Big day for me today. I’m returning to work (again) for the second time. I initially went back on September 8th, after having been off from June 2014 for chemo and a stem cell transplant. My initial return to work lasted 5 weeks before illness set in.

I thought I had pneumonia, was diagnosed with it initially. Multiple urgent care clinic visits and primary care physician visits didn’t help, wound up in the hospital. They diagnosed me with the common cold x2 (two strains). Knocked me flat on my butt.

I went back in about 5 days later for GI issues combined with fever; it was an intense bad deal. They never could find anything, but I was febrile and quite ill. If there was an opening, they found a way to sample it, study it, and then scratch their heads in confusion as nothing was clear.

Then I had a much needed week off (ha). I subsequently went on a Tuesday to the stem cell transplant clinic to restart my childhood immunizations, that is when they gave me the six (6!) shots. By the next morning, I was running a fever, chills, sick as a dog. I lasted about 24 hours before going to the ER again for the 3rd time in 3 weeks. Into the hospital I went.

My right arm turned bright red and swelled. They couldn’t decide if it was cellulitis (bacterial in nature) Vs a reaction to one of the immunizations. That cost me 4 more days in the hospital.

After all this, I’m returning to work tonight, 11/30. I’ll be starting back at a part time pace. Seems my body just isn’t ready for full time just yet.

The part time deal is a mixed blessing. I have to admit it is a pride issue for me; I’ve always been able to work and provide for my family. Now I’m having to (more or less) face the idea my body isn’t there anymore. The stem cell transplant was so hard on me and I guess after all these years of battling cancer and the lingering side effects, it is what it is. I’m a big boy and will make it, but have to admit it is an adjustment. I’m hoping that possibly I can go back to full time status sometime later in 2016.

We could use your prayers for health, guidance, wisdom, and a special focus on finances. After 1.5 years of all this with greatly decreased income and high medical bills, you can guess how that is going. I’m not the first to deal with financial issues due to long term illness. Just as others made it, there is some way we will too. I have to admit it is new ground for me. Never have been in a position like this where I’m working less hours, hoping and praying to stay physically well, and having to juggle a whole new realm of information and responsibility called unpaid bills. I’ve always paid all my bills on time with perfect credit.

Until about 4 months ago. **sigh** Please pray regarding this matter.

The Lord is good and I have so many wonderful friends and family. This too shall pass.

When I get off work tomorrow morning, I’ll drive myself over to an infusion center and receive my monthly IgG infusion. I need it, so will crawl in their comfy recliner and nap while they boost my immune system.

Hope you all had a blessed thanksgiving, I know we sure did.