If I were an elite athlete, I would not be an elite athlete. It would be impossible for my multiple Dixie cup-filled helpings of pills each day to pass any drug test (In addition to the qualifier that elite athletes should be capable of more than walking down the hall gripping an IV pole in one hand and a family member's arm with the other.)
A particular hurdle to a clean drug test would be the steroids they've been giving me to help control the bleeding in my lungs. They are starting to taper me off of them, which is good news, but the withdrawal has side effects. These effects would have been good to understand before last night. I did not sleep at all last night and had a crushing headache. If I'd understood at the time the effect was from the steroids, I would have asked for stronger pain meds. Instead I was in a hormonal foul mood all morning. I've really been trying to be nice to everyone here (It's not their fault I'm going through this.), so I feel bad.
Luckily, late morning, a nice dose of Percocet improved my outlook. A surprise visit from my brother Jeff helped tremendously. Katelyn is sick, so neither she, my mom, or Ryan could visit today. So it was particularly good to have Jeff here.
No matter how hard I try to stay positive, it's not always easy. I am exhausted, and worn out from drug after drug. They just took me down to CT Scan to make sure my headache from this morning was not a result of internal bleeding. I'm trying not to worry about this, but it is just one more thing that makes me nervous.
The lead oncologist has said once I am discharged from here, I will need to be connected to my local hospital for at least five months for phase two of the treatment. Well let me tell you: once I am totally better and can travel, that will be one heck of a trip.
Again, thank you everyone for your words of encouragement. On a day like today, they've been especially important.
A particular hurdle to a clean drug test would be the steroids they've been giving me to help control the bleeding in my lungs. They are starting to taper me off of them, which is good news, but the withdrawal has side effects. These effects would have been good to understand before last night. I did not sleep at all last night and had a crushing headache. If I'd understood at the time the effect was from the steroids, I would have asked for stronger pain meds. Instead I was in a hormonal foul mood all morning. I've really been trying to be nice to everyone here (It's not their fault I'm going through this.), so I feel bad.
Luckily, late morning, a nice dose of Percocet improved my outlook. A surprise visit from my brother Jeff helped tremendously. Katelyn is sick, so neither she, my mom, or Ryan could visit today. So it was particularly good to have Jeff here.
No matter how hard I try to stay positive, it's not always easy. I am exhausted, and worn out from drug after drug. They just took me down to CT Scan to make sure my headache from this morning was not a result of internal bleeding. I'm trying not to worry about this, but it is just one more thing that makes me nervous.
The lead oncologist has said once I am discharged from here, I will need to be connected to my local hospital for at least five months for phase two of the treatment. Well let me tell you: once I am totally better and can travel, that will be one heck of a trip.
Again, thank you everyone for your words of encouragement. On a day like today, they've been especially important.
Keep pushing! Hope you got the package I sent!
ReplyDeleteWish I could be there to visit with you.
Xoxo sarah
First Of all, you are an elite athlete. Second of all, they have great making agents that allow you to pass those tests. Problem solved =p
ReplyDeleteHope last night was better, I'm quite foul on bad sleep even when otherwise feeling well.
ReplyDeleteObviously recovery is still going on but bumpy, which I'm sure is par, and you're spirit, even in the down moments, is still inspiring.
In a few days, I'm going to ask if it's OK for you to be visited by non family members.
Your writing buddy, KEN
Shelley, you are amazing! The way you are keeping your sense of humor and spunk during all this is amazing. We can't wait for you to finally get your trip to the beach (or wherever else you want to go) when all this is done. You are an inspiration and a fighter (and despite what your latest post says, an elite athlete too).
ReplyDeleteHope you got our care package!
Hugs and keep on fighting,
Liz