a problem that is challenging to solve.
~
Whenever I hear that expression, "a tough nut to crack",
I immediately form a picture in my brain of the Christmases of my childhood.
My mom had this big wooden bowl that she got out specifically to fill with a variety of nuts
and it was of course accompanied by a couple of nutcrackers.
For a little girl, it was not always easy to crack them, some more so than others.
I never really got much joy out that particular holiday treat...it was too much work!
And while we're on the subject...just for fun...
...do you happen to know which nut is among the hardest to crack?
Apparently, it's the macadamia nut...I don't recall even knowing about them back then.
It says here that it takes 300 pounds of pressure per square inch to be exact,
making the Macadamia the hardest nut in the world to crack!
(just thought I'd throw that in)
~
So I figure that you may be wondering about what's up with me since I've been a little absent
from Blogland for the past couple of weeks.
It seems like every week I have another procedure and I just haven't found the time,
nor have I been very inspired to post anything, much less, another non-update.
They are all sounding a bit boring and repetitive...another biopsy, inconclusive, non-diagnostic...
They are all sounding a bit boring and repetitive...another biopsy, inconclusive, non-diagnostic...
If I seem to sound a bit tired of all of this, you just might be right.
BUT...
* I am thankful for a group of caring doctors who seem to stop at nothing to get a proper diagnosis.
* I am thankful for the many dear friends and the prayers being spoken on my behalf.
* I am very thankful for a devoted husband who has been there with me during every appointment.
* I am also thankful for a loving family, all Christ-followers, who believe in miracles.
* I am SO very thankful for NO CANCER (so far) to be found.
* And I am MOST thankful for my JESUS who is keeping me sane throughout this whole ordeal!
source
Aren't these little guys cute?
So here's the latest...
The needle core biopsy (through my back) that was done last Wednesday was "non-diagnostic".
Tomorrow (Tuesday) I will have biopsy #5...also performed by an interventional radiologist...
a procedure resembling a cardiac catheterization except the catheter will be going into my bile duct.
They say this will be the last one.
I think I remember hearing those words before.😕
~
Sooo....there you have it...
...I am enduring all of this poking and prodding pretty well, if I do say so myself.
I'm pretty tough.
And unfortunately, a pretty tough nut to crack.
I'm thinking about changing my name to Mac...
...short for Macadamia.
😉
Love this post...the pictures of the squirrels and chipmunks with the nuts are really cute. I did not know that about the macadamia nut! I guess I never had one in the shell before. My mother always did the same thing at Christmas, and actually I do too. I enjoy cracking the different nuts, but it is a lot of work to get them out. Now, concerning you...So thankful for your strong constitution and tough shell. God is giving you the strength you need to get through these ordeals of poking and prodding. We are still praying and trusting that the end results will all be good, and that soon they will have an answer to your problem as well as the cure. Trusting God for no bad news and for your healing soon. Have a wonderful week, "Mac", and I'll be praying as you go through this next biopsy. God is with you.
ReplyDeletePrayers … and blessings.
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed seeing all the squirrel pictures. We have several that visit our walnut tree behind the house regularly. They're so much fun to watch.
Don't some things seem to drag on and on and on? You are a trooper, my friend! Maybe it's because you're holding on to your Father's hand?
ReplyDeleteI continue to pray for you! Each week as I write out my prayer list, I bring your name to the new page and pray for you some more!!
I was just going to call you Mac but you beat me to it!! Thanks for the update and know that prayers continue. Stay tough!
ReplyDeleteWe'll all call you Mac...maybe I'll be brave and call you a nut! hahaha! I'm so happy for these good reports. You stay in my prayers my friend. You've been a good friend to me for many years now and I cherish you! I'm thankful for this news! Sweet hugs, Diane...and you can call me a nut too!
ReplyDeleteDebby or Mac? Debby Mac? I don’t know... Well, there comes a time when one says, “Stick a fork in me, I’m done.” You may be getting closer to that point. My dear friend did that eleven years ago in her treatments and life has gone on just tickety-boo. How many tests need to come back inconclusive before one believes them? You have been a very good girl willing to drill this down.Your husband has been a wonderful support. And you have many friends praying. Most of all God is good. If He can keep you sane through all this prodding and poking, He has done a great thing. Praying for this final test tomorrow. May you breeze right through it.
ReplyDeleteOne last thing...I was so blessed by visiting Patsy Clairmont’s Instagram posts today. She recently had triple bypass open heart surgery so has been sharing that journey. Amazing faith and humor and insights. I know that you’d enjoy visiting, if you don’t already.
Amen to everything that Vee just said!
DeleteI grew up with nuts in shells and the nutcrackers. It wasn't Christmas unless we has this. I always considered the Brazil nuts the hardest to crack,but had never heard of Macadamias until much later. With all the testing they have done on you, it seems that cancer could be ruled out.I trust that they will soon move on to treatment for whatever it is that is bothering you.Praying for you.
ReplyDeleteNuts and nutcrackers were always a part of childhood Christmases. I loved doing the walnuts and using the little nut picks to get all the meat out.
ReplyDeleteYou must feel a little bit like a nut these days, being picked at and prodded, not just hard to crack. Glad you're holding out and that everything is inconclusive, as yet. Waiting and not knowing is so hard. Hugs and prayers.
Oh Debby, humor really does help get one through such difficult situations, lol! I most certainly do remember the nut cracking that went on at Christmas, although I haven't seen it for years. How funny that a macadamia nut is the hardest to crack, I did not know that! I will be praying for you tomorrow as you undergo this hopefully final biopsy and that a conclusion will be made! Our God is able, and I am continuing to believe the Lord for your healing! I can't imagine going through all the poking and prodding that they've done to you, you are such a trooper, and well, yes, a tough nut to crack :) Blessings to you sweet friend!
ReplyDeleteNuts at Christmas...I think that was our family! Ha!!
ReplyDeleteWe always had a wooden bowl filled with a mixture of nuts over the Holidays and I can remember cracking them for my parents, it was my joy to please them. :)
You are one tough lady and gracious in deed as you continue on with these tests and waiting game.
God is working behind the scenes taking care of all the little details that only He knows best to do.
You seem to be under great care, that is a praise!
Continuing to pray for you and your family ♡
'Tis a blessing to have all your family and your dear husband in your corner and surrounding you with love, not to mention so many around the globe......praying for you and sending you virtual hugs of love.....and not to forget the Good Lord who goes before you. Thinking of you as you once undergo another biopsy. Hoping this is the last one and that it is conclusive. Take care beautiful Debby♥
ReplyDeleteNuts and Christmas bring back lots of fun memories so I thank you for that. You remain in my prayers and thoughts as you continue on your journey of finding a diagnosis. You are blessed with a wonderful husband and supporting family, stay strong.
ReplyDeleteAwwww Debby, you make me smile in reading your post. I know you've been prodded and poked, but your spirits are so positive. You are a tough nut to crack!! Yes, and you're so thankful for prayers, your hubby, friends, family, great doctors, and Jesus. Yes, I think that Mac would be a good nickname for you! Love, hugs, and prayers are sent to you.....Bless you today as you go through this next procedure, being thankful for your conscientious doctors.
ReplyDeleteI've read that some people crack macadamia nuts by spreading them in the driveway and driving over them. No joke! I have never tried to crack them myself.
ReplyDeleteLots of memories with the bowl of nuts and nutcracker. My mother always had a bowl of walnuts and a nutcracker out at Thanksgiving.
Praying for you and Jim today and trusting that this will be the final biopsy!
I read this last night and tried to cimmment but my internet was so slow. I’ve been praying my friend . I hope this is the last one you have to have done . Good grief . All those biopsies..... but so glad you have a group of doctors that’s willing to get to the bottom of this . Yes, you are a tough nut to crack ! 😂 but i sure love your nutty self . 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 Hugs and blessings, Cindy
ReplyDeleteHearing that they do not believe you have cancer has to have been a huge relief. I'm thinking knowing in this case is much better than not knowing. But, continuing to think about you as undergo this final test and trust for a diagnoses and treatment plan (if necessary) soon.
ReplyDeleteOh, my goodness, I cannot believe how long you have been going through this ordeal. Truly amazing that they have found nothing and that's a good, good thing and hopefully, you didn't say, you are feeling better. Other than for all the discomfort associated with the biopsies. I pray you will be on the up and up sooner than later and will be deemed clear of whatever "ailed" you. Thanks for the update, we've all been wondering. Hugs to you!
ReplyDeleteOh yes--I too remember those bowls of nuts with a nut cracker--our wooden bowl even had a thing in the middle of the bowl to hold the 'cracker and the little tools to get the pieces of the nuts out with'
ReplyDeletewished I still had that bowl--memories!!!
Wish you well on this next test--
luv, di
Ditto to your opening! We always had the nuts on Thanksgiving and that silver nut cracker. I'm so sorry you are still being poked and prodded, but at least they aren't finding anything too awful so far. You have a wonderful sense of humor which I'm sure is helping you through this time.
ReplyDeleteHang in there! Glad there has been no cancer so far.
ReplyDeletePray all goes well.
ReplyDeleteThose Brazilian nuts are the hardest ones to crack but I love them.
Oh, Debby! Bless your heart. I cannot imagine how painful all of this is for you, let alone the worry and anxiety in all of the waiting. I feel that God is going to allow all of this to be okay, and I cannot praise Him enough that they have found no cancer, thus far! I am believing with you that you will continue to get great news. Thank you for this update. I will keep praying.
ReplyDeleteTrusting that you will stay in God's shadow, Debby.
ReplyDeleteYou are supported and loved...
My sweet friend, I'd have to say you are indeed "a tough nut." You have been so strong through all of this and you are quite the inspiration. I continue to pray for you, dear Debby.
ReplyDeleteSending lots of love your way. And by the way, your pictures brought a smile to my face :)
I hope you are through with yesterday's procedure and resting today.
ReplyDeleteYou are a NUT...er....tough nut! That's why I love ya. xoDiana
Debby, I too remember the bowl of nuts with a nutcracker! Please know you're in my prayers and I'm praying you feel those prayers!
ReplyDeleteSending you a big hug,
Shelia ;)
Debby, I smiled when reading your post because it reminded me of growing up and having these same nuts to crack, especially around Christmas. I see you have the Brazil nuts on here too, and they must have been more expensive, cause they were always a treat for us. I didn't know the macadamia was that hard to crack. What a funny picture trying to crack it with pliers haha. I'm so sorry you have to go through all of this, and your "thankful" list is special. Please continue to be a "tough nut to crack." : )
ReplyDeletelove, ~Sheri
ps....I have been praying, and will continue the prayers. : )
DeleteSorry to have not been around much lately. - I'm thankful to hear that so far there has been no sign of "cancer" and hope that you continue to get good results from all those tests. Enjoy the (nut) facts and the cute squirrels and chipmunk photos. Have a great day.
ReplyDeleteDebby/Mac, I'm so sorry you're having to go through all this poking and prodding. I hope this will indeed be the last of it. Enjoyed the photos and nuts. I haven't cracked a nut in decades - pre-shelled nuts for me, except pistachios, which are easy.
ReplyDeleteWow Debby, so much poking, so much practicing patience as you wait wait wait. I know that is not an easy thing. Answers are needed. God bless you. You're in my prayers daily.
ReplyDeleteLet us pray that this one will be one that says positively NOT cancer.
ReplyDeleteBlogger is doing it to me again...I know I have visited your blog since Monday looking for a post...and none showed. (It used to do this to me on two or three other blogs.) I wonder if it is something to do with me visiting every day and it just pulled up the page I most recently visited...cause I know I did not visit last night...
I am still praying for you daily.
Love those little chipmunks :D Hope you get a definitive answer soon!! Good health is so easy to take for granted - thinking of you and hoping for good news!
ReplyDelete