Monday I had to go to the lab to have blood work done for the Pittsburgh nephrologist. I have to have the comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) done once a month for the next year. This go-round she’s particularly interested in my potassium level because initially it was too high (“eat this low-potassium diet,” she said), … Continue reading The Friday Routine
No Particular Place To Go
Very quick update. It was a long, boring, but ultimately uneventful drive back from Pennsylvania. Just what I was hoping for. Since arriving back in Albuquerque, I’m just back to my COVID-normal routine of working from home, which really isn’t anything like normal. Per the requirements of the company I work for, I’ve had to … Continue reading No Particular Place To Go
Almost Human
Praise be to whomever! As of Monday, the swelling in my legs is markedly reduced. I have ankles again! The tops of my feet and my toes aren’t swollen! My bruises are fading. My knees are still pretty bad, which I notice mostly when trying to stand up or walk up the stairs (whose idea … Continue reading Almost Human
Dr. A
I was so looking forward to the in-person visit with Dr. A, and it didn’t disappoint. I found the hospital easily enough but man, it’s HUGE. Finding my way around once I got inside was challenging! Both times I’ve been at the hospitals (two different ones), some kind soul has seen that I was clearly … Continue reading Dr. A
Privilege
There is much unrest in the country right now and a lot of current discussion about privilege, but I’m going to leave that topic for people who are far brighter than I am.But I am privileged. It’s not lost on me that I am incredibly fortunate to have even been able to MAKE this trip … Continue reading Privilege
The End of the Road
I arrived in Pittsburgh today! It was a pretty drive through Kentucky, Ohio, even a wee bit of West Virginia. Very green and lots of water—always a plus for us desert rats. It was only about a six hour drive today but of course there was some drama. I mean why not. When I woke … Continue reading The End of the Road
The Rule of Thirds
As I mentioned before, prior to the COVID crap, my job required me to drive long distances. For whatever reason, I always broke the trips up into thirds in my mind. Not halves or fourths but thirds. So I guess it’s somewhat fitting it will take me three days to get to Pittsburgh. My first … Continue reading The Rule of Thirds
Go Date
I have an appointment for my first infusion of Rituxan on June 3rd and a second infusion on June 17th. I’ll see Dr. A on June 4th. The first infusion is scheduled for eight hours. (Wow.) I haven’t gotten the schedule for the second one yet but Rose said it likely won’t be as long. … Continue reading Go Date
Cautious Optimism
I am definitely in the midst of the negative side effects of the prednisone. Sleepless nights, hot flashes. My whole body is swollen, literally down to my toes. My skin is stretched out, and I have “moon face.” My legs feel like tree trunks, and my knees hurt, particularly when I first get up in … Continue reading Cautious Optimism
Seething Under the Surface
Today was stressful. I took my 10 pages of blood work orders from Dr. A to my local lab. That poor phlebotomist had to hand-enter all those orders! It took her a long time, and many of them weren't “standard” labs so she had to look them up and ask for help. The whole time … Continue reading Seething Under the Surface
Low, Low, Low 