With Robert's health issues still unresolved, we have canceled our appearance at Fargo Core Con in April. He saw the neurosurgeon today, who flat-out said, "I have no idea what is wrong with you." We go back to our primary care physician tomorrow to see where we go from here; Robert also has a couple appointments scheduled for glaucoma testing (the neurosurgeon sent him to the glaucoma specialist about something else, which turned out to be nothing, but the eye doc saw enough to warrant glaucoma testing). So all we have after nearly a month of suffering is more appointments and more questions, no answers and no relief.
To clarify: The reason the neurosurgeon told us that he had no idea what is wrong with Robert is not because he's a lazy doctor, or a quack who doesn't know what he's doing. It's because whatever is wrong with Robert is not something in a neurosurgeon's area of diagnosis and treatment. The doctor examined Robert thoroughly and went over his MRI with a fine-toothed comb - whatever the issue is, it's not something that the neurosurgeon could find. I would much rather have a doctor admit that something is out of his area of expertise than blow smoke up my ass. Robert has an appointment with a neurologist (the same one who treats my migraines, so I trust him!) next week to do some nerve testing on the leg, to see if that's the issue.
Robert is completely out of leave - no more vacation time, no more sick leave. We have to hope that others in the agency will donate leave to him, otherwise there will be no more paychecks until he is well enough to go back to work. PLEASE DO NOT OFFER TO SEND US MONEY! We have enough loans to pay back and can't handle the stress of owing money to anyone else.
I have a plea for all my friends and family reading this, and I sincerely hope it won't hurt any feelings, but I have to say it. PLEASE, I know it's meant with the best of intentions, but PLEASE, no more suggestions for different doctors to see, or ideas of different things it might be. I know you care for Robert and want him to get better as badly as I do, but all those suggestions and ideas do is give us more to worry about. This is a stressful, overwhelming situation for us, and I, at least, am already in full panic mode. I broke down and cried through all of Robert's appointments today. Telling me about another disease or condition, that I then look up on WebMD and start freaking out over, doesn't help. Again, I know it's all meant with love and concern, but your prayers and good thoughts are far more helpful! Thank you.
I mentioned in my last journal that my aunt was set to undergo surgery for breast cancer. While her surgery went well, she's had some setbacks in healing, and has unfortunately learned that her cancer is a very aggressive one. She has a full year of chemo and other treatments ahead of her. She is a tiny, rather frail woman, and I'm very worried about her.
The only good news of late is that my new job continues to be wonderful (most of the time, anyway...some of those customers who refuse to buy the correct shoe for their foot problems...
) and they are working with me so generously in this tough time. They have given me more hours (as we need the money) and are helping me work around Robert's doctor's appointments. I was terrified of asking for more hours and schedule flexibility when I am so new (I haven't even been there a full month) but they are treating me very well. I was the top softlines (shoes and clothing) seller both days of last weekend so I am obviously getting the hang of things and doing something right (and I have to say selling shoes to little kids is some of the most fun I've ever had!). Our company is also doing very well, with March being our best month of sales so far. We are so excited about how well 4 Winds is doing, and have big plans for the future. We just have to get through this tough time.
I haven't been very crafty lately. I've been trying to work on some dice bags for our table at MisCon in May (which Robert says we're going to come hell or high water), but my hands are dry and full of papercuts, torn cuticles, and hangnails from handling shoe boxes all day. Until I can find the right lotion/ointment to heal them (I've got a list of good ones to try) crocheting is just too painful.
Hopefully I'll have some better news for my next journal. My deepest, most heartfelt thanks for everyone who is keeping Robert in their thoughts and prayers. That really does mean the world to us.
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Proud Member of:
Crochet Commission Queue
Commissions are currently closed until the end of convention season (early June). Please note me if you want to be put on the waiting list!
Current personal crochet projects in the works (or at least in mind!)
Plushie dice, dice bags, kitchen stuff for my mom, baby blankets, afghan for my neighbor
Current personal embroidery projects
None right now
50 Book Challenge 2010
4/50 (Total for 2009: 16)
I also haven't looked at many deviations in the past 3 months. The number I had in my watch box was so overwhelming I didn't know where to start. 
So I finally broke down and just deleted everything from my watch box (a "wimp and dump" as my friend 