February 17,2009
While others can report with modest pleasure about their adventures in Mexico or California or other places of joy and sunlight, I am pleased to announce that I have added the experience of C-Diff to my growing portfolio of journeys with my body. After the release from the hospital, I commenced life with so many medications that I made a list to post on the front of the refrigerator so I can avoid drug interactions as well as remember to ingest them. Yesterday morning it appeared that the C-Diff challenge has been conquered. The medicines must go on however, to be absolutely sure. On Friday, after flinging down the last two of the heavy-duty antibiotics, I will return to the oncologist to see if I can resume Chemotherapy.
Meanwhile I am incredibly hoarse, with a voice that can come out high and whispery, low and whispery, whispery and broken, or with that sort of rattle that makes people you are talking to begin to uncontrollably clear their own throats. Good friend Linda commented that I sounded as though someone had hands around my neck (presumably applying pressure with thumbs on the voice box). This does several things. First, it causes me to think twice before reaching for the telephone to visit with a friend, and secondly, it causes receptionists in doctor’s offices to respond quickly and with a touch of “Oh, dear” in their communications. Now, after more X-Rays and no new insights, it is hoped that one of the inhalants that I have been prescribed and highly encouraged to take may be causing the hoarseness. This would be a satisfactory and simple answer to the problem – I looked up the product on the Internet to see whether this side effect was common, and saw that it occurred in about 1% of users. Of course, should it be true, than it has happened in 100% of this user.
Alphie’s joy at my return was so very gratifying. He followed me about and as soon as I sat down, would lay his dear head on my feet. “Oh Alphie,” I said, “I really missed you, too!” more than once, but then hastened to assure Charles that I missed him more, of course, and he finally said, somewhat drily, I thought, “It’s OK, Connie, you don’t have to tell me that you missed me more than you missed the dog. . . I understand”.
Without faith, family and friends I would have folded a long time ago. This powerful support system is larger than words can encompass, and it is for this that I am most thankful. My conversations with God are wide-ranging and comforting, my dear ones are unfailingly incredible, and my friends’ prayers and words of encouragement continue to lighten and brighten my days.