Saturday, February 5, 2011

Life is a box of chocolates

So Abby's feeling better.  She's finishing up her antibiotics.  Her UTI is gone and her cold is much, much better.  However, as if those two things were not enough she got some kind of yeast or fungal infection. Dr. Gordon's office has been fielding lots of calls and emails from us this week.  Antibiotics were harsh on her system and they load it with sugar so sometimes that happens I guess. But really!?!?  I mean seriously.  How does that happen to a little princess?  It could have to do with the fact that she fights me tooth and nail to change her diaper these days too.  To stop yeast you also have to stay dry. Ugh. She will either kick me, scratch me or roll all over the dirty diaper so I literally have to use my legs to pin her down and change her diaper.  Such a battle!

As if taking care of a sick kid weren't enough, I got sick and had to function on overdrive to get through the week.  Then David got sick (and even though we have the same cold it does seem to hit him harder even though I had Chemo too....I'm telling you folks, hydration is SO important).  Furthermore, David's mom got sick.  My mom got sick.  Everyone is sick.  How can one little girl spread so many germs? I am praying that Agnes and Mercy do not get sick.  Oh man, that would be a huge disaster!!  Oh by the way, Agnes has been such a blessing.  She's effervescent and has great energy and is a natural with Leo.  I'm feeling great in the help department.  So thankful!

Went to a preschool interview with Abby this week (it's one on the short list).  I got ready and then at the last minute decided not to wear my wig.  My hair is now just long enough.  It's a sort of spiky, very, very short pixie cut. If I have make-up on I don't even think I look that bad, it's kind of passable.  I mean, sure, it still looks like I was a cancer patient or a jug head but have let it grow out.  It does draw odd looks and random questions from people but I don't mind.  I'm happy to have hair that is even as long as about half an inch in some places.  It will all fall out again in about another month (if I'm lucky enough to have it last that long).  Oh, Abby had a great time at the school but then didn't want to leave. I think she is going to do great with the transition to school in September.

I saw Dr. Daly, my ob/gyn this week for my final post-op check up.  It was really weird to have to discuss birth control.  I thought that Chemo would be plenty enough but she insists that since I'm "young" (emphasis is my own) that the Chemo may not shut down my ovaries entirely so there is still a risk.  How freaking surreal is that?  She even said that after the Chemo, radiation, etc. that I may be fertile again.  Wouldn't that be something? Anyway, the only possible contraception I can use is an IUD because the pill has hormones in it.  Wonder if that had anything to do with me getting the cancer in the first place.  Nope, can't go there.  All I know is apparently I won't be able to use any form of hormones going forward.  (In my head I am cursing the IVF. stupid. stupid. stupid but still worth every ounce since it brought us Abby and Ben, can't look back).

My schedule is horrific.  Let me show you (will post attachment in a minute).  I am trying to figure out how to get a work out going.  I'm armed with all sorts of various yoga classes, dance classes, and hiking routes.  I just have to figure out when the hell to do it.  I went yesterday and bought new workout clothes at Lululemon. I figure if I live in workout clothes then going for a walk or squeezing in a workout impromptu will be no problem (IN THEORY....who commented that to me, oh yeah, Brandi.  Too funny!).  Anyway, it worked so far.  I walked yesterday with Abby after her nap and then we walked today before lunch.  Nice day today, David and I went for a walk with Leo in the baby bjorn on the strand while Abby stayed and played with Agnes at the JC Beach Club.  Then we all had lunch together.  It was a gorgeous day and it was great to get out.

The thing I am most worried about with this Chemo is neurapathy (Sharon had that from this drug in her hands and feet).  I am having bouts of that from time to time (the first week it really hurt in my left arm and leg and this week it is more in my leg only) but I swear that the working out will help.  I'm hoping Dr. McAndrew will confirm this for me on Monday. I need to get strong. Only other symptoms are the tummy issues.  I am trying to remedy that with natural remedies like Bio-K probiotics and the BRAT diet.  I can't say I have much appetite but it's not like I'm not eating so it's fine. So far everything is tolerable.  Now if only I can remember to take my 31904958 vitamins and herbs at the same time each day...that would help too.

I swear that I can nominate myself for the horrible mother of the year award on so many levels last week. Ok, sure, I've been sick but I felt like Wednesday and Thursday I spent all of five minutes with Leo.  Then I lost my temper with Abby from her "Abby do it, No, mommy do it, UP, UP, UP, No feed the ducks, No go upstairs and change diaper" and her resisting diaper changes, hitting me and scratching my face.  I had to give myself a "mommy time out" and walk away several times while she cried.  On top of that,  I got a call from Pet Medical Center.  The specialist had reviewed Charlie's x-rays and he has "moderately severe hip dysplasia with remodeling".  Grrrrrreeeaaat. It is a problem with the breed but he's only 6 (although the doctor pointed out that 6 is late 30's in dog years so it's pretty normal).  Now Charlie has to be on a diet and go for daily walks on flat ground and take anti-inflammatory drugs with his glucosamine. No hikes, no running and no treats.  Poor Charlie.  I saw Ann this week and she is having puppy withdrawals so I'm hoping she starts taking him for walks and giving him some love.  I've also had Mercy walk to the dogs twice this week and they went with me and Abby on our walk as well.  Sounds like we all need to get fit and healthy together.  It's a family affair!!

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