Catch-Up Time Again

It's been 23 days since I last updated and a lot has happened. My bone scan came out clean - mostly. The pain in my spine is due to arthritis. My lower back hurts for several reasons. One - I have scoliosis, Two - I am showing degeneration in my discs, and Three - the dreaded word arthritis. My elbow looked normal and no one has a clue as to why I can have so much pain in it. All I know is that old age will not be fun. To help with the pain, I am still taking oxycodone. It makes the pain more bearable. To eliminate the pain, I have to take multiple pills at a time several times a day but I don't like the side effects of the medicine so I settle for less pain instead of no pain. So far I've been ok and my Doctors are good with it.

I had my follow-up appointment with Dr. Richards - Radiation Oncology. My skin looks great and if you look closely enough you can see the 'damage' the radiation did. It looks like a 'light sun tan'. I barely notice it. Unless I have issues, I don't see Dr. R for 9 months - July 13, 2010.

I had another treatment on the 16th. Dr. W wasn't there as she was in "false" labor. Bummer, the 16th was her due date. I talked to Nurse Mary about the pain and she suggested guided imagery. I'll try anything at this point. But this means another new doctor!

This past Monday, the 19th, Andrei took one for the team and messed up his ankle again. His football team was 6-1 this year and it was fun to watch them play. After spending Tuesday morning at Urgent Care, he is back in his boot and crutches until his appointment this Monday with a Foot and Ankle Specialist.

As I mentioned before, I have started substituting again. I have been working quite a bit and it is taking its toll on me. I have to remember that I don't have the energy level I use to have. Lots of long naps lately.

We have a new member in our family. Scott came home with a tarantula the other day. She has not yet been named but Aruna likes Doris. We have no clue where that came from. Instead of being yellow and black and hairy, this one is pink and black and hairy, I thought we could name it Pinky Tuscadaro from the old show Happy Days or name it after the tarantula in the 1997 movie with Tim Allen Jungle2Jungle. She is pretty amazing but needs to find a permanent home other than my kitchen counter!

We're off to the Lake House this weekend to relax. Even though Teacher's Convention is next week and we could have a long weekend, Halloween is more important. The spider is staying home.