That Was the Week That Was (Health Update)

 Some of you are old enough to remember the TV show That Was the Week That Was, a comedy idea we borrowed/stole from England and that ran here from Nov. 1963 to May 1965 on NBC (link to some audio).  (We’ve stolen some good ones from the Mother Country—think: The Office.)

Well, I just had quite a week. Though it was definitely not comedic, it nonetheless deserves the same title. I’ve been dreading it every time I open my old-fashioned bound calendar—that’s right: I have not gone digital in that respect.

Monday at 3 was a follow-up appointment with a University Hospitals (UH) neurologist, going over some of my recent test results, tests designed to figure out why I’m so unsteady on my feet. She had referred me to a specialist at UH Main Campus on University Circle in Cleveland.

Tuesday at 10:30–up to Seidman Cancer Center in Chagrin Highlands, where I met with my oncologist and went over my recent test results. All my numbers remain steady and good, but we did talk a bit about what’s next after this current med stops working (as it will).

We have just one more medication to try before only chemo remains. And then ... you know ... you know ...

Thursday at 1:30 I had a virtual meeting with the UH neurologist (Main Campus), and he said the recent battery of tests (including a spinal tap—that was fun) indicated that I do not have either Parkinson’s or M.S., but it’s likely I do have something in the Parkinson’s “family.” Final judgment on that when I get another brain M.R.I. in a few months. The only good news about that is they they do have some things to help with my symptoms.

This morning (8 a.m.) I had laser surgery on both eyes (my sight has been blurring) at Northeast Ohio Eye Surgeons in Kent. I had cataract surgery a couple years ago (elsewhere)—and this is sort of a cleaning up of the problems that have remained—or that have arrived since the surgery.

I could not have done much of this without Joyce’s help. She drove me everywhere (I no longer, with my eyes and balance feel safe driving; I miss it a lot). All I can do now, in the passenger’s seat, is man-splain! She sat with me, talked with me, encouraged me, and, today when we came home from the eye surgery, we made maple-pecan scones!

But now ... the week-that-was is over. And Dread steps aside for the nonce to be replaced by What’s Next?