Random Updates

Vaccine Update: With the help of a few awesome friends and the Mayo Clinic in Jax, I got my first COVID-19 vaccine last night. My arm is sore but that is my only side effect. There was a lot of self-advocating and figuring out scheduling, since that is a six hour round trip drive but I know it will be worth it.

Cardio Update: My mom and I at dinner each night talk about what we are grateful for that day. We started this in January and it definitely helps us find the good around us. This week, I would say that I am grateful for my health care team, particularly my oncologist, local cardiologist, and oncologist cardiologists at Mayo. When the results of my test did not come back good last week, these three doctors have worked together to share information and help figure out why my heart function is declining and how to manage/improve it. The first step was ruling out the new immunotherapy treatment. This morning I got confirmation that they do not feel it is that so I can proceed with treatment. Now, I already predicted that but it is good to have medical confirmation. The reality is that my heart function has actually been declining for a while and my ability to get from point A to point B has become increasing more challenging. Now there will be more tests to figure this out but hopefully we will have answers soon.

Graduation Update: UF reached out and has scheduled my graduation for May 6. I do not know what time and really wished it was December but it will be nice to be hooded.

Cat Update: Meanwhile back at the farm, I noticed one morning when I went to take my medicine two small plastic bags on the floor. They were about the size of a bag that a fortune cookie might come in. One had been thoroughly attacked, opened, and was empty. The other had been in the mouth of something with fangs but not opened. I couldn't tell what was in the bag but thought it might have been sample treats from a pet food/litter order. I got rid of both bags and went on my way. Then I noticed in the hallway, two more bags. I walked over to find the following:

I asked my mom, "Did you bring a cat treat advent calendar with you?" She replied, "Yes, it is up on the cabinet." I let her know that it wasn't anymore. While I did not catch the culprit, I would say with 95% certainty it was Sir Flapjack who got the treats down and carried the box about 10 feet down the little hallway. Once the box was down, tore into the box and helped himself (or themselves) to treats. It is these moments that bring a smile to face and remind me that there is a lot of good in the world around us, no matter how dark some of the days seem.

For tonight . . . I'm just sayin' XOXO