For those of you fascinated with the thought of me glowing in addition to my already beaming disposition, you will be disappointed to hear I will not know if radiation does indeed make a person glow until tomorrow. Yes, the radioiodine treatment has been postponed until tomorrow; 6/6/07 because my thyroid hormone levels were not where they needed to be last Friday, that is in a state of hypothyroidism.
I was bummed of course because that meant a few more days of being on the low-iodine diet – a diet that was originally only to last two weeks extended to almost a month. It's like when you go to an exercise class and the instructor tells you to do 2 sets of some excruciating exercise that makes your muscles scream obscenities at you, but with much grunting and sweating and perseverance, you push through, only to hear the instructor tell you, "Just give me 1 more set!" Ugh! They're lucky my communication has been reduced to a series of gasps and grunts!
My body has 'grunted' over this diet in a different way -- through a dream. A couple of nights ago I had a dream I was going into a restaurant for breakfast, which is my favorite meal of the day. I eagerly surveyed the menu, salivating over the thought of ordering eggs, sausage, hash browns with ketchup, and pancakes only to realize I couldn't eat it. I couldn't have ANY items on the menu. With a huge disappointed sigh, I left. Needless to say, my body's over this diet.
I had my thyroid levels tested on Monday and had the doctor confirm today I am ready to be admitted into the hospital tomorrow. What time that will be, I don't know as it sounds like there is only one of these special rooms and I must wait until it is vacant. The uncertainty and lack of communication has been frustrating as it makes it difficult to plan for my days of confinement. Thankfully, I've done my own research so I have an idea of what to expect. I should be in the hospital overnight Wednesday, coming home Thursday.
The journey to hypothyroidism has been a gradual process; leaving me pleasantly surprised with the energy I had which allowed me to get successfully through this past workweek. An answer to prayer! Due to the fact this energy was a by-product of my thyroid levels not being where they needed to be, a friend of mine jokingly said the prayers worked too well, but we'll just ignore that.
The weekend though, was like falling down the rabbit hole into a freakish wonderland, not knowing if I'll be able to get out. I've become increasingly tired, exhausted in the afternoons and foggy-headed. My normal, organized, put together self has been in a state of forgetfulness, making regular tasks that normally take a wisp of time, now drawn out over several excursions.
I had the interesting experience Saturday of getting turned around in our local party surplus store looking for birthday candles for my Dad's 65th birthday surprise party. I came across one section of birthday candles and didn't find what I needed so I continued to look throughout the store. Lo and behold! I found another section of birthday candles. Yea! It was the same section. Oh. It was a scary feeling and the first time I can recall seriously questioning my sanity. It takes much more energy and mental effort to concentrate and accomplish tasks. How ironic. I need more energy and concentration to make up for my lack of energy and concentration.
I'm thankful these symptoms are only temporary and will fade when I'm permitted to take my thyroid medication again. I'm fortunate. For some, this is just a taste of the daily battles they must face. I've often wondered, how does Jesus care for those who find themselves slowly falling into this foggy wonderland? I now have an answer. He holds them. Many of you, in one way or another, have been His arms wrapped around me.
I am eager for tomorrow, to get this show on the road, to truly see if I will become a household night light in my state of radiation (which I believe, my dear friends, is a myth), and to get my strength and clarity back. I'm especially looking forward to eating eggs, cheese, Mexican food, drinking a non-fat, no whip Caramel Macchiato from Starbucks, and going to a restaurant to eat the breakfast of my dreams.
No comments:
Post a Comment