I went back to Work a few weeks ago! I am working 2-3 days a week and it is going pretty good. They are very accommodating. I don't use my condition to slack-off, and they keep an eye on me to make sure that I don't over-do things or falter. It mainly involves light janitorial duties and driving a shuttle (car or van---not a spaceship!).
The other morning my car wouldn't start when my shift was over so I had to get a jump. On the way home I dropped the car off at the local mechanic which is just 3 or 4 blocks from my house/domicile. I decided I would walk home even though I had just finished an 8 hour shift. One thing I neglected to factor in, though, was that I had a hill to climb. So, I started up the hill and halfway into my trek, my legs gave out. It felt as if I had just finished a 26 mile marathon. I wasn't out of breath. My legs just felt overly tired and ready to buckle. I continued on and when I reached the top of the hill where it was level ground, I felt better. I could see a park bench (there is a park on the way) and I decided to try to make a landing on it. I felt that if I were to collapse that, even though it was 27 degrees Fahrenheit and a lot of frost on the ground, the landing would be a bit softer than sidewalk concrete.
My phone began to ring. I soldiered on. Made it to the park bench and rested a few minutes before calling my wife (who had been ringing me). I told about my predicament and let her know that I would continue my journey as soon as I recovered well enough.
My chemo, the Alimta, works in the manner of starving cells that ask for nutrients. The Hill was over the limit of my apportioned energy. I waited 20 minutes, drank a bottle of SoBe Lifewater, and, then continued my way home, knowing that should I collapse that it was rush-hour and, this being a small community, that someone would notice me and come to the rescue.
I made it home.
I had experienced the effects of the Alimta before when I was raking leaves, trimming trees, painting the house or climbing on the roof to clean the gutters. I had learned to pace myself. Of course, climbing the hill was a foolish learning experience. As I said, I wasn't out of breath and my heart rate did not go up. It is just that Fatigue sets in rapidly and the recovery time is lengthy.
Aside from that incident, I am doing pretty well. I have a severe, irritating pain in my neck that concerns me but I am not worried---just snappy and agitated. I have a PET scan scheduled for the 27th of December to see if any cancer has come back. The pain is in the same place at the crook of my neck and collar bone/shoulder that I had the neck tumor. And the lung tumor radiated pain to the same place and also to my shoulder. But, this may be a pinched nerve from driving so much. I have been trying to analyze my driving habits to see if I can prevent it. I seem to be able to move my neck fairly normally, but, occasionally I get a sharp stabbing pain that jerks me low. And, the pain is also a chronic, sharp nuisance consistently. My pain medication helps, but I try not to take any until the pain is absolutely, overwhelmingly an activity stopper. Even then, the medication only brings the pain down to a dull roar.
I say that it doesn't worry me--because it doesn't. It just makes me angry that I can't enjoy my normalcy! The only thing that I am on guard about at this point is the cancer coming back and spreading to the brain. I don't care if it returns and spreads to the liver or kidneys or bone or somewheres (sic) else...I just don't want it after my brain because I need my mind to enjoy a good book or podcast or sight gag !
Anyway, Christmas is coming up and I need to start on my cards and shopping. No procrastinating!
I have some clown gigs coming up this week and, of course, work. It's nice to be back in the swing of things. Back in the thick of it. I want to devote more time to some Mars stuff, too. Tech Fest is coming up in February and I also want to give some presentations at the Library. So much to do. I will pace myself...
Also, I am attending a Bible Study about Intercessory prayer...we are involved with a book called, of course, Intercessory Prayer by Dutch Sheets. It is an extremely interesting, insightful and inspiring read. Prayer is a very important part of my life and always has been. And, Intercessory prayer is so important. Too often we might be overly concerned with our own problems and neglect some other areas. Praying for goodwill and blessings for others...praying for understanding and guidance...praying the right path and the right knowledge. I have always felt that constant dialogue with God and communication leads to more satisfying prayers. This Bible study sheds light on mediation and meetings and representation. It is an opportunity to be aware of, not just the theological attitude of prayer, but also the understanding that prayer is such a spiritual journey.
Monday I will be clowning around for the Rotary Springfield Christmas banquet for 140 children with multiple disabilities. I have been attending for 5 or 6 years and it is a wonderful time. Several clowns from our Alley will be there and we really have a lot of fun!
Life is Good...Life is an Adventure !!!
