Back to the salt mine

You load sixteen ton's and what do you get, another day older and deeper in debt. Saint Peter don't call me cuz I can't go, I owe my soul to the company store.

George S Davis

     My Grandad was a working man. He was a beet picker as a kid, working in the fields from the time he was 12 and because he had a sixth grade education, as a man, he became a machinist. Machinist's are precision, and quality masters. They measure things with micrometers and are very committed to preciseness. He took great pride in his craft, and I feel he was the reason i have a strong work commitment ethic. I Loved my grandad and his strong German pride! He was a great role model for us growing up.

      
       As you may have noticed, I have taken a little break since the great Fundraiser/Party our dear friends put together.Two reasons for this. First, our second MRI came back and it also was clear! Now we wait 2 more months before our next MRI, still taking the Chemo, still taking a myriad of seizure meds, BP meds, and various other meds, but getting by.

      The second reason is I am finally getting back to work!!! I never thought we could get back to the simple blessing of normalcy, but I am glad to say we are working into it. There are a few things that I didn't expect that I thought I would share, just in case you have cranial surgery and Glioblastoma at any time in the near future. Consider it a "Hint's from Heloise" moment!

    Every Brain patient is different! Depending on where and to what degree your tumor is, you are going to have some issues. This could be as simple as short term memory, or full blown anxiety attacks. You need to be patient with yourself, and ask your co workers to be patient with you! Remember, while you were off work fighting your Dragon they were still in full blown work mode. Just remind them, you are coming back and trying to work up to speed as quickly as you can. They will understand! 

    Secondly, try to give your self a lot of room! This is because we need rest and time to continue to fight! This cancer stuff will take it out of you, and if you are trying to do too much it will make you rest. One of the best pieces of advise I received was to rest before I got tired, by the time I knew I was tired, I was also completely worn out.

     The Good news? It gets easier every day. I work a physical job, and at first it was difficult to get the energy. but as time goes on, it gets better and better. You'll still be tired and worn out by Friday, but it gets easier as time goes by.

     The Great News? I am back working with some of my dearest friends. I am back to looking at jobs and figuring things out. My brain is doing what it's supposed to,although not always speedy, it is thinking about something other than the Bitch that is Cancer. If you have worked your entire life, having something to do makes you feel whole. It's great to strap the tools back on and get back to thinking about something other than negativity. Here's to all of you that work and Love it! Keep it positive, it's not always easy, but it certainly is a large part of who we are! Enjoy your week and think good thoughts. Hug your babies every chance you get and forgive often and gently!

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