Last week was my 3 month check up with Dr. Oehler. At that time she did another PCR test, which came back as undetectable. This is fantastic. It means that the drug is working, and has shut down the production of the BCR-ABL protein (the protein that turns the bone marrow on to produce the malignant white cells). So my drug is working on two levels: it is stopping the production of the protein AND if any is produced, it is stopping my bone marrow from accepting it.
The bad news? This is my new normal. Dr. O was hoping that I would get more of my old self back, but has come to realize that it is almost a year, and this is probably it. So each day is a challenge in figuring out what I can do, what I have the energy for, and whether I can focus enough to get any work done. And what kind of medical issues need to be dealt with each day.
We are not discussing changing drugs since the Sprycel is working so well, and each of the TKI drugs has a bunch of side effects, mostly the same as the others, but with some major differences as well.
She also thinks that I am de-conditioned physically from this past year and wants me to take a physical class, to give myself more energy. So she prescribed golf lessons! And my fabulous husband was so excited, he paid for them!
The lessons started last night. I had found a group lesson that meets twice a week for 3 weeks. I had hoped to take an intermediate class, but the only class available is a "Women's Golf" class, and I was the only one there who had ever hit the ball before. Sigh. This is a very very basic class. But I told myself not to be upset, and that going over the basics can be enlightening. Each trainer has their own way of describing things. I have loved one trainer, hated one, and been indifferent to two others. This one is ok, and she gave me advice worth the price of admission.
The hardest part of playing golf with JR is that he LOVES to give advice. Whether I want it or not. And mostly I don't. I need to figure out how to do this myself, or I won't learn it. I am the one who needs to make the mistake and then correct for it. Sadly, this irritates him. He really really wants to "help" me and tell me what I am doing wrong. I really really don't want to hear it. It is one of the few times when we clash.
And then Molly (the golf instructor) said the most beautiful words ever, "Under the rules of golf, giving unsolicited advice is a two stroke penalty." OMG. Are you serious???? He isn't ALLOWED to give advice. That rocks!
She also managed to fix the fact that all my shots go to the right. I was holding my hands slightly wrong, and then she said, if your feet are lined up with the hole, your shot will go to the right. Well, I could have sworn that I had been told by virtually everyone to line my feet up to the hole. And I have a horrible habit of hitting to the right. It is very discouraging. But not now! Now I will line up to the left of the hole. And go straight.
I am actually really excited about getting out on the course again. But I think the next lesson tomorrow is on how to swing your 7 iron. Sigh. Back to basics is good, back to basics is good, back to basics is good.
Also today, while walking the dog along the Puyallup River, I noticed a little head popping out of the water. It was a harbor seal. And then there were two, and then three and then five and then there was a baby pup swimming with its mama. I stood there fascinated while the dog just wanted to go go go. Sadly for him, we stayed and watched the seals for while. I didn't realize that harbor seals would come up into fresh water, although maybe that part of the river is a mix of both, the estuary area, and perhaps there is yummy fishing there.
--Caroline
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