Here I go again

In an unexpectedly speedy turn of events, today is new drug day.

Woohoo, obviously.

I'm switching from Tecfidera to Cladribine. I am quite scared.

Which explains this week's pie.

:: Here I go again by Whitesnake

Just like a pill

 I need to start new drugs.

Tecfidera, that friendly little green (blue? aquamarine?) pill which has been with me twice a day for more than three years now, is no more.

My latest MRI scans and two relapses in eight months show that I need something more effective.

So I'm supposed to be swapping over to Cladribine at some point soon. However, this depends entirely on:

* my lymphocytes returning to a normal level

* the two hospitals I'm under communicating with each other

* the coronavirus infection rate which could well dictate whether or not I can start

All three requirements are things that are completely out of my control. And I don't like it.

You'd think I'd be used to having no say over this aspect of my life - more than 16 years of unpredictability should have sunk in by now.

But it's hugely frustrating and what concerns me is the unknown length of time I will be without any meds versus the ever-present risk of a relapse.

It's a bit unnerving.

So, to deal, I am taking on extra work hours (distraction and alternative worry) and reading dystopian fiction (distraction and someone else's worry.)

Not perfect solutions, but in an imperfect situation they will have to do.

:: Just like a pill by Pink

Harper Valley PTA

Unbelievably, because the last time I looked she was toddling about demanding repeats of Peppa Pig, our daughter has started secondary school.

Quite the milestone at any time and quite the occasion at the moment.

She's entered her secondary school education at a time of bubbles, masks and social distancing in the corridors. 

Where they're keeping two metres from teachers, hand washing compulsively and not being able to share the exciting back to school stationery with friends.

But despite all this, she is having a wonderful time - new friends, new subjects, new opportunities. She's even enthused about the fairly lengthy walk (hasn't rained yet) and the homework (all very gentle at present).

I do hope this lasts. Both the enthusiasm for learning and the ability to stay at school for at least a decent chunk of time.

But with Covid-19 infection rates on the rise again and other local schools already sending some year groups home, we can only keep our fingers crossed.

This year has been tough on everyone and particularly tough on children. It would be nice if they could return to some sense of normality - even if that normality comes with added homework.

:: Harper Valley PTA by Jeannie C. Riley*

* NB as far as I'm aware, my daughter's school does not have a PTA like the one described in this week's song, but I do like the story.