progress Report 2-5

Week 5. I don’t know what I am counting towards. I had a very good week feeling better than ever. I made it to all my yoga and Tai Chi classes throwing in a guided imagery session and a ladies’ night out at the wellness community that turned out to be the most fun I have had in a long time. The best experience was taking part in something called “Drumming” where about 30 women took to different repercussion instruments and somehow what I would have expected to be the most chaotic sound was a unifying musical beat. There was so much positive energy in the air and it was extremely liberating and joyful. We all felt a little lighter afterwards and hope to have the chance to do it again. But miracles of miracles yours truly who hardly ever wins anything closed the night wining twice in bingo.
On Monday at the clinic while waiting for Randy, I was first visited by a young 4th year student doing his rotation; A sweet young man that reminded me of Dougy Houser (if anyone remembers that show). He hesitantly asked me a few questions mostly about how I felt. I think he was a bit confused realizing he had to get answers from a patient that does not look the least sick. “I feel great” I tell him. He goes down the list of side of effects to which I kept shaking my head and finally I just told him that I am sorry but I am not the average patient. I don’t do side effects. The truth is (and I did let him know) that they are truly minimal and are taken care of by supplements specifically – and I know this is more then you want to know but he asked – constipation which has not been a problem since Jim had me on Magnesium pills twice a day. I haven’t suffered mouth sores either which I attribute to good digestive system and drinking green tea “Don’t dismiss natural treatments” I told him in my authoritative motherly tone. “Oh I won’t” he promised. I think I left an impression on him. Randy followed a few minutes later. My counts are steady but he kept the dose down. I had not really asked about the plan he had for me and thought it may be a good thing to at least have an idea of the schedule so I can plan my travels. As you see I have my priorities straight. Well this may go on for a year. After this round of 6 treatments I take a break and go to a 3 weeks on 1 week off routine. I think I can work with that but I did feel a bit claustrophobic with that schedule. I have a huge attention deficit disorder and long term projects bore me. Luckily this is about the same time it will take me to complete the remodeling so I will have something else to focus on and it will give me the necessary imagery I need to see my body being restored along with the house.
In the suite Jenny started me with the pre-meds while Sharbel faithfully rubbed my feet. As you see I am still the envy of the entire suite prompting every person passing by to ask if they can take a number. Jenny went to lunch so Andee took over the IV push. Andee too is one of the smiling angels. I think it must be a prerequisite to work in that place. She was sorry to see me back. Oh well I told her we just have to finish up the job. Andee is always joking and laughing and as we chatted about scans and labs and having to wait we agreed that waiting to find out results is the worst part. Turns out while I was on my remission sabbatical she had a surgery on her thyroid gland that turned out to be cancerous. Waiting for 3 weeks to find out was agonizing. She has been treated since and is well now and apparently had continued to work through her “little” ordeal. We laughed about her being radioactive during treatment and having to carry an ID card to go through security checks at the airport. She told the story with humor and light heartedness as if it is the funniest thing that ever happened to her. So tell me when was the last time you met someone that can do what Andee is doing. So here I am once more finding myself at awe at the amazing dedication of these nurses convinced more than ever that they are not of this earth and a special gift from God.
Until the next time
much love