But it left me scarred.

August 2, 2012

July was quite a month! The best news ever was when my ear, nose, & throat doctor said my ear is healing! No surgery for me! I was so elated; I almost gave the good doctor a big hug. But I thought twice because we don’t share the same relationship as I share with my oncologist. Dr. Sanchez, my oncologist, always gives me a big hug!

I was told not to go to the pool, which was again disappointing, but it really is so worth not having surgery. I return for another follow-up in November, and the doctor fully expects my eardrum to be completely healed.

I had to be reminded that Living with CML, I have to expect recoveries of any sort to take longer. I always tend to forget this, but, no surgery!!!!!

I was so happy when I left that I had my truck emission tested, and bought my new tires. Love days like that!

The next day my Gleevec prescription was delivered. With so many strides being taken in cancer research, maybe this delivery will be ancient history.

I just about made my last two writing classes. It seems I feel the most fatigued when it’s time for class. But this is the first time I actually completed a course! I was just making it towards the end of the classes at 9 p.m., but I did make it! That’s what counts. I was thrilled.

And what an unexpected pay-off I received at the last class. The instructor told me I can write well. He said I should turn my last short story into a book. I completed the homework with this in mind and it confirmed it for him. So that is what I’m doing. I’m writing my first book!

This is the most fun I’ve ever had! I even researched to find someone who could give me first-hand knowledge of what I am incorporating in the story. I received a rather quick reply from a man who worked in this area and we met. For two hours I interviewed this knowledgeable person and left with what I needed for my book. I can now say I’m writing a historical novel, my favorite genre!  Amazing!

I went to my rheumatologist appointment on the 26^th.  My blood work results were great. The new fibromyalgia medicine is not affecting my liver, so I can continue taking it. I took a picture of my bad cold sore outbreak on my mouth using mu iPad and showed the doctor. She was pretty annoyed with me for not coming in immediately. She couldn’t tell what happened, but she said it wasn’t cold sores. So if it happens again, I have to stop the new medicine and see her immediately. I’m okay with that. I’m just glad it’s over. But it left me scarred.  I’m trying to not think about that.

I joined a writing critique group so I can get feedback every other week on what I write. I only went once and everyone liked the story content. It was great to get constructive criticism and I have my work cut out for me, as I knew I would.

An update on my mom is not good. The physical therapist ended up making her pain worse for days after she worked on her. Of course I did tell her this would happen. But she insisted again.

I did get her a new pain balm I saw on TV and liquid and soft chews for taking her calcium. She actually likes these items and it is helping her. I keep trying. She has talked to me longer than 15 seconds on the phone lately. She is happy I am happy writing my book.

My book reviews are going strong. Authors respond to my reviews, whether 5 stars or not. They appreciate the honesty. A publisher asked me to read/review a current book on the market now. I couldn’t believe that! He said as long as I agree to post the review on my blog and Amazon. I do that with all my reviews anyway! I post on more places than those two, so no problem.

Someone commented on a review I wrote, so I commented back. The author read it and asked if he could use it on his blog as a marketing tool! I so enjoy book reviewing!

So all in all, July has been a pretty positive month Living with CML.

The only doctor appointment I have set up for August is with my primary doctor for my annual exam and a mammogram. I hope there are no surprise doctor visits of any kind.

 

Thank you for all who read my blog! I appreciate it. Feel free to leave me a comment, I will reply.

Have a wonderful month!

Mary