Ok, so I have my energy back and can get caught up on writing. The week before last (week of the 8th) was an off week for me so it should have been a fairly high energy one. Unfortunately, I had a lot of carry over side effects so it wasn’t. In fact, I barely slept on two nights. Rob even ran out to the pharmacy for me one night at about 1 am. Thank God for her – I don’t know what I’d do without her. But eventually, things evened out.
Last week was a juicing week – on Tuesday as usual. The news from this visit is that I met with the oncologist and decided to go back out on disability. I have a very demanding, high stress job and, after four weeks and two rounds of chemo, I cannot see how I can do it effectively while on treatment. So, I am now officially back out on disability. I went into the office on Wednesday to work out some transition issues and share a few words with my co-workers.
On Thursday, I went to get unhooked at MSK because I needed some extra blood work done. Following my strategy of minimal meds, I decided to forgo my anti-nausea pill in the morning. This was a mistake. By the time I arrived, I was pretty green around the gills. My chemo nurse was awesome – getting a quick approval and a “super stat” order from the pharmacy for me. I then fell asleep for about an hour. When I awoke, the nurses were doing their secret Santa gifts. I am still just amazed at what a truly wonderful group they are – unbelievably cheerful and warm with all the patients and each other. So when they were done, I got unhooked and came home.
I will miss going into the City for work even though it’s a long commute and the City is really crowded with tourists this time of year. You really get the feel of the holidays. For example, there’s a Salvation Army stand at 7th and 32nd when I come out of Penn Station in the morning. The guy who rings the bell is a good singer and he sings these cabaret-style versions of Christmas Carols all morning. I guess he gets more donations that way or perhaps he just loves to sing. There’s also a bongo drummer who sets up on the downtown platform at the Rockefeller Center subway station on the evening commute. He adds an African rhythm and little whoops and calls to his holiday songs. He’s so good, I always want to skip a couple of trains listening but I’m usually hustling to make my NJ Transit train. There’s also a great model train exhibit complete with all of the cars, buildings and even a working drive-in theatre in the lobby of the CitiGroup building at 53rd and Lex (across from MSK) which is a little holiday jewel. It’s a great time to be in the City – even if the crowds are outrageous! Okay, those are my recommendations for a day in NYC on zero dollars!
I’m now pretty much through with the carry over from Round 3. Again, it was a little harder on the fatigue/nausea front than Round 2 but I expect to feel pretty good this week. I’m looking forward to a good week of cheer with family and friends. And if it weren’t so incredibly cold out there, I might even enjoy running those last minute errands!
Wishing you a joyful Holiday Season!! Stay Warm…BB
Last week was a juicing week – on Tuesday as usual. The news from this visit is that I met with the oncologist and decided to go back out on disability. I have a very demanding, high stress job and, after four weeks and two rounds of chemo, I cannot see how I can do it effectively while on treatment. So, I am now officially back out on disability. I went into the office on Wednesday to work out some transition issues and share a few words with my co-workers.
On Thursday, I went to get unhooked at MSK because I needed some extra blood work done. Following my strategy of minimal meds, I decided to forgo my anti-nausea pill in the morning. This was a mistake. By the time I arrived, I was pretty green around the gills. My chemo nurse was awesome – getting a quick approval and a “super stat” order from the pharmacy for me. I then fell asleep for about an hour. When I awoke, the nurses were doing their secret Santa gifts. I am still just amazed at what a truly wonderful group they are – unbelievably cheerful and warm with all the patients and each other. So when they were done, I got unhooked and came home.
I will miss going into the City for work even though it’s a long commute and the City is really crowded with tourists this time of year. You really get the feel of the holidays. For example, there’s a Salvation Army stand at 7th and 32nd when I come out of Penn Station in the morning. The guy who rings the bell is a good singer and he sings these cabaret-style versions of Christmas Carols all morning. I guess he gets more donations that way or perhaps he just loves to sing. There’s also a bongo drummer who sets up on the downtown platform at the Rockefeller Center subway station on the evening commute. He adds an African rhythm and little whoops and calls to his holiday songs. He’s so good, I always want to skip a couple of trains listening but I’m usually hustling to make my NJ Transit train. There’s also a great model train exhibit complete with all of the cars, buildings and even a working drive-in theatre in the lobby of the CitiGroup building at 53rd and Lex (across from MSK) which is a little holiday jewel. It’s a great time to be in the City – even if the crowds are outrageous! Okay, those are my recommendations for a day in NYC on zero dollars!
I’m now pretty much through with the carry over from Round 3. Again, it was a little harder on the fatigue/nausea front than Round 2 but I expect to feel pretty good this week. I’m looking forward to a good week of cheer with family and friends. And if it weren’t so incredibly cold out there, I might even enjoy running those last minute errands!
Wishing you a joyful Holiday Season!! Stay Warm…BB
2 comments:
What a great description of the city during the holidays. It's almost enough to get me to travel in for no reason other than to be a part of it all. But then I remember how cold it is outside. You can't tell that from watching Brian walk to school. He still only wears a hoodie and jeans. No gloves. The reason: his coat is too big to fit in his backpack for the walk home from school when it's a balmy 26 degrees.
Hi Brian- Sorry I have not been a faithful commentor on your wonderful blog... it is so you! Informative, honest, open and always touched with your wonderful sense of humor... I often say that being blessed with a sense of humor is the greatest gift God has given me to get through life's ups and downs. I do "read" you though I am often at a loss to comment back. Still since today is your very special day and we are in the midst of the holiday season, I thought I would take time to wish you a very happy birthday and let you know that Charlie and I often chat about how it is so good to have known you while you were here in VA. Still I think it is wonderful that you and Rob and the kids are back home with all your friends and family. Your description of NYC is very enticing, but I think this gal from below the Mason Dixon line would freeze up there exploring all the wonders that the Big Apple has to offer... I hope your energy level will soar enough to celebrate the holidays, your birthday and the upcoming New Year. I will follow along your journey with interest and know that you and yours are in our thoughts and prayers! Jane P.
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