9:00 am: I’m having my infusion right now.  It’s going without a hitch.  Blood draw was immediate, they took enough blood, labs looked good, 25 mg of benadryl is the standing order now instead of 50 mg.  I may set a record for getting out of here in less than 3 hours.  B is home with a terrible head cold and apparently he called me a few minutes ago.   I didn’t get the call because I have my phone on vibrate and it’s in the left pocket of the shirt I’m wearing.  I have no sensation on my left side, so I could not feel it vibrate.

I can get up to go to the bathroom during infusions.  I just have to unplug the IV machine and drag the IV tree with me.  As I was doing that today I had the thought I have occasionally:  this is really happening.  When I’ve seen people dragging their IV bags around with them in hospital or movies, they usually look very weary of the road, just wiped out.   (how’s that for stereotyping??)   Here I am with my cowboy boots, black pants, B’s flannel shirt and a Santa hat, feeling tall and unfrail,  walking to the loo with my IV tree.  Surreal.

I went snowshoeing with D yesterday.  It was perfect.  A beautiful day, a bit chilly with the wind, but it felt so good to get out there.  When she called we were both talking about having things we needed to do.  Taking an hour out of a day that’s full with I WANNADOs can be a hard thing to do.  But that hour was more than an hour of my time.  It was time in the fresh air, moving my body, chatting with a good loving friend, laughing, throwing the ball for the dogs, smelling the winter air, living life fully.  I took my poles with me and my arm felt really good with the movements.  I think I can make 2/3 of an angel wing on that side now.  Thanks D for the walk and for always meeting me out there, even when we go at o’dark:30.

6:15 pm:  All’s well.  I’m thrilled about this.  I’m working a bit and getting excited for Christmas.  I plan to work in the AM tomorrow and home to rest and work if I can…trying to be careful.  B scanned the photo and I put it up on the Uncle Charlie entry if anyone wants to go back to see it.  I think we all could benefit from taking that posture from time to time.  I miss him.

Kids found their OWN rides tonight to hockey and bowling…they are developing some independence.  SO B and I are home alone (well, the katz and fish are here too).  Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.