Now I Understand...

Now I Understand Worry vs. Not to Worry; virus vs. Bacteria

 

Before church this morning I thought I should put a call in the oncologist on call; my throat is still extremely red and sore. Now, my sinuses are stuffy/runny and I'm coughing. I am not sure how Neulasta works against sickness, etc. but I am concerned about my immune system and this sore throat not going away! The female that answered for the answering service was rude. She said "this couldn't wait until tomorrow?". I told her that "no, as I said, I need to know if I should go to work tomorrow or not". She huffed and puffed and put a Dr. Martin Palmer on the line. When she connected us she was short and snotty with, "you're connected". I introduced myself and was brief with my concerns. Dr. Palmer started by asking some questions about my type of cancer and treatment, etc. and was, in general, very patient and thorough. He didn't seem miffed by my call, at all. The more he talked the more I detected an accent. He sounded Australian. He explained that the Neulasta would help against bacteria and the bacteria they are concerned about would not be acquired from other people. One of the chemo drugs threatens the lining of the colon (I think this is how he explained it, honestly, the accent and his soft voice I was imagining kangaroos hopping happily along the outback to the soundtrack of "Survivor") and the bacteria would enter there. So, I guess, as long as no one sneezes near my arse, I'm alright. But, for the viruses such as the cold, etc. there's nothing to worry about. I treat it with the "Nyquil and Dayquil of the world" just as I would any other time in my life. When I explained the petrie dish of bacteria that I work in he laughed and said not to worry. After we hung up I looked up his UCLA bio - he's from New Zealand not Australia. He has a very impressive bio.

 

Mother's Day service at New Zion was very nice. Good to see everybody and hear about what I missed at the Revlon Walk For Life on Saturday.

 

Natalia and I returned from church and I started cooking. Chicken wrapped in flour tortillas, cooked crispy on the outside and smothered in avocado, tomato, sour cream (not for me) and fresh squeezed lime juice. We watched, with Joe, "Fun with Dick and Jane" with Jim Carrey. Nat had never seen it before. We all enjoyed it. Then I opened my gifts from Nat and Joe (Nat picked them out). A record player!! A portable, suitcase record player. I have wanted one for a long, long time. I ran upstairs and grabbed my "Jimi Hendrix plays the Blues" LP and we, all, sat in the living room enjoying the sounds! Nice way to spend an hour or so. Joe picked up about 10 potted plants, too. All very pretty and colorful.

 

Adam made a very sweet statement on Facebook and posted our selfie (the same as the polaroid he sent with the gifts). I took a screenshot on my phone and I am going to post a copy here. I posted a picture of me and my mom on Facebook, as well. The best thing I can do for myself and my mother is to love her, now, and honor her memory. No matter what has passed between us while she was alive, I owe her my respect and an honorable memory - just as was discussed in church. I believe that with my whole heart and I am glad to have had that validated in church.

 

No word from Stephen. This makes me terrible sad - and worried. He wouldn't forget me on Mother's Day, ever, much less right now. I hope everything is alright.