Today was a good day.
I have a fair percentage of good days recently. My dose reduction in February tamped down the
physical side effects. More importantly
the reduction was enough to calm the raging depression that this drug induces
in me. I’m happy, safe, and reasonable.
End of April I had the test to determine if this lower dose
is keeping me in remission. The equipment
that runs this test can also run COVID tests, so there was quite a delay in
getting results. During which time I
fretted, worried I might have to change drugs again. I can’t go back to the higher dose on this
drug, not safely. Yesterday I got the
call. My numbers have gone up, but not
so far as to be clear that the lower dose is not doing the job. I certainly would have preferred holding
steady, or a reduction. A solid result
to assure me that the leukemia will remain in remission at this dose so I can keep
this medication long term. But I’m good till
the end of July. I’ll take it.
A year ago today I was setting up to leave for the Nevermoor
trial. I’d been to the doctor earlier as
I’d not been feeling well, figured I had Lymes again. My doctor called me that evening, called home
and cell and left messages telling me to go to the emergency room. I needed to finish chores, feed dogs, and
take a shower before I went in. I
expected to be home in a couple hours, instead I ended up in an ambulance bound
to Boston. It was a very long night.
Despite being fortunate to have a leukemia that can be
controlled with drugs, I am not one of the folks who tolerate the drugs
well. It has been a long year. I’d have liked to be further along by now in
working out the difficulties with the meds, but last summer I could barely get
myself to walk out to the raspberry patch to pick a few for my cereal. This spring I worked to put the neglected
patch back in order. Last summer I could
barely set a couple lines of net fence, stopping to let my heart stop pounding
a couple times per roll. Wednesday I
moved 6 rolls to set the ewes on pasture.
Last summer I depended on friends helping with the simplest of
tasks. This year I can do the work,
though I’ve cut my stock and dog numbers to adapt.
Today was a good day.
I did a lot today, which stood in clear contrast to where I was last
year. They say you should not look back. Looking back today I saw how far I have come.