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Not much to say, really as life just goes on…
I’ve been struggling a lot, mentally as well as physically, with the changes the hormone therapy has had on my body. I feel as if I’ve aged at least 20 years. It’s officially 6 months today and supposedly that’s when all the symptoms should have appeared. And appear they have although I know, and my oncologist has said, that I have gotten off really well. However, my feet and legs throb of an evening and I often have to apply heat to bear it. I can barely get out of the car. When I stand up, I hobble like an old Japanese lady with bound feet for minutes until the stiffness and pain settles. I can’t grip things properly or take my weight on my arms to push myself up if I’m kneeling or squatting. My knuckles are thickening with arthritis already – God knows what they’ll be like in 5 years, and how much of this will reverse once I’m off the drug. During the heat wave recently, my wedding and engagement rings were cutting into my finger but I couldn’t get them off over the knuckle. I had to wait until the temperature dropped and painfully work them off. The skin under them was left red and peeling.
The oncologist has suggested glucosamine for a month – apparently, it works for some to alleviate symptoms but does nothing for others. If no joy, it may be off to a rheumatoid specialist. Oh my – more doctors. This disease just keeps on giving.
I’ve been back at work for a few weeks now after the holidays and it is definitely taking it’s toll as I am exhausted. Oh well, only 8 weeks to go until the end of term! Ha!
I’m whinging a lot, aren’t I?
At least I only have to drive to one place each day (or James drives) as Elena started high school last week. She’s in Year 8, Francesca’s in Year 9 and James is in Year 12. I think we’re in for an interesting year.
Yesterday was the 10th anniversary of Black Saturday and there have been a few things on telly about the survivors. It has been interesting to hear about the post-trauma recovery of some. Bringing it back to BC – trauma is trauma regardless of the cause and it certainly has parallels.
February is always an emotionally mixed month for me. Last week on the 1st marked 19 years since Mum died and I still miss her all the time. The following day was James’ 17th birthday – don’t know how that happened…surely it was only yesterday that he was a toddler. David turned 50 on Tuesday – don’t know where that time went, either. And Sunday will be the 20th anniversary of my big sister, Lori’s death from breast cancer – thinking of you, Lolly Lamb.
I shall now drag my aching body from this chair and hobble out to get ready for work.