11 November 2008

In transfer

Being back in Holland takes some adjusting. It is incredible how inflexible people are and just how little pride they have in their work. I obviously have a lot of administration and arrangements to be taken care of after a month, but people just can't seem to get things right the first time round! I have found myself having to call certain companies over and over again to sort out their mess, concerning me! That is the most irritating part! One of these companies was my provider, hence the lack of posts these past few weeks.

Much has happened. I had radiation therapy and my Iodine treatment. I am very pleased to say that this time round the Iodine uptake was excellent, the implication being that I am still considered to be treatable. A totally different situation from what we were expecting around July. I have to say that despite the incredible pain, I am feeling stronger every day.

It is the incredible pain that has me locked up in my house again. Marcus has not only been a wonderful partner to me, he has also been functioning as my nurse and driver, just so that I can get around the place. We have also been spending quite a few hours in the hospital for various check-ups.

In the meantime, Gulsen, Saskia, Ineke, Myriam, Aldith, Angélique and her husband Hugo, looked after Kiara in my radioactive week. It is so wonderful how communities can raise children. I am ever so greatful for all these wonderful people, spending their precious time helping me and Kiara out. Kiara is in splendid shape!

One of the places Marcus drove me was to the reunion of Sweeb women.








Up to 10 years ago it was a bi-annual gathereing of the women decending from my maternal grandfather. 3 generations of beautiful women got together to discover their similarities and differences and to just talk about life. Look at my cousin's daughter, Aisha and myself...don't we look alike? And we share the same name too! I held a mini workshop in search of our identity using my PR and marketing skills. It is getting harder and harder for me to do things like this as the pain I was in was excruciating and by Saturday night I was worthless. None the less, we managed to produce some mood boards which I am particularily proud of.


Like the most of last week I spent Sunday through today, either in bed or visiting doctors.
I finally managed to get to the Neurologist today to find out what is happening to my eyes. I will be put through a series of neurological tests to rule out Myasthenesia Gravis which by know I do not believe I have fallen victim to. The question is: What is going on?
I seem to have met a Neurologist, Dr. Visser, who is determined to find the answer to that question. My meeting was followed up with a meeting with Dr. Lips who was delighted by the news about the uptake of Iodine. He is making extra scans following up on the Pet scan (finally the total body) that was taken just before going into my treatment a week and a half ago. The scan shows spots that I knew were there. No suprises! Which is just what I was looking for.
Dr. Lips seems to get a shock every time he sees my scans and apparently forgets that the spots were there in the first place. I have noticed that the Doctors can't get their heads around my case. Luckily I can! I am on top of things and they are following my lead. I am most greatful for that!

1 comment:

Jocelyn Zarr '86 said...

glad you are back in the cyber world- we missed you...crazy stories upon your return.. i am thrilled the iodine treatments are showing that they are working! Hang in there.. love j