine with me.

Just one final thought and I will close for this week.  This morning the Mormon Tabernacle Choir sang the song "If the Savior Stood Beside Me".  It really struck a chord with me.  It gave me something to truly ponder about.  Perhaps the words will touch you as well.  I wish I could transmit the music in a blog.  The song was written by Sally DeFord. 

If the Savior stood beside me, would I do the things I do?
Would I think of His commandments and try harder to be true?
Would I follow His example?  Would I live more righteously
If I could see the Savior standing nigh watching over me?

If the Savior stood beside me, would I say the things I say?
Would my words be true and kind if He were never far away?
Would I try to share the gospel? Would I speak more rev'rently
If I could see the Savior standing nigh watching over me?

If the Savior stood beside me, would my thoughts be clean and pure?
Would His presence give me strength and hope and courage to endure?
Would His counsel guide my actions? Would I choose more worthily
If I could see the Savior standing nigh watching over me?

He is always near me though I do not see Him there,
And because He loves me dearly I am in His watchful care.
So I'll be the kind of person that I know I'd like to be,
If I could see the Savior standing nigh watching over me.

What can I say except "Amen"

Love,
Jeanine

March 4, 2018

Last week I forgot something really interesting in the blog post.  During that week (about 10 days ago now) I walked out of the apartment building and saw about six men with suits, white shirts and ties looking up examining the exterior of the temple.  There was another man with a clipboard and hard hat taking notes.  It was obvious they were priesthood brethren.  But as I got closer I turned the corner I was much closer to them and realized that we had two apostles here--Elder Cook and Elder Renlund.  I didn't recognize the others.  They were were probably from the temple department of Physical Facilities in church headquarters.  The rumor mill was that they were examining the needs of this temple (especially roof, AC units, etc.) to determine if this temple will require extensive renovation in the future.  It seemed presumptuous to interrupt them and introduce myself, so I just smiled and continued to report for my shift.  But it was pretty cool to have two apostles here.

Last Monday was a beautiful day, so I went for a long walk in Central Park.  The trees weren't budding yet, but there were geese eating in the grass and swimming.  You could see the skyline easily with no leaves on the tree.  It was great.

 The playground was filled with children.                                           Once again, the pictures won't let me arrange them--so just scroll thru and enjoy!

Then, by the end of week we had a huge Nor'easter blow through.  In the tri-state area there were eight deaths--mostly from trees falling on people or cars.  Thousands were without power when lines were knocked down. 
We just had to brave the stiff winds and low chill factors.  Big change from the first of the week.

  However, on Saturday when I was in the Celestial Room, a member of the presidency and maintenance came in to examine one of the tall, stained glass windows.  They couldn't get it to close properly.  Apparently, the wind had blown it open during the night.  So it was just resting in place--not latched, until it can be fixed.

I'm still having major sinus issues and a cold that hits hard for a day or two and then goes back into hiding.

I did see a doctor and I'm getting more tests done to see if it is allergies or sinusitis.  Who knows?  I just want it to stop already!

Monday night we had a temple missionary dinner at the apartment of President and Sister Bench.  It was to say good-bye to the Youngs, who have completed their mission.

Their replacements arrive next Friday.  They are transferring from the Washington, DC temple.

Hurrah for Israel--we will continue in our opportunity to serve!
Jeanine