Unpredictability

There is little room for planning in my life. I have just barely corrected the typos in my last update, and here I am back again. We enjoyed having Harley and the kids here for the weekend. They left Monday.

Later in the day, I was resting up from the visit and got up to go to the bathroom. I spent the next two hours in the bathroom as my body purged everything it could, however it could. As things progressed, I realized that between the pain and the fatigue, I couldn't get myself into a car to go to the hospital. And so it happened that I had my first ride in an ambulance. This was certainly not something I hoped to add to my list of "done its." After my ride, I spent the evening in the ER getting fluids and bloodwork. Unable to determine just what was going on, the doctor sent me home with a diagnosis of food poisoning or the stomach flu. I had a below normal temperature at the hospital, but soon after getting home I developed a fever. I was up a few hours more trying to manage the fever, but was finally able to sleep at about 3 o'clock in the morning.

The good news is that I am recovering nicely. I am thankful to my Mom and her always-preparedness for getting me through the ordeal. After a few days of rest, I am back to Curves and walking. I went for 35 minute walks yesterday and today--quite the accomplishment for me.

The crazy thing is that I just can't ever see what's coming. I was doing really well before the weekend and felt a little tired during the weekend. Even on Monday I was feeling decent until I got up. I guess none of us knows what's in store on any given day. I just seem to feel it more these days. But I'm enjoying my unexpectedly quick recovery. And I hope each of you is doing well.

Thanks for taking the time to read this. Take care. Jill

Fallishness

It's a rainy day in Missouri. Life has been pretty uneventful (that's a good thing). I feel like I'm slacking when I'm not busy so it's hard to adjust to the lack of appointments, hospitalizations, medication changes and general dashing around trying to get things done. I feel tired and stagnant, like I'm not making any progress.

I see a classmate from my social work program occasionally. When I saw her yesterday, she gave me something great to think about. She explained to me that these slow weeks when nothing is happening ARE progress in and of themselves. That helps me a lot. As much as I resist it, the road to recovery is all about rest and recovery, in addition to hard work.

As Canadian Thanksgiving draws near, I am more conscious of all the things I have to be thankful for. An acquaintance from Curves just returned from spending a few months with her daughter and prematurely born grandson. It is amazing to spend time around people so intimately involved in the most traumatic aspects of life. It brings back the feelings of my treatments in Seattle and reminds me of the gift of living with such a clear focus on the importance of living well, love, giving care, and support. I am thankful for the suport I have received from you.

I am very much enjoying the Halloween "season." I pulled out all of my Halloweeny things and I walk through any seasonal displays I can find anywhere. I made a wreath for my Mom in preparation for my brother, niece and nephew coming to visit from Illinois. We look forward to seeing them tonight.

In short, all is well. I'm tapering down off of some medications and managing to avoid any GVHD right now. I'm working through some fall doldrums but enjoying the change of season none-the-less. I wish you all well. Happy October!! Jill