Day Ten - February 17, 2026
Today was a slower start, which was lovely. A 10:00 am arrival time is much more doable with a lot of fatigue (as opposed to 8am). Treatment options were minimalist again as my body isn’t ready for anything strong. We don’t want the sledgehammer effect which would definitely topple me over for an extended time. I had a nir infrared sauna, a lymphatic massage, and then went to my doctors appointment. The lymphatic massage actually did a number on me as Jeff said it looked like I’d been hit by a truck. But here in red neck country, they have a dealership which only sells lifted brand new trucks, so if I was hit by one, it was definitely a big blingy truck :). As symptoms continue to arise and plague me, my doctor continues to test everything. Today was spleen and liver as well as lymph. The massage therapist said my lymph was sticky and thick… not good for moving out toxins. Which is why with her attempts to move it, I felt particularly yucky, a bit like I would pass out with dragging fatigue. My liver definitely flagged red on testing today which doesn’t surprise me in the least, as my liver hasn’t been draining well, and nobody has been able to find a solution for over 10 years. Hopefully, finally, my liver will regain health (please pray specifically for my elimination pathways to be clear, healed and effective). With a healthy liver moving stuff out, I can finally move toward healing. As is now typical, it takes awhile to find a treatment that my body will accept and not react to, so much of the appointment is finding remedies. Hopefully the medications I have brought back from the clinic will not bring on any flares.
My EBOO (extracorporeal oxygenation and ozone dialysis) which was scheduled for tomorrow has been postponed to mid-dayThursday. I was gearing up for it, but I don’t mind a postponement to a later time in the day. The treatment requires you to eat a lot 2 hours ahead of time (full meat and carb meal), and as it takes an hour for me to prep food, I would have had to eat a massive meal at 6am, which my body is definitely not used to.
I also found out, off hand, that I have Alpha Gal. Sounds cool… I am the Alpha Gal. Not so cool really…. I never thought I would have this one as its typically spread through the Lone Star Tick. As I don’t live near the Lone Star State, I figured I was safe. Not so safe… Lone Star Ticks are in our area. “Alpha-gal, or galactose-α-1,3-galactose, is a carbohydrate found in most mammals but not in humans. When certain ticks bite a person, they can transfer alpha-gal from their saliva into the bloodstream, which may cause the immune system to produce IgE antibodies against it, leading to alpha-gal syndrome (AGS), also known as mammalian meat allergy.” Meaning… I am allergic to red meat. It’s just one more note on my chart so it hasn’t caused panic, more of a raised eyebrow. Add it to the list! This too will be targeted and prayerfully eliminated!
Years ago I printed off a pdf on being jars of clay. I wish I had it with me, as I reflect on being a fragile, cracked and fragmented jar of clay, molded by God’s hands.
“For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ. But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair.” 2 Corinthians 4:7-11
God’s powers shines through the cracks in my clay vessel. His power dwells within me - I find this next verse incredibly powerful. I reflect on it daily and it gives me hope.
“ I pray that you will begin to understand how incredibly great His power is to help those who believe in Him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated Him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms. “ Ephesians 1: 19 - 20
Even though my clay pot feels like its being held together by the frailest of pieces, all my organs are spiderwebbed together. I hope and pray that whatever the reason for this race that I am on, will show God’s love and power shining through the fissures and cracks and show God’s glory, work and power in someway shape or form and be an encouragement to someone or to many. I have been molded by his might loving hands and remain in his ever watchful care. It’s one of the main reasons I write these notes and updates every day. Especially when the days are incredibly difficult. “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Don’t give up. God’s power dwells within you.
Below there is a lovely poem by Beulah Cornwall on “The Chosen Vessel”.
Today the owner of our VRBO stopped by to bring me toilet paper :). My next “character” in my Tennessee story. She is a lovely woman, a bit younger than me with seven children. When I first inquired about her VRBO I discovered she has a son, and her husband who both also struggle with mold, so I felt comfortable knowing she had some understanding for my situation. Her oldest child is 24 year old Maddi. Young Maddi has felt the call to do a 3 year missionary teaching journey to Kyrgyzstan (leaving soon). I can’t imagine sending a young daughter to live in more dangerous parts of the world for such an extended period. I told Dabney we would pray for her daughter.
Thank you again for your prayers. The last few days have been a bit better and I feel more hope, light and confidence in the days ahead.
I treasure your prayers as always.
Much Love - Maria
A quick video of our surroundings and bird song this morning. Prompted by Meagan sending me photos of how much snow is still back at home. We have some daffodils blooming on the hill.