We are More Connected than We Think

Today I started the 3rd healing sessions of Chemo. All went well, my hemoglobin is improving, iron tablets are working. All the other indicators are heading in the right direction and I am maintaining a healthy weight.

Now, I was ready to begin the days healing cocktail. The sessions start with medication given through a drip to minimize side effects. This morning, I was given a medication intravenously that is usually dripped. Not paying much attention, I begin squirming, it felt like there were ants in my pants and they were having a field day biting.

The nurse saw the squirming and said the drug had to be injected because the small bags from Puerto used to drip this medication were unavailable. After months of healing sessions and not thinking about where things are manufactured, here I am in Milledgeville, Georgia being effected by a hurricane that happened 4,00 miles away and four months ago.

“The medical products industry has a significant presence in Puerto Rico, and the disruption to this industry has had ramifications for patients both on the island and throughout the U.S.” stated Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, M.D. “

Hospitals across the country are reporting shortages of intravenous fluids, particularly sodium chloride 0.9-percent injection bags, a type of saline bag. Saline intravenous fluids, used to inject drugs in hospital and out-patient settings, have been in short supply since 2014, but the electrical issues in Puerto Rico has exacerbated the shortage.

Quote from article by By Mary Ellen Godin, Record-Journal staff January 02, 2018 05:48PM

There may be other changes because of the shortage of iv fluids. Whatever the changes are, I am confident the medical team will find practical and creative solutions that are in my best interest. If the worst thing that happens is a few ants in my pants, I’m good with it.

                                                             Getting Up

Twenty-four hours, 8 hours for sleeping and 16 hours to fill.  Each day, especially now that I’m feeling better, I look for a reason to get up and get dressed.  It takes effort to fill days when those days aren’t pre-arranged by employment, medical appointments, cleaning and cooking.

Each evening, I consider things I’d like to accomplish. the next day.  Bills still have to be paid, shopping for food and limited cooking, there are letters to write and medical billing to manage, reviewing my day for FB postings.  When there are gaps to be filled, a friend will send a card, call or stop by for a visit.  Each day brings it’s own surprises and yes, something will happen and most often, it’s something good.

With the flu so widespread, I’m avoiding crowds and that has put a damper on some of my plans.  Not to fear, I can always find something interesting to fill my time.  I am intentional about making each day count.  At the end of the day, I like to look back and know I accomplished something.

Many times, it’s something I don’t particularly want to do.  My tables tend to accumulate the daily mail and filing is a pain.  Dishes have to be put away, I don’t mind washing them.  The same with clothing, I don’t mind washing, drying and folding.  Putting away is the hard part.

Today, I’m visiting my sister, clearing the mail off the table, short walk and a Doc appointment.  Tonight, I’ll think about tomorrow, a monthly painting class and weekly dinner with my honey.

                                                        Three Stories

I am blessed with great friends.  Over the years of friendship there are three stories shared by friends that have become a foundation on which I’ve built my life.  I’m sharing three stories from two friends.  There are many more, these three however, are particularly giving me strength now.

The first comes from a friend I’ve know since our first day of college.  We are both from Georgia and it was Southerners against the Yankees.  Years after graduating, she was leaving the consignment shop I owned, before walking out the door, she turned and said, “You don’t know what will happen, it might be something good.” 

When the future looks difficult and doubts crowd out the light, I go back to that moment and remind myself, “I don’t know what will happen today or tomorrow, it might be something good.”

The second story comes from a friend I met shortly after the birth of her forth child.  During elementary school, a classmate’s mother brought cookies.  The mom asked my friend if she wanted one and my friend replied, “I don’t know.”  The mom responded, “If you don’t know, then who does.”

My toughest mental work is deciding what I want.  I’m the only person that can make those choices.  It’s much easier to know what I don’t want, it’s so much harder to walk through all those “don’t wants” to whittle down to what I Do want.  I want to make the most of this experience.  I want to emerge more like Jesus.

The third, from the same friend, happen while pregnant.  She was reminded by the Holy Spirit that “pregnancy wasn’t an excuse to behave badly.”  This one is constantly on my mind.  Cancer isn’t an excuse to take my frustrations out on others. My husband and the medical personnel are doing all they can to help.  My job is to cooperate and be part of the solution, not part of the problem.

I’m guided by, “Something good might happen, know what I want and be my best self even when it’s difficult.”

                                                   Taste Changes

Peanut butter was the first casualty.  Honey and hazelnut spread followed.  Foods that I’ve enjoyed in the past are no longer appealing.  My tastes are changing.  I made chili yesterday.  It looked so good.  Onions, garlic, green peppers, celery, three kinds of beans, sweet corn and three kinds of meat.  A big potful and I had a hard time eating a small bowl. This morning, I made cornbread using my favorite recipe, I’ve given it all away. It just didn’t taste the same.

After eating, I have an odd taste in my mouth that is unrelated to the food.  My sister-in-law suggested using plastic utensils. They do make a difference. They eliminate the odd mouth taste and food taste more like I remember.

The nutritionist encourages me to eat or drink enough calories to maintain my current weight.  Nutritional drinks like Boost are recommended.  They are high calorie and full of nutrients.  They are also very sweet and sweets have lost some of their appeal.  I mix the drink with soy milk (lactose intolerant), vanilla, and a tiny bit of salt, (it cuts the sweetness) and heat it.  It tastes like hot chocolate.

What now?  A chance to explore new foods and spices. I enjoy trying new foods and enjoy cooking something different.  My first buy was Meyer Lemons, a cross between lemons and mandarin oranges. They are full of juice and make great lemonade.

My next visit to the grocery store, I’m going to try something I’ve only looked at.  With the internet, I can find recipes easily.  With all the choices, I’m sure I’ll find food and spices that both good to me and good for me.