Another Update
- Troy Dvorak
- Dec 20, 2024
- 2 min read
Dec 20
It has been and interesting couple of weeks. I finished house renovations that I undertook prior to decorating for Christmas (which happens at Thanksgiving). I have been working with HR, CTL, and Student Services at school on giving presentations about Positive Psychology in the new year (shhh, don't tell my boss...I'm still on sabbatical and am not supposed to be working...wait, my bosses can see this. Shit. Please don't fire me.).
A little over a week ago, the skin on my neck decided to throw a fit. An unexpected allergic reaction between some new cream I have been using and massage oil created the itchiest and most concerning case of hives I've ever had. It took all my concentration and energy to not scratch. OMG! Worried that maybe something else was happening, I spent the morning of the 13th in urgent care. Alas, as expected, it was just an allergic reaction. Some steroid ointment knocked it out in a couple of days.
The irony of being on sabbatical is that I don't remember being busier. Between cancer treatment, cancer recovery, fulfilling my sabbatical plan, follow up appointments, PT appointments for lymphedema, renovations, working on work stuff that I shouldn't be, and Christmas, I'm pretty damn tired. Shoveling snow yesterday morning was a somewhat humbling experience. It confirmed that I am not recovered (or my ass is just pathetically out of shape). The flip of that, as filtered through my Type A personality, is that the situation is unacceptable. It makes me want to double down and do more. Cancer does not get to dictate how I feel or what I do! And then I need a nap. LOL...FFS!
I will, for the next couple of weeks, heed the advice of doctors and loved ones: Slow down and rest. My mom and I love Christmas and it is going to be awesome. I will not run myself into the ground and ruin that. With Spring semester approaching, I also need to build some stamina before classes begin.
I wish everyone all the joy imaginable through the holidays and into the new year! Be safe. Be well. Share your love. Be grateful.