My blood counts have stabilized during the past month or so - my hemoglobin remains below normal but is a really common side effect of the Gleevec medication I am taking for the scleroderma. After finding out that that skin condition won't likely ever reverse, and that Gleevec is likely the only possibility of any improvement, I am willing to live with the low blood counts hoping for any improvement. I also started back to physio to maximize what range of motion I have now with the tightened skin. A great physio guy and a kinesiologist have been a big help in getting that rolling. And at the end of the day, I am still miles ahead of where I should be so I'll just keep doing the meds and exercise and enjoy life.
In amongst the cold weather, there were lots of great visits with friends and family (including my goddaughter Miss Mireya), playing Wii with all my little boys (Jack beat me at tennis a couple weeks ago) and even work was busy but manageable. My volunteer work with cancer patients also continues to provide inspiration. While I haven't been away since Maui (that's almost 2 months without a flight!!!), I have a few short trips coming up that have also been fun to look forward to. Thursday I leave for Vegas with my childhood friend Shelley and we are waiting for the sun, pool, shopping, shows and dining. It will be a great weekend getaway with a very good friend.
In a month Tasha and I are going to try to replenish our concert tanks after last year we had to miss out on Arcade Fire and Lilith Fair with all of my health drama. I also cancelled a trip last June to Winnipeg to see Tom Petty so I feel like our upcoming trip to Coachella, a 3-day concert festival near Palm Springs is completely logical. The line up is phenomenal and we have a more luxurious adaptation of "camping" to go with it. Should be excellent.
Late April Mom and Colleen and I will head back to Vegas for the now annual Gunn Girls Getaway weekend (Amy and Ellen - next year for sure) and more fun in the sun and shops and laughing our heads off. I think it was knowing I would be heading back to the sun a few times that got me through the latest cold spells!
So aside from the physio appointments and bloodwork, life has been mostly about living lately. Nice. I have been reminded more about who I am, outside the health story, and that has been rather refreshing. The world looks pretty good. Even my space at my condo has been evolving, with a few new paintings on the wall and some wall art (compliments of Tasha) that is totally my style. Funny how much these simple things make your mind relax into a comfortable place. Even the weather has started to warm up, and will be happy to continue enjoying life with some of my closest girls in the coming weeks. Ahh.
