Tuesday: Taking it One Step at a Time

Today, I called my regular doctor's office and made an appt. for tomorrow morning, which was the earliest they had available.  Since my primary care physician is no longer with them and I haven't been assigned another primary care physician, I will probably be seen by the physician assistant who saw me last week to do my pap test.  I don't think they can do anything at this point, other than weigh me and check my vital signs, but, at least, this way, they'll have a record of what happened, if nothing else.

I also called my office and spoke with my supervisor and brought her up to date on my health issues.  She was most concerned, of course.  I informed her of my up-coming medical appointments and told her I didn't know if I'd be able to come back to the office, as planned, in January.  She assured me that they will accommodate me as much as possible.  She said she never expected me to work full time at the office and we can work out a schedule.  There is also a satellite office, closer to my home, so I might be able to work from there instead of driving all the way to downtown on a daily basis.  I can still take medical leave, if necessary.  I am also weighing the pros and cons of an earlier retirement than I had planned.  There are a lot of things to consider in the next few weeks.  But, for right now, I am going to continue to work from home, in between medical appointments. 

I also discussed my work projects with my supervisor and prioritized them with her.

I called jury service and postponed my jury duty until June 2017.  I asked that they sent me a reminder closer to the date, made a note of it on my calendar, and kept the summons I did receive, in a place where I'd see it, so I'd remember!   Hopefully, I'll be well enough by then to serve.  If not, well, I guess we'll cross bridges when we get to them.

The radiation oncologist's office called in the afternoon to let me know that the MRI has been scheduled for Thursday morning, at 11:30 a.m., but I need to be in the hospital at 11:00 a.m.  My cousin said she can drive me to it, so that will be nice. 

I had originally planned to go for my blood test on Thursday morning (needed for my appointment with the oncologist on Friday morning), but now, I am thinking, I will do the blood test tomorrow, after I return from the doctor's appointment.  I am planning to drive myself to both the doctor's appointment and the lab for the blood test.

The pharmacy called me again, today, to say that yet another prescription refill was ready for pick up.  So, I drove myself to the pharmacy today - it was my first time driving by myself after the fall and I was a little nervous, but fortunately, I got there and back without any incident!  While I was at the pharmacy, I also asked that they refilled another prescription (they probably would have refilled it tomorrow), so I don't have to keep making multiple trips to the pharmacy. 

Last night, my neighbor across the street called me and brought over a HUGE bowl of Armenian rice pilaf and some cheese filled pastries; there had been an event in their family and they had a lot of food leftover, she said.  I ate a little bit of it, last night.  Today, I divided the rice into five packets and froze them.  I will give one to my cousin when she comes to take me to the MRI on Thursday and share the others with my daughter when she comes home for the holidays. 

I also called my sister and updated her about what happened.  I will keep her informed, but we agreed to postpone any visits until after the new year and I am feeling better.

Today, I have been very diligent about drinking enough water.  I realize that I haven't been drinking enough water and was probably quite dehydrated, earlier.  I have already drunk more than 8 cups, so far and will drink at least one more cup when I take my last medications at night.

Tuesday's to do list:
- Call clinic to see if I need to see a doctor - DONE; made an appointment for tomorrow morning
- Call jury duty to postpone service - DONE; postponed till June 2017
- Office work - DONE; called my supervisor and updated her about things; discussed work projects and prioritized them with her.
- Bring trash can in - DONE
- Pharmacy for prescription refills - DONE

Wednesday's To Do List:

- Doctor's appointment in the morning
- Blood test
- Office work
- Write and mail sympathy cards

Today, I am grateful for:
-  Being able to get medical appointments authorized and set up
- Medical insurance!
- Being able to postpone jury service
- A very understanding and accommodating work place and supervisor
- Being able to drive myself to the pharmacy and back
- Pleasant pharmacy staff
- My cousin saying she can accompany me to the MRI on Thursday
- My friend calling to check on me
- Video chatting with my daughter; she asked if I wanted her to come down this weekend and I said no
- All of you who have shown such care and concern for me; I appreciate all your comments, thoughts, and prayers.

I hope you've all had a lovely day, today.  Do take time to take care of yourselves, as you go about preparing for the holidays.