Saturday, November 1, 2008

Fabulous Fall Foliage and Good News!

We have had a lovely fall with very seasonable temperatures. The first frost held off a good two weeks beyond the normal date and the rainy dreary days have been few. In other words, glorious autumnal weather!

I have enjoyed so many of your Fall Color posts -sponsored by Dave at Home Garden, that I decided I had to share some of our local color.


This tree, a soft maple, is in our front yard. Unfortunately, this is the only color I have. All the rest of the photos are ones I have taken around our area.

We do have some forests in central Illinois. I know some of you think all we have are corn and bean fields!


Just think-the vivid orange of these leaves is there all the time. But during summer it is hidden by chlorophyll!




I wish I knew the names of all these trees. Something I will have to work on.



Some colors just say, "Look at me!"



The burning bushes are as pretty as I ever remember seeing them.

Some of the trees are still in the process of changing colors.

And some are completely changed.




Some are so bright they almost hurt your eyes.


The color of these trees has to be one of my favorites.



Or....maybe this color is my favorite.

I hope you are having a beautiful fall and that you are taking the time to enjoy all of the wonderful colors.

************************************************************************************
Now for the good news!
After hearing from my dermatologist that I wouldn't be able to see the specialist in Springfield until December 30, I got a call from there on Thursday saying they had a cancellation on Friday at 10:00 am. Rose, dear friend that she is agreed to go with me and be my navigator, and hand holder.
Dr. Stone, a professor at SIU and the head of the dermatology department there, saw me. After a very brief exam he had a diagnosis. It is a type of Pityriasis-skin rash. He said he see about 4 cases a year. With out any treatment it will go away on it's own in 3 or 4 years. I know my mouth dropped open at that! With treatment I should be rash free in a couple of months with a noticeable improvement in a couple of weeks. Yes! I can do this.
The treatment started with a shot of Triamcinolone Acetonide for the itching. This is a liquid form of the steroid cream I have been using. Almost immediate relief and it lasted for several hours. I am itching some again, but it's nothing like it was. The next step in the treatment is a medicine called Methotrexate. This medicine is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis. I take 4 pills once a week with blood work in between to keep an eye on my liver count. Along with these pills I take Soriatane once a day. This one can also affect the liver. Dr. Stone sent his treatment plan back up to my regular dermatologist so I won't have to go back to Springfield but can have everything done and checked close to home! Lastly, I am off the dreaded Prednisone, and I am back on my Miracle drug-Lyrica.
He was the kindest man and so very gentle . He explained everything in great detail and made me feel like a human again instead of some freak of nature. I thank the powers that be I was referred to him.
I also want to thank each and every one of you who have offered prayers and good wishes, who have given me cyber hugs and most of all given me your support and friendship. All of this has helped me through a very trying time.
Here is to you and the light at the end of the tunnel!!

36 comments:

tina said...

That maple in your garden sure is a lovely color of yellow. All the rest are beautiful too.

Cheryl said...

Dear Beckie......you may only have one tree in your garden but doesn't it look stunning and as the saying goes.....sometimes less is more.......
you certainly have some wonderful colours.........it is such a moving time of year.......

I am so pleased that you have at last got help........I shall hold you in my thoughts......
I do not know if you drink water but could I respectfully suggest that you up your intake to keep your organs flushed.....hopefully this will help to remove some of the toxins from the medication.....purely a suggestion my friend........

Hope your Sunday is a happy one.........

Lisa at Greenbow said...

The colorful photos are beautiful Beckie.

I am most happy to hear that the Specialist finally got you diagnosed and on the road to recovery. Halleluah. It is about time. Isn't it amazing how the right Dr can get you straightened out?? Such good news!

flydragon said...

Loved reading about your good news. A good doctor does great things with your physical condition. A special doctor also does great things with your mental well being. Sounds like your doctor was in the special category.
Gorgeous pictures, too!!

Rose said...

Beckie, I had forgotten that beautiful tree in your yard--one is enough to enjoy, just as I enjoy my maple. Besides, you have some lovely trees across the street to admire, too.
Gorgeous foliage--did you take these pictures on Saturday?

I mentioned our trip to Springfield in my last post--hope you don't mind--but I thought you would share your good news with everyone. I am so glad you found a doctor who could actually help, and one who understood the psychological trauma as well. I hope you're tolerating the new medicine well. As Joey says, now Thelma and Louise will have to make time for a new adventure!:)

Dave said...

Very nice fall colors! Those maples are just fantastic for color. I will always make sure I have a maple in my yard somewhere! I'll have a post up for you this morning! Thanks for participating in the Garden Blogger Fall Color Project!

beckie said...

Tina, Thank you. I am so enjoying this fall.

beckie said...

Cheryl, when the sun shines on that tree in the late afternoon, it shimmers like gold.

You know so much! The drinking lots of water is excatly what I am supposed to do. As a rule, I am not much of a water drinker, but in this case I can see the benefits and am making an effort.:) At this point I am so willing to do anything that will help with this rash.

I hope your weather warms some and you have a nice spell before winter sets in. It will give your new trees a chance to get established some. Have you gotten them yet? You and Nella should have some lovely fall days yet to take long walks.

Mr. McGregor's Daughter said...

Oh, that is good news! I sure hope you get some serious improvement in the next couple of weeks. 3 or 4 years of rash is just not funny.
I love all your super-bright colors. They made me want to reach for my sunglasses!
(The word verification is "jaquets" something we'll be needing by the end of the week.)

beckie said...

Thanks Lisa, I know your area has lots of trees-are you having some great color?

Finding the right Dr. is so important as you know. I am thankful for having been refered to him. Now all I need is al little patience and you know that doesn't run in our family! :)

beckie said...

Flydragon, it is true that he was speacial. I was so very impressed with his demenor and kindness. I felt as if a weight had been lifted from me.

beckie said...

Rose, some of the pictures I took during the week in Danville at the VA campus ans then a few on Sat. I love that big old tree across the street from us. It has always been a joy to watch it leaf out in the spring and then turn such gorgeous colors in the fall.

Thank you again for going with me. It made the trip so much more enjoable and having some one to share the news with was great. Lets start planning that next adventure!

beckie said...

Dave, I have enjoyed visiting your blog with all the colors of fall. It's so interesting to follow the progession of auntumn. Thank you for hosting this.

beckie said...

MMD, I know a rash is not the end of the world, but it has been very deblitateing for me. Besides the itching, not sleeping and being in a foul mood because of the Prednisone, I have been embarassed by all the flaking and grossness. I guess I am getting a good lesson in not being so vain. :) I've noticed WV has had some real words lately that seem to have something to do with the posts. A light 'jaquet' is always welcomed. I'd rather have to wear one than be so hot in the summer!

Susie said...

Well halleluah, Praise the Lord!!! I can just hear the excitement in your words Beckie! The doctor you saw sounds like a wonderful person. Most docs these days are so caught up in managed care they don't have the time to take with their patients like they use to. I'm so glad you found a good one. I'll look forward to the post that says you are rash free!!

Your tree colors are just beautiful! I enjoyed looking at them much. Ours here are just now turning.

Beth said...

This is very good news, Beckie. I'm so glad you shared it. Keep us posted as the treatment progresses. The trees are so vibrant and beautiful--you are several weeks behind us--we have nothing but bare branches and memories.

Skeeter said...

Beautiful color up there! Wish we had color like that down here in GA....

Glad you are on the road to recovery!

Cindy said...

You have beautiful colors in your yard and your neighborhood. You have certainly captured them at their peak!
I'm glad to hear of your good news and hope you have a quick as possible recovery.

Anonymous said...

A cold wind has snatched most of our colour from the trees here in Nova Scotia, so it's a pleasure to extend the season with your wonderful photos. Very pretty indeed. (And great news on your appointment -- I hope your treatment goes well.)

Gail said...

Your tree is spectacular, really it is. Such wonderful and brilliant color in your neighborhood makes this southern resident jealous for those intense oranges and reds! But as wonderful as they are...I am thrilled that you got such great news about the rash! Congrats on that and that you can still take Lyrica! Yipee, warmest Gail

Laurie and Chris said...

What wonderful news!! I'm glad you finally got some answers!!

Great fall photos the colors are so pretty.

Roses and Lilacs said...

Beautiful trees. I'm glad you have a positive diagnosis and a treatment plan. That's good news.
Marnie

Anonymous said...

Gorgeous fall color Beckie. I love the yellow of that maple. I'm glad that you got some good news and hope you are on your way to a quick recovery. :)

Wendy said...

Oh Beckie! I am soooo glad you finally finally got the right treatment!!! Yippeeeee!! Now you can start to heal. Really get rid of that wicked rash - once and for all. I'm dancing in the leaves!!
Love your header. It is really beautiful. All your trees look lovely and I like burning bushes. I took a pic of one in my neighbourhood, but wasn't sure what it was called.
Love and Hugs for a speedy recovery.

Mary said...

The colors are beautiful, Beckie, but I'm more elated with your news!

"With out any treatment it will go away on it's own in 3 or 4 years. I know my mouth dropped open at that!"

Oh, gosh, I almost died in my chair.

Then I kept reading and I'm SO JUMPING AND DOWN FOR YOU!

There's nothing worse than a itchy rash that won't leave you alone.

Hugs!!!!!!!

Mary

Kylee Baumle said...

Beautiful photos, but the best part is your good news! I'm so glad to hear this!!!!
*hugs*

beckie said...

Susie, I;m sure you will enjoy your colors as much as we have. Yes, I seemed to have been fortunate to find a very caring Dr. with a diagnosis. Now I need to have some patience.

Beth, I wondered how long your color lasted. Enjoy ours for a while. I will keep you posted on the rash. :)

beckie said...

Skeeter, Thanks for visiting! You don't get any color? :(

Cindy, Peak doesn't last too long here, but I am enjoying all the color. Thank you for visiting.

beckie said...

Nancy, Brrr a cold wind already? It is in the 70's here-we've had a great fall.

Gail, yes we have the oranges and reds, but you have all those golden colors-just as pretty.
I am thrilled with the news too! Thanks.

beckie said...

Thanks Laurie and Chris. I'm so happy to have found this Dr.

Marnie, I'll bet you have some great color too. I can finally see the end of this rash! (well soon, anyway)

beckie said...

Racquel, The colors have been so brilliant this year. And combined with the great weather it has been a glorious fall. I hope to see real improvement in a few days.

Wendy, Dancing in the leaves? :) That sounds like great fun. The burning bushes have been awesome this year. Thanks for the hug.

beckie said...

Mary, Thanks for the enthusiasim. I feel the same way. If I'd had to wait for 3 or 4 years, there would have been murder and mayhem arpound here. :) Take care.

Kylee, thanks. You know how important it is finding the 'right' Dr. The colors have been great this year haven't they?

Aiyana said...

You are lucky to have found such a caring doctor. I hope all goes well and soon you are itch/rash free!
Aiyana

joey said...

Good news, dear Beckie! I'm with Rose ... can't think of anything more wonderful than a fun-filled adventuresome day ahead for Thelma & Louise! (((BIG HUGS)))

Corner Gardener Sue said...

You have some nice fall colors there! I enjoyed looking at your photos.

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