February 28th, 2018

I feel like a weight has been lifted. Dr. Laurie agreed with me that my lethargy is probably a side effect of the medication. And while he did want to give it some more time, hoping I might get used to the new meds and eventually overcome the lethargy, he accepted that I didn't have the time to try that. My leave was only for a week, and while a medical excuse could extend that, I'm still not earning a paycheck. I may not have the bills that other people have, but I do still have bills. So I'm going back onto the other meds. He wrote a new prescription for me, that I turned into the pharmacy on the way home. I should be able to pick up the meds tomorrow. In the meantime, I still have the remaining pills from my old prescription.

Dr. Laurie wasn't happy that I hadn't taken my dose this morning, but it works out. He'd want me to go a day in between so as not mix the meds in my system. And I can already feel the difference. I've been tired today, but not like I have been all last week.

The word on the scans I took after the operation are promising, and it does look like the bulge was already responding. But they had me take new scans today so they could see what more time will have done for me. And again, I probably won't hear back on these scans for another week or so. Dr. Laurie also let me know they were wanting to study the scans longer just to see what else they might find. He'll call me with the findings and schedule any appointments that need to be made then.

The appointment didn't last as long as it might have, though the new scans did take a good deal of the day. So afterward, Mom took me out for lunch and gave us a chance to talk. She's been drawing again in her free time, which I guess is a product of me being out so much more lately. And yesterday while she was out, one of her stops was by the local library where she's going to work with other non-white Americans to create a mural on one of their walls. She's very excited about it, and I'm thrilled for her. She used to produce some of the most beautiful drawings, but taking care of me since I was diagnosed didn't leave her with a lot of time. I only vaguely remember her drawing, though we have her art hanging all around the house.

We got home to find Dad and Hal talking in front of the TV. Discussing the Olympics of all things. Dad apologized that he didn't have dinner ready for us, and he and Mom went in to the kitchen leaving Hal and I to ourselves. I told Hal about Mom's new project, only to then have to explain that the pictures we had around the house were all her drawings. He thought they were just black and white photos.

I made sure to call Candace up, Mom had mentioned she'd called after me yesterday, and let her know things were good. We'll get together tomorrow depending on how I'm feeling and hopefully I can get back to a regular schedule.

Hal joined us for dinner, and I think this is the first time he's been able to try Dad's cooking. Though it was a combined effort between my parents, so even better. All in all just a good night, even Dad was acting more comfortable around Hal than he had before.

It almost feels like I slept the last week away, and that kinda sucks. But after today, I'm feeling like I can get my life back on track. Hal will pick Candace and I up to go to the gym, which I missed this morning because of the appointment. I'll need to run chores, pick up my new old prescription, and I want to stop by the museum to check in with them. Then it'll be back to Candace's. She mentioned that her in-laws finally got the last of the stuff that they wanted. So she had invited Jane over to see if she might want anything that was left. And of course, I could grab anything if I wanted.

I just hope I am feeling better tomorrow. I hate to find out the lethargy has been for something other than the medication.