The Transitional Period

So here we are, for the most part Tom is doing stupendously well (knock on wood).  The doctor is so pleased with his progress thus far and has said if things continue he'll be back at life in no time really.  That said, he's just finishing up some pre-cautionary intrathecal chemo treatments (in which they do a spinal tap and withdrawl fluid from the lower lumbar and replace it with chemo drugs).  They do this because sometimes leukemia has been known to "hide out" in the central nervous system and come back later.  Luckily, Tom has never had his spinal fluid that they withdraw yield any leukemia (again, knock on wood), but they do a number of these treatments just in case there's even one in there and they can get it.

That said, while everything else is doing well, these can sometimes result in a spinal fluid leak causing immense migraines at the change of position and vomiting, etc.  So since Monday (number 2 of his last 5 of these treatments) he's been feeling immensely awful.  He's unable to do anything but lay down which is of course no good and sitting is definitely the worst, but when he stands these powerful headaches rush to his head and send him dizzy with pain.  So there's a lot going on and it's trick as the meds don't help when it comes to quick come and go pain like that.

So anyhoo, he has three more of these joyous things to do.  In the meantime, he was doing so well and is doing so well (as it's only due to these treatments that he's poorly) that I began the job hunt.  Today I officially accepted an offer (after turning a couple down).  Part of me continually wonders if this is a good idea, but then part of me thinks I won't know if I don't do it and I suppose I could always quit but if it's working out then we'll have some extra money and it'll get me out of the house.  Tom is planning to spend his spare alone time possibly volunteering with the leukemia and lymphoma society since he is one of their honored heroes for the local fundraising walk this year.  It's a strange time. 

I've officially let my manager of the store I was working at for Starbucks know that I won't be actually coming back and so after 7 1/2 years of employment that's kind of bizarre.  From High School through College and then some... Life beyond the barista apron should be interesting, not to mention pricey if I find myself needing an extra pick-me-up here or there.  **sigh** I suppose this is all just part of the process, sort of a rebirth of life for us and we're trying to find our feet and figure out how to make this all work out.  It's a bit nerve racking but exciting at the same time.

That's me done today.

Time for the Next Chapter

So on Friday I'll be officially released back to full duty at Starbucks... of which I don't plan to return so today I let my manager know and I suppose that means my black apron has been hung up for good.  Super bittersweet as some of my best relationships or inspiring moments happened through Starbucks, December would have marked 8 years of employment (though I've been on leave for almost a year).

Part of me felt that I was ready to go before Tom's diagnosis so I should be okay with going now, part of me feels like it's been awhile coming but it's such a part of me it was too hard to leave it, and part of me feels like this has been one heck of a year and maybe starting completely fresh is what's needed for this next chapter.  We've both been doing some recovery, me for my hand and Tom with his leukemia/bone marrow transplant, it just seemed like good timing.

So what's next? That's a fantastic question.  I have a few irons in the fire and I think in the next two weeks I'll have the more solid answer to that, but it's exciting. Lots of ideas to play with, plans of action, etc. Not only did the doctor tell Tom that he's pleased with him, but apparently if he gets through these next three months alright (making it to the six month mark) he'll be over the largest danger zone. He even went as far as to say that Tom could probably travel after that time as well (when originally he said it'd probably be more at the year mark).  So that was really awesome to hear. We are so blessed and so lucky to have him doing so well, we've heard of a few casualties recently and really there's no rhyme or reason so we are so blessed to have been on the other end of those statistics (knock on wood... let's hope his good health continues).

I think his attitude has had a great deal to do with it, but having said that one of the ladies who was smashing everyone's records has now lost complete feeling through her body and also her sight, rendering her back into the hospital.  Things like that are frightening.  They even had her go to UCSF for some extra opinions and whatnot and they just said it must be from one of the medicines that was used. Apparently another guy had the same thing happen to him and has only recently (a year later) regained those things and is receiving therapy to work on coordination, etc. I couldn't even imagine!  So we are so unbelievably grateful for Tom's well-being.

Anyway, enough about him! This blog is about me! Like I was saying... I'm really excited.  I'm considering a part time job and mixing it with grad school and I'm also interviewing for a full time position as a site supervisor that would be good, so we'll see!  Prayers appreciated! I'm excited about this new chapter.  Tom doing well and nearly finished with all of his treatment, new job for me, he might start volunteering... I think this year has a lot of promise left in it!