I was 13 years old when “Mean Girls” was released in movie theaters. Since then, every year when October 3rd rolls around I find myself wishing I was in calculus class, with a hunky guy named Aaron sitting in the desk in front of me. In my daydream, Aaron would turn around to face me, asking me what day it was, to which I would eagerly reply, “It’s October 3rd”.

 This year, however, I have something much, much better to do on October 3rd.

Last Thursday I received an exciting surprise. I had been waiting to hear from a doctor’s office in Rhode Island to schedule a consultation. Well, Thursday they called to say that Dr. Chopra could see me either October 3rd or December 10th. There is a big difference between October 3rd and December 10th! So of course I snatched up the October 3rd slot!

Only one week to prepare for a trip to Rhode Island? Yikes! This may sound like plenty of time to some, but it has made for one wild week for me, and my body is not happy. To be quite clear, though, I am not complaining! Dr. Chopra specializes in my chronic pain condition, Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy/Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (RSD/CRPS). This appointment is truly an immense blessing. Dr. Chopra recently stopped taking patients, and his schedule is crammed full; but he felt my situation was urgent and graciously accepted my case.

Since I lost the use of my “good” arm in February, my parents and I have been searching so very diligently to find help as quickly as possible. The sooner this is treated, the more hope I have of regaining function of my only “good” arm. And one arm is infinitely more than zero arms! Sadly, just about all of our efforts in this regard have come up short. I am always careful not to get my hopes up. It’s a coping mechanism. If my hopes aren’t up, I can’t be let down. But still, I can’t help but be so very hopeful that Dr. Chopra is just the doctor I need to evaluate my complicated presentation and to help sort through my limited treatment options.

Dr. Rob ordered a blood transfusion for me this past Saturday so that I would be safe to travel. But even with that little boost I feel as though I am running on borrowed energy! And honestly, travel has become nearly impossible for me physically. However, God has clearly made a way for this appointment to come to be — So I know that He will somehow give me the strength to get there and back.

“For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” – Philippians 4:13

Alice Eloise will be waiting for me at home. My parents have had enough work cut out for them just arranging for the three of us to reach Rhode Island on such short notice. I am not sure we could manage getting one more person, be they human or canine, on the airplane so early tomorrow morning! But I happen to know from a friend that Dr. Chopra loves service dogs… So hopefully my Alice Eloise will tag along for my next appointment!

I would greatly appreciate prayers for safe travels, strength, and a brilliant appointment! I cannot wait to tell you all about it when I return.

5:00 is going to be here way too early tomorrow morning. So I am off to bed! Nighty-night and sweet sugar plum dreams, my lovely friends!