The Beginning of Reflections

Hello Readers! Time is moving! I see I went from having surgery the next day, to nothing! Like, what happened with the procedure?

Yes I had the procedure on my back. For now, I'm still dealing with some pain and will be posting reflections over the year which began a day ago with an introductory video posted on FB. I will continue giving updates as it relations to my health and my
living.  Let's begin:

2017 Reflections - Dec. 2016
Yeah, yeah, the pic is from 2016. I thought it would be a great place to start. Angie is one of my BFFs and with her husband we try to do a monthly double date night together. Angie asked what were some of the things on my bucket list because she wanted to be a part of at least one. Let's just say the walk through a Halloween maze didn't quite go well. Angie's not a horror fan like the rest of us. 😂😂 😂😂"Dressing in a gown and going to an elegant event or ball peaked her interest." I didn't go to neither of my proms. I guess I could have gone if 1) I wore one of my sister's prom dresses. Those 3 custom suits and shoes my dad had bought did not allow for me a new dress. 2) My dad would have to comb my hair because I didn't know what I was doing. He said my forehead was too big and needed to be hidden by my hair. {SIGH} Looking back at my school pics of which he was my hair stylist didn't convince me he was the man for the job. 😂😂😂 3) I would have to be home by 11 pm. This was most likely so that my dad could make sure I made it in before he went clubbing until the next day. 4) it's still too embarrassing to repeat. So, with those demands I never wore a gown and felt special for my prom or an evening event. So John and Angie hooked me up with the Governor's Reception at his mansion. I had a good time rubbing elbows with politicians, meeting the Governor, chatting with his wife (I didn't know it was her, I was just running my mouth as always 😂), and eating, as Big Daddy says, fo-fo food.

Camille pampered me. Resulting from the brain tumors I had/have brain tumor darkness under my eyes, an eye that still doesn't close, and crooked lips. I can't wear eyeliner and lashes because of my eye issues. That girl worked magic on my face. I felt so beautiful. I'm crying again. At that time, and still at times today, it can be difficult for me to take care of personal needs. Camille is my nurse. She said whatever I need done, she'll do it. I'm so blessed. In Cinderella style I went to the ball and had a ball!😂😂 John and Angie, thank you to infinity and beyond.

The ending of last year I decided to pursue my Bucket List more aggressively. Being the huge Prince fan that I am, I declared the year 2017 as "The 1999 Tour." Stay tuned.

What? Another procedure???!!!

Emotionally, things has been “horrible” for me since returning home. I am finally at peace with the decision made upon my return from my 1999 Tour. I am having a "minor" procedure on my upper spine this Thursday, Sept. 7th. Initially my surgeon who also is by brain surgeon, wanted to do major surgery. My spine is losing its curvature, some disc in the upper spine are bulging, and bone spurs are pushing into my spine. The pain is intense. I can’t wear tight tops or even a bra. They make the pain even more intense. Although, we are delaying the inevitable, my surgeon is in agreement with not doing the major procedure just yet. If I do get relief after the procedure, then I will have the major procedure. I know it sounds silly but, I am having minor surgery on a major problem.

Not only do I have severe back pains, the spine injury is causing severe headaches. I do a good job of hiding what’s really going on. Those who know me know I don’t like pity.  Two of my girls came home for the weekend. For a minute, it was feeling like a "Farewell Tour." LOL! They wanted Taco Bowl Salads. I went to the store and purchased what was needed for a Tex-Mex Feast. That’s as far as it got. Catherine had to cook. It is difficult for me to do even light weight cleaning or cooking. I have to lay down for several hours after doing something light.

I’ve been acting like a whimp. I have been back and forth with this decision and have lost count on how many times I've changed my mind.  I’ve had over 20 surgeries in my lifetime. Pain did not start with the tumors. I’ve been in pain since 2000 after a foot and ankle issue. That pain from the past is no match to what I am going through. Through it all God has shown me his power. Whenever I have a ministry assignment (teaching, preaching, serving others) the pain has been minimum or non-existence. God never ceases to amazing.

This is for God’s glory. Just finished up hosting an event for planners.  Time to sleep it off. Got to keep moving tomorrow.

Your prayers are appreciated.

The Return of Roline’s Chronicles Part 1

Hello there. I’m back to actually placing info on my blog. How have I been? That’s a loaded question. Spiritually – God is still good and trustworthy. Physically – It will be easier for me to type what I DON’T have. Emotionally – You know when your momma took off her shoe to whip you, and the beat down would last as long as she talked, and the blows took on the force of each syllable from the words she slowly annunciated and with emphasis pronounced? That’s how I feel. Like I’m getting a never-ending syllable whooping where the vocabulary consists of a minimum 4 syllable words. Friends, your prayers, hugs, and warm words softens the blows. I was thinking about that yesterday. I ask people not to forward me those chain letters that I call wolves dressed in sheep clothes because it clutters my box making it difficult to get to the ones that bless me.

August 8^th, 2017 Big Daddy and I will celebrate 25 years of HOLY MATRIMONY. I emphasis holy. To commemorate this milestone we booked our first ever cruise heading to Mexico. You do know this story is about to take a turn………….

My health/disease is doing by definition what its suppose to do--- getting progressively worse. A month ago I had xrays done on my upper and lower back. The xrays showed what we already knew was there has advanced to being a severe problem. It is decision time. The insurance denied payment of a MRI needed to make a decision, even after 2 appeals. I decided not to stress out over the decision and deal with it after the cruise.

After seeing a different doctor from my team, the insurance company finally okayed the procedure. Thank you Lord. I’ve lost 35 pounds in 2 months. So Tuesday, the doc said “You need to lose weight.”

Me: “Excuse me Dr. Stevie Wonder, obviously you can’t see that I am over 30 pounds lighter.”

Doc: “You need to lose more weight.”

Me: “And how am I suppose to do that with the issue?”

Doc: “Water Aerobics.”

Me: “Come through doc.”

Doc: “and lose the Cokes.”

Me: “What the ham sammich!”

Right here is where I heard the studio audience gasp for air.

Me, {{Blank stare followed by a Florida Evans moment}}, “Dang, Dang, Dang!”

Right here is where the Doc packed up his things and left like when Squeaky called Ms. Sophia a hefer in The Color Purple. Then from out of my belly, I started singing, “speak Lord, speak to me…… (could have been gas)

It’s my story and I’m sticking to it.

I thought some of the procedures/testing could wait until after my cruise and anniversary, but noooooo, the xrays showed a ship load (pun intended :-) ) of severe problems, the doctor’s office called yesterday to inform me that the 1st test is next week on my 25th marriage covenant anniversary, Tuesday, Aug. 8th, 6 days before ship the sails. UUUGGHH! I WILL BE ON THAT SHIP even if they have to bring me by ambulance, and put me on a stretcher to get to my room. Smile.

My husband and I may have to face what we didn’t want to face ----- getting the results before our cruise. We know God is bigger than what’s going on with me.  We are not stressing nor thinking the worse. We know God will heal however He chooses which includes through 1) a miracle 2) medical teams 3) death. I need a miracle from the Miracle Maker.

Sorry the delay in writing. God never calls you to something that you can’t do. I’m still praying, preaching/teaching, leading, and giving. God told me to write, but I stopped without an excuse or no one to blame. Hmmmm…..

Don't blame it on the sunshine,

don't blame it on the moonlight,

don't blame it on the good times,

blame it on the tumor!.................

Drops mic, exit right while moonwalking………She’s back!

Laughter does the soul good. Pat yourself on the back. You made it to--- The End

Say it aint so!

Once again, I’ve been experiencing severe headaches. Other symptoms caused my doctor to suspect

there might be a problem. Following a MRI on Friday, March 4^th I received the news. Another brain tumor has been found. It’s 6mm in size, which is not good. I knew something was wrong. I just didn’t want it to be a tumor. I haven’t had a chance to blog about it because I have been busy with weekly speaking and teaching engagements. I also don’t think I have processed the idea of another tumor because my mom has been very sick. She has been on a hunger strike and is extremely depressed. Depression comes with dementia, however, this bout was caused by a family member giving her the false hope of a lie. She believed it, and now me, my husband and kids has to suffer through with her. UUgggghhhh!  

Today I received a call from the neurosurgeon’s office. I was in the office working on a project. After taking the call, I was immobilized. The idea of needing to see my brain surgeon is unsettling. I lost all concentration, so I packed up and went home-----that is, not before stopping at Micheal’s to get some scrapbooking materials. LOL!

I have another tumor. The tumor does not have me! Tomorrow I have the first of a series of upcoming multiple appointments. In other words, here we go again! SIGH! There is a bright side. I get to drive myself to the appointment, and God is still good!

It is well with my soul!

A Year in Review – Part 1

 So, last year on this date I had a 7 hour brain surgery. My family (Big Daddy Earnest, Catherine, and

Camille) and a few friends {Allison and Annette) were there with me prior to being rolled into the operating room. Including the doctors, we all were clueless about what the outcome would be. We didn’t know 1) if I would survive, 2) if the tumor was cancer, 3) if the entire tumor would be removed, 4) what else would be discovered.

Over the year I discovered that I am loved by so many people across this country and abroad. THANK YOU ALL for your support, encouragement, gifts, visits, and prayers. I have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of love. I didn’t realize that “God was going to make an example out of me.” I trust Him. I really do. So much so that I have accepted what He has allowed.

The tumor was caused by sarcoidosis. Bernie Mac died of this illness. Close to home, our church’s outreach pastor’s wife died from the same illness during the same time I first fell ill! She was hospitalized on the second day of my hospital stay back in December. I attended her funeral. Oh, dear! The thoughts that were running through my mind while at her funeral--- oh, boy!

The doctor told us that after surgery, I would be moved to the Neuro-Intensive Care Unit. I would be in a comatose state with a breathing tube in my mouth for 3 – 4 days. I went into surgery at 7:00 a.m. I was brought to ICU around 8:00 p.m. The tube was removed and oxygen was given through my nose. About an hour later I was talking to my family and friends, telling them to go home and get rest. The next day, my Pastor and Chief Elder visited, and to their surprise I was sitting in a chair aside my bed in ICU. I still had the oxygen going through my nose but I was about to eat my first meal. LOOK AT GOD!

January 15, 2015, I was put to sleep so that what was threatening my life could be removed. 8 hours later I woke up to, what I didn’t know at the time, a new way of living. That new way will be posted tomorrow.

Last evening, I was driving to a church where I was scheduled to minister. I began to think about this time last year-I couldn’t drive and was home making preparations to enter the hospital in the morning. I was crying so many tears of joy because I had looked back and saw where the Lord had brought me from.  I had to pull on side of the road for a praise break!

I trust God and know He is working this out for my good. He is my Healer. I have submitted to His plan for my life. One day, I will live pain-free. One day I will no longer take medication. To get to that day, I am obeying God and submitting to the process of treatment that He has prescribed. It is The Great Physician that is working through my doctors. Surely goodness and mercy is following me!  As I have said all year, IT IS WELL WITH MY SOUL! I’m going THROUGH to get TO my due season! God IS getting glory out of my life!

Oh, Brother! The Secret is Out!

I have to applaud my mom’s dementia for giving her the inability to keep things she remembers

The Acox siblings; Roline, Ryan, & Rhonda
Nephew Thai

from the past to herself. The fact that my dad has a son who had been kept secret for 37 years was told to me during a visit with mom. I remember laughing and telling mom, "so you wait until I'm 50 something to scar me!" LOL! Actually, I wasn't surprised.

My dad was uncooperative and refused to give information regarding his son, BUT, God has a way of bringing things to the light.  Last June, through a series of divinely orchestrated events comparable to a Tyler Perry Madea play, I was given the name and cell phone number of my brother. I did not look for my brother. His information found me. Just when a date was set for us to meet, I ended up in the hospital with a brain tumor needing immediate attention. For real God! Now? I asked my doctor if the surgery could be put off until after Christmas. I wanted to meet my brother before I went under the knife.

It’s been a year of learning about this blood relative, my brother, my children’s uncle, my husband’s brother-in-law, who also has a son, Thai, who too wanted to know more about us. A year ago during the Christmas holidays I thanked God for allowing me to see my brother and nephew face to face. It was an instant bond. We don’t need Maury Povich. My dad’s DNA is all over Ryan’s face. When it comes to 37 year old Ryan Rose, Roland Acox, YOU ARE the father! (This is the part where Roland runs back stage not wanting to confront what he has done). To add, Ryan has what we call “The Acox lip!” We've been blessed with big lips and the lower one likes to "hang out." LOL! Acox men are tall. Ryan is 6’ 5”! There’s no denying Ryan---he’s an Acox! Look at the picture below. What do you think?

  Over the year, we have talked several times, and text much. His name was on the list of immediate family members that I would receive calls from after my surgery. He has spent time with Catherine in March, and spent Thanksgiving with us at my niece’s home. 

It has been hinted to me by Christians that I should keep silent about Ryan nor should I post pictures of him on social media. I am not ashamed of my brother and I refuse to keep him a secret.  To do this would be to deny my brother. I am in no way perfect. However, I don’t apologize for loving the Lord, my brother, and myself way too much to willingly be ungodly. Now, run and tell that! LOL!

Once again, I almost let go....and then I came to myself!

Dec. 23rd I began having excruciating pain on the entire right side of my body. Most of the pain was in my hip and joints. The left leg and foot was hurting as well. Walking was almost impossible. The next day, Christmas Eve, I was running on adrenaline. I was excited about my mom coming to my home for her birthday which is Christmas. While cooking the gumbo the pain got worse. I could not complete the meal I had planned. Thank you Lord for sending an angel who provided my family with an entire Christmas meal.

Christmas day through Sunday, things got worse, so much so that I was contemplating going to the emergency room. I was in so much pain that I told my husband I was ready to leave this earth. Umm, no, I was not suicidal nor was I giving up. It’s hard to explain, but I was tired and hurting-physically, emotionally, and spiritually.  Sarcoidosis is just that---- really bad, unimaginable daily pain. Most days I can handle the pain. Sunday evening I thought about what may be causing this episode because it was really different. I had an AHA moment....I came to myself.

A few months ago, my doctor began the process of tapering me off my steroids. This would determine if the sarcoidosis was in remission. Staying positive, I made up my mind that everything was going to be okay that I NEVER considered I would need the steroids again. A week and a half ago, I was completely off the steroids. Long story short, I’m back on the steroids. During this time my short term memory got really bad.  It’s going to take a few days for my body to readjust to the meds, however, I am feeling some relief. 

The sad conclusion for me is the fact that I am not in remission. And so the saga continues……however, It is well with my soul.