What's Going On?

I'm going to chalk it up to the heat. I haven't been doing well the past several days. Everyone I talk to feels the same. Once I've been in A/C for a little while I do much better. The humidity has been low enough that I haven't felt the need for A/C in the house. Once I get running around with the kids and household chores, though, I feel unsteady. I'm refusing to let it get me down.

The Vitamin D I am taking is making me sick to my stomach. I've tried several methods of taking it and nothing works. It's interesting since it's only 500 IU daily. I had been on a script for 50,000 IU weekly and never had a problem. I may try another OTC brand or even call the doctor for a script.

I had an appointment with my local neurologist for tomorrow. I cancelled it today since my intention was to walk in there and show him my new abilities. Not gonna happen this week. I think with both kids being in school full time next week I'll be able to take better care of myself.

I broke down and did some weeding last night. I found plants (perennials) that I had forgotten I planted. The weeds were literally knee high. That made me feel good. I think I'm going to slip into the neighbor's pool while Andy has the kids occupied and do a few laps. Sweet Peace.

Gardening Decision

Dr. Shammo, the oncologist, called tonight while we were at the beach. She said that even though I am at a normal level for white blood cells my immune system technically still hasn't recovered. She said that if I feel I need to do any gardening then to be extremely careful, to wear a mask and wash my hands well afterwards. I will only pull weeds to be on the safe side. I wont do any digging in the soil. That's all I really need to do at this point anyway. What a relief!

More of my Confusion

The oncologist's office has been answering questions from me again. I still haven't heard if I'm OK to do any gardening but a normal white count for anyone is between 4. and 10. (4,000-10,000) I heard one of the nurses at Rush say something about 50,000 and I obviously misunderstood what she was saying. So, I am at a normal level.

I noticed last night that my eyebrows are very thin. I usually have to pluck them every day and I haven't touched them in about a week. I think my hair is still falling out in places. That's OK with me as long as I don't lose them completely. The humidity is still taking a toll on me but I have the A/C going again today and I feel much better. I was going to attempt to take the kids to the beach but the humidity is at about 84% right now so I wont chance it. I may get on my bike today (it's on a trainer inside) to get some aerobic exercise. I need it. I found those 7 lbs. I lost in the hospital. A few extra lbs., too!

I still have energy to spare in the morning but I'm getting tired by the afternoon. I am going to blame the heat for that. I think most people are feeling the same. The kids have decided that I look better with a head scarf instead of a wig. I'm glad. The wig is hot. I think they're coming to accept Mom as baldy!

White Count Explained

I just heard from the oncologist's office at Rush. She said that my white count was 3150 when I left and that at 5900 on Friday I am at a normal range for this point in time. OK, I'm feeling better.

Good Article to Read

In the side bar there is a link for Stu's Website. If you click on this link there is an article by Cherie Binns that is worth the read. Cherie is a nurse with MS and I think I can say that she speaks for many of us with her personal story of what she went through getting correctly diagnosed. I highly recommend it.

White Count Update

I had blood work done on August 14th. My white count was only 5.9. I am quite surprised by this. I thought I'd be in the 20,000 range at this point. I emailed the oncologist's office at Rush to ask them about it. I wonder if this is why I get so tired in the afternoon. My walking gets better in the evening when it cools off so I'm happy about that. I took the kids school shopping today and I did OK. I even dared to walk across a couple of parking lots without the carriage and the temp outside is 97. I'll post again when I hear from the oncologist.

August 13 2009

The weather has been sticky and hot here in Southern New England. I wasn't sure what to expect. Was the heat going to bother me as it always has? It has. I must admit, though, that I still have full use of my left hand. My walking has been as difficult as it has in the past but as soon as it cools down in the evening it's gotten better when it never did in the past. I'm greatly encouraged by that.

My hair never completely fell out (close) and it's already growing back. I have yet to put my wig on. My skin is as dry as ever and I totally blew it the other day when I spent some time at the beach without being under the umbrella. I tried, since I'm no sun worshipper, but it blew down one time too many so I gave up. After being on IV anti-biotics for a week and then oral anti-biotics for a few days I should NOT have been in the sun. I did use sunblock but it didn't do enough. Big mistake.

In general I have to say I'm feeling pretty good. I am going out and doing things with the kids that I never would have attempted a few months ago. I guess I just feel that it's only going to get better at this point so why not? It's refreshing after all these years of being afraid to venture too far from the house. The kids seem to have gotten used to me being bald and haven't even suggested that I wear my wig when we go out. I just wear a hat and I'm more than comfortable.