Yet another medical update...and other stuff

Yesterday I saw my Neurologist, Dr. D.  I hadn't seen her since April when we weren't sure what was going to happen with my cancer treatment.  I was her first appointment for the day.  When I got there, she was already in my room!!  How often does that happen?  Well she of course wanted to know how I was doing and what was going on since I didn't call her about chemotherapy.  I filled her in on my radiation and we went over my history.  We might have gone over it when I first saw her in 2008 but she wanted to go over it again.  It is amazing when I think about what my body has been through since 2003. 

She confirmed my labs look great (last CK was 109 which is great for me).  I didn't tell her how sluggish I've been and my lack of exercise.  But we did talk that I can try reducing my Methotrexate injections each week.  Starting this week, I will do 20 mg instead of 25 mg.  That might help some of the side effects which would be fabulous.  I would love to get to the point where I don't have to lay on the couch all day 1 day a week.  The hard part is we won't know how I am doing on the lower dose for 3-6 months.  When I was taking the pills, I didn't have too much trouble until 17.5 mg so I am hoping I see a big improvement as I cut down. 

I will see her again in 3 months but will call if we determine I need chemotherapy.  So that is good.

I admit I've been in a huge funk the past week.  To the point it is a little concerning that it is still here because I usually can push it away.  Not to fear, I know the source which is mostly work.  Not much I can do about that but adjust my attitude and I am working on that.  And I am very glad Philip is at his Dad's house because he sadly was my "road kill" of my day by default.  He is such a trooper to put up with it. 

Yesterday, I was warmed with phone calls.  First came from Connie (my ex-boss and good friend).  I was so pleasantly surprised to hear from her.  She knows my work and the personalities I deal with very well so it is a good source to talk about that dynamic. She also knows my work history and style.  One valuable gem we discussed yesterday is there probably isn't a career move available to me so I need to make it work.  We laughed until my tummy hurt.  We also commiserated about how hard it is to have physical limitations and how our pride gets in the way.  We both want to go to Europe and agreed we will encourage each other to work towards that.  She probably doesn't realize this but her call came at just the right time and boosted me more than I could ever guess.  So Thank You Connie!  You are a gem.

My Dad also called and we talked about life and Philip and stuff going on.  How fast the summer is going by and how we might bitch about the heat now but in a few months, I'll be complaining about how cold it is.  It was a great visit with Dad.

Nola and I talked too. She talked me into joining an online card class.  I have had nothing but trouble figuring out how to use the site.  Mixed with my week anyway, it has been a frustrating experience to say the least.  But Nola and I talked and talked and talked.  She gave me a confirmation that only a sister can do and made me feel better.  No matter how long we talk, I always have more I want to talk about by the time we  hang up.

And finally, Mom called.  We caught up on our plans for the weekend and our frustrations with our work.  She works so hard and faces so many challenges.  I wish you could retire Mom.  But in the meantime, know I am here to listen and I appreciate you listening to  me too.

So my cup runneth over yesterday.  Thank you.  Today is Friday which always puts a little spring in my step.  I'm going to try to get work stuff out of the way and get to the weekend.  Mom will be here this weekend.  We are making Dream Dinners and going to work on making cards for my card class.

I hope everyone has a great weekend!  Remember when your world is gray, talking to people that care can make all the difference in the world!  Love you all!