To Be Featured During the Super Bowl!

The International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society is running a powerful public service campaign to create greater awareness of the misdiagnosis of Lyme disease on a JumboTron outside the XLVI Super Bowl at Lucas Oil Stadium. 

Lyme is estimated to be growing faster than AIDS and has become a global health problem. This thirty second pro bono spot will draw more attention to the need for better diagnosis.

"Lyme disease is a silent epidemic in America. We want to alert and educate consumers about this disease, which is often misdiagnosed. Left untreated, it will become chronic and debilitating," said Leo J. Shea, III, PhD, President of the non-profit International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society (ILADS).


Go to this web site to view the spot. 

http://www.ilads.org/media/ilads_jumbotron.php?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Superbowl+Jumbotron&utm_content=Superbowl+Jumbotron+CID_8acd13a7170a10f13028957718cf1cc1&utm_source=Ilads+user+email+marketing+campaign

Lynde Gone Wild!!

She doesn't remember much about this day except she smiled anyway.  This was a rough week and the body pillow truly helped soothe her discomfort.  She gets pretty good at pushing through the crud.

What's Next?

Proverbs 3: 5&6  Trust in the Lord with all your might, lean not unto your own understanding, acknowledge Him in all your ways, and He will make your path straight.

For three days now, Lynde has been on the upside.  Never does her body feel normal, but there are good days and bad days.  Saturday was an extremely rough day where we prayed, we cried, and we watched her body govern her moments.  Sunday, she chose to be antibiotic free, and then Monday she began a new prescription.  

Lynde tells us that when beginning a new script, those are her best days until the antibiotic begins to kill off the bacteria which causes her to Herx. (best days still mean head pain, facial numbness, sensitivity to sound, ears ringing, shaking and jittery, feet sore, hand/fingertips vibrate - she looks normal on the outside, but hides the inner discomfort well on these days)  The goal of the antibiotics are to kill off the bacteria without severely Herxing, which is the body’s response to toxin overload.  Refer to this website in order to understand more:  http://www.truthaboutlymedisease.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=35   

As this blog is being read by numerous people, questions have been sent to Lynde regarding Lyme disease.  In fact, Lynde is more than willing to answer any questions, so please feel free to ask anything in the comment space as she checks the blog daily.  The term Lyme disease is publicized, but understanding it is another thing.  Some people get bit, see the tick, and feel ill, so they go immediately to the doctor, take an antibiotic and the Lyme disease disappears.   Other systems such as Lynde’s; however,  are more susceptible to the bacteria, and if given a lot of time without diagnosis, they have a long journey ahead, and for many it's a lifetime.  

What’s next for Lynde?  Feb. 2nd she will be visiting a doctor in Nashville to set a date to get a Picc line.  This will be a major dose of antibiotics that will be injected interveniously 3 times a day for four weeks.  Please continue to keep her in prayer - this will be very hard on her body and it’s meant to give the bacteria a major “kick” to rid her of Lyme.  In addition, she will visit with her LLMD (Lyme Literate Doctor) in Missouri on Feb. 6th to review her progress to date.  Thank God for doctors. Thank God for God!

Do I Need My Hat?

Beau's at the door waiting for his walker!   Is it cold outside?   And...do you have the poop bags?

His Amazing Grace!

Phillippians 2:4  Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

People in small towns pride themselves on knowing one another personally and quickly jumping into help.  In a big area like Memphis though, it seems like it would be easy to fall in between the cracks.  With an illness like Lyme disease, most people don’t realize the devastation that occurs to a person’s body and so when they hear of someone with Lyme disease they initially show sympathy, but may quickly forget about it.  At first, Lynde and Brad felt alone and scared, but as the prayers and petitions were lifted up, miracles began to happen.  First of all, Lynde is able to continue her job by working at home.  Her employer has been incredibly supportive, recognizing that Lynde has good working days when her body allows her to be productive and many other days when her body decides to shut down.  His wife (a nurse) has been an amazing source of strength and knowledge by taking Lynde to doctors appointment and staying by her side when confusion sets in.  Then there’s the Bible study group of people Lynde has never even met who are willing to supply help in any way they can.  A Michigan connection constantly sends words of encouragement and gift packages of inspirational books.  Another new friend (she hasn’t even met yet) is willing to check in on her, keep her company and do anything needed.  Texts and facebook messages continue to come in expressing prayers for her recovery.  A friend from church is willing to assist in cutting veggies every other week for the freezer.  Another new friend will help with the laundry.  A church friend and a couple from work are willing to shop for the specialty groceries.  Answered prayers, answered prayers, answered prayers!  In the beginning, the situation looked so hopeless; now there are still days of desperation, but knowing that people care enough to get involved is a huge source of comfort.  The help, the cards and the emails continue to come, and new revelations from God renew Lynde and Brad.

Soul Food!

Romans 12:1  ....by the mercies of God, present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God which is your spiritual worship. 

Food, food, food!  This is definitely a subject that is an on-going project.  If you haven’t already watched the web page on how Lyme disease attacks your body, do it now,  then you’ll understand why food is so important.  The days of ordering a pizza are over for a long time.  Everything Lynde eats and drinks has to have a medicinal purpose.  One of the things Brad’s mom, Helenann, has done this week is peruse a website called - www.ziplist.com.  If you like (or need) to cook, you’ll love it.  It has every kind of recipe you’d want - the ones Lynde can eat as well as “normal” recipes, and it helps you even make a shopping list at your favorite grocery store.  She’s working on a collection of recipes from this site that are as simple as possible to prepare and extremely healthy in order to fight the Lyme disease.  The trick; however, is everything needs to be chopped, sliced, and put together.  This takes time - no pre-prepped food from the supermarket.  As a result, our goal has been to leave Brad (a great cook, but with a full time job) with some veggies already cut up and stored in the freezer, so when we’re on our way back to Michigan, Brad & Lynde will have a small storehouse for a few recipes.  By the grace of God, it also looks like some of God’s helpers are going to do some cutting and freezing for him once our supply runs out.  Praise God again.  He’s amazing how He works in the hearts of His people.

The basic rule for all her food is:

Protein, Low Carb, Gluten free, Sugar free & Organic

No Nightshade Foods: tomato products, eggplant, bell peppers (red or green), chili pepper, paprika

And, No Deadly Whites: white rice, white flour, white sugar, white potatoes

What basics can she eat?

Organic Vegetables - anything green
Organic Fruits (Fresh/Frozen): Green Apples, Lemon, small amounts of berries

Organic Meats (Chicken/Beef)

Low Mercury Fish - Sockeye Salmon

Nuts (Sunflower, Almonds, Pumpkin Seeds, chestnuts, brazil nuts, coconut) - NO PEANUT or peanut based products

Dairy (Organic Eggs, Goat cheese and other various cheeses, unsweetened milks - rice milk, almond milk, coconut milk) - NO Regular Milk

Organic canned Beans (any kind of beans, but not too much because of starch and candida)

Grains (Quinoa, Lundberg rice cakes, Wild Rice, Black Rice)

Condiments - No=Mayo, Ketchup, Syrup / Yes=Mustard, Garlic, seasonings (No red/bell pepper based seasonings)

As you can see, meals seem limited; however, it takes a lot of research, and researching is just what Helenann and Lynde (on good days) are doing.   This eating style will need to last for years.  Lyme disease is not a disease that is quickly over, the bacteria (cooties as Lynde refers to them) hang on and multiply when the “wrong” foods feed them. 

Meanwhile, the cost of organic foods are a high expense (compare the prices at Krogers).  The pantry at Brad and Lynde’s has been revamped.  The ketchup and sodas have been thrown out.  No more green bean casserole unless it is modified to be gluten free!!

Pills Pills and More Pills

60 pills per day.... oh my!

Laughter - the Best Medicine

Luke 1:46 & 47   My soul doth magnify the Lord and my Spirit rejoices in God my Savior.

In the midst of adversity, we are still finding things to chuckle about.  First of all, the phone texts, emails, cards, and news of answered prayer brings infectious joy (which is often accompanied by a few grateful tears and major smiles).  And, naturally, a little fun has it’s place even in the trials.  One of those joys is a brown plush dog named Reggie.  He’s a bit mechanical with a deep love for Lynde.  He says things like.... “Are you from Tennessee? - cause you’re the only 10 I see!”  (He has 9 additional complimentary messages for her too.  Honestly, he’s a bit flirtatious!)  Then there’s the colored fish bowls that make pill-popping a little easier, and the hand made green & white knitted hat Lynde’s aunt sent to cheer her up.  To top it off, she also snuggles up to a zebra body pillow intended to make sleeping a bit easier.  (Lynde’s bones need to wrap around something rather than knocking at each other!  She’s lost a lot of weight!)  On good moments, it’s easy to find joy when you’re looking for it, and God sends joyous little tickles to Brad & Lynde in what could be a depressive existence.  It’s a battle to stay content in all circumstances, but both Lynde and Brad are staying connected through devotions and God’s word, and as a result work to see the bigger picture rather than the immediate struggle.   God is good, and He enjoys the laughter.

Letter From a Michigan Friend

7:39pm Jan 20

It's interesting the paths that life takes us on. I know each of you in some way - and in some way each of our paths have crossed with Brad Steensen or Lynde (Masvero) Steensen along the way. Maybe you grew up with Brad, or worked with Lynde, or you were part of YAFF, or maybe you are family. Regardless of how you know Brad or Lynde - we share memories and care for one or both of them. That is why you are receiving this email.
I believe in the power of prayer. I believe in the support from friends, old and new, near and far. I believe that all of you have been and are part of either Brad or Lynde's life for a reason.

Some of you know, and some of you may not, this past September Lynde (Brad's wife) was diagnosed with Lyme disease (after several months of being sick). This disease has taken over their life and has turned their world upside down. Lynde and Brad are living in Memphis, TN where Brad has been able to continue to work, however their family and friends are far away.

This disease has taken over Lynde's body and the treatments leave her exhausted, weak, and in extreme amounts of pain. On most days she is not really able to get out of bed or off the couch. It's a victory we celebrate if she is able to walk to the mailbox. She is on a very restrictive diet to help minimize the effects of the high doses of antibiotics. Brad is juggling a full time job, all home duties, trying to care for Lynde, Lynde's dr's appointments, battling with insurance companies, paying what seems to be endless medical bills and searching for things that may possibly make life "comfortable" for Lynde as they try and get her healthy.

As you can imagine, this journey has been trying. Lynde, Brad and their families have spent countless hours praying and going to dr's appointments. But I believe that trials like this require a community of people who care.

I know we all live in different places and most of us aren't able to drive to TN to help. But there are things we each can do. Each of us are at different places in life, but hopefully we can each be part of this journey for our friends and can share some of the burden of this journey.

What can you do?

Pray:
For Lynde: Prayer for strength and hope. Days get long when you can't get out of bed. This disease is all consuming.

For Brad: For strength, hope and energy. The list to tackle at times can seem endless. For patience. As Ryan can attest to, when dealing with a wife who is sick, and all you want is for her to feel better, you get to the ends of your rope, with God and life, wanting what's best for her.

For the Dr's: That they would be able to find the right medicines for the secondary infections that result from the treatment of the lyme disease.

Support:
Lynde and Brad have insurance, however the medications, supplements, tests, appointments, special food, etc. The bills are endless and the end is not in sight. Since we can't go the store for them and we don't know what bills are to be paid, the best way we can help is with money or gift cards. If you are able to help financially, no matter the amount- they are humbled by your help. Any gift card, in any denomination, from a Kroger, Costco, or Walgreen's (they don't have other Michigan stores), a check, or a general credit card gift card that you can get, paper products (toilet paper, paper towels) or coupons for those products. No matter the amount, it will be used and certainly appreciated.

Love and Encouragement:
As I mentioned, this disease is all consuming and these days are often overwhelming- and the days seem to be stuck on repeat, encouraging reminders from others are what it takes to keep going. Cards, letters, fb wall posts, emails, quotes and reminders of God's love and faithfulness. It could even be something as simple as just letting them know you are thinking of them.

Talking is very draining on Lynde, and time consuming for Brad, so phone calls are not the best option.

We all journey through life together facing different celebrations and obstacles at different times. It's those times that we need a community of family, friends and faith more than ever.

Earlier this week Helenann (Brad's mom, Lynde's mother-in-law) started a blog that will be being updated with the journey.
You can stay tuned here:
http://www.facebook.com/l/HAQF3WqBnAQHyU5-QdsPEGSMZEUy3D5m2-X_yor6NnW46Og/www.lyndesteensen.blogspot.com

If you want to drop a card, letter, words of hope, or financial gifts to help ease the burden - it would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks for reading through this long email. More importantly - thanks for sharing prayers, support and love with Lynde and Brad.

If you have any questions feel free to message me or send me an e-mail. Thanks in advance for your love and support!

Christy Kennedy

Powerful Prayers

John 15:5  Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches.  Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit; for apart from me you can do nothing.

We have seen God move in a mighty mighty way.  So many prayers have been lifted up for Lynde and Brad, and as a result, God has been incredibly busy making miracles.  We contacted someone in Lynde & Brad’s apartment complex to request assistance.  With a resounding, “Yes, I absolutely want to help!”, she in turn contacted her Bible study group. Within minutes she received a resounding “Yes, we are here to serve”.  Isn’t that what the body of Christ does?  Without knowing Lynde or Brad, they are ready to give - offering cleaning services, walking the dog, giving money toward the apartment rent, cutting up vegetables, offering to do the laundry, giving financial support for necessary medical treatments, offering to be a daily caregiver -  Oh, what amazing gift givers!  Friends and co-workers of Lynde and Brad’s have also offered to shop for her dietetic needs.  One Memphis friend will act as coordinator when we’re gone.   Another Rochester, MI friend sent out an email to inform and request support from former acquaintances. Friends and family members have called to share resources regarding Lyme.  Another started this blog site for us.  The needs are many, and God is the supplier.  There is no doubt - He’s alive in His people when we stay connected to Him.

Perseverance

Psalm 46:1-3    God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.  So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea.  Let the oceans roar and foam.  Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge!

We are amazed at the perseverance and strength of Lynde.  When others all around her are running, laughing, and just doing daily tasks (even like eating any kind of food they want) Lynde is staying strong and positive.  She watches us eat fruit (her favorite snack) and doesn’t complain; instead, she has a sweet potato, or a nut, or a dried veggie.  She arises in the morning, unsure of what the day will bring, but her focus for the last 7 months has been researching Lyme disease.  She is truly Lymed out. It is amazing how God is working in all this; we have prayed for guidance (along with many of you) for Lynde to understand what antibiotics will produce a return to health. Since there are 300 different kinds of Lyme Disease and many co-infections, it is difficult for doctors to pinpoint the type each person has and the appropriate treatment.  It is up to the patient to record and report their responses to each medication.  The website lymnet.org has 30,000 + contributors.  Everyone has a different story and a different form of treatment.  It’s mind boggling, and can become very frustrating, yet Lynde and Brad are continuing to move forward on this quest for a cure.

Day to Day

2 Chronicles 20:15    Do not be afraid!  Don’t be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God’s.

It’s now Saturday, Jan. 21st, and I apologize for taking so long to continue this blog.  The days here with Lynde and Brad have flown by.  We begin the mornings with Lynde with water and pills, then breakfast and pills, and then more water and pills, and then a snack with pills, then the day continues with pills and more pills and more pills.  Some days are “decent” for Lynde (which means she doesn’t feel well, but she can function), and then some days start off rough and stay rough.  Things can change in a moment with her condition.  Yesterday was a decent day, but turned rough in the evening.  Rough can mean a variety of things.  Neck twitches, a dying feeling, facial twitches, rapid heart palpitations, hands tingly and shaking inside, joints aching, major fatigue, gasping for air, abdominal discomfort, ears ringing, light sensitivity, the list goes on.  Symptoms change from minute to minute too.  Lynde never knows how her body is going to react from one minute to the next.  It’s always very quiet and the lights are kept low in Brad and Lynde’s apartment; this disease has produced an increased sensitivity to sound and light.

Tired!

Monday morning, Jan. 16th, we woke up exhausted from the day-before ride.  ( It seemed more like 15 hours at the end).  Not only did we still feel exhausted when we woke up, but we could see on Brad and Lynde's faces that they too were exhausted, not from a ride in a car, but a ride in life that they felt was out of control.  They had been doing the best they could to manage this September 2011 confirmed diagnosis of Lyme disease, but the food choices, the doctors, the insurance challenges, and just daily survival had worn them down.  Since April 2011, the first symptoms began to appear.  Lynde surmised the "critical tick bite" must have occurred in March when she discovered a tick on her body (although she never realized it bit her), along with a small red spot in the same area.  Little did she know this would change hers and Brad's life.  This is what brought the "sisters" to Tennessee, and here we were with a prayer and an idea of what direction we wanted to go in.  Our goal was to give the "kids" (I know, I know, they're 34 years old, but they're still kids to us) a reprieve from this menacing stress, and to devise a plan in the next two weeks, so when family left, they'd be able to survive a little easier in the midst of this horrendous trial.  Thelma and I  prayed on the way down to Tennessee several times, and when we arrived at Brad and Lynde's the four of us prayed again for God's direction.  It was the right way to begin, and has produced some amazing results.  James 5:16  "The earnest prayers of a righteous person (in Christ) has great power and produces wonderful results." Although exhausted, Monday morning, we prayed again, and began a plan of attack.  We would call churches, Brad would continue to call doctors and insurances, and we would contact the apartment complex to see if we could find help in Brad and Lynde's community.  Meanwhile, Lynde would just try and survive.  She had experienced three rough days before we arrived, and even on Sunday night, we watched her struggle through pain.

Arrival and Blessings on Sunday, January 15, 2012

He comforts us when we are in trouble, so that we can share that same comfort with others. 2 Corinthians 1:4

The sisters... Diane and Helenann (jokingly referred to as Thelma and Louise by Brad Sr.) made the long long long 12+ hour trip from Michigan to Memphis, Tennessee on Sunday, January 15th. We prayed, shared our daily devotions and "ate" our way through several states munching on veggies and nuts packed by Rick and Brad. Our husbands take care of us! We pray hard, but we laugh just as hard which required a longer trip due to the need to stop frequently at rest areas! The last two hours were the hardest. We were done driving, sitting, waiting and yes, even done munching. We were eager to see our kids.. Lynde and Brad! We came to serve and to conquer... and we were welcomed with open arms and a healthy meal of yummy black bean burgers. (When in Rome do as the Romans do... When in Tennessee based on the needs of someone with Lyme, eat as the Lymies do.) Brad carried tons of luggage (2 women packed for a two week stay, but arrived with a month's worth of clothes) up a full flight of stairs. Praise God for safe journeys.

God Loves you...

... and so do I!