Dispatches from Home

I have been home from the hospital for about a week and I will admit, being home is a giant step up from being at the hospital. What a statement, I know. It has been a transition and not always easy, but it is a good place to be.

I did come home to an insane infestation of mice that decided to squat in the apartment due to my unplanned absence. They really made this place their own. Multiple traps later, things seem to be much better.

I also got stuck in my building elevator on Sunday afternoon for about 25 minutes and had to be rescued by the FDNY. That may not seem like long but it was just not what I needed. Can’t a girl just go out and buy some gelato without any drama? Moe was over, thankfully, and called 911 after the elevator company failed to give me any sort of estimate for rescue. He stayed outside the door and kept me calm. I’m still pretty weak from the hospital stay so it was nice to have help getting out. 0/0 stars.

Beyond those two updates, I’ve been chilling at home, eating as much as the steroids demand of me, and waiting for the radiation schedule to drop. (Just did. See below). It takes a bit of time to get that set up but I’d really love to start next week. I did get to dial the steroids back a smidge so I feel less ragey and jittery. My face still looks like I’m storing acorns for the winter (so, skipping the pictorial update) but hopefully that will also start to improve. This low dose of steroids is enough to avoid the bad headache and other symptoms, which is a very good sign. I got bloodwork done yesterday but I haven’t looked. Every time I open the app to look, I close it, not wanting to know. Ignorance can be bliss.

The weather here has been pretty pleasant so I’m trying to keep up with my walks and sitting in the nearby park for vitamin D. The WNBA is heating up in a very fun way so that has also been a nice distraction.

Dr. Gajria encouraged me to take some time to myself while we sort through these next steps. She told me I had quite the ordeal and while maybe it hasn’t fully sunk in, it’s important to give my body (and mind and spirit) some time to recover. She told me we are cut from the same cloth (which considering how inspiring and dedicated and caring she is, was truly the kindest thing to say to me) but sometimes, it’s okay to hit pause. So I’m trying to do that as well. I like working and I like doing things but there is an important balance to be found.

And I think that balance may be found sitting at Jacob Riis Park on Saturday, with my toes in the sand. Then getting through radiation by eating all the steak and buffalo chicken and pizza with those who lift me up, like the fam, the OKs, Duvol, my Gin Girls, Parmita. Maybe these foods aren’t doing jack for my platelets but the company and support sure does nourish my soul. I am also eating sardines and greens so don’t come for me too hard.

Here’s my schedule if sending vibes and prayers at specific times (or stalking me at MSK) is your thing:

Tuesday, 8/12
Dr. Nolan, neurology 10:15am at 53rd Street - let’s see how many tongue twisters he tests me on!
Bloodwork/injection 11:00am at 53rd Street - it’s showtime, platelets! Radiation Treatment 4:30pm at Main Hospital - and the blasting begins!
Wednesday, 8/13
Radiation Treatment 12:20pm at Main Hospital
Thursday, 8/14
Radiation Treatment 8:30am at Main Hospital
Friday 8/15
Radiation Treatment 12:30pm at Main Hospital
Monday 8/18
Radiation Treatment 1:30pm at Main Hospital

Thanks for all the love and support. We keep on keepin’ on.

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