March is Winding Down, and So Are My Health Appointments - Yippee!

Can you believe that March is almost over? It seems like it's just flown by in an instant, despite the fact that it was appointment after appointment after appointment. I'm getting down to the finish line for my radiation treatment, and then, after another full week, I can resume my "normal" life again - return to the pool, take my vitamins and supplements, etc. I do have one major obstacle still in my path and that's my memory exam. That's scheduled for April 17th and it takes place in Minneapolis. Ick - I really don't enjoy driving in Minneapolis. But this dude works out of Abbott Northwestern Hospital instead of United Hospital. 

Abbott Northwestern Hospital is another HUGE 
complex of medical centers, buildings, and specialties. 
I've got directions (at least what they sent to me), 
but I'll be relying on Google Maps to get me to 
and from. I rarely go to the other "Twin City" these 
days, and have never been to this hospital complex 
before. 

Apparently it will take approximately four hours! That's a long time. The doc also requested that I have a second person accompany me. As the handout says: "It is helpful for the provider to understand your condition from another perspective so please bring a close personal acquaintance who has observed your symptoms." So, although I could bring Claire, and she was more than willing to come, she really doesn't know me that well. Instead, Claire will go to the shop to keep Chickie company, and DH will come with me. I'm not super happy about this, he's such a grump, but I really don't see any alternative. 

As is the case with Sister Kenny Rehab at United Hospital, 
St Paul, the actual clinic is located across the street from 
the main hospital. In this case, it's Abbott Northwestern 
Hospital in Minneapolis. I'm NOT thrilled about driving 
to Minneapolis a couple of times. I rarely cross the river. 
But in this case, I have no choice. It took me six months 
to get the appointment in the first place. 

I won't find out anything at the initial visit, but will be required to set up a follow-up visit (which can be a solo affair) which will last for about an hour. That's when I'll learn about the results of the tests and any recommendations for a plan of care. I'm going on record now that I'm NOT looking forward to this, but DH and Chickie are insisting on it. I think my general physical health had a lot to do with any memory issues I might have been having, but DH is sure I've got the beginnings of Alzheimer's and Chickie just says I'm off my game lately. So we'll see. 

So Jerry Halsten, PhD, LP and ABPP will be my 
doctor for my memory testing and diagnosis. At 
least I don't have to deal with that immediately. 
The appointment isn't until mid-April which will 
give me time to take a test drive over to check 
the layout. 

I did have some excellent news yesterday, though. After radiation I walked over to the Breast Cancer center and left a note for Dr Perez, asking about when I can start living a "normal" life again. He's got me on a pill that starts seven days after my radiation therapy ends, and I was hoping I could also start taking my vitamins and supplements again at that time too. I got the "no problem" response later in the day. I also asked when I could resume swimming, and it's the same time. So I'll be back in the pool on the 8th. I can hardly wait. I emailed a couple of my swimming friends immediately, so I'm sure the group will all know within 24-48 hours. Life will return to "normal", or at least until the memory test results come through. Then we'll see. 

I do love my first cup of tea of the day. I only drink 
herbal tea, but I must have it to start my day - LOL. 

So, on that note, I'm going to enjoy my "cuppa", have breakfast, and head off to the shop. Have an excellent Saturday and a great weekend. I'll still have to dash off to radiation, but only two session left! Enjoy your weekend, Slava Ukraini.