Friday, Jan. 7, 2022

   Hello! Checking in at the end of the first week of 2022! And good news for Gracie!

   When this week began, I was feeling pretty good, physically, and acknowledging, that I was feeling pretty good. I heard a voice say "You're free to feel good now!" What did that mean? After a couple of days, I thought it meant that the year of getting up, then getting knocked down (eg. Chemo) then up and down repeatedly until the end of the year, was over. Just when I started feeling stronger in November and less fatigued, I got the spasms in my neck that didn't quit until after Boxing Day. Until New Years, the spasm moved to the middle of my back. Then my great gigging fit as I lay in the snow, making my snow angel, and the hilarity of trying to get up, with Larry's help, seemed to re-align my spine and I felt so good. Then came the voice, "You're free to feel good now!"

   'NOT!' Shingles of all things... shingles! Speak about a challenge for being free to feel good now. Well, the good news is that it's not nearly as bad as my bout with shingles 15 years ago (from my waist to my knee on the right side). This time, it's on the same leg, above the back of my knee. So far its a patch the shape of a mango. I called the doctor within about 48 hours of the onset (which is crucial) and got the meds right away. Yes, shingles 'grate' on your nerves, as a constant reminder that they are keeping you company as an irritatingly painful and uninvited guest.

   So, today is day 2 of 7 days of meds. 'They' say the pain can last from 2 - 4 weeks. That was a big fat lie with my previous bout. But its useless to compare. That was then, and this is now!

I'll try my best to make the best of it. Hopefully I'll get out for wee walks, on unslippery pathways. Fresh air will sure lift my days. Quite disappointed that there's been more rain than snow. When we're out walking in a very beautiful part of nature, it really helps to take my mind off of any pain. So I'll let you know how I do!

  "Free to feel good!" I'm sure there's a lot of wisdom in that phrase, that I'll understand soon. Right now, the word "choice" comes to mind. "Free to 'choose' to feel good!" not easy, but then quite minor, compared to a lot of pain that others are suffering, without an end in sight for them. God bless them…. and you in your own struggles. Xoxo

PS: This update came yesterday, on 3 yr old Gracie - Her last bone marrow biopsy (for leukemia) has shown that she is now in remission. The family is extremely thankful for all your prayers and asks if you would continue. Grace will continue to receive chemo treatments for the next two years to clear up residual cancer cells in her system.