It’s been a few months since I’ve given an update. I was waiting for my 2 year mark. It’s hard to believe it’s been 2 years since I started this journey. I am happy to say that I am still cancer free!  My 2 year mammogram was clear and I will get another MRI in 6 months. 

Unfortunately, the 2 year mark also means that this is probably my new normal. My PCP has stated that I am permanently disabled. I have now officially been terminated from my job. I am so grateful to Davita for keeping me on as long as they did considering I have been unable to work since February 2020. I had a hope that I could return to work but that doesn’t seem to be part of my future. For now I will just keep taking care of myself and enjoy my life to the fullest. 

I had a great 2 week visit to Florida in January. I had fluid infusions lined up if I needed them but decided not to get any. I did ok. I just got a little more symptomatic the second week. Plus, I found out the clinic I would be going to was a Covid clinic and I didn’t want to take a chance of getting sick while away from home. Unfortunately, I ended up getting Covid shortly after we returned home. I had moderate symptoms and received the monoclonal antibody infusion 7 days after symptom onset. Within 24-48 hours after the infusion I was mostly symptom free. It was pretty great. I still felt pretty weak for a couple of weeks but I was so thankful the cough was gone. I did get a headache during covid that has still not gone away. I’ve had an MRI to ensure its not anything serious and am scheduled to see a neurologist in a few weeks. Thankfully it’s not a migraine but a lingering headache can wear on you after awhile. 

I am continuing to receive fluid infusions twice a week and get labs done every 2 weeks. The dr has been lowering my steroid again and we are hoping to find the lowest dose possible that I can still function at, with the least amount of side effects. 

Unfortunately, the steroids have caused rapidly progressing cataracts. I am now unable to see well enough to drive and have to rely on Dave and the kids to get me to my never ending appointments. I am scheduled for surgery on April 21 for my left eye and May 5 for my right eye. The doctor says I am at higher risk of complications due to the type of cataract I have and because I’m younger. (Who knew being younger could be a problem?) I would appreciate any prayers for complication free surgeries. 

I feel like I have a full time job going to appointments. I have upcoming appointments with the gastroenterologist, nephrologist, PCP, surgeon, orthopedic doctor, neurologist, ophthalmologist, and a dexa scan. This is in addition to the twice a week fluid infusions and  bi-weekly visits with the oncologist/hematologist. Despite this busy schedule, I have been able to fit in a weekly Bible study and a couple of massages 😁.  I have very few days that I don’t leave the house for at least a couple of hours. 

I am also blessed to see the joy of my life, Link, 2-3 days a week. I never thought I could love anything more than my own kids but I have found that grandbabies are even better. Link’s smile for grandma makes everything better. 

Thank you to everyone who is still following my long journey. I appreciate all the love, support, and prayers I receive. I will try to give another update after my eye surgeries.