A Little Break

My mom watched Amelia while Ross and I went to Crown Center on Saturday and then to our brunch at Benton's on Sunday morning as an anniversary present. We had a really nice time, but I didn't feel great last night. I had a headache and was pretty tired, but it was still good to get away. Another problem was that I had forgotten my sinus rinse so I ended up getting really congested. In any case, it was very nice not to be eating with a baby on my lap. :)

Out and About

Today I drove myself to my labs while my mom babysat Amelia. It was sort of nice to be out alone for once. I have constantly had someone with me since Amelia was born.

It was also the first time I had worn my contacts in a long time. Boy was everything a lot clearer! I like them way better to drive in, but probably won't wear them most days because I want to be able to nap in the afternoon without taking them out.

My sinuses were pretty stuffy again today. At least the Sinus Rinse helps for several hours at a time. I can't believe I didn't know about it when I was pregnant. I was so congested. I really think my ob should have recommended it instead of just saline spray.

Ross is having a pretty hard time. His dad is back in the hospital because he hasn't been able to eat anything. Before my WG diagnosis, we had planned on going up to Boston at the end of August... I guess that less than 2 weeks away now so it doesn't look like we will make it. We were going to take a train, but I don't think public transit is a good idea while I'm on Cytoxan. Maybe we'll go up for Thanksgiving. I am worried about Ed and think we need to make a trip soon though.

Nail Biter

I really have to stop biting my nails! Ughg. I had quit for several years, but then started again when I was sick and pregnant. However since I'm on the Cytoxin and my immune system is being suppressed, it seems like a really bad idea to keep sticking my dirty fingers in my mouth all day. Not to mention that if I bite a hangnail and make it bleed, then I have an open sore on my hand. If I keep my nails painted I won't bite them, but how in the hell do I find time to paint my nails? Right now I spend all day holding Amelia. If she sleeps, I try to sleep. If she is happily playing for a few minutes, I am trying to make up formula for the next day.

Linda and my dad offered to babysit for Amelia once she was on a bottle and I am thinking about taking them up on that offer pretty soon. It would be nice for Ross and I to have an evening alone. I wonder if we could go out to dinner and actually eat in a restaurant. I don't know how much I am supposed to stay out of public.

I don't know how much I should be in public or not because Dr. Awadh is not very clear. He says one thing and then clarifies in a completely different way. At our last visit I said, "Since I am going to be on Cytoxin, should I try to avoid public places?" He said, "Oh no. It's okay for you to go out." Ross asked, "Then she can go to the mall and the movies?" Dr. Awadh replied, "Oh, well... no, no.. She shouldn't go to the mall." Ross then persisted, "Then the movies are okay?" Dr. Awadh said, "No, probably not the movies either." Alrighty then. So??? Where can I go in public if not the mall or movies? I will maybe ask my WG Yahoo group.

As for symptoms, my sinuses were bothering me quite a bit today. I got really stuffy and did my sinus rinse in the middle of the day (and actually did it twice in a row) instead of in the evening like normal.

The ball of my right foot is hurting too. I have had this happen before and I really think it is just from wearing my Dansko shoes for weeks in a row. I have asked Ross to bring my tennis shoes so I can switch it up. Hopefully that will fix things.

Living Arrangements

Today Ross and I went to our house and picked up quite a few things to bring back to my mom's. Since I am about to start Cytoxin, we figured that I would be living with her for at least another few weeks if not quite a bit longer.

If it wasn't for Amelia, I could be home without much of a problem. However I am so tired I get to the point where it is hard to keep functioning without a nap everyday. I am also physically pretty weak and can't carry her for more than a minute or two because my back and chest starts to hurt. Lastly, the amount of time required to care for makes it difficult for me to take care of myself... it's hard to eat something other than a granola bar and a glass of milk when I'm rushing to sit down and feed her. I miss being home, but before I came her I was spending all day trying to get her to sleep and then passing out as soon as she went down. I am worried that the Cytoxin will make me feel worse than I am now... and I will be here another 6 months until they switch me to something milder. We'll just have to wait and see.

I should mention that my sinuses were pretty bad today. I started feeling pretty congested
this evening. I did my NeilMed nasal rinse and that helped alot. My eyes are pretty scratchy, although my arthritis was barely noticeable today though. I was very tired, although I did a lot more today than usual.

Feeling Pretty Good

I am feeling better today. My chest doesn't really hurt in front anymore, although my back is still sore. My nose has been running quite a bit but I am not really congested anymore. I think the sinus rinse I am using is really helping. My arthritis isn't bad today either. Really only my left ankle is the only joint that is really bothering me.