Clearly Due For an Update

I already know what you're going to say.  "What've you been on vacation or something, Girlbert?  We're all just waiting here, holding our breath for over a week, because we're all wondering if you're in the hospital, had your final seizure or something equally horrible." 

I did take a picture of a bird.  I posted my most fabulously indulgent holiday pie recipe.  I've read several magazines.  Even watched a movie.  It has been a vacation, I guess.  Not having to maniacally be at doctor appointments, radiation treatment, picking up prescriptions, keeping track of a five-times-a-day medication schedule... It's like I haven't taken a breath for over seven weeks, and I'm finally getting some air.

So... how about that UPDATE? 

My docs have me tapering off the steroids and I can't tell you what a relief that is.  I've been on Decadron for almost three months, and I didn't realize how numb and weak I'd become until I fell walking up the steps to my deck on Thanksgiving.  Despite some pretty gnarly-looking scrapes and bruises, I felt no pain, whatsoever.

Now I'm on day 10 of an 18-day steroid taper-down schedule and today is the first day I've been able to see my computer screen clearly.  And it made me realize that I could now see, hear, and think with a clarity I've not had for months.  I've nearly stopped shaking, stumbling, dropping things.  I slept through the night last night for the first time since September.  I feel the pain in my legs from my fall and I'm grateful for it.  I'm ALIVE.

So I'm beginning to carefully put myself back in order.   I've started practicing yoga again and already feel more coordinated.  (But an inverted pose did make me pass out - oops).  Boyfriend and I have taken walks the last 3 days, and I've felt stronger each time.  I'll be riding horses and mountain bikes in no time, right?

I don't have an MRI or doctor appointment until the end of the month.  I'm not cleared to travel by plane anywhere, so Boyfriend and I will be taking it easy around here for the holidays.  I'm listening to Christmas music, planning, shopping, enjoying the season.  Isn't that what normal people do this time of year?

Clearly.