Back in the Saddle

Like coming home after a vacation it was great to be away and it is great to be back from the practice. I truly needed the leave in order to recover from surgery. Since early in my career I had wished for a Sabbatical though not expecting that it would come in this form. Sometimes we have to take what we can get! Besides the physical rest, the time away afforded me the companionship of my sister and a number of old friends and the cats. My dog, Zeke, finally returned home a month after surgery. I was also able to get the first treatment of Kadcylla down while still away.

It has now been two-and-a-half weeks since resuming patient care, and each visit feels like a mini-reunion, a reminder of how and why I love being a doctor. I was thankful to have tuned in to the American College of Physicians National Conference talks and gotten smarter, now implementing the updates. Of course, there is always more to learn. I am thankful that tools are being built within artificial intelligence search engines like Open Evidence to attempt to filter fake news out of healthcare as we continue to be guided by the science in making recommendations. 

I have survived round 2 of Kadcylla, the infusions causing no difficulty, the aftermath tough on my gut and causing some aches. The effects are not as harsh as the regimen leading up to surgery, so I'm getting by reasonably. My eyes are still doing well. I have a swollen knee. A big black bruise on my right arm has faded after a few weeks. Sometimes I just feel like sitting down for a rest. I have been able to sing again with the music team and choir at church, to run errands, to attend Don's wedding and to plant some flowers. My hair has been a hit.

Walking the dog an hour every day gives me a sense that I am ahead of the curve. My diet could be better, but it's been a challenge to figure out what will sit well. My church members have faithfully brought low FODMAPS meals for months, but every once in awhile when things have been going better gut-wise I have broken out and gone for Indian food or quiche. I find it better to skip breakfast these days.

In a few weeks, I will head to Colorado for a long weekend to help my mom after a procedure she is having. I look forward to seeing family and my beloved Rocky Mountains, taking in the quiet beauty of the off-season out there. I am grateful for this gift that is called life.