01/09/2019

 

A Year to Remember

 

This has been a year of milestones, new challenges, and some not so happy surprises.  There were many bittersweet moments and perhaps most of all there were times that we had much for which to be thankful.

 

Since last I wrote, I have really been able to embrace being in the new hospital for my training.  Not only is the next level of residency been challenging as more responsibility has been given to me, there has been a great deal of growth as I have had to really delve into the disease processes I have come across in order to best serve my patients.  I have had some lower points where I have had to give bad news to patients about cancer and other life altering illnesses, I have had to transfer some very ill children, and I have had to sign a few death certificates, but with all of the lows that come with being a doctor in a sin sick world, there have also been glorious bursts of sunlight through the dark skies.  I have delivered several babies, helped a college student get back to the books, and I have aided several patients in kicking the habit of tobacco use, though they definitely deserve the lion’s share of the credit.

 

In addition to the challenges at work, we have had a significant, emotionally trying experience at home.  Last year Maidellyn had to have surgery because of an ovarian tumor, this year, Jeremiah began having pain in his hips that was causing him to limp.  Of course, at first we dismissed it as pain from exerting himself too much during the 5K he ran on Labor Day, how we wish that was all it was.  Unfortunately after weeks of conservative therapy with ice and heat and topical pain medication, we sought out answers as to why our very energetic child was not able to run and play as usual.  The visits to doctor’s offices, physical therapy, and imaging centers became overwhelming, and words like Leukemia, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and many others were tossed around as “things we need to rule out”.  After two MRIs, a bone marrow biopsy, and a visit to the pediatric rheumatologist, Jeremiah was diagnosed with Idiopathic Juvenile Arthritis (most likely a form called Enthesitis Arthritis which involves inflammation of the ligaments, tendons, and joint capsules surrounding his joints.) 

 

I am pleased to report that after five weeks of medical treatment, he is running and playing almost like he did before this whole ordeal began.  My wife and I cannot begin to thank Ness County for the overwhelming support we have received in the form of cards, well wishes, and prayers for our son.  I have never hidden the fact that we are a family of faith and we very much believe that all of your prayers were answered.  Thank you!

 

With the diagnosis found, treatment began just as we experienced our second autumn here in the Carolinas.  This year we had the opportunity to travel to the mountains on a bright day where the hills looked to be on fire with the oranges and reds from the maple and oak trees in the foothills of the Appalachians.  We had a full house for Thanksgiving with all of Maidellyn’s side of the family staying with us for the holiday.  It is always nice to see family, but at times having all of them inside because of wet weather can be a bit much.

 

As the calendar year comes to a close, so too does the end of the first half of residency.  As of January 1, 2019 our family will be 18 months away from heading back to Kansas!  It has been a relatively bumpy road that we have climbed to make it this far, we are hoping and praying for a smoother ride as we approach the finish line.

 

Again, we all appreciate your prayers and your support while we are so far away.  You are all in our prayers as well and we wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year!

 

Best Wishes,

The Easey Family